FLUSHING ASSEMBLY, WATER SUPPLY ASSEMBLY, LOWER POSITION WATER SUCTION ASSEMBLY, WATER TANK, CHECK VALVE FOR USE IN A TOILET, AND METHOD, DEVICE, AND STORAGE MEDIUM FOR CONTROLLING TOILET WATER CONSUMPTION
20240240443 ยท 2024-07-18
Inventors
Cpc classification
E03C1/10
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
E03D11/02
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
E03D2201/30
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
E03D1/085
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
International classification
Abstract
A check valve includes a lower sealing element; an upper sealing element including a flexible part configured to seal the lower sealing element; and a supporting element including a plurality of hollow parts. The supporting element is configured to be mounted in the lower sealing element and mounted at a side where clean water flows into the lower sealing element.
Claims
1. A check valve, comprising: a lower sealing element; an upper sealing element comprising a flexible part configured to seal the lower sealing element; and a supporting element comprising a plurality of hollow parts, and the supporting element configured to be mounted in the lower sealing element and mounted at a side where clean water flows into the lower sealing element.
2. The check valve according to claim 1, wherein when the clean water flows in a first direction, the clean water passes through the plurality of hollow parts and deforms the flexible part to unseal the lower sealing element, and wherein when contaminated water flows in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the contaminated water presses the flexible part towards the lower sealing element, and the supporting element supports the flexible part to prevent the flexible part from being deformed.
3. The check valve according to claim 2, wherein when the flexible part is deformed, the flexible part is separated from the lower sealing element to expose the plurality of hollow parts.
4. The check valve according to claim 3, wherein when the clean water is stopped to flow in the first direction, the flexible part is restored to an original form to seal the lower sealing element due to a self-elasticity of the flexible part.
5. The check valve according to claim 1, wherein the flexible part is a circular rubber sheet.
6. The check valve according to claim 1, wherein the upper sealing element further comprises a connecting pin configured to be inserted into a pin hole of the supporting element.
7. The check valve according to claim 1, wherein the lower sealing element is annular, wherein the lower sealing element comprises a blocking ring, wherein the upper sealing element seals an outer surface of the blocking ring, and wherein the supporting element is disposed on an inner surface of the blocking ring.
8. The check valve according to claim 1, wherein the supporting element is circular, wherein the supporting element further comprises a plurality of rib strips distributed radially, and wherein hollow parts are formed between each two adjacent rib strips of the plurality of rib strips.
9. The check valve according to claim 1, wherein the check valve is configured to be mounted downstream from a vacuum breaker of a toilet.
10. The check valve according to claim 9, wherein the check valve is configured to be mounted at a position between a main water input pipe of the toilet and a main filter screen of the toilet.
11. A toilet, comprising: a vacuum breaker; a check valve configured to be mounted downstream from the vacuum breaker, the check valve comprising: a lower sealing element; an upper sealing element comprising a flexible part configured to seal the lower sealing element; and a supporting element comprising a plurality of hollow parts, and the supporting element configured to be mounted in the lower sealing element and mounted at a side where clean water flows into the lower sealing element.
12. The toilet according to claim 11, wherein when the clean water flows in a first direction, the clean water passes through the hollow parts and deforms the flexible part to unseal the lower sealing element, and wherein when contaminated water flows in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the contaminated water presses the flexible part towards the lower sealing element, and the supporting element supports the flexible part to prevent the flexible part from being deformed.
13. The toilet according to claim 12, wherein when the flexible part is deformed, the flexible part is separated from the lower sealing element to expose the plurality of hollow parts.
14. The toilet according to claim 13, wherein when the clean water is stopped to flow in the first direction, the flexible part is restored to an original form to seal the lower sealing element due to a self-elasticity of the flexible part.
15. The toilet according to claim 11, wherein the upper sealing element further comprises a connecting pin configured to be inserted into a pin hole of the supporting element.
16. The toilet according to claim 11, wherein the lower sealing element is annular, wherein the lower sealing element comprises a blocking ring, wherein the upper sealing element seals an outer surface of the blocking ring, and wherein the supporting element is disposed on an inner surface of the blocking ring.
17. The toilet according to claim 11, wherein the supporting element is circular, wherein the supporting element further comprises a plurality of rib strips distributed radially, and wherein hollow parts are formed between each two adjacent rib strips of the plurality of rib strips.
18. The toilet according to claim 11, wherein the vacuum breaker is disposed at a top of the toilet, and wherein the vacuum breaker comprises a valve element configured to move horizontally.
19. The toilet according to claim 11, further comprising: a water tank; a main water input pipe configured to be connected to the water tank and configured to supply clean water to the water tank; and a main filter screen; wherein the check valve is configured to be mounted at a position between the main water input pipe and the main filter screen.
20. A method for supplying clean water to a tank of a toilet by using a check valve, the method comprising: deforming, by clean water flowing in a first direction, a flexible part of an upper sealing element of the check valve to unseal a lower sealing element so as to allow the clean water to pass through the lower sealing element; delivering, by the check valve, the clean water passing through the lower sealing element to the tank; and pressing, by contaminated water flowing in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the flexible part towards the lower sealing element to seal the lower sealing element.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0150] Flushing Assembly for Toilet and Toilet
[0151] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, please refer to
[0152] Further, please refer to
[0153] Furthermore, the water tank 6 comprises a main water tank (e.g. a main water tank portion) 61, an auxiliary water tank (e.g. an auxiliary water tank portion) 62 and a water equalizing pipe 63 connecting through therebetween. The main water tank 61 can be provided at the left side of the toilet, the auxiliary water tank 62 can be provided at the right side of the toilet, or vice versa.
[0154] The main water tank 61 is provided with a water inlet and a water outlet thereon, a water tank input pipe 5 is mounted at the water inlet, a water suction pump 7 is mounted at the water outlet.
