CN1320221C - automatic bathroom flusher - Google Patents
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- CN1320221C CN1320221CCNB028240022ACN02824002ACN1320221CCN 1320221 CCN1320221 CCN 1320221CCN B028240022 ACNB028240022 ACN B028240022ACN 02824002 ACN02824002 ACN 02824002ACN 1320221 CCN1320221 CCN 1320221C
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
- E03D3/00—Flushing devices operated by pressure of the water supply system flushing valves not connected to the water-supply main, also if air is blown in the water seal for a quick flushing
- E03D3/02—Self-closing flushing valves
- E03D3/06—Self-closing flushing valves with diaphragm valve and pressure chamber for retarding the valve-closing movement
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
- E03D5/00—Special constructions of flushing devices, e.g. closed flushing system
- E03D5/10—Special constructions of flushing devices, e.g. closed flushing system operated electrically, e.g. by a photo-cell; also combined with devices for opening or closing shutters in the bowl outlet and/or with devices for raising/or lowering seat and cover and/or for swiveling the bowl
- E03D5/105—Special constructions of flushing devices, e.g. closed flushing system operated electrically, e.g. by a photo-cell; also combined with devices for opening or closing shutters in the bowl outlet and/or with devices for raising/or lowering seat and cover and/or for swiveling the bowl touchless, e.g. using sensors
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- Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
- Sanitary Device For Flush Toilet (AREA)
- Magnetically Actuated Valves (AREA)
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Abstract
Description
Translated fromChinese本申请要求下列申请的优先权：2001年12月4日提交的序列号为10/012,252、标题是″用于自动冲水器的自适应目标检测系统″的美国申请；2001年12月4日提交的序列号为10/012,226、标题是″采用储能模式的自动流量控制器″的美国申请；2001年12月4日提交的序列号为10/011,390、标题是″螺线管控制的引导操作阀门的组件″的美国申请；2002年3月5日提交的序列号为60/012,252、标题是″根据当前时间配置文件控制螺线管″的美国申请；2002年6月24日提交的序列号为60/391,282、标题是″高流量速率隔膜阀门和控制方法″的美国申请；以及2002年11月6日提交的序列号为60/424,378、标题是″用于长期操作的自动盥洗室冲水器″的美国申请；所有的上述申请都被结合在此作为参考。This application claims priority to: U.S. Application Serial No. 10/012,252, filed December 4, 2001, entitled "Adaptive Object Detection System for Automatic Flushers"; December 4, 2001 U.S. Application Serial No. 10/012,226, entitled "Automatic Flow Controller Using Energy Storage Mode," and Serial No. 10/011,390, filed December 4, 2001, entitled "Solenoid Controlled Guidance U.S. Application Serial No. 60/012,252, filed March 5, 2002, titled "Controlling a Solenoid According to a Current Time Profile," filed March 5, 2002; Serial filed June 24, 2002 U.S. Application Serial No. 60/391,282, entitled "High Flow Rate Diaphragm Valve and Control Method"; and Serial No. 60/424,378, filed November 6, 2002, entitled "Automatic Lavatory Flush for Long-Term Operation U.S. Applications for Water Tanks"; all of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.
发明领域field of invention
本发明涉及自动盥洗室冲水器和用于操作和控制此类冲水器的方法。The present invention relates to automatic bathroom flushers and methods for operating and controlling such flushers.
发明背景Background of the invention
自动流量控制系统已经日益成为普遍使用的系统，尤其在公用休息室设施中，既包括卫生间又包括小便池。自动龙头和冲水器有助于卫生、便于清洁和节水。在这种系统中，目标检测器检测用户，并响应用户检测而操作一个流量控制阀。例如在一个自动龙头的情况下，用户的手在水龙头附近的出现或正常移动将导致水从龙头流出。在一个自动冲水器的情况下，对于接近并且随后离开该设备的用户的检测通常触发冲水器的动作。Automatic flow control systems have become increasingly common, especially in common room facilities, including both toilets and urinals. Automatic faucets and flushers contribute to hygiene, ease of cleaning and water conservation. In such systems, an object detector detects a user and operates a flow control valve in response to detection of the user. For example in the case of an automatic faucet, the presence or normal movement of the user's hand near the faucet will cause water to flow from the faucet. In the case of an automatic flusher, detection of a user approaching and subsequently leaving the device typically triggers action of the flusher.
尽管这种基于目标检测器构思的自动流量控制不是新的，但直到最近其使用仍然十分有限。由于最近电池供电的转换装备的可用性，使得这种使用正变得更为普遍。这些装备使得有可能通过简单的部件替换而不要求雇用电工把系统布线到供电网而把手动设施转变成自动设施。采用这种电池供电系统的结果是最终需要替换该电池。Although this idea of automatic flow control based on object detectors is not new, its use was limited until recently. Such use is becoming more common due to the recent availability of battery powered conversion equipment. These equipments make it possible to convert a manual installation into an automatic installation by simple replacement of parts without requiring the employment of an electrician to wire the system to the mains. A consequence of employing such a battery powered system is that the battery will eventually need to be replaced.
其中仍然需要高可靠性并能长久操作而不需要任何维护或仅最小维护的自动冲水器。There is still a need for an automatic flusher that is highly reliable and can operate for a long time without any or only minimal maintenance.
发明内容Contents of the invention
本描述的发明涉及自动盥洗室冲水器和用于操作和控制此类冲水器的方法。The invention described herein relates to automatic bathroom flushers and methods for operating and controlling such flushers.
根据本发明的一个方面，提供一种盥洗室冲水器。该盥洗室冲水器包括一个主体、一个阀门组件、和一个致动器。该主体具有一个入口和一个出口，并且该阀门组件放置在该主体中并且在一个阀门座的移动部件的封闭操作时定位在该入口和该出口之间以关闭水流，从而控制水流从该入口到该出口的流动。该致动器起动该移动部件的操作。According to one aspect of the present invention, a bathroom flusher is provided. The bathroom flusher includes a body, a valve assembly, and an actuator. The main body has an inlet and an outlet, and the valve assembly is placed in the main body and is positioned between the inlet and the outlet to shut off water flow upon closing operation of a moving part of a valve seat, thereby controlling water flow from the inlet to the The export flow. The actuator initiates operation of the moving part.
该移动部件可以是一个高流率的隔栅(fram)部件，或一个普通隔膜，或一个柱塞。该盥洗室冲水器可以进一步包括一个红外检测器组件，针对检测一个小便池或卫生间的使用者。该盥洗室冲水器可以进一步包括机电、水压或仅机械的不同类型的致动器。The moving part can be a high flow rate fram part, or a normal diaphragm, or a plunger. The bathroom flusher may further include an infrared detector assembly directed to detecting a user of a urinal or toilet. The bathroom flusher may further include different types of actuators that are electromechanical, hydraulic or merely mechanical.
根据本发明的另一方面，一个盥洗室冲水器包括一个盖件，安装在所说的主体上并且与阀门组件一起限定一个压力腔。该盥洗室冲水器可以进一步包括一个柔性部件，该柔性部件的一端相对于盖件固定，另一端连接到阀门组件的一个可移动部件，在所说的柔性部件中有一个通道，用于减小在所说的压力腔中的压力。该柔性部件可以是一个空心管。According to another aspect of the invention, a bathroom flusher includes a cover mounted on said body and defining a pressure chamber with the valve assembly. The bathroom flusher may further include a flexible member fixed at one end relative to the cover and connected at the other end to a movable member of the valve assembly, with a channel in said flexible member for reducing Small pressure in said pressure chamber. The flexible member may be a hollow tube.
该盥洗室冲水器最好包括一个自动流量控制系统。该自动流量控制系统可以采用红外光型目标检测器。The bathroom flusher preferably includes an automatic flow control system. The automatic flow control system may employ an infrared light type target detector.
本发明另一重要方面是包括一个指示器的红外型目标检测器的新颖设计。在该IR检测器中，一个IR源(通常为一红外光发射二极管)定位在红外光发送孔径之后，从而把红外线发送到目标区中。该指示器可以是包括在一个LED组合装置中的一个可见光发射二极管，在LED组合装置中该可见光发射二极管与该红外光发射二极管逆向平行连接。当该组合装置在一个方向中被驱动时，红外光源通过一个适当的孔隙正常照光。当该装置被在另一方向驱动时，可见光如红外线那样通过同一个孔隙照光。此设计避免了用于可见光的位置或发送的分别提供。Another important aspect of the present invention is the novel design of an infrared type object detector including a pointer. In the IR detector, an IR source (typically an infrared light emitting diode) is positioned behind the infrared light transmitting aperture to transmit infrared light into the target area. The indicator may be a visible light emitting diode included in an LED combination in which the visible light emitting diode is connected anti-parallel to the infrared light emitting diode. When the combined device is driven in one direction, the infrared light source normally shines through an appropriate aperture. When the device is driven in the other direction, visible light shines through the same aperture as infrared light. This design avoids separate provision for the location or transmission of visible light.
本发明的再一个重要方面是用于操作自动冲水器的一个新颖算法。自动冲水器采用一个红外型目标检测器，用于提供一个输出，一个控制电路根据该输出确定是否冲水一个卫生间。在发送辐射的每一脉冲之后，控制电路确定反射辐射结果的百分比是否显著不同于前一个反射辐射的结果百分比，并且确定该百分比改变是正还是负。从具有给定方向和值的取和的该确定的随后数据，该控制电路确定一个使用者是否已经接近该设施然后离开该设施。根据这一确定，控制器操作该冲水器的阀门。即，控制电路根据其中反射百分比降低(根据正确的退出判据)的一个时段是否已经被其中反映百分比增加(根据正确的接近判据)的一个时段所领先而定义该冲水判据。在本实施例中，控制电路不基于该反射百分比是否超过一个预定门限值来确定用户是否已经接近卫生间，并且不基于反射百分比是否下降到低于一个预定门限值来确定用户是否已经离开卫生间。Yet another important aspect of the present invention is a novel algorithm for operating the automatic flusher. Automatic flushers employ an infrared-type object detector to provide an output from which a control circuit determines whether to flush a toilet. After each pulse of transmitted radiation, the control circuit determines whether the percentage of reflected radiation results in a significantly different percentage than the previous reflected radiation result, and determines whether the percentage change is positive or negative. From the determined subsequent data with the sum of the given direction and value, the control circuit determines whether a user has approached and then left the facility. Based on this determination, the controller operates the valve of the flusher. That is, the control circuit defines the flush criterion based on whether a period in which the percent reflection decreases (according to the correct exit criterion) has been preceded by a period in which the percent reflection increases (according to the correct approach criterion). In this embodiment, the control circuit does not determine whether the user has approached the restroom based on whether the reflectance percentage exceeds a predetermined threshold value, and does not determine whether the user has left the restroom based on whether the reflectance percentage falls below a predetermined threshold value .
的本发明再一个重要方面是用于库存或发货上述自动冲水器的新颖系统和方法。该自动冲水器可以包括一个目标检测器(例如IR检测器)和一个手动按钮开关致动器。当操作该冲水器时，该按钮开关设计来作供一个用户把信号提供到控制电路，以便打开该冲水器的阀门。但是，如果该按钮致动器已经被连续按下一个延长的时段，则控制电路将设定一个静止模式，其中的功耗可以忽略。可以设计一个储存或发货包装箱在包装箱关闭的同时来启动该按钮致动器。结果是，该冲水器能够随控制电路的电池安装一起包装而不在仓储期间显著消耗那些电池。另外，储存或发货包装箱可以包括与连接到该控制电路的一个簧检测器一起协作放置的一个外部磁铁。如果该磁铁连续启动该簧片检测器一个延伸周期，则该控制电路设定该静止模式，其中功耗是可以忽略的。还有其它″静止模式引入″装置使得安装的电池在仓储期间没有显著的电池功耗。Yet another important aspect of the present invention is a novel system and method for stocking or shipping the automatic flushers described above. The automatic flusher may include an object detector (eg, an IR detector) and a manual push button switch actuator. When operating the flusher, the push button switch is designed for a user to provide a signal to the control circuit to open the valve of the flusher. However, if the button actuator has been continuously depressed for an extended period of time, the control circuit will set a rest mode in which power consumption is negligible. A storage or shipping case can be designed to activate the button actuator while the case is closed. As a result, the flusher can be packaged with the battery installation for the control circuit without significantly depleting those batteries during storage. Additionally, the storage or shipping package may include an external magnet co-located with a reed detector connected to the control circuit. If the magnet actuates the reed detector continuously for an extended period, the control circuit sets the rest mode in which power consumption is negligible. There are other "rest mode pull-in" devices that allow the installed battery to be stored without significant battery power consumption.
根据本发明的另一方面，一个新颖阀门装置和对应控制方法，控制在该阀门装置的输入和输出口之间的流体的流动速率。新颖阀门装置包括一个流体输入端口和流体输出端口，一个阀门主体和一个隔栅组件。本阀门主体限定一个阀门空腔，并且包括一个阀门关闭表面。该隔栅组件提供两个压力区，并且可相对一个引导部件在该阀门空腔之内移动。该隔栅组件被构成来在两个压力区的一个第一区中的压力降低时移动到一个开启位置，使得流体能够从该流体输入口流动到该流体输出口，并且被构成来在该第一压力区中的压力增加时移动到一个闭合位置，以该阀门关闭表面建立一个密封。According to another aspect of the present invention, a novel valve arrangement and corresponding control method controls the flow rate of a fluid between an input port and an output port of the valve arrangement. The novel valve assembly includes a fluid input port and a fluid output port, a valve body and a barrier assembly. The valve body defines a valve cavity and includes a valve closing surface. The louver assembly provides two pressure zones and is movable within the valve cavity relative to a guide member. The louver assembly is configured to move to an open position upon a decrease in pressure in a first of the two pressure zones, enabling fluid to flow from the fluid input port to the fluid output port, and is configured to move to an open position at the first pressure zone A pressure zone moves to a closed position as the pressure increases, creating a seal with the valve closing surface.
具体地说，本发明提供的一种阀门装置，包括：一个流体输入口和一个流体输出口；一个阀门主体，该阀门主体限定一个阀门空腔并且包括一个阀门关闭表面；以及一个隔栅组件，该隔栅组件包括一个隔栅部件和一个作用于所说的空腔表面的滑动密封件，用于提供两个压力区，并且可相对一个引导部件在所说的阀门空腔之内可滑动地移动；所说的隔栅部件被构造为：在所述压力区的第一区中的压力降低时该隔栅部件移动到一个开启位置，使得流体能够从所说的流体输入口流动到所说的流体输出口；并且在所说的第一压力区中的压力上升时该隔栅部件移动到一个关闭位置，在所说的阀门关闭表面产生密封，其中所说的滑动密封件被构成来使得所说的第一压力区与所说的第二压力区隔离。Specifically, the present invention provides a valve device comprising: a fluid input port and a fluid output port; a valve body defining a valve cavity and including a valve closing surface; and a barrier assembly, The louver assembly includes a louver member and a sliding seal acting on the surface of said cavity for providing two pressure zones and slidably within said valve cavity relative to a guide member movement; said louver member is configured to move to an open position when the pressure in said first zone of said pressure zone is reduced, enabling fluid to flow from said fluid inlet to said and the louver member moves to a closed position when the pressure in said first pressure zone rises, creating a seal on said valve closing surface, wherein said sliding seal is constructed so that Said first pressure zone is isolated from said second pressure zone.
