US20100031430A1 - Flush apparatus and flush control method thereof - Google Patents

Flush apparatus and flush control method thereof Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20100031430A1
US20100031430A1 US12/324,585 US32458508A US2010031430A1 US 20100031430 A1 US20100031430 A1 US 20100031430A1 US 32458508 A US32458508 A US 32458508A US 2010031430 A1 US2010031430 A1 US 2010031430A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
flush
unit
time
flush apparatus
target
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US12/324,585
Inventor
Kuo-Ming Chang
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Delta Electronics Inc
Original Assignee
Delta Electronics Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Delta Electronics Inc filed Critical Delta Electronics Inc
Assigned to DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC. reassignment DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: CHANG, KUO-MING
Publication of US20100031430A1 publication Critical patent/US20100031430A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a flush apparatus and a flush control method thereof and, in particular, to a flush apparatus and its flush control method having energy-saving and water-saving functions.
  • a conventional flush method of a public urinal is to change the flush time according to the frequency of use.
  • the flush time gets shorter as the frequency of use gets higher, and the flush time gets longer as the frequency of use gets lower.
  • such a flush method is simple and cannot be adapted to the new energy-saving age.
  • the present invention is to provide a diversified flush control method to satisfy the present requirement and achieve the water-saving effect.
  • the present invention further provides a flush apparatus having the energy-saving and water-saving functions and its flush control method.
  • the present invention discloses a flush apparatus including a valve, an actuator unit, a power supply unit, a booster unit and a control unit.
  • the actuator unit is connected to the valve.
  • the booster unit is electrically connected to the actuator unit and the power supply unit.
  • the control unit detects the power supply unit and outputs a control signal to the booster unit according to the detection to enable the actuator unit.
  • the flush apparatus is preferably an automatic flush urinal.
  • the flush apparatus further includes a detecting unit for transmitting a detection signal to the control unit.
  • the detecting unit is preferably an infrared detecting unit.
  • the detecting unit includes a transmitting element and a receiving element. When a target starts to use the flush apparatus, the transmitting element transmits an infrared signal, thereby detecting whether the receiving element receives the infrared signal so as to determine whether the target exists or not.
  • the control unit performs a time counting operation according to the detection signal.
  • the actuator unit includes an electromagnetic element or a solenoid.
  • the power supply unit includes a rectifier or a battery such as a solar cell or a rechargeable battery.
  • the control signal is a duty cycle control signal, a frequency control signal or a voltage control signal.
  • the booster unit includes a converter and at least one switch element electrically connected to the converter.
  • the converter is preferably a DC/DC converter
  • the switch element is preferably a transistor.
  • the control unit includes a micro-controller unit (MCU) and a detecting element electrically connected to the MCU.
  • the detecting element is electrically connected to the power supply unit to detect electric power of the power supply unit and to transmit an electric power signal to the MCU.
  • the MCU transmits the control signal according to the electric power signal.
  • the flush apparatus further includes an energy storage unit and a switch unit.
  • the energy storage unit is electrically connected to the actuator unit, and the switch unit is electrically connected to the booster unit and the energy storage unit.
  • the energy storage unit includes a capacitor, and the switch unit includes at least one transistor.
  • the actuator unit includes a first state and a second state, and is changed into the first state or the second state by the control unit.
  • the flush apparatus further includes a switch unit electrically connected between the control unit and the actuator unit.
  • the switch unit is activated or deactivated corresponding to the first state or the second state of the actuator unit.
  • the valve is opened when the actuator unit is in the first state and is enabled, and the valve is closed when the actuator unit is in the second state and is enabled.
  • the present invention also discloses a flush control method applied to a flush apparatus.
  • the flush control method includes the steps of: detecting a target, counting an interval time from a previous flush to the detection of the target, and comparing the interval time with at least one pre-set interval time to determine an operating mode of the flush apparatus. The interval time is counted according to a detection signal transmitted by the flush apparatus.
  • the operating mode includes the steps of: counting the number of times of detection of the target, and comparing the number of times with at least one pre-set number of times to determine a flush time of the flush apparatus.
  • the operating mode can includes the steps of: counting a use time of the target, and comparing the use time with at least one pre-set use time to determine a flush time of the flush apparatus.
  • the operating mode can includes the step of comparing a flush time of the flush with at least one pre-set flush time to determine a flush time of the flush apparatus.
  • the present invention further discloses a flush control method applied to a flush apparatus, which includes the steps of: detecting a target, obtaining a comparison parameter according to a flush of the flush apparatus or the target, and determining an operating mode of the flush apparatus according to the comparison parameter.