[0155] The water input pipe 5 is connected to an external water source which makes the clean water enter and store inside the water tank 6. When the water in the water tank 6 is needed, the water suction pump 7 operates and pumps the clean water in the main water tank 61 into the pump water output pipe 12 and then to the bowl part 100 (please refer to
[0156] As the clean water flows into the pump water output pipe 12 quickly from the main water tank 61, the water level in the main water tank 61 drops down quickly as well. Due to the connection of the water equalizing pipe 63 between the main water tank 61 and the auxiliary water tank 62, the clean water in the auxiliary water tank 62 can flow into the main water tank 61 via the water equalizing pipe 63, which realizes the supplement of the clean water in the main water tank 61.
[0157] In the embodiment, by arranging the main water tank 61 and the auxiliary water tank 62, the water supply volume of the water tank 6 is increased, which can thoroughly clean the bowl part 100 of the toilet.
[0158] Further, please refer to
[0159] In another embodiment, please refer to
[0160] Please refer to
[0161] Further, please refer to
[0162] In addition, please refer to
[0163] Still further, the flushing assembly 300 further comprises a main water input pipe 1 and a switching valve 3. The main water input pipe 1 is connected to the vacuum breaker 2, the vacuum breaker 2 is then connected to the switching valve 3. The output of the switching valve 3 is connected to a jet flow water input pipe 4 and a water tank input pipe 5. When the switching valve 3 is powered off, the switching valve 3 is switched to be connected through the jet flow water input pipe 4. The jet flow water output pipe 10 is connected to the water tank 6. The tap water in the main water input pipe 1 and the stored clean water in the water tank 6 is conveyed to the upper rim of the bowl part 100 of the toilet together. When the switching valve 3 is powered on, the switching valve 3 is switched to be connected through the water tank input pipe 5. The water tank input pipe 5 is connected through the water tank 6, and the tap water in the main water input pipe 1 is filled into the water tank 6.
[0164] Further, please refer to
[0165] Please refer to
[0166] Further, please refer to
[0167] Still further, the flushing assembly 300 further comprises the jet flow water output pipe 10. The jet flow water output pipe 10 conveys the tap water and the stored clean water in the water tank 6 together to the upper rim of the bowl part 100 of the toilet. The jet flow water output pipe 10 and the water tank input pipe 5 are all connected to the water tank 6 via jet flow element 9.
[0168] Please refer to
[0169] Specifically, please refer to
[0170] The jet flow element 9 causes the tap water and the clean water in the water tank 6 conjointly enter into the upper rim of the bowl part of the toilet, thus the whole inner surface of the bowl part can be filled with the water swiftly, rather than only relying on the supply of water from the water tank 6. As the water tank 6 is set at the lower part of the toilet, its volume is limited after all. By applying this way, more water volume can be provided to the bowl part 100 on the premise of keeping the same volume of the water tank 6.
[0171] Please refer to
[0172] Further, please refer to
[0173] Further, please refer to
[0174] Furthermore, please refer to
[0175] After the water is ejected from the siphon jet holes 101 towards the faeces discharging pipe 200, the siphon effect is formed accordingly, which expedites the water in the bowl part 100 flush into the faeces discharging pipe 200 and enhances the power of discharging the faeces. Therefore, the faeces on the upper surface of the bowl part 100 can be flushed away more powerfully and thoroughly even under the circumstance of low water flow from the external water source and regarding the non-rounded bowl part e.g. having rectangle-shaped or other sharp turning inner surface.
[0176] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, please refer to
[0177] Further, please refer to
[0178] Due to the diameter of the second air inlet 611 being smaller than the one of the first air inlet 621 and unable to timely supplement air to the main water tank 61 adequately, and due to the diameter of the air equalizing pipe 64 being relatively small also which causes to be unable to timely suction air from the air equalizing pipe 64, thus vacuum is formed inside the main water tank 61. But the air pressure in the auxiliary water tank 62 is close to atmospheric pressure, therefore the air pressure in the auxiliary water tank 62 is bigger than the one in the main water tank 61. Under the joint impact composed by the vacuum and gravity (e.g., force of gravity on the water), the water in the auxiliary water tank 62 enters the main water tank 61 via the water equalizing pipe 63. Because the water flow does not make the water levels in the two water tanks 61, 62 equal relying on gravity only, under the joint impact combining with the vacuum, the water level in the main water tank 61 is higher than the one in the auxiliary water tank 62. When the water suction pump 7 stops to operate, the vacuum source disappears, thus air enters the main water tank 61 via the air equalizing pipe 64 and second air inlet 611. The air pressures inside the two water tanks 61, 62 become equal gradually, so the water levels keep consistent under the effect of water gravity.
[0179] In one example, when the main water tank 61 supplies water, the second air inlet 611 can be blocked. The second air inlet 611 can be fully stuffed, thus the main water tank 61 can produce vacuum more easily. Under this circumstance, the diameter of the second air inlet 611 can be same as the one of the first air inlet 621. The blocking of the second air inlet 611 can be carried out manually or automatically.
[0180] In one example, please refer to
[0181] In one example, the main water tank can also choose not to provide with the second air inlet 211. Further, the main water tank 61 and the auxiliary water tank 62 can be designed whose upper parts are bigger and lower parts are smaller in section.
[0182] When the toilet is being designed its appearance by designer, the toilet is usually designed as the upper part is bigger and the lower part is smaller, thereby convenient for user to put the legs at comfortable positions and wouldn't hit the e.g. ceramic toilet body. Please refer to
[0183] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, please refer to
[0184] Further, please refer to
[0185] The main water tank 61 and the auxiliary water tank 62 are provided with a gap therebetween. The gap, on the one hand, facilitates the installation of the main water tank 61 and the auxiliary water tank 62, and on the other hand, sets aside enough space for installing the faeces discharging pipe 200 or other pipes.
[0186] Further, please refer to
[0187] The present disclosure can enhance the actual volume of water tank system on the premise of not increasing the outside scale of the toilet. Furthermore, by configuring the air inlets, the speed that the water inside the two water tanks flows towards the suction side of the water suction pump 7 can be enhanced, which makes the water supply effect of the water suction pump 7 be close to integral water tank.