根据最佳实施例，由该隔栅组件分离的两个腔形成两个压力区，其中第一压力区包括一个引导腔。该引导部件可以是一个引针或该阀门主体的内壁。According to a preferred embodiment, the two chambers separated by the barrier assembly form two pressure zones, wherein the first pressure zone comprises a pilot chamber. The guide member may be a guide pin or the inner wall of the valve body.
该隔栅部件(组件)可以包括一个柔韧部件和一个刚性部件，其中该柔韧部件被构成与阀门关闭表面接触以便在该关闭位置形式封闭(例如放置在阀门关闭表面的一个密封唇)。该阀门装置可以包括一个偏置部件。该偏置部分被构成并用于协助该隔栅部件从开启位置移动到关闭位置。该偏置部件可以是一个弹簧。The louver member (assembly) may comprise a flexible member and a rigid member, wherein the flexible member is configured to contact the valve closing surface for form closure in the closed position (eg a sealing lip placed on the valve closing surface). The valve means may include a biasing member. The biasing portion is configured to assist movement of the louver member from the open position to the closed position. The biasing member may be a spring.
例如，阀门由一个机电操作器控制，构成和用于释放在引导腔中的压力，并且由此启动隔栅组件从关闭位置移动到开启位置。该操作器可以包括一个闩锁致动器(如美国专利6,293,516中所述，该美国专利被结合参考)、一个非闩锁致动器(如美国专利6,305,662中所述，该美国专利被结合参考)、或一个隔离的操作器(如PCT申请PCT/US01/51098中所述，该申请被结合参考)。该阀门还可以由一个手动操作器控制，构成和用于释放在引导腔中的压力，并且由此启动隔栅部件从关闭位置移动到开启位置。For example, the valve is controlled by an electromechanical operator configured and used to relieve pressure in the pilot chamber and thereby activate movement of the grille assembly from the closed position to the open position. The operator may include a latching actuator (as described in U.S. Patent 6,293,516, which is incorporated by reference), an unlatching actuator (as described in U.S. Patent 6,305,662, which is incorporated by reference ), or an isolated operator (as described in PCT application PCT/US01/51098, which is incorporated by reference). The valve, which may also be controlled by a manual operator, constitutes and serves to relieve pressure in the pilot chamber and thereby activate movement of the grille member from the closed position to the open position.
包括该隔栅组件的该新颖的阀门装置可被用于调节在一个自动或手动盥洗室冲水器中的水流。The novel valve arrangement including the grille assembly can be used to regulate water flow in an automatic or manual bathroom flusher.
根据本发明的另一方面，本发明提供一个新颖的电磁致动器和操作或控制这种致动器的方法。该电磁致动器包括围绕一个电枢外壳缠绕的螺线管，构成并用于容纳包括由一个膜片局部密封的一个柱塞的一个电枢。该电枢提供了一个流体通道，用于在一个末梢部分和该电枢的一个邻近部分之间的电枢流体的位移，从而实现在开关位置之间的该电枢的有力高效移动。该膜片相对于该电枢外壳固定，并且用于把电枢流体密封在具有一个固定容积的一个电枢容器之内，其中该柱塞的位移(即，末梢部分或电枢)相对于一个阀门通道而移动该膜片，从而打开或关闭该通道。因此使得能够长时间地低能量电池操作。According to another aspect of the invention, the invention provides a novel electromagnetic actuator and method of operating or controlling such an actuator. The electromagnetic actuator includes a solenoid wound around an armature housing constructed and adapted to receive an armature including a plunger partially sealed by a diaphragm. The armature provides a fluid passage for displacement of the armature fluid between a distal portion and an adjacent portion of the armature, thereby enabling powerful efficient movement of the armature between switch positions. The diaphragm is fixed relative to the armature housing and serves to fluid seal the armature within an armature container having a fixed volume, wherein the displacement of the plunger (i.e., tip portion or armature) is relative to a The valve passage moves the diaphragm, thereby opening or closing the passage. Low-energy battery operation for long periods of time is thus enabled.
具体地说，本发明提供的一种控制流体流动的一种方法包括步骤：提供与一个阀门主体相关的一个流体输入口和一个流体输出口，该阀门主体限定一个阀门空腔并且包括一个阀门关闭表面；提供一个隔栅组件，该隔栅组件包括一个隔栅部件和一个作用于所说的空腔表面的滑动密封件，用于限定两个压力区并且可相对一个引导部件在所说的阀门空腔之内移动；所说的滑动密封件被构成来将所说的第一压力区与所说的第二压力区隔离；降低在所说的压力区的第一区中的压力，并且由此引发所说的隔栅组件向一个开启位置移动，使得流体能够从所说的流体输入口流动到所说的流体输出口；以及关闭一个控制通道以增加在所说的第一压力区中的压力，并且由此引发所说的隔栅组件从所说的开启位置到所说的关闭位置的移动，阻止流体从所说的流体输入口流动到所说的流体输出口。Specifically, the present invention provides a method of controlling fluid flow comprising the steps of: providing a fluid input port and a fluid output port associated with a valve body, the valve body defining a valve cavity and including a valve closure surfaces; providing a louver assembly comprising a louver member and a sliding seal acting on said cavity surface for defining two pressure zones and movable against a guide member at said valve cavity; said sliding seal is configured to isolate said first pressure zone from said second pressure zone; reduce the pressure in the first one of said pressure zones, and by This causes said louver assembly to move to an open position, enabling fluid to flow from said fluid input port to said fluid output port; and closing a control passage to increase pressure in said first pressure zone Pressure, and thereby causing movement of said louver assembly from said open position to said closed position, prevents fluid from flowing from said fluid input port to said fluid output port.
此方面的最佳实施例包括一个或多个下列特征：致动器可以是一个闩锁致动器(包括一个用于保持该电枢的永久磁铁)或一个非闩锁致动器。当该电枢处在其扩展的电枢位置时，该电枢的末梢部分与设计来顶压一个阀门座的不同类型的隔膜膜片协调放置。该电磁致动器被连接到一个控制电路，构成来响应来自可选的电枢检测器的输出而把所说的线圈驱动加到所说的线圈。Preferred embodiments of this aspect include one or more of the following features: The actuator may be a latching actuator (comprising a permanent magnet for retaining the armature) or a non-latching actuator. When the armature is in its extended armature position, the distal portion of the armature is co-ordinated with a different type of diaphragm membrane designed to press against a valve seat. The electromagnetic actuator is connected to a control circuit configured to apply said coil drive to said coil in response to the output from the optional armature detector.
电枢检测器能够检测达到一个未端定位(打开或关闭位置)的电枢。控制电路能够在第一驱动方向把一个线圈驱动信号直接施加到线圈，并且响应来自该检测器的满足一个预定第一电流终止判据的一个输出，开始或停止在该第一驱动方向把线圈驱动施加到该线圈。响应来自检测器的满足一个预定判据的输出，控制电路能够控制或停止把一个线圈驱动信号施加到该线圈。The armature detector is capable of detecting an armature reaching an end position (open or closed position). The control circuit is capable of applying a coil drive signal directly to the coil in a first drive direction, and in response to an output from the detector satisfying a predetermined first current termination criterion, starting or stopping driving the coil in the first drive direction applied to the coil. In response to an output from the detector satisfying a predetermined criterion, the control circuit can control or cease application of a coil drive signal to the coil.
根据本发明的另一方面，提供一个电磁致动器和引导按钮的新颖组件。该引导按钮具有一个重要新颖功能，用于实现一个主阀门的一致的长期引导。本发明还提供一种新颖方法，用于装配实现一个一致长期性能的引导阀门操作的自动流量控制器。According to another aspect of the present invention, a novel assembly of an electromagnetic actuator and pilot button is provided. The pilot button has an important novel function for consistent long-term piloting of a master valve. The present invention also provides a novel method for assembling an automatic flow controller that directs valve operation to achieve a consistent long-term performance.
装配一个引导阀门操作的自动流量控制器的方法包括提供一个主阀门组件和一个引导阀门组件，该引导阀门组件包括静止致动器和引导主体部件，该引导主体部件包括引导阀门入口、引导阀门座和引导阀门出口。本方法包括把引导阀门组件固定到该主阀门组件，其固定方式是来自主阀门的减压出口的流体必须流经该引导阀门的入口，经过引导阀门座并且通过该引导阀门出口，从而该引导阀门组件被定位来控制该主阀门组件的压力腔(即引导腔)中的减压。该主阀门组件包括具有主阀门入口、主阀门座、主阀门出口、压力腔(即引导腔)和减压出口的主阀门主体，通过该减压出口能够减轻该压力腔(引导腔)中的压力。主阀门部件(例如隔膜、柱塞或隔栅部件)可在关闭位置和开启位置之间移动，在其关闭位置中将密封顶压该主阀门座从而避免从主入口到主出口流动，而在其开启位置中将允许这种流动。在操作过程中，主阀门部件在该压力腔(即引导腔)中暴露于压力，使得该加压的引导腔推动该主阀门部件到其关闭位置，并且该不加压的引导腔(当使用导阀组件减压时)将允许该主阀门部件采取其开启位置。A method of assembling an automatic flow controller for pilot valve operation comprising providing a main valve assembly including a stationary actuator and a pilot body member including a pilot valve inlet, a pilot valve seat, and a pilot valve assembly and pilot valve outlet. The method includes securing a pilot valve assembly to the main valve assembly in such a way that fluid from the relief outlet of the main valve must flow through the inlet of the pilot valve, past the pilot valve seat and through the outlet of the pilot valve so that the pilot valve The valve assembly is positioned to control the reduced pressure in the pressure chamber (ie, pilot chamber) of the main valve assembly. The main valve assembly includes a main valve main body with a main valve inlet, a main valve seat, a main valve outlet, a pressure chamber (ie, a pilot chamber) and a decompression outlet, through which pressure in the pressure chamber (pilot chamber) can be relieved. pressure. The main valve member (such as a diaphragm, plunger or grille member) is movable between a closed position and an open position, in which it will seal against the main valve seat to prevent flow from the main inlet to the main outlet, and in its closed position Its open position will allow this flow. During operation, the main valve part is exposed to pressure in the pressure chamber (i.e., the pilot chamber), so that the pressurized pilot chamber pushes the main valve part to its closed position, and the unpressurized pilot chamber (when used when the pilot valve assembly is depressurized) will allow the main valve part to assume its open position.
根据本发明的另一方面，提供一种新颖的电磁致动器系统。此电磁致动器系统包括一个致动器、一个控制器和一个致动器检测器。该致动器包括一个螺线管和一个构成并用于以一种可移动的相互关系容纳一个电枢的电枢外壳。控制器耦合到一个功率驱动器，该功率驱动器构成来把一个驱动信号提供到螺线管，以便移动该电枢并且从而打开或关闭供流体流动的阀门通道。该致动器检测器构成并用于检测该电枢的位置并且提供一个信号到该控制器。According to another aspect of the present invention, a novel electromagnetic actuator system is provided. The electromagnetic actuator system includes an actuator, a controller, and an actuator detector. The actuator includes a solenoid and an armature housing configured to receive an armature in a movable relationship with one another. The controller is coupled to a power driver configured to provide a drive signal to the solenoid to move the armature and thereby open or close the valve passage for fluid flow. The actuator detector is formed and used to detect the position of the armature and provide a signal to the controller.
此方面的最佳实施例包括一个或多个下列特征：该检测器被构成用于检测由该电枢的运动感应的电压。另外，该检测器被构成用于检测由于该电枢的运动引起的驱动信号的改变。Preferred embodiments of this aspect include one or more of the following features: The detector is configured to detect a voltage induced by movement of the armature. In addition, the detector is configured to detect changes in the drive signal due to the movement of the armature.
另外，检测器包括一个电阻，用于接收驱动信号的至少一部分，以及一个电压表，构成用于测量该电阻两端的电压。另外，该检测器包括一个电阻，用于容纳驱动信号的至少一部分，以及接收流经该电阻的电流的一个微分电路。Additionally, the detector includes a resistor for receiving at least a portion of the drive signal, and a voltmeter configured to measure a voltage across the resistor. Additionally, the detector includes a resistor for receiving at least a portion of the drive signal, and a differential circuit that receives current through the resistor.
另外，该检测器包括一个线圈检测器，构成并用于检测由该电枢的移动感应的电压。该线圈检测器可以按照一个反馈方案连接到把调节信号提供到该控制器的一个信号调节器。该信号调节器可以包括一个前置放大器和一个低通滤波器。In addition, the detector includes a coil detector configured to detect a voltage induced by movement of the armature. The loop detector can be connected in a feedback scheme to a signal conditioner that provides conditioning signals to the controller. The signal conditioner may include a preamplifier and a low pass filter.
另外，该系统包括两个线圈检测器，每一个构成并用于检测由该电枢的移动感应的电压。这两个线圈检测器可以按照一个反馈方案连接到把一个差动放大器，该差动放大器构成用于把一个差分信号提供到该控制器。In addition, the system includes two coil detectors, each formed and used to detect the voltage induced by the movement of the armature. The two coil detectors may be connected in a feedback scheme to a differential amplifier configured to provide a differential signal to the controller.
致动器检测器包括一个光检测器、一个电容检测器、一个电感检测器或用于敏感地检测由于电枢运动引起的一个信号的桥接器。Actuator detectors include a photodetector, a capacitive detector, an inductive detector or a bridge for sensitive detection of a signal due to armature movement.
该致动器可以具有电枢外壳，构成并用于在该螺线管接收该驱动信号时该电枢的线性位移。致动器可以是一个闩锁致动器，构成来保持该电枢处在打开通道状态中而无需传给该螺线管的任何驱动信号。闩锁致动器可以包括一个永久磁铁，用于保持该电枢处在打开通道状态。该闩锁致动器还可以包括一个偏置弹簧，定位并用于把电枢朝着提供一个关闭通道状态的延伸位置的方向偏置，无需传给该螺线管的任何驱动信号。The actuator may have an armature housing configured and used for linear displacement of the armature when the solenoid receives the drive signal. The actuator may be a latch actuator configured to maintain the armature in the open channel state without any drive signal to the solenoid. The latch actuator may include a permanent magnet for holding the armature in the open channel state. The latch actuator may also include a bias spring positioned and operable to bias the armature toward an extended position providing a closed channel state without any drive signal to the solenoid.
该控制器可被构成来控制功率驱动器，根据来自致动器检测器的信号以各种电平提供该驱动信号。该驱动信号可以是电流。该系统可以包括把电压提供到功率驱动器的一个升压器。The controller may be configured to control the power driver, providing the drive signal at various levels depending on the signal from the actuator detector. The drive signal can be a current. The system may include a booster that provides voltage to the power driver.
该控制器可被构成来控制功率驱动器，以便以第一驱动方向提供该驱动信号，并从而产生对于该电枢的强制力来达到一个第一未端位置。该控制器还被构成来根据来自致动器检测器的信号而确定该电枢是否已经在第一方向中移动；并且如果该电枢尚未在一个预定第一驱动持续时间之内移动，则该控制器将在第一方向以高于该驱动信号的初始电平的一个升高的第一方向驱动电平，把该驱动信号直接加到该线圈。The controller may be configured to control the power driver to provide the drive signal in a first drive direction and thereby generate a forcing force on the armature to achieve a first end position. The controller is also configured to determine whether the armature has moved in the first direction based on the signal from the actuator detector; and if the armature has not moved within a predetermined first drive duration, the control The device will apply the drive signal directly to the coil in the first direction at an increased first directional drive level above the initial level of the drive signal.