  • the present invention further discloses a flush control method applied to a flush apparatus, which includes the steps of: detecting a target, counting the number of times of detection of the target, and comparing the number of times with at least one pre-set number of times to determine a flush time of the flush apparatus. The number of times of detection of the target is counted according to a detection signal transmitted by the flush apparatus.
  • the present invention further discloses a flush control method applied to a flush apparatus, which includes the steps of: detecting a target, counting a use time of the target, and comparing the use time with at least one pre-set use time to determine a flush time of the flush apparatus.
  • the use time of the target is counted according to a detection signal transmitted by the flush apparatus.
  • the present invention further discloses a flush control method applied to a flush apparatus, which includes the steps of: detecting a target, and comparing a flush time of the flush apparatus with at least one pre-set flush time to determine next flush time of the flush apparatus.
  • the automatic flush apparatus and its flush control method of the present invention can determine the operating mode of the flush apparatus according to the comparison between the interval time and the pre-set interval time.
  • the operating modes have different comparison parameters correspondingly.
  • the numbers of times of detection of the targets are adapted to be a comparison base in the first operating mode
  • the use times of the targets are adapted to be a comparison base in the second operating mode
  • the flush times are adapted to be a comparison base in the third operating mode to determine the required flush time.
  • the modes of the present invention may also be independently or combinatively used without comparing the interval time with the pre-set interval time.
  • the flush control method of the invention has diversified comparison parameters so that the variety can be increased, the requirement of energy-saving can be satisfied and the water-saving effect can be achieved.
  • the automatic flush apparatus of the present invention controls the operation of the booster unit according to the control signal so that the operation time of the booster unit can be shortened, the power consumption of the power supply unit can be decreased, and the energy-saving effect can be thus achieved.
  • the control signal may also control the booster unit for transforming sufficient electric power to enable the actuator unit so that the electric power availability can be enhanced.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an automatic flush apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing another automatic flush apparatus according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing a flush control method applied to the automatic flush apparatus of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4A shows a first operating mode of the flush control method according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 4B shows a second operating mode of the flush control method according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4C shows a third operating mode of the flush control method according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • an automatic flush apparatus 1 includes a valve 11 , an actuator unit 12 , a power supply unit 13 , a booster unit 14 , a control unit 15 and a detecting unit 16 .
  • the automatic flush apparatus 1 can be an automatic flush urinal.
  • the control unit 15 detects the power supply unit 13 and outputs a control signal S C to the booster unit 14 according to the detection to enable the actuator unit 12 .
  • the detecting unit 16 transmits a detection signal S D to the control unit 15 .
  • the valve 11 functions as a switch for flushing. When the valve 11 is opened, the flush apparatus 1 can flush. When the valve 11 is closed, the flush apparatus 1 cannot flush.
  • the actuator unit 12 connected to the valve 11 actuates the valve 11 .
  • the actuator unit 12 can include an electromagnetic element, such as a solenoid.
  • the power supply unit 13 supplies the electric power, and includes a battery, such as a solar cell. Alternatively, the power supply unit 13 includes a rectifier, which can convert the AC power into the DC power. Of course, the power supply unit 13 can also include a rechargeable battery.
  • the booster unit 14 is electrically connected to the actuator unit 12 and the power supply unit 13 , and can boost the electric power outputted from the power supply unit 13 and enable the actuator unit 12 to actuate the valve 11 .
  • the control unit 15 detects the power supply unit 13 and outputs the control signal S C to the booster unit 14 according to the detection to enable the actuator unit 12 .
  • the control unit 15 can detect the electric power of the power supply unit 13 .
  • the control unit 15 can adjust the outputted control signal S C to the booster unit 14 according to its detection, thereby enabling the booster unit 14 to boost according to the control signal S C so as to generate sufficient electric power to enable the actuator unit 12 .
  • the control signal S C can be a duty cycle control signal, a frequency control signal or a voltage control signal. Through adjusting the duty cycle, frequency or voltage of the control signal S C , the booster unit 14 can be enabled in response to different electric power and generate sufficient electric power to enable the actuator unit 12 .
  • the booster unit 14 can be controlled to operate according to the control signal S C .
  • the power supply unit 13 cannot consume the electric power until the booster unit 14 operates. So, the operating time of the booster unit 14 can be shortened according to the control signal S C , and the electric power consumption of the power supply unit 13 can be avoided.
  • FIG. 2 shows an automatic flush apparatus 1 according to another embodiment of the invention.