[0188] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, regarding the flushing assembly for a toilet with a low water flow from the main water input passage and/or with a bowl part having rectangle-shaped or other sharp turning inner surface, the flushing assembly may comprise a first flushing water passage A and a second flushing water passage B. The first flushing water passage A conveys tap water and the clean water in water tank 6 to the upper rim of the bowl part 100 of the toilet, the second flushing water passage B conveys the clean water in the water tank 6 to the bottom or a lower portion of the bowl part 100.
[0189] Specifically, please refer to
[0190] The main water input pipe 1 is connected to the vacuum breaker 2, the vacuum breaker 2 is connected to the switching valve 3 and the jet hole pipe 8. The switching valve 3 is connected to the jet flow water input pipe 4 and the water tank input pipe 5. When the switching valve 3 is powered off, the switching valve communicates with the jet flow water input pipe 4; when the switching valve 3 is powered on, the switching valve 3 switches to communicate with the water tank input pipe 5. The jet flow water input pipe 4 is connected through the water tank 6, and then conveys the tap water in the main water input pipe 1 together with the clean water in the water tank 6 to the upper rim of the bowl part 100 of the toilet (please refer to
[0191] The water tank input pipe 5 is connected to the water tank 6. The water tank 6 is connected to the water suction pump 7. The water suction pump 7 is connected to the vacuum breaker 2. The vacuum breaker 2 is connected to the jet hole pipe 8. The water suction pump 7 pumps the clean water in the water tank 6 into the jet hole pipe 8 through the vacuum breaker 2. The jet hole pipe 8 conveys the clean water to the siphon jet hole 101 at the bottom of the bowl part 100.
[0192] Furthermore, please refer to
[0193] Please refer to
[0194] The present disclosure solves the problems of under the circumstance of low water flow from the main water input passage and for the bowl part having rectangle-shaped or other sharp turning inner surface, the whole inner surface of the bowl part during flushing was not washed adequately and evenly, as well as too small siphon force was created in the bottom of the bowl part. The water consumption is also saved. Compared with some other solutions, the cost is lowered down.
Lower Position Water Suction Assembly and Water Tank
[0195] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, please refer to
[0196] The lower position water suction pipe 19 comprises a pipe body 191, a water suction pipe port 192 together with a water input pipe port 193 arranged at two ends of the pipe body 191 respectively. The water suction pipe port 192 is provided with a plurality of projections 194 distributed alternately. The adjacent projections 194 form water suction ports therebetween. The projections 194 are used for contacting with the inner bottom surface of water tank 6. The water input pipe port 193 is used for connecting to the first water gate 601 of the water tank 6.
[0197] The lower position water suction pipe 19 conveys the water in the bottom or a lower portion of the water tank 6 into the jet flow element 9. The jet flow element 9 is used for conveying the clean water in the water tank 6 and the outside tap water together into the upper rim of the bowl part 100 of a toilet (please refer to
[0198] Because the lower position water suction pipe 19 is able to convey the water in the bottom of the water tank 6 into the jet flow element 9, the water in the bottom of the water tank 6 is fully utilized and the utilization efficiency of the water volume in the water tank 6 is also enhanced. Under the circumstance of unchanging the volume of the water tank 6, the flushing water volume can be elevated, and then the toilet performance is improved accordingly.
[0199] Further, please refer to
[0200] In one example, the pipe body 191 can also be the pipes with other shapes. For example, camber bended pipe or right angle bended pipe.
[0201] The jet flow water output pipe 10 conveys the tap water and the clean water in the water tank 6 together to the upper rim of the bowl part 100 of the toilet.
[0202] Please refer to
[0203] The jet flow element 9 causes the tap water and the clean water in the water tank 6 conjointly enter into the upper rim of the bowl part of the toilet, thus the whole inner surface of the bowl part can be filled with the water swiftly, rather than only relying on the supply of water from the water tank 6. As the water tank 6 is set at the lower part of the toilet, its volume is limited after all. By applying this way, more water volume can be provided to the bowl part 100 on the premise of keeping the same volume of the water tank 6.
[0204] Please refer to
Embodiment 2
[0205] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the internal structural of a toilet is depicted, please refer to
[0206] The water tank input pipe 5 is connected through the water tank 6, the water tank 6 is connected to the water suction pump 7, and the water suction pump 7 is connected to the jet hole pipe 8. The water suction pump 7 pumps the clean water in the water tank 6 through the vacuum breaker 2 to the jet hole pipe 8. The jet hole pipe 8 conveys the clean water to the siphon jet holes 101 of the bottom of the bowl part 100 (please refer to
Check Valve
[0207] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, please refer to
[0208] When the clean water flows forwardly (a first direction), the clean water flows through the hollow parts 231 and deforms and thrusts aside (e.g., opens) the flexible part 211 to unseal the lower sealing element. When contaminated water flows backwardly (a second direction), the contaminated water presses the flexible part 211 towards the lower sealing element 22, and the supporting element 23 supports the flexible part 211 and prevents the flexible part 211 from being deformed. Thus, the flexible part seals the lower sealing element 22. The contaminated water may be water containing contaminated materials equal to or more than the predetermined percentage.
[0209] In the
[0210] Specifically, as shown in
[0211] When the clean water is stopped to flow, the flexible part 211 is recovered or restored to its original form (e.g., to seal the lower sealing element 22, as shown in
[0212] When the contaminated water flows backwardly, i.e., towards the opposite direction of the arrows in the
[0213] When an iron-wire is used for a failure test, the iron-wire is located between the border of the flexible part 211 and the lower sealing element 22. When a vacuum is sucking against the check valve 20, the flexible part 211 may be a partially or substantially deformed and pressed towards (e.g., seals) the lower sealing element 22 tightly (the upper sealing element 21 and the lower sealing element 22 are all flexible). Thus, the iron-wire is tightly wrapped, which makes the diameter for the contaminated water to flow backwards become very small.