该控制器可被构成来触发该功率驱动器，以便以第一驱动方向提供该驱动信号，并从而产生对于该电枢的强制力来达到一个第一未端位置。该控制器还被构成来根据来自致动器检测器的信号而确定该电枢是否已经在第一方向中移动；并且如果该电枢已经移动，则该控制器将在第一方向以低于该驱动信号的初始电平的一个第一方向驱动电平，把该驱动信号直接加到该线圈。The controller may be configured to trigger the power driver to provide the drive signal in a first drive direction and thereby generate a forcing force on the armature to achieve a first end position. The controller is also configured to determine whether the armature has moved in a first direction based on a signal from the actuator detector; and if the armature has moved, the controller will move in the first direction at a rate below the A first direction drive level of the initial level of the drive signal, the drive signal is applied directly to the coil.
该致动器系统包括控制器，构成根据来自致动器检测器的信号确定以该通道的流体的特性。流体的特性可以是压力、温度、密度或粘滞性。该致动器系统可以包括一个分离的温度检测器，用于确定该流体的温度。The actuator system includes a controller configured to determine a characteristic of the fluid in the channel based on a signal from the actuator detector. A property of a fluid can be pressure, temperature, density or viscosity. The actuator system may include a separate temperature detector for determining the temperature of the fluid.
该致动器系统包括控制器，构成根据来自致动器检测器的信号确定以该通道的流体的压力。该致动器系统可以从耦合到该控制器的外部移动检测器或目标出现检测器接收信号。The actuator system includes a controller configured to determine the pressure of the fluid in the channel based on the signal from the actuator detector. The actuator system may receive signals from an external movement detector or object presence detector coupled to the controller.
附图说明Description of drawings
图1是卫生间以及带有自动冲水器的侧面图。Fig. 1 is a toilet and a side view with an automatic flusher.
图1A是小便池以及带有自动冲水器的侧面图。Figure 1A is a side view of a urinal with an automatic flusher.
图2A和2B共同形成冲水器第一实施例的一个截面图。2A and 2B together form a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the flusher.
图2A和3B共同形成冲水器第二实施例的一个截面图。2A and 3B together form a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a flusher.
图4是冲水器的第三实施例的截面图。Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the flusher.
图5是用于控制在图2A和4A示出的水龙头中流体流动的一个阀门的扩大断面图。Figure 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a valve for controlling fluid flow in the faucet shown in Figures 2A and 4A.
图5A是图5示出阀门的分解透视图。Figure 5A is an exploded perspective view of the valve shown in Figure 5 .
图5B是图5示出阀门的另一实施例的扩大断面图。Figure 5B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the valve shown in Figure 5 .
图5C是图5示出阀门的另一实施例的扩大断面图。Figure 5C is an enlarged cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the valve shown in Figure 5 .
图4A是冲水器控制电路的框图；Fig. 4A is a block diagram of a flusher control circuit;
图6是另外版本的发送器和接收器透镜和正面电路外壳部件的正视图。Figure 6 is a front view of another version of the transmitter and receiver lens and front electronics housing components.
图6A是取在图6的线6A-6A的剖面图。FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view taken on
图6B是能被用于冲水器转换装备的一个局部装配的包装箱的等比例示意图。Fig. 6B is a schematic isometric illustration of a partially assembled packaging box that can be used for a flusher conversion kit.
图6C是取在图6B的线6C-6C的横截面。Figure 6C is a cross section taken at line 6C-6C of Figure 6B.
图6D是可以用于图2或图3中示出的冲水器转换装备的包装箱的等比例示意图。FIG. 6D is a schematic isometric illustration of a packaging box that may be used with the flusher conversion kit shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 .
图6E是包括在一个包装箱中的下压按钮装置的详细横截面。Figure 6E is a detailed cross-section of the push button device included in a packaging box.
图7是用于控制图5至6B所示阀门任何之一的机电致动器的第一实施例的断面图。Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of an electromechanical actuator for controlling any of the valves shown in Figures 5 to 6B.
图7A是图7示出的机电的致动器的透视分解示意图。FIG. 7A is a perspective exploded schematic view of the electromechanical actuator shown in FIG. 7 .
图7B是用于控制图5至6B所示阀门任何之一的机电致动器的第二实施例的断面图。Figure 7B is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of an electromechanical actuator for controlling any of the valves shown in Figures 5 to 6B.
图7C是用于控制图5至6B所示阀门任何之一的机电致动器的第三实施例的断面图。Figure 7C is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of an electromechanical actuator for controlling any of the valves shown in Figures 5 to 6B.
图7D是图7至7C所示的致动器使用的一个膜片的另一实施例的断面图。Figure 7D is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a diaphragm used with the actuator shown in Figures 7 to 7C.
图7E是图7至7C所示的致动器使用的膜片和引导按钮的另一实施例的断面图。7E is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a diaphragm and guide button for use with the actuator shown in FIGS. 7-7C.
图7F是图7至7C所示的致动器使用的一个电枢绕线管的另一实施例的断面图。Figure 7F is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an armature bobbin for use with the actuator shown in Figures 7 to 7C.
图8是用于控制图7、7A、7B或7C所示机电致动器的操作的控制系统的另一实施例的框图。Figure 8 is a block diagram of another embodiment of a control system for controlling the operation of the electromechanical actuator shown in Figure 7, 7A, 7B or 7C.
图8A是用于控制图7、7A、7B或7C所示机电致动器的操作的控制系统的再一个实施例的框图。Figure 8A is a block diagram of yet another embodiment of a control system for controlling the operation of the electromechanical actuator shown in Figures 7, 7A, 7B or 7C.
图8B是使用在图8或8A的流体流动控制系统中的一个微控制器的数据流的框图。8B is a block diagram of the data flow of a microcontroller used in the fluid flow control system of FIGS. 8 or 8A.
图9和9A示出用于图7、7A、7B或7C的阀门致动器分别连接到0psi和120psi反流压力的水管时电流和时间的相互关系。Figures 9 and 9A show the correlation of current and time for the valve actuators of Figures 7, 7A, 7B or 7C connected to water lines with 0 psi and 120 psi reverse flow pressure, respectively.
图9B示出用于图7、7A、7B或7C示出致动器的闩锁时间对于水压的依赖关系。Figure 9B shows the dependence of the actuator's latch time on water pressure for Figures 7, 7A, 7B or 7C.
图10是用于控制图2、3或4所示冲水器的一个冲水器周期的流程图。10 is a flow chart for controlling a flusher cycle of the flusher shown in FIGS. 2, 3 or 4. FIG.
图11是冲水器用以驱动其发光二极管的该电路的示意图。Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the circuit used by the flusher to drive its light emitting diodes.
图12A、12B和12C共同形成控制图4A的电路执行的一个程序简化流程图。Figures 12A, 12B and 12C together form a simplified flowchart of a program controlling the execution of the circuit of Figure 4A.
图13A和13B共同形成图12A、12B和12C的程序中的步骤的更详细的流程图。Figures 13A and 13B together form a more detailed flowchart of the steps in the procedure of Figures 12A, 12B and 12C.
图14示出用于控制该冲水器操作的一种新颖算法。Figure 14 shows a novel algorithm for controlling the operation of the flusher.
图15是自动冲洗的另一实施例的正视图，以及Figure 15 is a front view of another embodiment of an automatic flush, and
图15A是取在图15中的线15A-15A的剖面图。FIG. 15A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 15A-15A in FIG. 15 .
具体实施例方式Specific embodiments
图1中，冲水器10从供水管12接收增压水并且采用一个目标检测器，通常是红外种类的检测器，通过有选择地打开阀门而使得来自供水管12的水流经冲水器管道16到达卫生间18的皿池来响应在一个目标区域14中的一个目标的动作。图1A示出用于自动冲水小便池18A的一个冲水器10。如上所述，冲水器10从供水管12接收增压水并且采用一个目标检测器，通过有选择地打开阀门而使得来自供水管12的水流经冲水器管道16到达小便池18A来响应在一个目标区域14A中的一个目标的动作。In FIG. 1 ,
图2A和2B详细示出自动冲水器10的第一实施例。图2B示出供水管12连通一个由入口腔内壁22定义的环形入口腔20，靠近冲水器管道16的上端形成。由保持环25固定到腔外壳的压力盖24把设置在由冲水管道16的口形成的主阀门座30上的一个柔性隔膜28的外边缘26夹持在其自身和外壳之间。A first embodiment of the
在入口腔20中存在的供水压力将趋于移动该柔性隔膜28，并因此使得其让水从供水管12流经入口腔20进入该冲水管道16的内部32。但是由于隔膜28形成的渗孔34趋于使得在入口腔20和由压力盖24形成的压力腔36之间的压力平衡，所以该隔膜28通常保持就位状态。具体地说，上部腔36中因此存在的压力对于隔膜28施以比在入口腔20中的压力更大的力，因为该入口腔20的压力只存在于冲水管道16的外部，而在主压力腔36中的压力存在于贯穿隔膜馈送管38的外部各处。The water supply pressure present in the
该冲水器还包括一个螺线管操作的致动器组件，能够包括任何已知的螺线管或能够包括在美国专利6,293,516或6,305,662中描述的致动器组件40，该两项专利都结合做参考。另外，该螺线管操作的致动器组件包括一个隔离致动器组件40A，详细描述于2001年10月25日文件的PCT申请PCT/US01/51098中，该申请完全结合在此作为参考。该隔离致动器组件40A在此申请中也称为该操作器的密封型式。The flusher also includes a solenoid-operated actuator assembly, which can include any known solenoid or can include the actuator assembly 40 described in US Patent 6,293,516 or 6,305,662, both of which incorporate for reference. Additionally, the solenoid-operated actuator assembly includes an isolation actuator assembly 40A as described in detail in PCT Application PCT/US01/51098, filed October 25, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The isolation actuator assembly 40A is also referred to in this application as the sealed version of the operator.
为了冲水卫生间18，由电路42控制的螺线管操作的致动器组件40通过以下面将被更详细地描述的方式使得流体在由压力帽24的引导外壳部分48形成的引导入口和出口44和46之间流动来减轻在该主压力腔38中的压力。下面将提供操作的详细描述。To flush
图3(由图2A和3B形成)详细地示出自动冲水器10的第二实施例。本实施例使用一个新颖的高流率阀门600(图3B中示出)，利用了一个下面结合图5C详细描述的隔栅组件。参考图2A和3B，自动冲水器10从供水管12接收水输入，供水管12与隔栅部件的支持部件632支持的一个柔韧部件628连通。凹槽638和638A提供到一个引导腔642的水通道。致动器减轻在引导腔642中的压力并因此启动阀门600的打开。随后水流通过阀门座625从供水管12流到输出腔32。整个冲水周期由螺线管操作的致动器组件40控制，而螺线管操作的致动器组件40由图2A示出的电路42控制。下面将提供操作的详细描述。FIG. 3 (formed from FIGS. 2A and 3B ) shows a second embodiment of the
图4详细地示出自动冲水器10的第三实施例。自动冲水器10是一个性能优越、电控或手控的无水箱冲水系统。水进入经过输入最好由适当的塑料树脂制成的连接器12’。连接器12’通过螺纹连接到与建造给水系统相互作用的输入适配12A。而且，当没有水存在以便促进与该入口供水管调准时，连接器12’被设计来在其自己的轴上转动。FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of the
仍然参考图4，连接器12’通过接合件60和径向密封62连接到入口管道64，使得连接器12’能够沿着入口管道64移入或移出。这一移动能够把入口对准到该供水管。然而，伴随接合件60的固定，有由连接器12’的连合处施加的压力到达入口60。这将形成贯穿密封62的刚性的和密封的单元。该供将水穿过连接器12’到达入口64，并且在元件76、78、70、72和74的方向经过入口阀组件。自动冲水器10还包括一个入口筛滤波器80，处于由部件82形成并且连通主阀门座525的一个通道中，整个主阀门的操作将结合图5、5A和5B描述。Still referring to FIG. 4 , the connector 12' is connected to the inlet conduit 64 by a joint 60 and a radial seal 62 such that the connector 12' can be moved in or out along the inlet conduit 64. This movement can align the inlet to the water supply pipe. However, with the securing of the joint 60, there is pressure exerted by the commissure of the connector 12' to reach the inlet 60. This will form a rigid and airtight unit through seal 62 . The supply passes water through the connector 12' to the inlet 64 and through the inlet valve assembly in the direction of elements 76, 78, 70, 72 and 74.
如图结合5、5A和5B所述，电磁致动器50控制该主阀门的操作。在开启状态中，水流在主阀门座525和隔栅部件526之间流动，经过通道528’、通道528A、通道528B而进入主出口32。在关闭状态中，隔栅部件526密封该主阀门座525。As described in conjunction with Figures 5, 5A and 5B, an electromagnetic actuator 50 controls the operation of the main valve. In the open state, water flows between the main valve seat 525 and the grille member 526, through passage 528', passage 528A, passage 528B and into the
自动冲水器10包括一个可调整的输入阀门72，由与阀门组件514和540拧在一起的阀门单元52的转动所控制，通过O型环密封与主体54密封隔离。当阀门单元52一直被拧住时，阀门单元514和540组件由带螺纹的阀门单元52抑制。产生把单元82下压在阀门单元72上的力，因此产生从入口78到主体通道82的一个路径。当阀门单元52一直松脱时，阀门组件514和540由于在该可调阀门70中的弹簧力而往上移。弹簧力与来自78的入口流体压力结合，强制单元72顶压底座72A实现封闭操作。封闭单元74阻断水流进入82的内部通道，这又使得包括单元82、50、514、500和528的全部内部阀门元件能够在不需要关闭连接器12’处的供水的条件下维护。这是本实施例的一个主要优点。
根据可调阀门70的另一功能，该螺扣护圈被半程(part way)固定，导致阀门主体单元514和82仅部分地下推阀门座72。一个局部开放将提供流动限制，降低经过阀门70的输入水的流动。这一新颖功能被设计来满足应用的特定需求。为了提供对于安装者的流量限制，阀门主体54的内表面包括应用特定的标记，例如1.6W.C 1.0GPF小便池等。According to another function of the adjustable valve 70, the turnbuckle retainer is secured part way, causing the valve body units 514 and 82 to only partially push down on the valve seat 72. A partial opening will provide flow restriction, reducing the flow of incoming water through valve 70. This novel feature is designed to meet the specific needs of the application. To provide flow restriction to the installer, the interior surface of the valve body 54 includes application specific markings, eg 1.6W.C 1.0GPF urinal, etc.
自动冲水器10包括放置在外壳144中并结合图2A描述的基于检测器的电子冲水系统。而且，基于检测器的电子冲洗系统可以由一个全机械启用按钮或杠杆所替代。另外，该冲洗阀门可以由水力定时机械致动器控制，该致动器作用于一个水力延迟装置。这种水力系统能够处于外壳144中。该水力系统能够被调整到一个延迟期，满足例如1.6GPF W.C等给定设备冲水量的要求。该水力延迟机构能够打开引导部分而不是电磁致动器50的出口孔(图4示出)等于该安装者预置值的持续期。
另外，控制电路42能够被改进，以使封在外壳144内的感测元件被替换为一个定时控制电路。当由电机开关(或电容开关)启动冲水器时，该控制电路通过把电磁致动器50启动等于该预定电平的持续期而启动一个冲水周期。此电平能够在工厂设置或由安装者实地设置。此设计能够与下面描述的静压测量方案组合用于补偿对于每一个冲洗期望体积的压力影响。Additionally, the control circuit 42 can be modified such that the sensing element enclosed within the housing 144 is replaced with a timing control circuit. When the flusher is activated by the motor switch (or capacitive switch), the control circuit initiates a flush cycle by activating the electromagnetic actuator 50 for a duration equal to the predetermined level. This level can be set at the factory or in the field by the installer. This design can be used in combination with the static pressure measurement scheme described below to compensate for the pressure effect for each desired volume flushed.