  • the control unit 15 may include a micro-controller unit (MCU) 151 and a detecting element 152 electrically connected to the MCU 151 .
  • the detecting element 152 is electrically connected to the power supply unit 13 and can detect the electric power of the power supply unit 13 and transmit an electric power signal S P to the MCU 151 , which transmits the control signal S C according to the electric power signal S P .
  • the MCU 151 may increase the duty cycle, frequency or voltage of the control signal S C so that the booster unit 14 is enabled according to the control signal S C .
  • the booster unit 14 can include a converter 141 and at least one switch element 142 electrically connected to the converter 141 .
  • the converter 141 can be a DC/DC converter, and the switch element 142 can be a transistor.
  • the control unit 15 transmits the control signal S C and enables the switch element 142 to switch.
  • the converter 141 can boost according to the switching, and can obtain different boosting effects by adjusting the control signal S C in response to different electric power supplied by the power supply unit 13 .
  • the flush apparatus 1 further includes an energy storage unit C and a switch unit S 1 .
  • the energy storage unit C is electrically connected to the actuator unit 12
  • the switch unit S 1 is electrically connected to the booster unit 14 and the energy storage unit C.
  • the energy storage unit C includes a capacitor.
  • the switch unit S 1 can include at least one transistor.
  • the actuator unit 12 includes a first state and a second state, and is changed into the first state or the second state by the control unit 15 .
  • the actuator unit 12 is in the first state when the control unit 15 transmits a turn-on signal S ON to the actuator unit 12 to turn on the actuator unit 12
  • the actuator unit 12 is in the second state when the control unit 15 transmits a turn-off signal S OFF or no signal to the actuator unit 12 to turn off the actuator unit 12
  • the flush apparatus 1 further includes a switch unit S 2 electrically connected between the control unit 15 and the actuator unit 12 .
  • the switch unit S 2 is activated or deactivated corresponding to the first state or the second state of the actuator unit.
  • the valve 11 is opened when the actuator unit 12 is in the first state and enabled, and the valve 11 is closed when the actuator unit 12 is in the second state and enabled.
  • the flush control method of the flush apparatus 1 will be described in the following.
  • the control unit 15 turns on the actuator unit 12 and transmits the control signal S C to the booster unit 14 , and the booster unit 14 boosts and enables the actuator unit 12 .
  • the valve 11 is opened to perform the flush operation. Thereafter, the control unit 15 stops enabling the booster unit 14 and thus prevents from consumption of the electric power. Meanwhile, the flush operation is still performed.
  • the control unit 15 turns off the actuator unit 12 and transmits the control signal S C to the booster unit 14 so that the booster unit 14 boosts and enables the actuator unit 12 . Because the actuator unit 12 is in the second state and enabled, the valve 11 is closed and stops supplying the water. As mentioned hereinabove, the booster unit 14 is only enabled when the flush operation starts or stops. So, the electric power consumption can be greatly reduced.
  • the detecting unit 16 is electrically connected to the control unit 15 and transmits the detection signal S D to the control unit 15 .
  • the detecting unit 16 can be an infrared detecting unit.
  • the detecting unit 16 includes a transmitting element 161 and a receiving element 162 .
  • the transmitting element 161 transmits an infrared signal, which is reflected by the target and then received by the receiving element 162 , so that the urinal can detect the existence of the target.
  • the receiving element 162 cannot receive the infrared signal, so that the urinal can detect that the target has left.
  • the detection signal S D reflects the two conditions and thus make the control unit 15 correspondingly operate. For example, the flush operation is performed when the detected target leaves or when the target is using the urinal.
  • the control unit 15 can perform a time counting operation according to the detection signal S D , and determines the timing of enabling the booster unit 14 by the control signal S C according to the time counting operation so that the time of flush can be controlled.
  • the time counting operation is applied to the use time of the target.
  • the flush time may be shortened as the use time of the target gets shorter.
  • the booster unit 14 is only enabled when the flush starts or stops. So, the flush time can be determined according to the timing of enabling the booster unit 14 by the control signal S C so that the water-saving effect can be achieved.
  • FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing a flush control method applied to the automatic flush apparatus of the present invention.
  • the method includes steps S 01 to S 04 .
  • step S 01 an automatic flush apparatus is provided.
  • step S 02 a target is detected.
  • the steps S 02 and S 03 can be repeatedly performed by the flush apparatus, and the order of the steps S 02 and S 03 is not particularly limited.
  • a detecting unit detects the existence of the target.