[0214] Further, please refer to
[0215] Furthermore, as shown in
[0216]
[0217] The center of the lower sealing element 22 is a through hole. The supporting element 23 enters the through hole and abuts against the inner surface of the blocking ring 221 (i.e., the right side of the
[0218] Further, as shown in
[0219] The rib strips 233 are used for supporting the flexible part 211 to prevent the flexible part 211 from sinking and being deformed when the vacuum sucks, and thus the rib strips 233 may avoid affecting the sealing between the flexible part 211 and the lower sealing element 22.
[0220] In one example, the rib strips 233 can also be other shapes/structures, such as a structure of rib strips distributed in parallel alternately or a structure of rib strips intersected to have a net-like shape. In this embodiment, the check valve 20 is installed downstream from a vacuum breaker of the toilet. The vacuum breaker and the check valve 20 work together to prevent any backflow of the wastewater.
[0221] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, referring to
[0222] The structure of the check valve as provided in the present disclosure is simple, its working space is small but the diameter for flowing forwards is big. The performance is still excellent even if wire-shaped article is mixed therein. Once the check valve is applied onto a toilet, the check valve meets the anti-siphon performance very well and decreases the technical requirement for vacuum breaker.
Method, Device, and Storage Medium for Controlling Toilet Water Consumption
[0223] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures.
First Embodiment
[0224]
[0225] In the step S101, a jet pump supplies a first water stream in response to a request for a toilet flush.
[0226] In the step S102, the first water stream drives water from a tank to generate a second water stream and a processor 801 uses a flow velocity of the second water stream as a tank flow velocity.
[0227] In the step S103, the processor 801 obtains and uses a flow velocity of the first water stream as a jet flow velocity.
[0228] In the step S104, the processor 801 calculates a target water supply duration regarding a target amount of water supply as requested according to the tank flow velocity and the jet flow velocity.
[0229] In the step S105, the processor 801 controls the jet pump to supply the water according to the target water supply duration.
[0230] Specifically, the method according to the first embodiment uses a jet pump to pressurize a stream of water. The pressurized water flows at a velocity Q.sub.1, i.e. jet flow velocity. Due to the Venturi effect, the pressurized water drives a stream of still water in a tank to flow at a velocity Q.sub.2, i.e. tank flow velocity. Two streams meet and flow together to a bowl part or bowl rim. Some methods may not be designed for the toilets having such a jet pump and thus do not distinguish the different flow velocities. Accordingly, these methods cannot be used in a toilet comprising a jet pump to drive, in a single toilet flush, the pressurized water and the tank water to combine and enter the bowl part or bowl rim together. Also, these methods cannot control the duration for the current toilet flush to the bowl part or bowl rim. The jet pump as illustrated in
[0231] According to this embodiment, the method distinguishes the two water streams, i.e. a water stream coming from the jet pump as a first water stream and a water stream coming from the tank and driven by the first water stream as a second water stream. The method comprises a step of using the flow velocity of the first water stream as a jet flow velocity and using the flow velocity of the second water stream as a tank flow velocity. In the step S104, the processor 801 calculates the target water supply duration regarding the target amount of the water supply as requested according to the tank flow velocity and the jet flow velocity. Ultimately, the processor 801 controls the water supply by the jet pump according to the target water supply duration.
[0232] The method according to this embodiment may precisely control the amount of the water consumed by a toilet having a jet pump by obtaining the velocities of two water streams. Thus, the fluctuation of toilet flush function may be avoided.
Second Embodiment
[0233]
[0234] In the step S201, a jet pump supplies a first water stream in response to a request for a toilet flush.
[0235] In the step S202, a processor 801 obtains a first time difference between a first time when an upper float is triggered by the water and a second time when a lower float is triggered by the water in turn.
[0236] Specifically, an upper float A and a lower float B are disposed in a tank. A controlling circuit is provided with the signals to measure a time difference between the first and second times when the upper float A and the lower float B are triggered by the water.
[0237] In the step S203, the processor 801 calculates a tank flow velocity by using a volume between the upper float and the lower float and the first time difference.
[0238] Specifically, the time difference T.sub.AB is determined according to the first time when the upper float A is triggered by water and the second time when the lower float B is triggered by water. Q.sub.2 is calculated according to T.sub.AB. Q.sub.2 represents a tank flow velocity, at which the water leaves from the tank within a time unit. For example, if the volume of the water when the floats A and B are triggered is set as V.sub.tk, then Equation 1 may be obtained: Q.sub.2=V.sub.tk/T.sub.AB.
[0239] In the step S204, the processor 801 obtains a functional equation indicating a relationship between the tank flow velocity and the jet flow velocity.
[0240] Specifically, the functional equation indicating the relationship between the tank flow velocity and the jet flow velocity is predetermined through an experiment or a theory.
[0241] In the step S205, the processor 801 obtains the jet flow velocity by substituting the tank flow velocity into the functional equation.
[0242] According to the predetermined functional equation indicating the relationship between the jet flow velocity Q.sub.1 and the tank flow velocity Q.sub.2, the jet flow velocity Q.sub.1 is obtained from the tank flow velocity Q.sub.2. The functional equation may be calculated through an experiment or a theory. For example, in a data fitting method, multiple experiments may be conducted in a laboratory to measure the jet flow velocity and the tank flow velocity. Thus, after the data fitting, the functional equation may be obtained from the multiple jet flow velocities and the multiple tank flow velocities.
[0243] In one embodiment, Q.sub.1 and Q.sub.2 has a following relationship: when Q.sub.2<A.sub.1, the toilet is determined to be in a non-working state. It is estimated that Q.sub.1<B.sub.1 and thus it is theoretically determined that Q.sub.1=C.sub.1 as a constant. When A.sub.1?Q.sub.2<A.sub.2, the toilet is determined to be in a working state. It is estimated that Q.sub.1<B.sub.2 and thus it is theoretically determined that Q.sub.1=C.sub.2*Q.sub.2*Q.sub.2 (Equation 2). When A.sub.2?Q.sub.2, the toilet is determined to be not within the design range and thus it is concluded that the sensor is damaged. Q.sub.1, Q.sub.2, A.sub.1, A.sub.2, C.sub.1, and C.sub.2 are, for example, measured by liters per minute (L/Min).