图4的实施例具有几个优点。在不切断对于单元的供水的条件下能够修护该水力或电机控制系统。此外，该阀门机构实现控制经过该单元的流量。主冲水阀门包括在图5、5A和5B中示出设计。当与图2B所示传统隔膜型冲洗阀门比较时，这一冲水阀门装置提供了一个高流率(对于其阀门尺寸来说)。The embodiment of Figure 4 has several advantages. The hydraulic or motor control system can be repaired without shutting off the water supply to the unit. Additionally, the valve mechanism enables control of the flow through the unit. The main flush valve includes the design shown in Figures 5, 5A and 5B. This flush valve arrangement provides a high flow rate (for its valve size) when compared to the conventional diaphragm type flush valve shown in Figure 2B.
图4的实施例提供了与低功率双稳态电磁致动器结合的流体控制阀门，与描述的控制电路结合，能够精确控制每一冲洗的供水量。如下面描述的那样，测量流体静压以及调整主阀门打开时间的能力动态地控制该提供的水量。即，该系统能够提供一个选定的水量而与在供水系统管道中的压力变化无关。The embodiment of Figure 4 provides a fluid control valve in combination with a low power bistable electromagnetic actuator which, in combination with the described control circuit, enables precise control of the amount of water delivered for each flush. The ability to measure hydrostatic pressure and adjust the opening time of the main valve dynamically controls the amount of water provided, as described below. That is, the system is capable of delivering a selected volume of water independent of pressure changes in the water supply piping.
该系统能够包括一个柔性传导簧片触点装置，用于把来自控制电子装置的电控信号转换为电磁致动器控制信号而不使用布线/连接器设计。本系统还能够实现该主冲水阀门使用一个直接机械杠杆或机械水位的致动，该机械杠杆或机械水位起动一个水力延迟装置，该水力延迟装置又作用于该主阀门引导装置。下面将详细描述分别的功能。The system can include a flexible conductive reed contact arrangement for converting electrical control signals from the control electronics to electromagnetic actuator control signals without the use of wiring/connector designs. The present system also enables actuation of the main flush valve using a direct mechanical lever or mechanical water level which activates a hydraulic delay which in turn acts on the main valve pilot. The respective functions will be described in detail below.
图5示出使用在图3或4示出的水龙头实施例中的一个阀门500的最佳实施例。阀门装置500包括阀门主体513，提供一个用于阀门组件514、输入端口518和输出端口520的一个空腔。阀门组件514包括邻近体522、末梢体524和隔栅部件526(图5A)。隔栅部件526包括一个柔韧部件528和一个支持部件532。柔韧部件528可以是具有滑动密封530一个隔膜状的部件。支持部件532可以是柱塞状的部件或活塞状的部件，但是具有不同于传统的柱塞或活塞的结构和功能特性。阀门组件514还包括一个引导部件，例如导向销536或滑动表面，以及包括一个弹簧540。FIG. 5 shows a preferred embodiment of a valve 500 for use in the faucet embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 or 4 . Valve assembly 500 includes valve body 513 providing a cavity for valve assembly 514 , input port 518 and output port 520 . The valve assembly 514 includes a proximal body 522, a distal body 524, and a barrier member 526 (FIG. 5A). Barrier member 526 includes a flexible member 528 and a support member 532 . The flexible member 528 may be a diaphragm-like member with a sliding seal 530 . The support member 532 may be a plunger-like member or a piston-like member, but has structural and functional characteristics different from conventional plungers or pistons. Valve assembly 514 also includes a guide member, such as guide pin 536 or sliding surface, and includes a spring 540 .
邻近体522包括螺纹表面522A，尺寸与末梢体524的螺纹表面524A协调。隔栅部件526(以及因此柔韧部件528和柱塞状部件532)包括一个开口527，构成并用于容纳导向销536。隔栅部件526限定了放置在经控制通道544A和544B而与致动器空腔550连通的流体中的一个引导腔542。致动器空腔550经控制通道546与输出端口520流体连通。导向销536包括V形或U形凹槽538，与隔栅开口527(图5A)一起成形和设计，提供在输入端口腔519和引导腔542之间的压力传递通道。The proximal body 522 includes a threaded surface 522A sized to coordinate with the threaded surface 524A of the distal body 524 . Barrier member 526 (and thus flexible member 528 and plunger-like member 532 ) includes an opening 527 formed and adapted to receive guide pin 536 . Barrier member 526 defines a pilot cavity 542 disposed in fluid communication with actuator cavity 550 via control passages 544A and 544B. Actuator cavity 550 is in fluid communication with output port 520 via control passage 546 . Guide pin 536 includes a V-shaped or U-shaped groove 538 , shaped and designed with grille opening 527 ( FIG. 5A ), providing a pressure transfer passage between inlet port cavity 519 and guide cavity 542 .
仍然参考图5，末梢体524包括一个环形唇缘密封525，与柔韧部件528共同设计，提供输入端口腔519和输出端口腔521之间的一个密封。末梢体524还包括一个或几个流动通道517，提供输入端口腔519和输出端口腔521之间的耦通。柔韧部件528还包括密封部件529A和529B，用于在引导腔542和输出端口腔521之间提供相对于阀门主体522的一个滑动密封。有密封529A和529B(图5)的各种可能的实施例。这一密封可以是一侧密封530(图5A示出)，或图5示出的两侧密封529a和529b。此外，有包括O型环等滑动密封的各种附加实施例。Still referring to FIG. 5 , tip body 524 includes an annular lip seal 525 co-designed with flexible member 528 to provide a seal between inlet port chamber 519 and outlet port chamber 521 . Tip body 524 also includes one or more flow channels 517 that provide coupling between inlet port lumen 519 and outlet port lumen 521 . Flexible member 528 also includes sealing members 529A and 529B for providing a sliding seal between pilot cavity 542 and outlet port cavity 521 relative to valve body 522 . There are various possible embodiments of seals 529A and 529B (FIG. 5). This seal may be one side seal 530 (shown in FIG. 5A ), or the two side seals 529a and 529b shown in FIG. 5 . In addition, there are various additional embodiments including sliding seals such as O-rings.
本发明预见阀门装置10具有各种尺寸。例如，该图2示出的″完整″尺寸实施例具有的引销直径A＝0.070″，弹簧直径B＝0.360″，柔韧部件直径C＝0.730″，整个隔栅和密封的直径D＝0.812″，引销长度E＝0.450″，主体高度F＝0.380″，引导腔高度G＝0.280″，隔栅部件尺寸H＝0.160″，以及隔栅游程I＝0.100″。阀门的总高度大约是1.39″而直径大约是1.178″。The present invention contemplates
(图2示出阀门的)″半尺寸″实施例具有以图2示出同一个参考字母(每一字母还包括下标1)所示的下列尺寸。该″半尺寸″中的阀门A1＝0.070″，B1＝0.30″，C1＝0.560″，D1＝0.650″，E1＝0.38″，F1＝0.310″，G1＝0.215″，H1＝0.125″而I1＝0.60″。该1/2实施例的全长度大约是1.350″而直径大约是0.855″。类似地，图5B或5C的阀门装置可以具有各种更大或更小的尺寸。The "half size" embodiment (of the valve shown in Fig. 2) has the following dimensions indicated by the same reference letters as shown in Fig. 2 (each letter also includes the subscript 1). Valves in this "half size" A1 =0.070", B1 =0.30", C 1 =0.560", D1 =0.650", E 1= 0.38", F1 =0.310", G1 =0.215", H1 = 0.125" and I1 = 0.60". The overall length of the 1/2 embodiment is about 1.350" and the diameter is about 0.855". Similarly, the valve arrangement of Figure 5B or 5C can have various larger or more small size.
参考图5和5B，阀门500在输入端口518接收流体，在关闭状态中，该流体对与唇缘部件525共同提供密封的隔膜状部件528上施加压力。凹槽通道538提供了与引导腔542的压力连通，通过耦合通道544A和544B，引导腔542与致动器空腔550连通。致动器(图4A、5C所示)以表面548提供一个密封，从而密封通道544A和544B，并因此密封引导腔542。当致动器142或143的柱塞离开表面548时，流体流经通道544A和544B，以便控制通道546并且到达输出端口520。这将引起引导腔542中的压力降低。因此，隔膜状部件528和柱塞状部件532在空腔542之内线性移动，因此以唇缘密封525提供相对大的流体开口。大量流体能够从输入端口518流至输出端口520。Referring to Figures 5 and 5B, valve 500 receives fluid at input port 518 which, in the closed state, exerts pressure on diaphragm-like member 528 which cooperates with lip member 525 to provide a seal. Groove channel 538 provides pressure communication with pilot cavity 542 , which communicates with actuator cavity 550 through coupling channels 544A and 544B. The actuator (shown in FIGS. 4A, 5C ) provides a seal with surface 548 , thereby sealing channels 544A and 544B, and thus sealing pilot cavity 542 . When the plunger of actuator 142 or 143 clears surface 548 , fluid flows through channels 544A and 544B to control channel 546 and to output port 520 . This will cause the pressure in the pilot chamber 542 to drop. Thus, diaphragm-like member 528 and plunger-like member 532 move linearly within cavity 542 , thus providing a relatively large fluid opening with lip seal 525 . A large amount of fluid can flow from input port 518 to output port 520 .
当致动器142或143的栓塞封闭控制通道544A和544B时，由于流体从输入端口518流经凹槽538而在引导腔542中建立压力。引导腔542中的增加的压力与弹簧540的力一起在导向销536滑动移动的方向上朝着密封唇529的方向线性移动隔栅部件526。当引导腔542中出现足够的压力时，隔膜状柔韧部件528以唇缘密封525密封输入端口腔519。最好设计柔软部件528在滑行移动过程中净化导向销536的凹槽538。When the plug of actuator 142 or 143 closes control passages 544A and 544B, pressure builds up in pilot chamber 542 due to fluid flow from input port 518 through groove 538 . The increased pressure in the guide chamber 542 together with the force of the spring 540 linearly moves the barrier member 526 in the direction of the sliding movement of the guide pin 536 towards the sealing lip 529 . When sufficient pressure develops in pilot cavity 542 , diaphragm-like flexible member 528 seals inlet port cavity 519 with lip seal 525 . The soft member 528 is preferably designed to clear the groove 538 of the guide pin 536 during the sliding movement.
图5的实施例示出阀门500具有相对于通道544A、544B和546(以及致动器701的栓塞的位置)对称放置的输入端口腔519(以及导向销536)。然而，阀门装置500可以具有相对于通道544A、544B(没示出)和通道546非对称放置的输入端口腔519(以及导向销536)。即，阀门具有的输入端口腔519(和导向销536)相对于致动器142或143的栓塞的位置是非对称放置的。该对称和非对称的实施例是等效的。The embodiment of FIG. 5 shows valve 500 having inlet port cavity 519 (and guide pin 536 ) positioned symmetrically with respect to passages 544A, 544B, and 546 (and the position of the plug of actuator 701 ). However, valve arrangement 500 may have inlet port cavity 519 (and guide pin 536 ) positioned asymmetrically with respect to passages 544A, 544B (not shown) and passage 546 . That is, the valve has an inlet port cavity 519 (and guide pin 536 ) positioned asymmetrically relative to the position of the plug of the actuator 142 or 143 . The symmetrical and asymmetrical embodiments are equivalent.