  • the detecting unit detects that the target has left so that the flush operation can be performed. Then, if another target wants to use the urinal, the detecting unit performs the detection again.
  • step S 03 an interval time from the previous flush to the detection of the target is counted.
  • the flush apparatus can count the interval time, wherein the start point of the interval time can be chosen as the beginning of the flush, the middle of the flush or the ending of the flush, for example, and the end point can be chosen as the time instant after the flush and before the existence of the next target.
  • the frequency of usage gets lower as the interval time gets longer, and the frequency of usage higher as the interval time gets shorter.
  • the interval time of this embodiment can have one or more samples. When the interval time has one sample, the interval time from one flush to the detection of the next target can be counted. When the interval time has many samples, the above-mentioned counting operation can be repeated to get many interval times.
  • step S 04 the interval time is compared with at least one pre-set interval time to determine the operating mode of the flush apparatus.
  • the pre-set interval time can be determined by the manufacturer or be set by the target.
  • the flush control method of this embodiment has a plurality of operating modes.
  • the operating mode of the flush apparatus is selected according to comparison between the interval time and the pre-set interval time. It is to be noted that if the interval time of this embodiment has many samples, the average of the samples can be obtained.
  • the modes of this embodiment are designed according to different comparison parameters so that the variety can be increased, the requirement of energy-saving can be satisfied, and the water-saving effect can be achieved.
  • the interval time is compared with a first pre-set interval time (e.g., 30 seconds).
  • a first operating mode is chosen.
  • the interval time of this embodiment can be counted according to the detection signal S D , such as the detection signal S D corresponding to the detection of the leave of the first target, and the detection signal S D corresponding to the detection of the existence of the second target.
  • the first operating mode includes the steps of counting the number of times of detection of the target, and comparing the number of times with at least one pre-set number of times to determine the flush time of the flush apparatus 1 .
  • the detecting unit 16 of the flush apparatus 1 can detect many targets, and the flush apparatus can count the number of times of detection of the targets and perform the comparison.
  • the flush time of the flush apparatus is 2.5 seconds.
  • the flush time of the flush apparatus is 3.5 seconds.
  • the flush time of the flush apparatus is 3 seconds.
  • control unit 15 of this embodiment only enables the booster unit 14 when the flush starts or stops so that the flush operation can be continuously performed.
  • the flush time can be determined according to the time instants when the control unit 15 enables the booster unit 14 .
  • the comparison parameter considered in the first operating mode is the number of times of detection of the targets, and the flush time can be determined accordingly so that the variety of the flush control method can be increased.
  • the steps included in the first operating mode can be independently used without the comparison of the interval time with the first pre-set interval time.
  • the method of this embodiment further includes the step of comparing the interval time with a second pre-set interval time (e.g., 30 minutes).
  • a second pre-set interval time e.g. 30 minutes.
  • the step of comparing the interval time with the second pre-set interval time cannot be performed until that the interval time is not shorter than the first pre-set interval time.
  • the second operating mode includes the steps of counting the use time of the target, and comparing the use time with at least one pre-set use time to determine the flush time of the flush apparatus.
  • Each target has its use time, and the use time can be counted according to the detection signal S D .
  • the use time can be counted according to the detection signal S D corresponding to the detection of the existence of the target, and the detection signal S D corresponding to the detection of the leave of the target.
  • the use time starts from the detection of the existence of the target by the detecting unit 16 to the detection of the leave of the target by the detecting unit 16 .
  • the flush apparatus 1 can count the use time of each target and perform the comparison.
  • the determined flush time is 3 seconds.
  • the flush time of the flush apparatus is 3.5 seconds.
  • the flush time of the flush apparatus is 4 seconds.
  • the comparison parameter considered in the second operating mode is the use times of the targets, and the flush time can be determined accordingly so that the variety of the flush control method can be increased.
  • the steps included in the second operating mode can be independently used without the comparison of the interval time with the second pre-set interval time.
  • the second operating mode can also be used in conjunction with the first operating mode.
  • a third operating mode is chosen.
  • the third operating mode includes the step of comparing the flush time of the flush with the at least one pre-set flush time to determine the flush time of the flush apparatus.
  • Each flush has its flush time, and the flush apparatus 1 can record or get each flush time and perform the comparison to determine the next flush time.
  • the previous flush time is compared with the pre-set flush time.
  • the third operating mode of this embodiment can be used in conjunction with the second operating mode.
  • the use time is compared with the first pre-set use time.
  • the flush time of the previous flush is compared with a pre-set flush time (e.g., 5 seconds).