[0244] In the step S206, the processor 801 measures a performed water supply duration and calculates an amount of supplied water according to the jet flow velocity, the tank flow velocity, and the performed water supply duration.
[0245] In the step S207, the processor 801 calculates a continued water supply duration according to the amount of the supplied water and the target amount of the water supply as requested.
[0246] A duration for water that should be supplied to the bowl part or bowl rim in the current toilet flush is calculated according to the above result. Specifically, the processor 801 measures a water supply duration that has been performed in a first phase T.sub.v1 before determining the tank flow velocity. T.sub.v1 is used as the performed water supply duration. The performed water supply duration may be measured by a timer. Here, T.sub.v1 includes the time difference T.sub.AB between the first and second times when the upper float A and the lower float B are triggered by the water in turn. T.sub.v1 also includes the time difference between times when the water supply commences and the upper float A is triggered by the water. This is resulted from the control delay when the water supply commences. Thus, the water level in the tank is usually higher than the height of the upper float A before the toilet flush. The amount of the supplied water V.sub.1 to the bowl part or bowl rim before the lower float is triggered is estimated according to the performed water supply duration. For example, V.sub.1 may be obtained from the formula for Equation 3: V.sub.1=(Q.sub.1+Q.sub.2)*T.sub.v1, wherein Q.sub.1 and Q.sub.2 may be obtained by the step S203 and the step S205.
[0247] In one embodiment as illustrated in
[0248] In the step S208, the processor 801 calculates the target water supply duration according to the performed water supply duration and the continued water supply duration.
[0249] Specifically, the processor 801 obtains an amount of water supply continued to be supplied to the bowl part or bowl rim in a second phase V.sub.2 by using an amount of desired water supply (i.e. the calibrated water amount) minus the amount of supplied water V.sub.1 to the bowl part or bowl rim in the first phase V.sub.1, i.e. Equation 4: V.sub.2=V.sub.0?V.sub.1 may be obtained. For example, according to the different water flush request: V.sub.0=N.sub.1 if the requested water flush is large while V.sub.0=N.sub.2 if the requested water flush is small. V.sub.0, V.sub.1, V.sub.2, N.sub.1, and N.sub.2 are, for example, measured by L.
[0250] The continued water supply duration is calculated according to the amount of the water supply continued to be supplied to the bowl part or bowl rim V.sub.2, the jet flow velocity Q.sub.1, and the tank flow velocity Q.sub.2. For example, Equation 5: t=V.sub.2/(Q.sub.1+Q.sub.2) may be obtained.
[0251] In the step S209, the processor 801 controls the jet pump to supply the water according to the target water supply duration.
[0252] Specifically, the processor 801 controls a duration to convey the water from a pressurized water source by using a circuit and a software-controlled system according to T.sub.v1 and t.
[0253] According to this embodiment, the tank flow velocity may be accurately measured by the upper float and the lower float. The jet flow velocity may be obtained via a functional equation indicating the relationship between the jet flow velocity and the tank flow velocity. Because the second water stream is driven by the first water stream, the tank flow velocity and the jet flow velocity have a predetermined relationship. Accordingly, directly obtaining the jet flow velocity by using the predetermined functional equation may reduce the costs for controlling the jet flow velocity. Ultimately, the continued water supply duration is determined according to the performed water supply duration. Thus, the toilet water consumption may be precisely controlled to avoid the fluctuation of toilet flush function.
Third Embodiment
[0254]
[0255] In the step S301, a jet pump supplies a first water stream in response to a request for a toilet flush.
[0256] In the step S302, the first water stream drives water from a tank to generate a second water stream and a processor 801 uses a flow velocity of the second water stream as a tank flow velocity.
[0257] In the step S303, after completing a previous toilet flush and switching from a jet pump water supply to a tank water replenishment, the processor 801 obtains a second time difference between a third time when a lower float is triggered by the water and a fourth time when an upper float is triggered by the water in turn, wherein the jet pump has a same water source as the tank does.
[0258] In the step S304, the processor 801 calculates a jet flow velocity according to a volume between the upper float and the lower float and the second time difference.
[0259] Specifically, because the jet pump has the same water source as the tank does, after the previous toilet flush, the flow velocity of tank water replenishment/supply may be Q.sub.0?Q.sub.1. In one embodiment as illustrated in
[0260] After the previous toilet flush is completed and the water is replenished/supplied to the tank, the second time difference T.sub.BA is sensed when the lower float and the upper float are triggered by the water in turn. Thus, the flow velocity of the water entering the tank Q.sub.0 may be calculated. In one embodiment, Equation 6: Q.sub.0=V.sub.tk/T.sub.BA may be obtained. The jet flow velocity Q.sub.1 is estimated from Q.sub.0 for use in the current toilet flush.
[0261] In the step S305, the processor 801 calculates a target water supply duration regarding a target amount of water supply as requested according to the tank flow velocity and the jet flow velocity.
[0262] In the step S306, the processor 801 controls the jet pump to supply the water according to the target water supply duration.
[0263] This embodiment uses the time difference to calculate the flow velocity of the water entering the tank in the previous toilet flush Q.sub.0. After the previous toilet flush is completed and the water supplied to the jet pump is switched to replenish the tank, the time difference is obtained between a first time when a lower float is triggered by the water and a second time when an upper float is triggered by the water in turn. Using Q.sub.0 as the jet flow velocity in the current toilet flush may reduce the time to measure the tank flow velocity and thus the toilet water consumption may be determined more quickly.
Fourth Embodiment
[0264]
[0265] In the step S401, a jet pump supplies a first water stream in response to a request for a toilet flush.
[0266] In the step S402, the first water stream drives water from a tank to generate a second water stream and a processor 801 uses a flow velocity of the second water stream as a tank flow velocity.