参考图5C，阀门装置600包括一个提供用于阀门组件614一个空腔的阀门主体613、一个输入端口618和一个输出端口620。阀门组件614包括一个邻近体602、一个末梢体604和一个隔栅部件或组件。隔栅部件包括一个柔韧部件628和一个支持部件632。柔韧部件628可以是具有滑动密封630一个隔膜状的部件。支持部件632可以是柱塞状的部件或活塞状的部件，但是具有不同于传统的柱塞或活塞的结构和功能特性。阀门主体602提供了放置在内壁上的引导表面，包括一个或几个凹槽638和638A。这些是新颖构成的凹槽，用于提供从外围放置的输入腔开始的流体通道(不同于图5和5B所示的中心输入腔)。Referring to FIG. 5C ,
隔栅部件限定了放置在经控制通道644A和644B而与致动器空腔650连通的流体中的一个引导腔642。致动器空腔650经控制通道646与输出腔621流体连通。凹槽638(或凹槽638和638A)提供了在输入腔619和引导腔642之间的一个耦合通道。末梢体604包括一个环形唇缘密封625，与柔韧部件628协作设计，以便提供在输入端口腔619和输出端口腔621之间的一个密封。末梢体604还包括一个流动通道617，提供用于大量流体流动的在输入腔619和输出腔621之间的沟通(在开启状态中)。柔韧部件628还包括密封部件629A和629B(或根据该压力条件包括一侧的密封部件)，用于在引导腔642和输入腔619之间提供相对于阀门主体622的一个滑动密封。(当然，凹槽638能够如上所述地实现控制从输入腔619到引导腔642的液体的流动。)The barrier member defines a
我们现在转到用于控制该操作器的系统。考虑图2和图3示出的实施例，如图2A所示，操作器控制电路42包括在电路外壳中由三个部分组成，一个前部116、一个中部118和一个后部120。没示出的螺纹把前部116固定到中部118，又通过例如螺纹122把后部120固定到中部118。该螺旋螺纹地啮合一个衬套124，超声焊接到中心外壳部分118为该目的而形成的一个下凹中。其上安装例如没示出的电容器128和一个微处理器的若干部件的主电路板126被安装在该外壳中。一个辅助电路板130又安装在该主电路板126上。安装在该辅助板130上的是一个发光二极管132，一个发送器罩134还局部密封地安装在那块板上。We now turn to the system used to control the manipulator. Considering the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the operator control circuit 42 is comprised of three sections, a front section 116 , a middle section 118 and a rear section 120 , as shown in FIG. 2A , within the circuit housing. Threads, not shown, secure the front portion 116 to the central portion 118 , and the rear portion 120 is secured to the central portion 118 by, for example, threads 122 . The helix threadingly engages a bushing 124, ultrasonically welded into a recess formed in the central housing portion 118 for this purpose. A main circuit board 126 on which components such as a capacitor 128 not shown and a microprocessor are mounted is mounted in the housing. An auxiliary circuit board 130 is in turn mounted on the main circuit board 126 . Mounted on this auxiliary board 130 is a light-emitting
正面电路外壳部分116形成一个发送器透镜部分136，具有前后抛光表面138和140。通过在该冲水器外壳146中形成的一个红外透射窗口144，发送器透镜部分聚焦从发光二极管发出的红外线。图1的图案148表示该产生的辐射功率分布。由部件116形成的接收透镜152把接收光聚焦到安装在主电路板126上的光电二极管154，即图1从目标结果反射的光的灵敏图案150。Front circuit housing portion 116 forms a
与发送器发光二极管132相同，光电二极管154带有一个罩，在此情况中是罩156。罩134和156是不透明的，并且有助于降低噪声和串扰。电路外壳还限制光噪声；其中央和后部118和120由例如Lexan 141聚碳酸酯的不透明材料制成，而其正面部分116由例如Lexan OQ2720聚碳酸酯的透明材料制成，以便使其能够形成实际的透镜136和152，在其非透镜部分具有变粗糙和/或涂覆的表面，以降低通过该部分的发送。Like the
安装在正面部分116上的一个不透明障物留出一个中心孔隙160，用于从发光二极管132发送红外光而阻断能够造成串扰的杂散发送。同样为了防止串扰，一个不透明阻塞162被固定到在正面部件116电路外壳中的提供用于该目的的一个缝隙中。An opaque barrier mounted on the front portion 116 leaves a central aperture 160 for transmitting infrared light from the
图2A的其中发送器和接收器透镜被整合形成为电路外壳一部分的装置能够提供制造上的胜过其中透镜与外壳分离提供的装置的优点。但是在某些实施例中可能最好是使得透镜分开，因为那么做将提供在透镜和电路外壳的材料选择中的更大的灵活性。图6和6A是使用此方案的一个备用选择的正面和截面图。该选择方案包括与透镜136′和152′分开的正面电路外壳部分116′。外壳部件116′形成一个泪珠形状边缘164，在装配过程中与透镜136′上的类似形状的边缘166合作，以便在随后超声焊接的泪珠形状肩部168上的透镜136′的定位中正确地定向该透镜。参考图6A，该泪珠形状保证该透镜被正确地定向。接收透镜152被类似地安装。由于前面电路外壳部件116′以及透镜136′和152′不需要由相同的材料制成，所以外壳部件116′能够由不透明材料制成，以使障蔽170和阻塞172能够利用该材料整合地形成。如结合图2A提到的那样，电路外壳包括控制阀门操作器以及其它冲水器部件的电路。The arrangement of Figure 2A in which the transmitter and receiver lenses are integrally formed as part of the circuit housing can provide manufacturing advantages over arrangements in which the lens is provided separately from the housing. But in some embodiments it may be preferable to have the lens separate, as doing so will provide greater flexibility in the choice of material for the lens and circuit housing. Figures 6 and 6A are front and cross-sectional views of an alternative option for using this approach. This option includes a front circuit housing portion 116' that is separate from the lenses 136' and 152'. Housing member 116' forms a teardrop-shaped
图4A是该电路的一个简化方框图。根据一个微控制器的控制电路180操作控制该阀门操作器的一个外围设备电路182。包括图2的发光二极管132的发送电路184也由控制电路180操作，并且接收器电路186包括光电二极管154，并且将其响应发送给控制电路以产生回声。虽然图4A的电路能够被如此实施从而在房屋电源上运行，但是更通常的是电池供电，并且图4A明确地示出一个基于电池供电188的情况，因为如下面将解释的那样，控制电路180不仅从电源接收调节的电源而且检测其未调整的功率用于实现下面说明的用途。而且控制图4A电路各个组成部分的供电功率的应用。Figure 4A is a simplified block diagram of the circuit. A
由于电路最时常是由电池供电，所以一个重要的设计考虑是电源不被不必要地采用。结果是，基于微控制器的电路通常处在″静止″模式，其中仅抽出充足的功率来保持某些刷新的易失性存储器以及操作一个定时器190。在示出的实施例中，该定时器190每250msec产生一个输出脉冲，而控制电路在返回静止模式之前通过执行一个短操作程序来响应每一个脉冲。图12A和12B(与图12一起)形式一个流程图，以简化方式说明那些操作的某些方面。Since circuits are most often powered by batteries, an important design consideration is that power is not drawn unnecessarily. As a result, microcontroller based circuits are typically in a "quiescent" mode where only enough power is drawn to keep some volatile memory refreshed and to operate one
图2、3和4示出的自动冲水器可以使用图7、7B和7C所示隔离致动器的各种实施例。隔离致动器701包括一个致动器基座716、铁磁极靴725、可滑动地安装在绕线管714内部形成的一个电枢容器中的铁磁电枢740。铁磁体电枢740包括一个末端742(即柱塞742)以及具有环形弹簧748的一个电枢空腔750。环形弹簧748包括用于机械控制的减小的未端748a和748b。铁磁体电枢740可以包括一种或几个凹槽或通道752，提供从电枢740的末端(致动器基座716的外部)到电枢空腔750以及到在该极靴725的电枢740的邻近端的沟通，以便容易在该电枢的位移过程中的流体运动。The automatic flushers shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4 may use various embodiments of the isolation actuator shown in Figures 7, 7B and 7C.
隔离致动器主体701还包括关于螺线管线轴714缠绕的一个螺线管线圈728以及放置在一个磁铁凹进处720中的磁铁723。隔离致动器主体701还包括一个可弹性变形的O型环712，形成在螺线管绕线管714和致动器基座716之间的一个密封，并且包括一个一个可弹性变形的O型环730，形成在螺线管绕线管714和极靴725之间的一个密封，全部都由一个螺线管外壳718合成一体。螺线管外壳718(即容仓718)压接在致动器基座16，以便保持磁铁723和极靴725顶压绕线管714，并从而把螺线管线圈728和致动器基座716固定在一起。The
隔离致动器700还包括一个弹性膜片764，可以具有结合图7D和7E描述和示出的各种实施例。如图7所示，弹性膜片764安装在致动器基座716和引导按钮705之间来密封放置在与电枢端口752连通的一个流体密闭电枢腔中的电枢液体。弹性膜片764包括一个末端766、O型环状部分767和一个柔性部分768。末端766在区域708接触该密封表面。弹性膜片764暴露于引导按钮705中的经过导管706提供的调节液体的压力，并因此可能经受可观的外部力量。而且，弹性膜片764的构成具有很低的导磁率和很高的耐久性，用于在多年的操作上的开和关。Isolation actuator 700 also includes a
仍然参考图7，为了存储和发货的目的，隔离致动器701带有一个帽703，使用一个可弹性变形的O型环732相对于致动器基座716末梢部分和相对于引导按钮705密封。存储和发货帽703通常包括水，由弹性膜片744包含的相对平衡液体；这将显著限制或消除了液体通过弹性膜片744的扩散。Still referring to FIG. 7 , for storage and shipping purposes, the
仍然参考图7，致动器基座716包括一个实质上处在内部容仓718的宽基座部分和将其外侧表面螺纹固定到接受帽703上的一个缩小的基座延伸部分。该基座扩展部分的内表面与引导按钮705的外表面上提供的互补螺纹啮合。膜片764包括一个加厚的外边767，放置在该基座扩展部分32的下表面和引导按钮705之间。这将产生一个液体密闭的密封，使得该膜片保护该电枢免于暴露到主阀门中流动的外部流体。Still referring to FIG. 7 , the actuator base 716 includes a wide base portion substantially within the
例如，该电枢流体可以是混合以抗腐蚀剂的水，例如混合了20％的聚丙烯乙二醇和钾磷酸盐的水。另外，电枢液体可以包括硅基液体，聚丙烯聚乙烯乙二醇或其它具有大分子的流体。该电枢液体通常可以是相对于该电枢而言具有低粘性并且最好是非腐蚀性的任何不可压缩的液体。另外，该电枢流体可以是Fomblin或具有低蒸发压力(但最好是高分子尺寸以防止扩散)的其它液体。For example, the armature fluid may be water mixed with an anti-corrosion agent, such as 20% polypropylene glycol and potassium phosphate. Additionally, the armature fluid may include silicon based fluids, polypropylene polyethylene glycol or other fluids with macromolecules. The armature fluid may generally be any incompressible fluid that has a low viscosity relative to the armature and is preferably non-corrosive. Alternatively, the armature fluid can be Fomblin or other liquid with low vapor pressure (but preferably high molecular size to prevent diffusion).
如果有防蚀剂保护，该电枢材料可以是低碳钢、铁或任何软磁性材料；耐腐蚀力不象其在没有这种保护的情况中那样的大的因素。其它实施例可以采用例如420或430系列不锈钢的电枢材料。仅需要该电枢实质上由一个铁磁材料组成，即一个螺线管和磁铁能够吸引的材料。虽然如此，该电枢可以包括例如柔性或其它梢端，即不是铁磁体的部件。If protected by corrosion inhibitors, the armature material could be mild steel, iron or any soft magnetic material; corrosion resistance is not as much of a factor as it would be without such protection. Other embodiments may utilize armature materials such as 420 or 430 series stainless steel. It is only required that the armature consist essentially of a ferromagnetic material, ie a material that the solenoid and magnet can attract. Nonetheless, the armature may include, for example, a flexible or other tip, ie a component that is not ferromagnetic.
弹性膜片764密封在与由电枢主体形成的一个电枢端口752或790连通的一个液体密闭的电枢容腔中的电枢流体。而且，弹性膜片764暴露于主阀门中的调节液体的压力并且可能因此经受相当的外部力量。但是，电枢740以及弹簧750不必克服该力量，因为该导管的压力通过膜片764传递到在该电枢容腔中的该不可压缩的电枢流体。因此，在容腔中的该压力产生的力与该导管压力施加的力平衡。The
仍然参考图7、7A、7B和7C，电枢740相对于在该腔中的流体压力在回缩和延伸位置之间可自由移动。电枢端口752或790使得该力量平衡流体能够从该电枢容腔的通过弹簧空腔750转移到在致动时已经从其中撤出的电枢上端(即末端)的该电枢容腔部分。虽然电枢流体也可以围绕电枢的一侧流动，但是需要快速电枢运动的装置应该具有一个很低流阻的路径，例如端口752或790协助形成的一个路径。类似的考虑支持使用具有很低粘性的电枢容腔流体。因此，该隔离操作器(即致动器700)为了操作仅需要低量电能，并因此是唯一适于电池操作。Still referring to Figures 7, 7A, 7B and 7C, the armature 740 is freely movable between retracted and extended positions relative to fluid pressure within the cavity. The
在图7所示的闩锁实施例中，电枢740被磁铁723保持在没有螺线管电流时的缩进位置。为了把电枢驱动到该延伸位置，要求电枢电流的方向和幅值所产生的磁力足够抵消磁铁的磁力，以便使得该弹簧力起主导作用。当那么做时，该弹簧力电枢740移动到其延伸位置，其中使得膜片的外部表面密封顶压该阀门座(例如引导按钮705的底座)。在该位置，电枢距该磁铁有足够的空间，该弹簧力能够保持该电枢的延伸而无需螺线管的帮助。In the latch embodiment shown in FIG. 7, armature 740 is held by
为了把电枢返回到示出的缩进位置并且从而实现流体的流动，电流被驱动通过螺线管，其电流方向使得产生的磁场加强磁铁的磁场。如上所述，磁铁723施加在缩进位置中的电枢上的力量足够大，以便将其保持在那里抵抗该弹簧力。但是，在不包括磁铁723的非闩锁实施例中，只要该螺线管传导足够电流而使得产生的磁力超过弹簧748的弹力，电枢740就保持在回缩位置。To return the armature to the retracted position shown and thereby effect fluid flow, current is driven through the solenoid in a direction such that the resulting magnetic field strengthens that of the magnet. As noted above, the force exerted by the
有益的是，膜片764保护电枢740并且产生以一种很无腐蚀性流体填充的空腔，这将使得致动器设计者能够在高耐腐蚀力和高磁导率的材料之间进行更有利的选择。而且，膜片764提供了对于那些倾向进入该空腔的金属离子以及其它渣粒的屏障。Beneficially, the
隔膜膜片764包括一个密封表面766，涉及到该底座开口区域，密封表面766和底座开口区域都能够是增减。可以针对该阀门致动器所设计操作的压力范围而优化该密封表面766和引导按钮705的底座表面。降低密封表面766(并且该电枢740的对应梢端)将降低在挤压该膜片中包括的柱塞面积，而这又降低了针对一个给定上游液体导管压力所需要的弹簧力。另一方面，把该柱塞梢端面积作得太小将易于在阀门关闭的过程中损坏膜片764。梢端接触面积对底座开口区域的最佳比值范围是在1.4和12.3之间。本发明的致动器适合于各种控制流体的压力。包括大约150psi的压力。在不作任何实质修改的条件下，该阀门致动器可以使用在大约30psi到80psi的范围中，甚至在大约125psi的水压下使用。
仍然参考图7、7A、7B和7C，引导按钮705具有一个重要新颖功能，用于实现图2B示出隔膜阀门或图3B示出的隔栅阀门的一致长期引导。螺线管致动器701连同引导按钮705一起作为一个组件安装到电子龙头中；这将最小化区域708(图7、7B和7C)中的引导底座相对于关闭表面(图7E中详细示出)的引导阀门冲程的易变性，这种易变性将会影响该引导操作。这一安装比已有技术更快和更简单。Still referring to Figures 7, 7A, 7B and 7C,
操作器701和引导按钮705的组件通常是在一个工厂中装配在一起并永久连接，从而保持隔膜膜片764和压力加载电枢液体(压力可与受控的流体相比)。使用互补螺纹或滑道机构把引导按钮705耦合到致动器基座716的缩窄的末端，两者保证了在隔膜764的末端766和引导按钮705的密封表面之间的可再现的固定距离。使用粘结、固定螺丝或销针的方法能够使得操作器701和引导按钮705永久地耦合。另外，一部件可以包括一个延长区，用于在拧紧或滑落在引导按钮705之后把两个部件压接在一起。The assembly of the