  • a pre-set flush time e.g. 5 seconds.
  • the next flush time determined is 5 seconds.
  • the flush time is equal to the pre-set flush time, the next flush time determined is 3 seconds.
  • the flush time of the previous flush is compared with the pre-set flush time.
  • the next flush time determined is 5 seconds.
  • the flush time is equal to the pre-set flush time, the next flush time determined is 3.5 seconds.
  • the flush time of the previous flush is compared with the pre-set flush time.
  • the next flush time determined is 5 seconds.
  • the flush time is equal to the pre-set flush time, the next flush time determined is 4 seconds.
  • the comparison parameter considered in the third operating mode is the flush time, and the flush time is determined accordingly so that the variety of the flush control method can be increased.
  • the step included in the third operating mode can be independently used without the comparison of the interval time with the second pre-set interval time.
  • at least two of the third operating mode, the first operating mode and the second operating mode can be applied together so that the variety of the flush control method can be enhanced.
  • the automatic flush apparatus and its flush control method of the present invention can determine the operating mode of the flush apparatus according to the comparison between the interval time and the pre-set interval time.
  • the operating modes have different comparison parameters correspondingly.
  • the numbers of times of detection of the targets are adapted to be a comparison base in the first operating mode
  • the use times of the targets are adapted to be a comparison base in the second operating mode
  • the flush times are adapted to be a comparison base in the third operating mode to determine the required flush time.
  • the modes of the present invention may also be independently or combinatively used without comparing the interval time with the pre-set interval time.
  • the flush control method of the invention has diversified comparison parameters so that the variety can be increased, the requirement of energy-saving can be satisfied and the water-saving effect can be achieved.
  • the automatic flush apparatus of the present invention controls the operation of the booster unit according to the control signal so that the operation time of the booster unit can be shortened, the power consumption of the power supply unit can be decreased, and the energy-saving effect can be thus achieved.
  • the control signal may also control the booster unit for transforming sufficient electric power to enable the actuator unit so that the electric power availability can be enhanced.

Abstract

The present invention provides a flush apparatus and a flush control method thereof. The flush control method includes the steps of detecting a target, counting an interval time from a previous flush to the detection of the target, and comparing the interval time with at least one pre-set interval time to determine an operating mode of the flush apparatus.

Description

    CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • This non-provisional application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) on Patent Application No(s). 200810129824.3 filed in the People's Republic of China on Aug. 7, 2008, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
    • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • 1. Field of Invention
  • The present invention relates to a flush apparatus and a flush control method thereof and, in particular, to a flush apparatus and its flush control method having energy-saving and water-saving functions.
  • 2. Related Art
  • Under the emerging environment protection trend, various energy-saving techniques are also developed rapidly to save various kinds of resources. In some occasions, improvements still have to be made to satisfy the energy-saving requirement. For example, a conventional flush method of a public urinal is to change the flush time according to the frequency of use. The flush time gets shorter as the frequency of use gets higher, and the flush time gets longer as the frequency of use gets lower. However, such a flush method is simple and cannot be adapted to the new energy-saving age.
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • In view of the foregoing, the present invention is to provide a diversified flush control method to satisfy the present requirement and achieve the water-saving effect. The present invention further provides a flush apparatus having the energy-saving and water-saving functions and its flush control method.
  • To achieve the above, the present invention discloses a flush apparatus including a valve, an actuator unit, a power supply unit, a booster unit and a control unit. The actuator unit is connected to the valve. The booster unit is electrically connected to the actuator unit and the power supply unit. The control unit detects the power supply unit and outputs a control signal to the booster unit according to the detection to enable the actuator unit.
  • The flush apparatus is preferably an automatic flush urinal.
  • The flush apparatus further includes a detecting unit for transmitting a detection signal to the control unit. The detecting unit is preferably an infrared detecting unit. The detecting unit includes a transmitting element and a receiving element. When a target starts to use the flush apparatus, the transmitting element transmits an infrared signal, thereby detecting whether the receiving element receives the infrared signal so as to determine whether the target exists or not. The control unit performs a time counting operation according to the detection signal.
  • The actuator unit includes an electromagnetic element or a solenoid.
  • The power supply unit includes a rectifier or a battery such as a solar cell or a rechargeable battery.
  • The control signal is a duty cycle control signal, a frequency control signal or a voltage control signal.
  • The booster unit includes a converter and at least one switch element electrically connected to the converter. The converter is preferably a DC/DC converter, and the switch element is preferably a transistor.