[0267] In the step S403, the processor 801 obtains a functional equation indicating a relationship between the tank flow velocity and a jet flow velocity. The processor 801 uses the flow velocity of the second water stream in a previous toilet flush as the tank flow velocity in the previous toilet flush. The processor 801 substitutes the tank flow velocity in the previous toilet flush into the functional equation to obtain the jet flow velocity.
[0268] According to a predetermined functional equation F indicating the relationship between the tank flow velocity and the jet flow velocity (calculated through an experiment or a theory), the jet flow velocity in the current toilet flush is estimated from the tank flow velocity in the previous toilet flush Q.sub.2.
[0269] Here, the word previous means previous one time or previous several times. The flow velocity of the second water stream in the previous toilet flush is used as the tank flow velocity in the previous toilet flush to calculate the jet flow velocity in the current toilet flush. Alternatively, an average value or a weighted value of the flow velocities of the second water stream in the previous several toilet flushes is used as the tank flow velocity in the previous toilet flush to calculate the jet flow velocity in the current toilet flush.
[0270] In the step S404, the processor 801 calculates a target water supply duration regarding a target amount of water supply as requested according to the tank flow velocity and the jet flow velocity.
[0271] In the step S405, the processor 801 controls the jet pump to supply the water according to the target water supply duration.
[0272] This embodiment uses the tank flow velocity in a previous toilet flush to calculate the jet flow velocity in the current toilet flush. This may reduce the time to measure the tank flow velocity and thus determine the toilet water consumption more quickly.
Fifth Embodiment
[0273]
[0274] In the step S501, a jet pump supplies a first water stream in response to a request for a toilet flush.
[0275] In the step S502, the first water stream drives water from a tank to generate a second water stream and a processor 801 uses a flow velocity of the second water stream as a tank flow velocity.
[0276] In the step S503, the processor 801 obtains a functional equation indicating a relationship between the tank flow velocity and the jet flow velocity. The processor 801 uses the flow velocity of the second water stream in a previous toilet flush as the tank flow velocity in the previous toilet flush. The processor 801 substitutes the tank flow velocity in the previous toilet flush into the functional equation to obtain a first reference value of the jet flow velocity.
[0277] According to a predetermined functional equation F indicating the relationship between the tank flow velocity and the jet flow velocity (calculated through an experiment or a theory), the first reference value of the jet flow velocity in the current toilet flush Q.sub.10 is estimated from the tank flow velocity in the previous toilet flush Q.sub.2.
[0278] Here, the word previous means previous one time or previous several times. The flow velocity of the second water stream in the previous toilet flush is used as the tank flow velocity in the previous toilet flush to calculate the first reference value of the jet flow velocity in the current toilet flush Q.sub.10. Alternatively, an average value or a weighted value of the flow velocities of the second water stream in the previous several toilet flushes is used as the tank flow velocity in the previous toilet flush to calculate the first reference value of the jet flow velocity in the current toilet flush Q.sub.10.
[0279] In the step S504, after completing a previous toilet flush and switching from a jet pump water supply to a tank water replenishment, the processor 801 obtains a second time difference between a third time when a lower float is triggered by the water and a fourth time when an upper float is triggered by the water in turn. The processor 801 calculates a second reference value of the jet flow velocity according to a volume between the upper float and the lower float and the second time difference, wherein the jet pump has a same water source as the tank does.
[0280] After the previous toilet flush and the water is replenished/supplied to the tank, the second time difference T is sensed when the lower float and the upper float are triggered by the water in turn. Thus, the flow velocity of the water entering the tank Q.sub.0 may be calculated. In one embodiment, Equation 6: Q.sub.0=V.sub.tk/T.sub.BA may be obtained. The second reference value of the jet flow velocity Q.sub.11 is estimated from Q.sub.0 for use in the current toilet flush.
[0281] Here, the word previous means previous one time or previous several times. The flow velocity of the water entering the tank after the previous toilet flush is used to calculate the second reference value of the jet flow velocity in the current toilet flush Q.sub.11. Alternatively, an average value or a weighted value of the flow velocities of the water entering the tank after the previous several toilet flushes is used to calculate the second reference value of the jet flow velocity in the current toilet flush Q.sub.11.
[0282] In the step S505, the processor 801 calculates the jet flow velocity according to the first reference value of the jet flow velocity and/or the second reference value of the jet flow velocity.
[0283] The first reference value of the jet flow velocity Q.sub.10 and the second reference value of the jet flow velocity Q.sub.11 mutually correct each other. For example, an average value, a weighted average value, a maximum value, or a minimum value of the foregoing values is used as a theoretically approximation of the jet flow velocity in the current toilet flush Q.sub.1.
[0284] In the step S506, the processor 801 calculates a target water supply duration regarding a target amount of water supply as requested according to the tank flow velocity and the jet flow velocity.
[0285] In the step S507, the processor 801 controls the jet pump to supply the water according to the target water supply duration.
[0286] This embodiment uses a first reference value of the jet flow velocity and a second reference value of the jet flow velocity to calculate the jet flow velocity. This may reduce the time to measure the tank flow velocity, determine the toilet water consumption more quickly, and improve the accuracy of the estimation for the jet flow velocity.
Sixth Embodiment
[0287]
[0288] In the step S601, a jet pump supplies a first water stream in response to a request for a toilet flush.
[0289] In the step S602, the first water stream drives water from a tank to generate a second water stream and a processor 801 uses a flow velocity of the second water stream as a tank flow velocity.
[0290] In the step S603, the processor 801 obtains and uses a flow velocity of the first water stream as a jet flow velocity.