有可能不用引导按钮705来安装螺线管致动器701，但是这一过程有点更麻烦。如果不用引导按钮705，则该安装过程要求首先相对于主阀门定位引导阀门主体，然后把致动器组件固定在主阀门上从而把该引导阀门主体保持在适当的位置。如果没有采取适当的关注，由于各个零件的容差和可能的变形将引起该引导主体位置上的某些易变性。这易变性造成在引导阀门部件冲程中的易变性。在低功率引导阀门中，即使很小的变化也能影响定时或可能不利地影响密封力，并甚至根本妨碍引导阀门的打开或关闭。因此，在安装、现场维修或替换过程中减小这一易变性是重要的。另一方面，当组装螺线管致动器701与引导按钮705时，在该制造过程中消除或实质上降低了这种易变性，并因此没有必要在现场维修或替换过程中采用特别关注。It is possible to install
如上所述，主阀门组件包括具有主阀门入口、主阀门座、主阀门出口的一个主阀门主体，一个压力腔(即引导腔)和一个减压出口，通过该减压出口减小压力腔(引导腔)中的压力，其中该主阀门部件可以是隔膜28(图2B)、柱塞或隔栅部件(图3B或图4)，这几种主阀门部件都可在一个关闭位置和开启位置之间移动，在其关闭位置，该主阀门部件密封顶压该主阀门座，从而避免从该主入口(例如图2B、3B或4中的输入端12)到主出口(例如图2B、3B或4中的输出端34)的水流动。As mentioned above, the main valve assembly includes a main valve body having a main valve inlet, a main valve seat, a main valve outlet, a pressure chamber (i.e. pilot chamber) and a relief outlet through which the pressure chamber ( pilot cavity), where the main valve component can be a diaphragm 28 (Figure 2B), a plunger or a barrier component (Figure 3B or Figure 4), which can be in a closed position and an open position In its closed position, the main valve part seals against the main valve seat, thereby avoiding the passage from the main inlet (such as the
如上所述，参考图7D和7E，隔膜膜片764包括外环767、挠性区域768和梢端或底座区766。该柱塞的末梢端被密封在该密封区域766背后的一个容器边缘内。由于其通过NSF部件61的低硬度测定和压缩凝固以及很低扩散率的原因，最好由EPDM制成隔膜膜片764。为了防止封装的电枢流体在运输或安装过程中的漏泄，该低扩散率是重要的。另外，隔膜部分764能够由澄粉弹性体制成，例如VITON或柔软、低压缩橡胶，例如由CRI SP-508制作的CRI-LINE澄粉弹性体。另外，隔膜部分764能够由聚四氟乙烯型弹性体制作，或仅包括聚四氟乙烯敷层的弹性体制作。另外，隔膜部件764能够用具有40-50硬度测定的NBR(自然橡胶)做成，作为减小生产流量标记的铸模处理变化的影响的一种手段，该流量标记能够形成包容的液体进入周围环境中的微小泄露。另外，隔膜部件764包括一种金属敷层，当在装配的致动器存储或发货的过程中被干燥和暴露于空气床时，该金属敷层扩散经过该隔膜部件的扩散。As mentioned above with reference to FIGS. 7D and 7E , the
隔膜部件764最好具有高弹力和低压缩性(这是很难实现的)。隔膜部件764可以具有某些由低硬度材料制成的部件(即部件767和768)而其它部件则由高硬度材料制成(前表面766)。为了最小化在电枢冲程积久操作中的改变，隔膜部件764的低压缩是重要的。因此，接触部件766是由高硬度材料制成。为了有在区域768中的自然伸缩隔膜部分764，需要的是高弹性。而且，隔膜部件768相当薄，以使该隔膜能够偏转，并且该柱塞能以很小的力移动。这一点对于长期的电池供电来说是重要的。
参考图7E，隔膜膜片764的另一实施例能够被做成包括一个正向插芯(slug)空腔772(除了后部柱塞空腔被成形来容纳该柱塞端梢之外)。该正向插芯空腔772被填充以塑料或金属插芯774。包括插芯774的表面的正向表面770与引导按钮705的密封表面协调放置。具体地说，引导按钮705的密封表面可以包括由相对于插芯774的设计成而言特性不同的材料制成的一个引导底座709。例如，能够由高硬度材料制成高硬度的引导底座709。因此，在密封操作过程中，有弹性且很硬的插芯与很柔软的引导底座709接触。隔膜膜片764和引导按钮705的这一新颖设计提供了一种长期高可再现的封闭操作。Referring to Figure 7E, another embodiment of the
隔膜部件764能够由一种两阶段铸模处理制成，其中该外侧部分是柔软材料的铸模，而与引导底座接触的内侧部分是在铸模处理上使用较硬弹性体或热塑材料的铸模。正面插入部分774能够由一种硬注入铸模塑料制成，例如可接受的共聚合物或非腐蚀性无磁材料，例如300系列不锈钢的一个成形金属盘。在本方案中，引导底座709被进一步修改使得其包括几何结构来保持由很高硬度弹性体，例如EPDM 60硬度制成的引导底座的几何结构。通过采用这种设计，把该密封表面顺从部件转移到引导按钮705的阀门座(而不是隔膜部件764)上，得到了几个关键好处。具体地说，隔膜部件764是一种很顺从的材料。在涉及保持没有流量标记的适当引导底座几何结构的处理中有实质改进(是一个要求认真的处理控制和不断质量控制警惕的常见现象)。这一设计使得能够使用具有针对应用而优化的一个硬度的弹性部件。
图7F是使用在图7至7C所示的致动器中的一个电枢绕线管的另一实施例的截面图。绕线管的主体的构造具有对于电枢流体的低渗透性。例如，绕线管714包括接触电枢液体的金属区域713，以及不接触电枢流体的塑料区域713a。7F is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an armature bobbin for use in the actuator shown in FIGS. 7-7C. The body of the bobbin is constructed with low permeability to armature fluid. For example,
图8示出针对一个闩锁致动器801的一个流体流量控制系统的示意图。该流量控制系统同样包括微控制器814、电源开关818、螺线管驱动器820。如图7所示闩锁致动器701至少包括一个缠绕在一个线轴上的激励螺线管线圈728和最好是由永久磁铁制成的一个电枢。微控制器814把控制信号815A和815B供给到电流驱动器820，驱动螺线管线圈728以便移动电枢740。螺线管驱动器820从电池824接收DC功率而调压器826调整这电池功率，以便把实质恒定的电压提供到电流驱动器820。线圈检测器843A和843B拾取由于电枢740的移动产生的感生电压信号，并且把此信号提供到一个调整反馈环路，该调整反馈环路包括前置放大器845A、845B和流量传递滤波器847A、847B。即，线圈检测器843A和843B被用于监视该电枢位置。FIG. 8 shows a schematic diagram of a fluid flow control system for a latch actuator 801 . The flow control system also includes
微控制器814被同样针对高效功率操作而设计。在致动之间，微控制器814自动地进到低频率的静止模式，而全部其它电子元件(例如输入单元或检测器818、电源驱动器820、调压器或升压器826信号调节器822)被掉电。在从例如一个移动检测器接收一个输入信号时，微控制器814接通功耗控制器819(即接通图3B中的晶体管Q1)。功耗控制器819加电信号调节器822。
还参考图7，为了关闭流体通道708，微控制器814提供一个″关闭″控制信号815A到螺线管驱动器820，这将把一个激励电压施加到该线圈终端。由微控制器814提供的″关闭″控制信号815A启动螺线管驱动器820的驱动电压，具有的极性使得产生的磁通量与由永久磁铁723提供的磁场极性相反。这将中断磁铁723的对于电枢740的保持，并且使得返回弹簧748朝着阀门底座708的方向移动阀门部件740。在该关闭位置中，弹簧748保持隔膜部件764顶压引导按钮705的阀门座。在该关闭位置中，在电枢740的末端和极靴725之间有着一个增加的距离。因此，磁铁723提供在该电枢740上的磁力小于由恢复弹簧748提供的力。Referring also to FIG. 7, to close
为了打开该流体通道，微控制器814提供一个″打开″控制信号815B(即闩锁信号)到螺线管驱动器820。该″打开″控制信号815B启始在螺线管驱动器820中的一个驱动电压，具有的极性使得产生的磁通量与由偏置弹簧748提供的力相反。该产生的磁通量加强了由永久磁铁723提供的通量并且克服了弹簧748的力。永久磁铁723提供一个力，足够太到把电枢740保持在开启位置，抵抗恢复弹簧748的力，不要求任何由螺线管线圈728产生的磁力。To open the fluid channel,
参考图2，通过在电枢740已经达到该期望打开或关闭状态之后把适当的控制信号815A或815B加到螺线管驱动器820，微控制器814中止电流的流动。拾取线圈843A和843B(或任何通常的检测器)监视电枢740的运动(或位置)，并确定电枢740是否已经达到其终点。根据来自拾取线圈843A和843B(或检测器)的检测数据，微控制器814停止施加该线圈驱动、增加该线圈驱动或降低该线圈驱动。Referring to FIG. 2, the
为了打开该流体通道，微控制器814发送OPEN信号815B到电源驱动器820，这将以缩进电枢740的方向提供一个驱动电流到线圈842。同时，线圈843A和843B把感应信号提供到调整反馈环路，它包括一个前置放大器和一个低通滤波器。如果一个微分电路849的输出指示小于供电枢达到一个选择位置(例如该扩展和缩进位置之间的一半距离，或完全地回缩位置，或其它位置)的一个选定阈值标度，则微控制器814将保持OPEN信号815B被维护。如果没有检测到电枢740的移动，则微控制器814能够施加不同的OPEN信号815B的水电平，以便增加由功率驱动器820提供的驱动电流(达到正常驱动电流几倍)。这样，系统能够移动由于矿物淀积或其它问题而停止的电枢740。To open the fluid channel,
微控制器814能够使用提供到该调整反馈环路的在线圈843A和843B中的感应信号而检测电枢位移(甚至监视电枢移动)。随着响应电枢740的位移而改变微分电路849的输出，微控制器814能够施加不同的OPEN信号815B的电平，或能够关断OPEN信号815B，这又控制功率驱动器820来施加驱动电流的不同电平。结果通常是该驱动电流已经被降低，或该驱动电流的持续时间已经比在最坏情况条件下为打开流体通道所需求的时间(即在不使用一个电枢检测器条件下必须被使用的)短得多。因此，图8的系统节省了可观的能量并因此延长电池824的寿命。
有益的是，线圈检测器843A和843B的该设计能够以大精度来检测电枢740的闩锁和解闩锁移动。(但是，单个线圈检测器，或多个线圈检测器，或电容检测器也可以被用于电枢740的移动检测。)微控制器814能够指示由电源驱动器820施加的驱动电流的配置文件。各种配置文件可以存储在微控制器814中并且可以根据各种系数起动，这些系数有：流体类型、液体压力、流体温度、自从安装或最后维护的时间致动器840、电池电平、来自外部检测器(例如移动检测器或目标出现检测器)的输入、或其它系数。Beneficially, this design of coil detectors 843A and 843B is capable of detecting the latching and unlatching movement of armature 740 with great accuracy. (However, a single coil detector, or multiple coil detectors, or capacitive detectors could also be used for armature 740 movement detection.)
作为选择，微控制器814可以包括用于数据传送的通信接口，例如无线通信接口(例如RF接口)的串行端口、并行端口、USB端口。通信接口被用于下载数据到微控制器814(例如驱动曲线配置文件、校准数据)，或用于重新编程微控制器814，以便控制不同的启动或计算类型。Alternatively, the
参考图7，当经过引导按钮705通道706提供水输入时，电磁致动器701以一个逆流装置连接。另外，当经过引导按钮705通道710提供水输入并且经过通道706退出时，电磁致动器701以一个正流装置连接。在该正流装置中，柱塞″直面″由通道710提供的受控液体的压力。即，对应的液体力作用而抵抗弹簧748。在正和逆装置中，该闩锁或解闩锁时间取决于流体压力，但是该实际闩锁时间相关是不同的。在逆流装置中，该闩锁时间(即用于回缩柱塞740的时间)实质上随该液体压力线性地增加，如图9B所示。另一方面，在这正流装置中，该闩锁时间随情况该液体压力而降低。根据该闩锁时间相关性，微控制器814能够计算该实际水压并且因此控制该出水量。Referring to Fig. 7, when water input is provided through channel 706 of
图8A示出针对该闩锁致动器另一实施例的一个流体流量控制系统的示意图。该流量控制系统同样包括微控制器814、功耗控制器819、从电池824或升压器826接收功率的螺线管驱动器820、和一个指示器828。如上所述，微控制器814以静止模式和操作模式操作。微控制器814从输入单元818(或任何检测器)接收一个输入信号，并且把控制信号815A和815B提供到电流驱动器820，这将驱动一个闩锁阀门致动器701的螺线管。螺线管驱动器820从电池824接收DC功率，而调压器826调整该电池功率。一个功率监控器872监视传递到致动器701的激励线圈的功率信号，并且以具有运算放大器870的一个反馈设计把功率监控器信号提供到微控制器814。如上所述，微控制器814和功耗控制器19被设计用于高效功率操作。Figure 8A shows a schematic diagram of a fluid flow control system for another embodiment of the latch actuator. The flow control system also includes
还参考图3，为了关闭流体通道308，微控制器14提供一个″关闭″控制信号815A到螺线管驱动器820，这将把一个激励电压施加到该致动器终端，并且因此施加驱动电流通过螺线管线圈728。功率监控器872可以是一个连接电阻，用于所加的流经的驱动电流(或驱动电流的一部分)。功率监控器872可以选择为线圈或其它部件。功率监控器872的输出被提供到信号调节器870的微分电路。该微分电路被用于确定一个闩锁点，如图9A所示。Referring also to FIG. 3, to close
与结合图8的描述相似，为了打开流体通道，微控制器814发送CLOSE信号815A或OPEN信号815B到阀门驱动器820，这将以外延或缩进电枢740方向把驱动电流提供到螺线管线圈728(并且关闭或打开通道708)。同时，功率监控器872把一个信号提供到运算放大器870。使用该功率监控器信号，微控制器814确定电枢740是否达到期望的状态。例如，如果运算放大器870的输出一开始指示没有用于电枢740的闩锁状态，则微控制器814将保持信号815B，即如上所述地施加一个高电平OPEN信号，以便施加一个较高的驱动电流。另一方面，如果电枢740达到该期望状态(例如图9A所示的闩锁状态)，则微控制器814施加一个低电平的OPEN信号815B，即关断OPEN信号815B。与为在最糟情况下打开液体通道所需的时间或电流电平相比较，这将通常降低驱动电流的持续时间或该驱动电流的电平。因此，图8A的系统节省了可观的能量并因此延长电池824的寿命。Similar to that described in connection with FIG. 8, to open the fluid passage,
参考图10，流程图900示出在一个冲水周期期间的微控制器814的操作。如上所述，微控制器814在一个静止模式。依据来自输入单元或外部检测器的输入信号，微控制器814被开始，并且定时器被置零(步骤902)。在步骤904中，如果阀门致动器执行一个完整冲洗，则时间Tbas等于Tfull(步骤906)。如果没有完整冲洗，则定时器在步骤910设置为Tbas等于Thalf。在步骤912中，在步骤914启动致动器之前，微控制器取样电池电压。在致动器的螺线管启动之后，微控制器814搜索闩锁点(见图9或9A)。当定时器达到闩锁点(步骤918)时，微控制器814禁动该螺线管(步骤920)。在步骤922中，基于该闩锁时间，微控制器814使用储存的校准数据计算对应的水压。根据水压和已知的由水槽冲水器的放水量，微控制器决定该致动器的解闩锁时间(即关闭时间)(步骤926)。达到闩锁时间之后，微控制器14把″关闭″信号提供到电流驱动器820(步骤928)。在这点之后，重复流程图900所示的整个循环。Referring to FIG. 10, a flowchart 900 shows the operation of the
参考图12A和12B，框200和202表示的事实是，控制器保持其静止模式直到定时器190产生一个脉冲为止。当脉冲出现时，该处理器以由框204表示的一个预定入口点开始执行存储的程序。程序进入到执行由框206的步骤示例的设置各个端口的状态的某些初始化操作，以及框208的检测图2的按钮开关210的状态的步骤。安装在冲水器外壳146上准备好由用户接通的按钮开关包含一个磁铁210a，当按钮被压下时，磁铁210a增加对主电路板126的靠近程度。电路板包括一个舌簧开关211，如图6建议的那样，响应在电路板126上产生的增加的磁场而产生一个对于控制电路的输入。Referring to Figures 12A and 12B, blocks 200 and 202 represent the fact that the controller remains in its quiescent mode until
按钮开关210的主要目的是使用户能够手动地操作该冲水器。如图12的框212、214、216、217和218所示，如果冲洗不是已经在进行中，以及如果该按钮没有被预先连续按下30秒，则控制电路180通常以启始一个冲洗操作来响应按钮的压下。The main purpose of the
此三十秒的条件是强加的，以便使得电池被在制造过程中安装而不引起在当电池被安装在该单元中时和当该单元被安装在一个卫生间系统中时这两个时间之间的显著的能量消耗。具体地说，该冲水器的封装能够被如此设计，即当其被关闭时，只要该封装保持关闭，压下该按钮开关210并且保持其被按下。通常在此情形中其将已经保持关闭大于三十秒，所以如图12的框220所示，该控制器返回其静止模式而不引起任何大于仅足以实现该控制器执行少数几个指令的功率消耗。即，该控制器尚未使得功率被加到几个用于发射红外辐射或通过冲洗阀门操作器的驱动电流的几个电路。This thirty-second condition is imposed so that the battery is installed during manufacture without causing a gap between when the battery is installed in the unit and when the unit is installed in a toilet system. significant energy consumption. Specifically, the enclosure of the flusher can be designed such that when it is closed, the
在静止模式节省功率的方法当中，微处理器电路而不被时钟控制，但是某些功率仍然加到电路来保持某些最低寄存器状态，包括在几个选择寄存器位中的预定的固定值。当电池被首先安装在该冲水器单元中时，不是全部的寄存器比特都将具有该预定值。框222表示确定那些值是否存在。如果否，则控制器推断该电池已经刚被安装，并且其进入一个加电模式，如框224表示。In the quiescent mode power saving method, the microprocessor circuit is not clocked, but some power is still applied to the circuit to maintain certain minimum register states, including predetermined fixed values in several select register bits. When a battery is first installed in the flusher unit, not all register bits will have the predetermined value. Block 222 represents determining whether those values exist. If not, the controller concludes that the battery has just been installed, and it enters a power-up mode, as represented by block 224 .