  • The control unit includes a micro-controller unit (MCU) and a detecting element electrically connected to the MCU. The detecting element is electrically connected to the power supply unit to detect electric power of the power supply unit and to transmit an electric power signal to the MCU. The MCU transmits the control signal according to the electric power signal.
  • The flush apparatus further includes an energy storage unit and a switch unit. The energy storage unit is electrically connected to the actuator unit, and the switch unit is electrically connected to the booster unit and the energy storage unit. The energy storage unit includes a capacitor, and the switch unit includes at least one transistor.
  • The actuator unit includes a first state and a second state, and is changed into the first state or the second state by the control unit.
  • The flush apparatus further includes a switch unit electrically connected between the control unit and the actuator unit. The switch unit is activated or deactivated corresponding to the first state or the second state of the actuator unit. The valve is opened when the actuator unit is in the first state and is enabled, and the valve is closed when the actuator unit is in the second state and is enabled.
  • To achieve the above, the present invention also discloses a flush control method applied to a flush apparatus. The flush control method includes the steps of: detecting a target, counting an interval time from a previous flush to the detection of the target, and comparing the interval time with at least one pre-set interval time to determine an operating mode of the flush apparatus. The interval time is counted according to a detection signal transmitted by the flush apparatus.
  • The operating mode includes the steps of: counting the number of times of detection of the target, and comparing the number of times with at least one pre-set number of times to determine a flush time of the flush apparatus.
  • Alternatively, the operating mode can includes the steps of: counting a use time of the target, and comparing the use time with at least one pre-set use time to determine a flush time of the flush apparatus.
  • Or else, the operating mode can includes the step of comparing a flush time of the flush with at least one pre-set flush time to determine a flush time of the flush apparatus.
  • In addition, the present invention further discloses a flush control method applied to a flush apparatus, which includes the steps of: detecting a target, obtaining a comparison parameter according to a flush of the flush apparatus or the target, and determining an operating mode of the flush apparatus according to the comparison parameter.
  • In addition, the present invention further discloses a flush control method applied to a flush apparatus, which includes the steps of: detecting a target, counting the number of times of detection of the target, and comparing the number of times with at least one pre-set number of times to determine a flush time of the flush apparatus. The number of times of detection of the target is counted according to a detection signal transmitted by the flush apparatus.
  • In addition, the present invention further discloses a flush control method applied to a flush apparatus, which includes the steps of: detecting a target, counting a use time of the target, and comparing the use time with at least one pre-set use time to determine a flush time of the flush apparatus. The use time of the target is counted according to a detection signal transmitted by the flush apparatus.
  • In addition, the present invention further discloses a flush control method applied to a flush apparatus, which includes the steps of: detecting a target, and comparing a flush time of the flush apparatus with at least one pre-set flush time to determine next flush time of the flush apparatus.
  • As mentioned above, the automatic flush apparatus and its flush control method of the present invention can determine the operating mode of the flush apparatus according to the comparison between the interval time and the pre-set interval time. The operating modes have different comparison parameters correspondingly. For example, the numbers of times of detection of the targets are adapted to be a comparison base in the first operating mode, the use times of the targets are adapted to be a comparison base in the second operating mode, and the flush times are adapted to be a comparison base in the third operating mode to determine the required flush time. In addition, the modes of the present invention may also be independently or combinatively used without comparing the interval time with the pre-set interval time. Thus, the flush control method of the invention has diversified comparison parameters so that the variety can be increased, the requirement of energy-saving can be satisfied and the water-saving effect can be achieved.
  • In addition, the automatic flush apparatus of the present invention controls the operation of the booster unit according to the control signal so that the operation time of the booster unit can be shortened, the power consumption of the power supply unit can be decreased, and the energy-saving effect can be thus achieved. In addition, when the electric power supplied by the power supply unit is decreased, the control signal may also control the booster unit for transforming sufficient electric power to enable the actuator unit so that the electric power availability can be enhanced.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • The present invention will become more fully understood from the subsequent detailed description and accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an automatic flush apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing another automatic flush apparatus according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;
  • FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing a flush control method applied to the automatic flush apparatus of the present invention;
  • FIG. 4A shows a first operating mode of the flush control method according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;
  • FIG. 4B shows a second operating mode of the flush control method according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and
  • FIG. 4C shows a third operating mode of the flush control method according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
    •  DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same references relate to the same elements.