[0291] In the step S604, the processor 801 uses the flow velocity of the first water stream as the jet flow velocity in the previous toilet flush. The processor 801 uses the flow velocity of the second water stream as the tank flow velocity in the previous toilet flush. The processor 801 calculates a first water supply duration of a first water consumption as predetermined according to the jet flow velocity in the previous toilet flush and the tank flow velocity in the previous toilet flush. Specifically, at least one definite duration t is obtained from at least a portion of the desired water coming from the jet pump in the current toilet flush V.sub.d1 (i.e. the first water consumption), the jet flow velocity in the previous toilet flush or the previous several toilet flushes Q.sub.1, and the tank flow velocity in the previous toilet flush or the previous several toilet flushes Q.sub.2, i.e. Equation 7: t1=V.sub.d1/(Q.sub.1+Q.sub.2) may be obtained.
[0292] In the step S605, the processor 801 calculates a second water supply duration according to a second water consumption as requested, the jet flow velocity, and the tank flow velocity, wherein the target amount of the water supply as requested comprises the first water consumption and the second water consumption.
[0293] Specifically, at least one definite duration t.sub.2 is obtained from at least a portion of the desired water coming from the jet pump in the current toilet flush V.sub.d2 (i.e. the second water consumption), the jet flow velocity in the current toilet flush Q.sub.1, and the tank flow velocity in the current toilet flush Q.sub.2.
[0294] In the step S606, the processor 801 calculates a target water supply duration according to the first water supply duration and the second water supply duration.
[0295] Specifically, a water supply duration to the jet pump in the current toilet flush is calculated according to or based on at least one of t.sub.1 and t.sub.2.
[0296] In the step S607, the processor 801 controls the jet pump to supply the water according to the target water supply duration.
[0297] This embodiment uses the previous toilet flush or the previous toilet flushes to calculate the water supply duration to the jet pump in the current toilet flush. This may determine the toilet water consumption more quickly and improve the accuracy of the estimation for the water consumption in the current toilet flush.
Seventh Embodiment
[0298]
[0299] In the step S701, a jet pump supplies a first water stream in response to a request for a toilet flush.
[0300] In the step S702, a processor 801 obtains a first time difference between a first time when an upper float is triggered by the water and a second time when a lower float is triggered by the water in turn.
[0301] In the step S703, the processor 801 uses the volume between the upper float and the lower float minus an amount of water withdrawn by a water suction pump as a flow-velocity-calculation volume when the water suction pump withdraws the water during the first time difference (i.e. when the upper float and the lower float are triggered by the water in turn). Alternatively, the processor 801 uses the volume between the upper float and the lower float as the flow-velocity-calculation volume when the water suction pump does not withdraw the water during the first time difference.
[0302] In the step S704, the processor 801 calculates the tank flow velocity according to the flow-velocity-calculation volume and the first time difference.
[0303] In the step S705, the processor 801 obtains and uses a flow velocity of the first water stream as a jet flow velocity.
[0304] In the step S706, the processor 801 calculates a target water supply duration regarding a target amount of water supply as requested according to the tank flow velocity and the jet flow velocity.
[0305] In the step S707, the processor 801 controls the jet pump to supply the water according to the target water supply duration.
[0306] Please refer to
[0307] During T.sub.AB when the upper float and the lower float are triggered, the flush water level in the tank declines from the upper float at the position A to the lower float at the position B. The water suction pump connecting to a jet mouth JET might be powered on for a certain amount of time and thus withdraws a certain volume of the water V.sub.p out of the tank. Therefore, while the water suction pump is working, the water suction pump withdraws the volume of the water V.sub.p out of the tank. Accordingly, the volume withdrawn by the water suction pump should be deducted to increase the calculation accuracy of the tank flow velocity.
Eighth Embodiment
[0308]
[0309] In one embodiment, the device comprises one processor 801. The device further comprises an input apparatus 803 and an output apparatus 804, e.g. display apparatus.
[0310] The processor 801, the memory 802, the input apparatus 803, and the output apparatus 804 are coupled to a main line (as shown in the figures) or connected by other methods.
[0311] The memory 802 may be a non-volatile computer readable medium to store non-volatile program or non-volatile computer executable program and module, e.g. program/module corresponding to the methods for controlling toilet water consumption as illustrated in
[0312] The memory 802 comprises a program storage area and a data storage area. The software store area may store an operation system and at least one application program. The data storage area may store data for use in the method for controlling toilet water consumption. In addition, the memory 802 may comprise a high speed random access memory and a non-volatile memory, e.g. at least one magnetic disk storage device, a flash memory device, or other non-volatile solid state storage devices. In some embodiments, the memory 802 may comprise a memory remotely located relative to the processor 801. The remote memory may perform the method for controlling the toilet water consumption via a network. The embodiments of the network include, but are not limited to, the Internet, intranets, local area networks, mobile communication networks, and combinations thereof.
[0313] The input apparatus 803 may receive users' input and generate input signal according to users' setting regarding the toilet water consumption and the functions. The display apparatus 804 may comprise a screen.
[0314] When the at least one processor 802 runs one or several modules stored on the memory 802, the processor 802 implements the method for controlling the toilet water consumption according to any of the above embodiments.
Ninth Embodiment
[0315] Please refer to
[0316] A jet pump supplies a first water stream in response to a request for a toilet flush; the at least one processor 801 obtains a first time difference between a first time when an upper float is triggered by the water and a second time when a lower float is triggered by the water in turn; the at least one processor 801 calculates a tank flow velocity by using a volume between the upper float and the lower float and the first time difference; the at least one processor 801 obtains a functional equation indicating a relationship between the tank flow velocity and a jet flow velocity; the at least one processor 801 obtains the jet flow velocity by substituting the tank flow velocity into the functional equation; the at least one processor 801 measures a performed water supply duration and calculates an amount of supplied water according to the jet flow velocity, the tank flow velocity, and the performed water supply duration; the at least one processor 801 calculates a continued water supply duration according to the amount of the supplied water and the target amount of the water supply as requested; the at least one processor 801 calculates the target water supply duration according to the performed water supply duration and the continued water supply duration; and the at least one processor 801 controls the jet pump to supply the water according to the target water supply duration.