该加电模式涉及该事实，即在没有使用者的情况下在，不同环境中反射回到检测器接收器的检测辐射的比例不同。该加电模式的目的是使得安装者能够告知该系统在冲水器被安装的环境中该比例如何。这使得该系统随后能够忽略背景反射。在该加电模式期间，目标检测器操作不响应目标探测而打开阀门。相反，不论何时其操作一个可见LED，都检测一个目标，并且比如说该安装者调整一个电位器而把发射机的功率设置到一个电平，该电平刚好低于在没有一个有效目标的情况下该可见LED的光照仍然表示一个目标已经检测到的一个电平。这将告诉该系统何种电平将被认为是用于此安装的可允许最大辐射电平。The power-up mode is related to the fact that, in the absence of a user, the proportion of detection radiation reflected back to the detector receiver is different in different environments. The purpose of this power up mode is to enable the installer to tell the system what the ratio is in the environment in which the flusher is installed. This enables the system to subsequently ignore background reflections. During this power-up mode, the object detector operates without opening the valve in response to object detection. Instead, whenever it operates a visible LED, a target is detected, and, say, the installer adjusts a potentiometer to set the transmitter's power to a level just below that without a valid target. In case the illumination of the visible LED still indicates a level at which a target has been detected. This will tell the system what level is to be considered the maximum allowable emission level for this installation.
在进入这一加电模式中涉及的步骤中，把电源加到如果它们要操作则必须保持连续不断操作的某些子系统。例如在这些子系统当中有检测器的接收器电路。其中该红外发送器仅需要被脉冲，在脉冲之间无需加电源，该接收器必须在脉冲之间保持供电，以使其能够检测该脉冲回波。In the steps involved in entering this power-on mode, power is applied to certain subsystems that must remain in continuous operation if they are to operate. Among these subsystems are, for example, the receiver circuits of the detectors. Wherein the infrared transmitter only needs to be pulsed, no power needs to be applied between pulses, and the receiver must remain powered between pulses so that it can detect the pulse echo.
在该示出的实施例中的其它需要连续供电的子系统是一个低电池检测器。如上所述，控制电路从电源接收一个未调整的输出，并且从输出的电压推知该电池是否缺电，如框226表示。如果其是低值，则图4A中由框228表示的可见光发射二极管或其它报警器被操作来把该低电池电量状态的一个指示给到用户。The other subsystem in the illustrated embodiment that requires continuous power is a low battery detector. As described above, the control circuit receives an unregulated output from the power supply and deduces from the voltage at the output whether the battery is flat, as represented by block 226 . If it is low, then the visible light emitting diode or other alarm represented by
现在，框226表示的电池检验操作能被实现而无需系统在同一周期中执行框224的操作，所以框226的电池检验操作的随后步骤是由框230表示的确定该系统当前是否处在加电模式。Now, the battery test operation represented by frame 226 can be implemented without the system performing the operation of frame 224 in the same cycle, so the subsequent step of the battery test operation of frame 226 is to determine whether the system is currently powered on by frame 230 model.
在该示出的实施例中，该系统用于在这一加电模式中操作十分钟，之后假定该安装过程已经结束并且不再需要可见目标检测指示器。如在框230工作中确定的那样，如果该系统的确在加电模式中，则其执行框232的步骤，确定其是否已经在该模式中大于十分钟，即校准间隔的计划长度。如果是，则其复位该系统，使得其将不认为自身是在该加电模式中的下一次唤醒。In the illustrated embodiment, the system is designed to operate in this power-on mode for ten minutes, after which it is assumed that the installation process has ended and the visible object detection indicator is no longer required. If the system is indeed in power-up mode, as determined in operation at block 230, it performs the step of block 232 to determine whether it has been in this mode for more than ten minutes, the planned length of the calibration interval. If so, it resets the system so that it will not consider itself to be the next wakeup in this power-up mode.
尽管对于当前周期来说，其仍然在其加电模式中，但其执行确定的加电模式操作。由框234表示的操作之一是从未调整的供电输出确定是否任何电池被安错了方向。如果有的话，则该系统简单地返回到静止状态，如框236所示。否则，如框238所示，该系统检测其存储器以便确定是否已经按照示出实施例的加电模式中的要求连续指令该阀门操作器五次以关闭该冲洗阀门。我们已经发现，当系统初次安装时而如此命令阀门关闭，将力图避免在初始安装过程中的不慎冲水。Although it is still in its power-up mode for the current cycle, it performs deterministic power-up mode operation. One of the operations represented by block 234 is to determine from the unregulated power supply output if any batteries have been misplaced. If so, the system simply returns to a quiescent state, as shown in block 236 . Otherwise, as indicated by block 238, the system checks its memory to determine whether the valve operator has been commanded five consecutive times to close the flush valve as required in the power-up mode of the illustrated embodiment. We have found that so commanding the valve to close when the system is first installed will attempt to avoid inadvertent flushing during the initial installation.
如框242所示，系统随后确定是否已经检测到一个目标。如果是，则系统设置一个标志，如框244所示，指示将接通可见LED并且从而将此事实通知安装者。这将结束该加电模式专用操作。As shown in block 242, the system then determines whether an object has been detected. If so, the system sets a flag, as shown at block 244, indicating that the visible LED will be turned on and thereby notifying the installer of this fact. This will end this power-up mode dedicated operation.
系统随后进入不特定到该模式的操作。在示出的实施例中，那些进一步的操作实际被欲意仅每秒钟执行一次，而该定时器每250msec唤醒本系统一次。因此如框246所示，系统确定自从上次执行操作是否已经经过了完整的一秒。如果否，则该系统简单地返回到静止状态，如框248所示。The system then enters operation not specific to that mode. In the illustrated embodiment, those further operations are actually intended to be performed only once per second, whereas the timer wakes up the system every 250 msec. Thus, as shown in block 246, the system determines whether a full second has elapsed since the last time the operation was performed. If not, the system simply returns to a quiescent state, as shown in block 248 .
另一方面，如果已经经过一整秒，则如果系统已经预先设置某个标志来指示这应该是LED的状态，该系统将接通一个可见的LED。由框250和252表示的此操作的后面跟着的是框254的步骤，确定该阀门是否已经打开。如果是，该程序调用由框256表示的进一步的程序，其中查看定时器等来确定该阀门是否应被关闭。如果应该关闭，则该程序关闭该阀门。系统随后返回到静止模式。On the other hand, if a full second has elapsed, the system will turn on a visible LED if it has preset some flag to indicate that this should be the state of the LED. This operation represented by boxes 250 and 252 is followed by the step of box 254, determining whether the valve has been opened. If so, the program calls a further program represented by box 256, which looks at timers etc. to determine if the valve should be closed. If it should be closed, the program closes the valve. The system then returns to rest mode.
如果阀门没有打开，则系统如框258所示那样施加电源给上述需要连续加电的子系统。如果从该加电模式达到此步骤，虽然该电源将是已经被施加，但是在其正常操作模式中将是尚未被施加。If the valve is not open, then the system applies power as indicated at block 258 to the aforementioned subsystems that require continuous power-up. If this step is reached from the power-up mode, although the power will have been applied, in its normal mode of operation it will not have been.
在这是需要电源施加的，因为检测电池电源的子系统需要电源。如框260和262所示，随后检测子系统的输出。如果该结果是该电池功率不足的结论，则系统执行框264和框266的步骤，在设置一个标志以指示其已经假设该加电模式之后返回到静止模式。设置该标志使得任何随后的唤醒周期都包括关闭该阀门的操作，并因此避免否则可能会由于一个功率损耗而造成的不受控制的流动。This is where power is applied because the subsystem that detects battery power needs power. As indicated by blocks 260 and 262, the outputs of the subsystems are then detected. If the result is a conclusion that the battery is underpowered, the system performs the steps of blocks 264 and 266, returning to rest mode after setting a flag to indicate that it has assumed the power-up mode. Setting the flag causes any subsequent wake-up cycle to include closing the valve and thus avoiding uncontrolled flow that might otherwise result from a power loss.
从一个维护的角度出发，期望系统不要太长的时间没有冲水。如果经过二十四小时该系统没有响应一个目标而冲洗，则程序将引起一个冲水出现然后转到静止，如框268、270、272所示。否则，该系统将发送红外辐射进入到该目标区域并且检测任何产生的回声，如框274所示。还确定这产生的检测回声是否满足确定的用于有效目标的判据，如框276所示。From a maintenance point of view, it is expected that the system will not be flushed for too long. If the system has not flushed in response to an object for twenty-four hours, the program will cause a flush to occur and then go to rest, as shown in blocks 268,270,272. Otherwise, the system will send infrared radiation into the target area and detect any resulting echoes, as indicated at block 274 . It is also determined whether the resulting detected echo satisfies the established criteria for a valid target, as indicated at block 276 .
确定的结果被随即馈送到由框278表示的一系列测试，用于确定是否应该出现冲水。一个典型测试是确定一个用户是否已经出现了至少一个预定的最小时间并且随后已经离开，但是几种其它状态也可用于确定该阀门应将打开。如果这里面的任何一个状态出现，该系统都打开该阀门，如框280所示。如果可见的LED和模拟电源被在此点接通，则它们被关断，如框282表示。如框284所示，该系统随后转到静止。The result of the determination is then fed to a series of tests represented by block 278 for determining whether a flush should occur. A typical test is to determine if a user has been present for at least a predetermined minimum time and then has left, but several other states can also be used to determine that the valve should be open. If any of these conditions occurs, the system opens the valve, as shown in block 280. If the visible LEDs and analog power are turned on at this point, they are turned off, as represented by block 282 . As indicated by block 284, the system then goes to rest.
框276的确定一个有效的目标是否出现的操作包括一个程序，图13A和13B共同(″图13″)描述该程序。作为图的框288表示的步骤中的确定，如果系统在其加电模式中，则按照上面解释的方式建立一个背景增益。框290表示进行电平确定。The operation of determining whether a valid object is present at block 276 includes a procedure described collectively in FIGS. 13A and 13B ("FIG. 13"). As a determination in the step represented by
加电模式的目标被设置一个背景电平，不是操作该冲洗阀门，如果设置背景电平，则该背景确定步骤290后面跟着的是框292的复位一个标志的操作，它将使得另一程序打开该冲洗阀门。图13的程序随即返回，如框294所示。The goal of power-up mode is to set a background level, not operate the flush valve, if the background level is set, then the
如果框288的步骤的结果相反指示该系统不在加电模式中，则该系统转而获得该发送辐射被反射回到检测器的百分比情况的一个指示。虽然获得这样一个指示的任何方式都适于本发明使用，但是一种趋于节省电源的方法是改变该发射功率，其改变方式是找到实现接收功率的一个预定设置数值的发送功率电平。该发送功率电平从而被标识为该反射百分比的一个(反向)指示。通过采用这种方案，该系统能够如此操作来把其发送功率限制到为获得一个可检测回声所需要的电平。If the result of the step of
原则上，该示出的实施例遵循本方法。在实践中，系统被设计只以某些分立的功率电平发送，所以其实际上是标识分立的发送功率电平对儿来响应包括接收功率的设置值的反射功率电平。具体地说，进行到框296和框298的步骤确定该反射的红外线强度是否超出一个预定门限值，如果是，则通常是通过降低发送的红外强度来降低系统的灵敏度，直至该反射光强落到该门限值以下为止。该结果是获得无目标指示的最高增益值。In principle, the illustrated embodiment follows the method. In practice, the system is designed to only transmit at certain discrete power levels, so it actually identifies pairs of discrete transmit power levels in response to reflected power levels including the set value of the received power. Specifically, proceed to the steps of
某些情况下，虽然反射光强低于阈值，如果灵敏度被进一步增加，即使当系统会(不希望地)检测到例如拖门的背景目标，其出现将不会引起冲水。框290的步骤的目的是确定灵敏度的程度，并且即使具有最大值的增益、背景电平，如果该红外线回声小于该阈值，由框300和302表示的步骤将设置一个无目标标志。如图示出，这一情形还导致冲洗标志被复位以及程序直接返回。In some cases, although the reflected light intensity is below the threshold, if the sensitivity is increased further, even when the system will (undesirably) detect a background object such as a drag door, its presence will not cause a flush. The purpose of the steps at
如果框300的步骤相反产生一个指示，表明只要该灵敏度低于该背景电平则该回波强度能够被做得低于该阈值返回，则存在不仅是背景的一个目标，并且该程序进到一个步骤，强加用于检测当用户在使用该设施之后已经离开该设施之时的判据。为了强加那些判据，程序保持一个下推栈，有时将输入项推到该下推栈。每一输入项都有一个增益字段、定时器字段和入/出字段。If the steps of
框304表示确定当前增益和列在该顶部椎栈输入项中的增益之间的差值的绝对值是否超出一个阈值增益改变。如果否，这一程序的当前调用将导致无新的输入项被推到该椎栈上，但是将递增现存顶端输入项的定时器字段，如框306所示。如果框304步骤的结果是相反的情况，即该增益变化的绝对值的确大于该阈值，则该程序把一个新输入项推到该椎栈上，把当前增益放在输入项的增益字段中，并且给出该定时器字段的零值。简而言之，每当该目标的距离改变了一个预定步长，都添加一个新的输入项，并且保持对用户已经有多长时间大体呆在同原地不作移动的跟踪与该步长一样大。
如框310、312和314所示，如果当前增益超出该先前输入项的增益，则该程序还给该输入项的入/出字段一个″出″值，指示该目标正在离开该冲水器，而如果当前增益小于先前输入项的增益，则给该字段一个″入″值。无论哪种情况，程序都随后执行框306的步骤，递增定时器(到″1″值)并且从程序的椎栈维护部分移动到其中该阀门打开判据被实际的部件。As shown in
框316表示使用第一判据，即该顶部输入项的入/出字段是否指示该目标正在离去。如果该目标不满足此判据，则程序执行框292的步骤，把冲水标志设置为使得随后的程序不打开冲洗阀门的值，并且该程序返回，如框294所示。另一方面，如果该判据被满足，则该程序执行框318的步骤，确定指示该目标正移入的输入项的一个预定最小数的序列是否在该顶端输入项和任意紧接在先的指示该目标正在离去的输入项之前。如果不是，用户实际上已经接近该设施、使用该设施然后离去则是不可能的情况，所以该程序在复位该冲水标志之后再次返回。注意，该框318步骤应用的判据与绝对值反射百分比无关；它仅根据反射百分比的变化，要求该反射百分比随着其增加穿越一个最小范围。Block 316 represents using the first criterion, namely whether the In/Out field of the top entry indicates that the target is leaving. If the target does not meet the criterion, the program executes the steps of box 292, sets the flush flag to a value such that subsequent programs do not open the flush valve, and the program returns, as shown in box 294. If, on the other hand, the criterion is met, the program executes the step of frame 318, determining whether a sequence of a predetermined minimum number of entries indicating that the object is moving in is at the top entry and any immediately preceding indications The target is preceding the outgoing entry. If not, it is unlikely that the user has actually approached the facility, used the facility and then left, so the routine returns again after resetting the flush flag. Note that the criterion applied by this block 318 step has nothing to do with the absolute reflectance percentage; it is based only on changes in the reflectance percentage, requiring the reflectance percentage to cross a minimum range as it increases.