  • Referring to FIG. 1, an automatic flush apparatus 1 includes a valve 11, an actuator unit 12, a power supply unit 13, a booster unit 14, a control unit 15 and a detecting unit 16. The automatic flush apparatus 1 can be an automatic flush urinal. The control unit 15 detects the power supply unit 13 and outputs a control signal SC to the booster unit 14 according to the detection to enable the actuator unit 12. The detecting unit 16 transmits a detection signal SD to the control unit 15.
  • The valve 11 functions as a switch for flushing. When the valve 11 is opened, the flush apparatus 1 can flush. When the valve 11 is closed, the flush apparatus 1 cannot flush. The actuator unit 12 connected to the valve 11 actuates the valve 11. The actuator unit 12 can include an electromagnetic element, such as a solenoid. The power supply unit 13 supplies the electric power, and includes a battery, such as a solar cell. Alternatively, the power supply unit 13 includes a rectifier, which can convert the AC power into the DC power. Of course, the power supply unit 13 can also include a rechargeable battery.
  • The booster unit 14 is electrically connected to the actuator unit 12 and the power supply unit 13, and can boost the electric power outputted from the power supply unit 13 and enable the actuator unit 12 to actuate the valve 11. The control unit 15 detects the power supply unit 13 and outputs the control signal SC to the booster unit 14 according to the detection to enable the actuator unit 12. The control unit 15 can detect the electric power of the power supply unit 13.
  • Consequently, when the electric power supplied by the power supply unit 13 is decreased, the control unit 15 can adjust the outputted control signal SC to the booster unit 14 according to its detection, thereby enabling the booster unit 14 to boost according to the control signal SC so as to generate sufficient electric power to enable the actuator unit 12. The control signal SC can be a duty cycle control signal, a frequency control signal or a voltage control signal. Through adjusting the duty cycle, frequency or voltage of the control signal SC, the booster unit 14 can be enabled in response to different electric power and generate sufficient electric power to enable the actuator unit 12.
  • In addition, the booster unit 14 can be controlled to operate according to the control signal SC. The power supply unit 13 cannot consume the electric power until the booster unit 14 operates. So, the operating time of the booster unit 14 can be shortened according to the control signal SC, and the electric power consumption of the power supply unit 13 can be avoided.
  • FIG. 2 shows an automatic flush apparatus 1 according to another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the control unit 15 may include a micro-controller unit (MCU) 151 and a detecting element 152 electrically connected to the MCU 151. The detecting element 152 is electrically connected to the power supply unit 13 and can detect the electric power of the power supply unit 13 and transmit an electric power signal SP to the MCU 151, which transmits the control signal SC according to the electric power signal SP. For example, when the drop of the electric power is detected, the MCU 151 may increase the duty cycle, frequency or voltage of the control signal SC so that the booster unit 14 is enabled according to the control signal SC.
  • In addition, the booster unit 14 can include a converter 141 and at least one switch element 142 electrically connected to the converter 141. The converter 141 can be a DC/DC converter, and the switch element 142 can be a transistor. The control unit 15 transmits the control signal SC and enables the switch element 142 to switch. The converter 141 can boost according to the switching, and can obtain different boosting effects by adjusting the control signal SC in response to different electric power supplied by the power supply unit 13.
  • In addition, the flush apparatus 1 further includes an energy storage unit C and a switch unit S1. The energy storage unit C is electrically connected to the actuator unit 12, and the switch unit S1 is electrically connected to the booster unit 14 and the energy storage unit C. The energy storage unit C includes a capacitor. Thus, the switch unit S1 can include at least one transistor. When the control unit 15 transmits the control signal SC to the booster unit 14, the switch unit S1 can turn on so that the energy storage unit C is charged by the booster unit 14. When the control unit 15 stops enabling the booster unit 14, the switch unit S1 turns off so that the energy storage unit C is discharged and thus enable the actuator unit 12. In this embodiment, the control unit 15 enables the booster unit 14 for several milliseconds, for example. In addition, the energy storage unit C has the voltage regulating effect.
  • In addition, the actuator unit 12 includes a first state and a second state, and is changed into the first state or the second state by the control unit 15. For example, the actuator unit 12 is in the first state when the control unit 15 transmits a turn-on signal SON to the actuator unit 12 to turn on the actuator unit 12, and the actuator unit 12 is in the second state when the control unit 15 transmits a turn-off signal SOFF or no signal to the actuator unit 12 to turn off the actuator unit 12. The flush apparatus 1 further includes a switch unit S2 electrically connected between the control unit 15 and the actuator unit 12. The switch unit S2 is activated or deactivated corresponding to the first state or the second state of the actuator unit.