Tenth Embodiment
[0317] Please refer to
[0318] A jet pump supplies a first water stream in response to a request for a toilet flush; the first water stream drives water from a tank to generate a second water stream and the at least one processor 801 uses a flow velocity of the second water stream as a tank flow velocity; after completing a previous toilet flush and switching from a jet pump water supply to a tank water replenishment, the at least one processor 801 obtains a second time difference between a third time when a lower float is triggered by the water and a fourth time when an upper float is triggered by the water in turn, wherein the jet pump has a same water source as the tank does; the at least one processor 801 calculates a jet flow velocity according to a volume between the upper float and the lower float and the second time difference; the at least one processor 801 calculates a target water supply duration regarding a target amount of water supply as requested according to the tank flow velocity and the jet flow velocity; and the at least one processor 801 controls the jet pump to supply the water according to the target water supply duration.
Eleventh Embodiment
[0319] Please refer to
[0320] A jet pump supplies a first water stream in response to a request for a toilet flush; the first water stream drives water from a tank to generate a second water stream and the at least one processor 801 uses a flow velocity of the second water stream as a tank flow velocity; the at least one processor 801 obtains a functional equation indicating a relationship between the tank flow velocity and a jet flow velocity, uses the flow velocity of the second water stream in a previous toilet flush as the tank flow velocity in the previous toilet flush, and substitutes the tank flow velocity in the previous toilet flush into the functional equation to obtain the jet flow velocity; the at least one processor 801 calculates a target water supply duration regarding a target amount of water supply as requested according to the tank flow velocity and the jet flow velocity; and the at least one processor 801 controls the jet pump to supply the water according to the target water supply duration.
Twelfth Embodiment
[0321] Please refer to
[0322] A jet pump supplies a first water stream in response to a request for a toilet flush; the first water stream drives water from a tank to generate a second water stream and the at least one processor 801 uses a flow velocity of the second water stream as a tank flow velocity; the at least one processor 801 obtains a functional equation indicating a relationship between the tank flow velocity and the jet flow velocity, uses the flow velocity of the second water stream in a previous toilet flush as the tank flow velocity in the previous toilet flush, and substitutes the tank flow velocity in the previous toilet flush into the functional equation to obtain a first reference value of the jet flow velocity; after completing a previous toilet flush and switching from a jet pump water supply to a tank water replenishment, the at least one processor 801 obtains a second time difference between a third time when a lower float is triggered by the water and a fourth time when an upper float is triggered by the water in turn, and calculates a second reference value of the jet flow velocity according to a volume between the upper float and the lower float and the second time difference, wherein the jet pump has a same water source as the tank does; the at least one processor 801 calculates the jet flow velocity according to the first reference value of the jet flow velocity and/or the second reference value of the jet flow velocity; the at least one processor 801 calculates a target water supply duration regarding a target amount of water supply as requested according to the tank flow velocity and the jet flow velocity; and the at least one processor 801 controls the jet pump to supply the water according to the target water supply duration.
Thirteenth Embodiment
[0323] Please refer to
[0324] A jet pump supplies a first water stream in response to a request for a toilet flush; the first water stream drives water from a tank to generate a second water stream and the at least one processor 801 uses a flow velocity of the second water stream as a tank flow velocity; the at least one processor 801 obtains and uses a flow velocity of the first water stream as a jet flow velocity; the at least one processor 801 uses the flow velocity of the first water stream as the jet flow velocity in the previous toilet flush, uses the flow velocity of the second water stream as the tank flow velocity in the previous toilet flush, and calculates a first water supply duration of a first water consumption as predetermined according to the jet flow velocity in the previous toilet flush and the tank flow velocity in the previous toilet flush; the at least one processor 801 calculates a second water supply duration according to a second water consumption as requested, the jet flow velocity, and the tank flow velocity, wherein the target amount of the water supply as requested comprises the first water consumption and the second water consumption; the at least one processor 801 calculates a target water supply duration according to the first water supply duration and the second water supply duration; and the at least one processor 801 controls the jet pump to supply the water according to the target water supply duration.
Fourteenth Embodiment
[0325] Please refer to
[0326] A jet pump supplies a first water stream in response to a request for a toilet flush; the at least one processor 801 obtains a first time difference between a first time when an upper float is triggered by the water and a second time when a lower float is triggered by the water in turn; the at least one processor 801 uses the volume between the upper float and the lower float minus an amount of water withdrawn by a water suction pump as a flow-velocity-calculation volume when the water suction pump withdraws the water during the first time difference (i.e. when the upper float and the lower float are triggered by the water in turn), or uses the volume between the upper float and the lower float as the flow-velocity-calculation volume when the water suction pump does not withdraw the water during the first time difference; the at least one processor 801 calculates a tank flow velocity according to the flow-velocity-calculation volume and the first time difference; the at least one processor 801 obtains and uses a flow velocity of the first water stream as a jet flow velocity; the at least one processor 801 calculates a target water supply duration regarding a target amount of water supply as requested according to the tank flow velocity and the jet flow velocity; and the at least one processor 801 controls the jet pump to supply the water according to the target water supply duration.
Fifteenth Embodiment
[0327] According to the fifteenth embodiment of the present disclosure, a storage medium stores instructions executable by a computer to perform the steps of the aforementioned methods for controlling toilet water consumption.
[0328]
[0329] The toilet comprises a main water input pipe 1, a jet flow electromagnetic valve 111, a vacuum breaker 2, a current limiter 112, a switching valve 3, a jet pump 113, a water tank 6, a bowl part 100, a water suction pump 7, a pump water output pipe 12, a jet mouth, a jet flow water input 4, a water tank input pipe 5, a jet flow water output pipe 10, a bowl part upper inlet 114, an upper float A, a lower float B, an upper protection float 115, a lower protection float 116, a jet flow pipe 95, and a lower position water suction pipe 19. These elements are connected as illustrated in
[0330] While the present disclosure has been described above by reference to various embodiments, it may be understood that many changes and modifications may be made to the described embodiments. It is therefore intended that the foregoing description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and that it be understood that all equivalents and/or combinations of embodiments are intended to be included in this description.