如果框318的步骤相反地确定该向内指示输入项的必要数确实出现在向外指示输入项之前，则程序强迫框320以判据，确定该最后向内移动指示输入项是否具有表示至少比如5秒钟的一个定时值。强加此判据来避免在设施没有被实际使用时而被触发冲水。同样，如果这一判据没有满足，则程序在复位该冲水标志之后返回。If the step of frame 318 instead determines that the necessary number of the inwardly directed entry does appear before the outwardly directed entry, then the program forces frame 320 to determine whether the last inwardly directed entry has a representation of at least such as A timer value of 5 seconds. This criterion is imposed to avoid triggering flushes when the facility is not actually being used. Likewise, if this criterion is not met, the program returns after resetting the flush flag.
另一方面，如果满足这一判据，则程序强加框322、324和326的判据，用于确定一个使用者是否已经充分离去。如果象由框322确定的那样，目标显然已经离去了比一个阈值量更长的时间，或象在框324和326中确定的那样，目标已经离去了稍小于一个阈值量的时间、但是出现在依然大于一个预定持续期的距离，则该程序在返回之前将设置冲水标志，如框328所示。否则，将复位冲洗标志。On the other hand, if this criterion is met, the program imposes the criteria of blocks 322, 324 and 326 for determining whether a user has sufficiently departed. If, as determined by frame 322, the target has apparently gone longer than a threshold amount, or as determined in blocks 324 and 326, the target has gone slightly less than a threshold amount of time, but Occurs at a distance that is still greater than a predetermined duration, then the routine will set the flush flag, as shown in block 328, before returning. Otherwise, the flush flag is reset.
图13的测试仅是图12B的操作276包括的各种测试的典型之一。但它给出一个实例，说明该示出的系统降低在用户服装彩色变化中可能出现的问题的方式的一个实例。作为图13的仔细研究得知，确定用户是否到达和/或离开不是基于绝对增益值，而是基于相对值，这将从比较连续的测量而产生。这将降低了更严重地影响其它检测策略的问题，即对浅色服装灵敏度大于对深色服装的灵敏度。The test of Figure 13 is only representative of the various tests included in operation 276 of Figure 12B. It does, however, give an example of one example of the way in which the illustrated system reduces problems that may arise in changing the color of a user's garment. As a close study of FIG. 13 shows, the determination of whether a user arrives and/or departs is not based on absolute gain values, but on relative values, which would result from comparing successive measurements. This will reduce the problem that more seriously affects other detection strategies, namely the sensitivity to light-colored clothing is greater than the sensitivity to dark-colored clothing.
上面提到过，该示出的系统采用一个可见光发射二极管(″可见光LED″)。在多数情况下，可见光LED的位置是不重要的，只要用户可以实际上看到其光即可。例如一个位置可以紧邻该光电二极管；图4A示出在接收器透镜部件152′的边缘中的一个无起伏区域330，并且该可见光LED能够按照区域寄存的形式放置。在图2的实施例中，没有看到这样的单独的可见光LED。其原因是，在该实施例中的可见光LED被提供作为一个组合LED装置132的一部分，该组合LED装置还包括该发送器的红外光源。As mentioned above, the illustrated system employs a visible light emitting diode ("visible LED"). In most cases, the location of the visible LED is not important as long as the user can actually see its light. For example a location could be next to the photodiode; FIG. 4A shows a
为了操作该两色的LED，发送器和报警器电路184和228(图4A)共同采用了图11示出的形式。该电路被连接到这双色LED的终端332和334。通过有选择地驱动控制线336、338和340，控制电路分别地操作该双LED的红外光发射二极管D1和可见光发射二极管D2。具体地说，如果线338被保持在高电平以保持晶体管Q3的断开，则至少驱动线340以高电平接通晶体管Q1和Q2并且因此驱动该可见光发射二极管D2。另一方面，如果线340被驱动在低电平，并且线338也被动在低电平，则利用由加到控制晶体管Q4的线路336的电压所确定的一个功率实现红外光发射二极管D1被导通。To operate the two-color LEDs, transmitter and
如结合图12的框214、217和220所述，如果按钮开关已经被保持按下超过30秒钟，该系统将转到静止。图6示出利用此特征的包装来保持在该装备被安装之前的可以忽略的电能使用，即使在该装备处在存货或被运输的同时包括有安装的电池。为了把一个先前手动系统适应于自动操作，预期的用户可以获得一个流量控制器，例如包括除了通过隔膜馈送管38之外的在图2A中描述的所有的部件。图15中由参考数字348标识的这一流量控制器是以由一个常规矩形纸板盒350组成的一个包装箱提供的。盒子的顶部包括一个内翼352，它被首先盖闭，而外翼354扣在该内翼之上。突出部356适合提供在盒子主体中的缝358，以保持盒子关闭。为了在盒关闭的同时保持按钮按下，该盒子带有一个按钮启动器360，安装在内翼352上，当该内翼352被关闭时与该按钮开关310叠合。该包装可以提供有嵌片(没示出)来保证该流量控制器的推压按钮与该启动器正确地叠合。As described in connection with blocks 214, 217 and 220 of FIG. 12, if the pushbutton switch has been held down for more than 30 seconds, the system will go to rest. Figure 6 shows that packaging utilizing this feature maintains negligible power usage until the equipment is installed, even while the equipment is in stock or being shipped, including batteries installed. To adapt a previously manual system to automatic operation, a prospective user may obtain a flow controller, for example, including all of the components described in FIG. 2A except the
图6E是一个按钮启动器360的详细截面图，示出其被装在内翼352上，外翼354扣在其上。示出的启动器360通常是一个普通的圆塑料部件。其形成一种环形阻环362，与流量控制器的外壳146(图2)的顶部啮合，保证中心的突起364仅下压该推压按钮一正确量。为了在该内翼安装该启动器，提供有一个倒钩后置366。后置366形成一个中心开槽368，使得其能够变形而因此其倒钩能够配合通过该内翼352中的一个孔370。外翼354形成另一孔372，来容纳该倒钩后置366。Figure 6E is a detailed cross-sectional view of a
其它设计可以把该按钮致动器放置在包装箱中的其它地方。例如也可以放置在包装箱的底壁上，并且该上翼顶压该流量控制器。Other designs may place the button actuator elsewhere in the packaging. For example, it can also be placed on the bottom wall of the packaging box, and the upper wing presses against the flow controller.
目前，有时出现的情况是，在装配到外壳中以前该电池被放置到该电路中，并且该安装了电池的电路需要发货到远距位置用于装配操作。由于尚不存在外壳，本电路就不能通过保持外壳的按钮下压来保持静止。针对这种情形，可以采用图6B和6C描述的方案。Presently, it sometimes happens that the battery is placed into the circuit prior to assembly into the housing, and the battery-mounted circuit needs to be shipped to a remote location for assembly operations. Since there is no case yet, the circuit cannot be held still by keeping the case's button depressed. For this situation, the solutions described in Figures 6B and 6C can be used.
图6B是类似于图6D的示意图，但是图6B的包装350′的内容376只是包装350包括装备348的一个子设备。例如，它们可以排除图2的外壳146以及压力帽24和螺线管，以及安装在其上的引导阀门部件。所以，图6B中实施例的包装350′不包括盒子350包括的按钮启动器。相反，如图6C所示，在包装350底内壁382的内表面粘结一个磁铁380，并且落定在底内壁382上的一个插入板386的一个孔384接受该磁铁。FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram similar to FIG. 6D , but the contents 376 of
为了简化而被图6C省略的电路组件376放置到该包装中，该电路的舌簧开关相邻该磁铁放置。该开关因此被关闭正象其当该下压按钮被操作那样，并且该电路因此保持静止。The circuit assembly 376, omitted from Figure 6C for simplicity, is placed into the package with the reed switch of the circuit placed adjacent to the magnet. The switch is thus closed just as it was when the push button was operated, and the circuit therefore remains static.
图15和15A示出一个包括一个挠性管的自动冲水器的另一实施例，该挠性管免除了使用在结合图2描述的冲水器中的一个动态密封。图15中示意地示出的自动调节器、发送器和接收器透镜和上述的前电路外壳部件。该自动冲水器包括隔离操作器701在一个边侧(垂直)位置。FIGS. 15 and 15A illustrate another embodiment of an automatic flusher including a flexible tube that eliminates a dynamic seal used in the flusher described in connection with FIG. 2 . The autoregulator, transmitter and receiver lenses and front circuit housing components described above are shown schematically in FIG. 15 . The automatic flusher includes an
冲水阀门主体以10指示并且可能有一个入口12″以及一个底部指向的出水口14。该内部盖件1030的下侧和隔膜1032的上侧之间的区域形成一个压力腔1038。在此腔内的水压把隔膜1032保持在以套管的上端形成的一个底座1040上，该套管形成了在入口12″和出口14之间的一个导管。The flush valve body is indicated at 10 and may have an
这一操作的细节公开在美国专利5,244,179以及美国专利4,309,781和4,793,588中。流经入口12″的水通过过滤器和旁路环达到压力腔38，其细节公开在美国专利5,967,182中。因此，水从该冲水阀门入口达到该压力腔，以将隔膜保持在一个关闭位置，并且当水流向上经过通道44时，该压力腔将通过该螺线管的操作被排放，随即进入腔1046，然后经过该挠性管中的通道，如在美国专利6,382,586中描述的那样，该美国专利结合在此参考。Details of this operation are disclosed in US Patent 5,244,179 and US Patents 4,309,781 and 4,793,588. Water flowing through the
该挠性管1050是空心的并且有一个柔性套管的形式。套管包括一个环形弹簧1052，防止该管子由于向下流经该组件的盘的水压引起的破裂。在其上端，挠性管1050被连接到一个内盖适配器或其它部件。The
设置在导管上端顶部上的是一个注水器头，以隔膜1032锁定位置在该注水器头的上表面和该盘的径向外延部分的下表面之间。当腔1038中的压力减轻时，该隔膜、盘和导管都将一起移动，和该隔膜将上移来提供在冲水阀门入口12″和冲水阀门出口14之间的直接连接。当发生这种情况时，该盘将上移，并且将携带该挠性管1050的低端。因此，当挠性管的上端被固定在该内盖1030的通道之内时，该挠性管必然弯曲。但是，该挠性管总是提供一个用于阀门组件操作的可靠排放通道。Disposed on top of the upper end of the conduit is a injector head with a
Claims (30)
Applications Claiming Priority (11)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US10/012,252US6691979B2 (en) | 2001-12-04 | 2001-12-04 | Adaptive object-sensing system for automatic flusher |
| US10/012,226US6619614B2 (en) | 2001-12-04 | 2001-12-04 | Automatic flow controller employing energy-conservation mode |
| US10/012,252 | 2001-12-04 | ||
| US10/012,226 | 2001-12-04 | ||
| US36216602P | 2002-03-05 | 2002-03-05 | |
| US60/362,166 | 2002-03-05 | ||
| US39128202P | 2002-06-24 | 2002-06-24 | |
| US60/391,282 | 2002-06-24 | ||
| US42437802P | 2002-11-06 | 2002-11-06 | |
| US60/424,378 | 2002-11-06 | ||
| PCT/US2002/038758WO2003048464A2 (en) | 2001-12-04 | 2002-12-04 | Automatic bathroom flushers |
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| CN2007100981445ADivisionCN101050826B (en) | 2001-12-04 | 2002-12-04 | Automatic bathroom flushers |
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| CN1599828A CN1599828A (en) | 2005-03-23 |
| CN1320221Ctrue CN1320221C (en) | 2007-06-06 |
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| CNB028240022AExpired - LifetimeCN1320221C (en) | 2001-12-04 | 2002-12-04 | automatic bathroom flusher |
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| JP (3) | JP4523277B2 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN1320221C (en) |
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| AU (1) | AU2002346652A1 (en) |
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| DE (1) | DE60222169T2 (en) |
| MX (1) | MXPA04005485A (en) |
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- 2002-12-04CNCNB028240022Apatent/CN1320221C/ennot_activeExpired - Lifetime
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- 2002-12-04JPJP2003549637Apatent/JP4523277B2/ennot_activeExpired - Lifetime
- 2002-12-04ATAT02784724Tpatent/ATE371774T1/ennot_activeIP Right Cessation
- 2002-12-04MXMXPA04005485Apatent/MXPA04005485A/enactiveIP Right Grant
- 2002-12-04CACA2469189Apatent/CA2469189C/ennot_activeExpired - Lifetime
- 2002-12-04EPEP02784724Apatent/EP1451415B1/ennot_activeExpired - Lifetime
- 2002-12-04WOPCT/US2002/038758patent/WO2003048464A2/enactiveIP Right Grant
- 2002-12-04AUAU2002346652Apatent/AU2002346652A1/ennot_activeAbandoned
- 2009
- 2009-10-07JPJP2009233809Apatent/JP5580018B2/ennot_activeExpired - Lifetime
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Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JP2010059783A (en) | 2010-03-18 |
| EP1451415A1 (en) | 2004-09-01 |
| JP2005511923A (en) | 2005-04-28 |
| JP5580018B2 (en) | 2014-08-27 |
| DE60222169D1 (en) | 2007-10-11 |
| JP5683531B2 (en) | 2015-03-11 |
| JP4523277B2 (en) | 2010-08-11 |
| CA2469189C (en) | 2011-02-01 |
| CA2469189A1 (en) | 2003-06-12 |
| MXPA04005485A (en) | 2005-04-19 |
| CN1599828A (en) | 2005-03-23 |
| JP2012229803A (en) | 2012-11-22 |
| ATE371774T1 (en) | 2007-09-15 |
| EP1451415B1 (en) | 2007-08-29 |
| DE60222169T2 (en) | 2008-05-21 |
| AU2002346652A1 (en) | 2003-06-17 |
| WO2003048464A2 (en) | 2003-06-12 |
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| C06 | Publication | ||
| PB01 | Publication | ||
| C10 | Entry into substantive examination | ||
| SE01 | Entry into force of request for substantive examination | ||
| C14 | Grant of patent or utility model | ||
| GR01 | Patent grant | ||
| ASS | Succession or assignment of patent right | Owner name:SLOAN VALVE CO., LTD. Free format text:FORMER OWNER: ARICHELL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. Effective date:20130603 | |
| C41 | Transfer of patent application or patent right or utility model | ||
| TR01 | Transfer of patent right | Effective date of registration:20130603 Address after:Illinois, USA Patentee after:SLOAN VALVE Co. Address before:Massachusetts, USA Patentee before:Arichell Technologies, Inc. | |
| CX01 | Expiry of patent term | Granted publication date:20070606 | |
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