  • The valve 11 is opened when the actuator unit 12 is in the first state and enabled, and the valve 11 is closed when the actuator unit 12 is in the second state and enabled. The flush control method of the flush apparatus 1 will be described in the following. When the flush apparatus 1 starts to flush, the control unit 15 turns on the actuator unit 12 and transmits the control signal SC to the booster unit 14, and the booster unit 14 boosts and enables the actuator unit 12. Because the actuator unit 12 is in the first state and enabled, the valve 11 is opened to perform the flush operation. Thereafter, the control unit 15 stops enabling the booster unit 14 and thus prevents from consumption of the electric power. Meanwhile, the flush operation is still performed.
  • When the flush apparatus 1 stops flushing, the control unit 15 turns off the actuator unit 12 and transmits the control signal SC to the booster unit 14 so that the booster unit 14 boosts and enables the actuator unit 12. Because the actuator unit 12 is in the second state and enabled, the valve 11 is closed and stops supplying the water. As mentioned hereinabove, the booster unit 14 is only enabled when the flush operation starts or stops. So, the electric power consumption can be greatly reduced.
  • The detecting unit 16 is electrically connected to the control unit 15 and transmits the detection signal SD to the control unit 15. The detecting unit 16 can be an infrared detecting unit. In this embodiment, the detecting unit 16 includes a transmitting element 161 and a receiving element 162. Taking a urinal for example, when a target, such as a user, starts to use the urinal, the transmitting element 161 transmits an infrared signal, which is reflected by the target and then received by the receiving element 162, so that the urinal can detect the existence of the target. Then, when the target leaves, the receiving element 162 cannot receive the infrared signal, so that the urinal can detect that the target has left. The detection signal SD reflects the two conditions and thus make the control unit 15 correspondingly operate. For example, the flush operation is performed when the detected target leaves or when the target is using the urinal.
  • The control unit 15 can perform a time counting operation according to the detection signal SD, and determines the timing of enabling the booster unit 14 by the control signal SC according to the time counting operation so that the time of flush can be controlled. For example, the time counting operation is applied to the use time of the target. The flush time may be shortened as the use time of the target gets shorter. As mentioned hereinabove, the booster unit 14 is only enabled when the flush starts or stops. So, the flush time can be determined according to the timing of enabling the booster unit 14 by the control signal SC so that the water-saving effect can be achieved.
  • FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing a flush control method applied to the automatic flush apparatus of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 3, the method includes steps S01 to S04. In step S01, an automatic flush apparatus is provided. In step S02, a target is detected. The steps S02 and S03 can be repeatedly performed by the flush apparatus, and the order of the steps S02 and S03 is not particularly limited. For example, when the target starts to use the urinal, a detecting unit detects the existence of the target. When the target leaves, the detecting unit detects that the target has left so that the flush operation can be performed. Then, if another target wants to use the urinal, the detecting unit performs the detection again.
  • In step S03, an interval time from the previous flush to the detection of the target is counted. In this step, the flush apparatus can count the interval time, wherein the start point of the interval time can be chosen as the beginning of the flush, the middle of the flush or the ending of the flush, for example, and the end point can be chosen as the time instant after the flush and before the existence of the next target. The frequency of usage gets lower as the interval time gets longer, and the frequency of usage higher as the interval time gets shorter. In addition, the interval time of this embodiment can have one or more samples. When the interval time has one sample, the interval time from one flush to the detection of the next target can be counted. When the interval time has many samples, the above-mentioned counting operation can be repeated to get many interval times.
  • In step S04, the interval time is compared with at least one pre-set interval time to determine the operating mode of the flush apparatus. The pre-set interval time can be determined by the manufacturer or be set by the target. The flush control method of this embodiment has a plurality of operating modes. The operating mode of the flush apparatus is selected according to comparison between the interval time and the pre-set interval time. It is to be noted that if the interval time of this embodiment has many samples, the average of the samples can be obtained. The modes of this embodiment are designed according to different comparison parameters so that the variety can be increased, the requirement of energy-saving can be satisfied, and the water-saving effect can be achieved.
  • The flush control method of the present invention will be described in the following. As shown in FIG. 4A, the interval time is compared with a first pre-set interval time (e.g., 30 seconds). When the interval time is shorter than the first pre-set interval time, a first operating mode is chosen. The interval time of this embodiment can be counted according to the detection signal SD, such as the detection signal SD corresponding to the detection of the leave of the first target, and the detection signal SD corresponding to the detection of the existence of the second target.
  • The first operating mode includes the steps of counting the number of times of detection of the target, and comparing the number of times with at least one pre-set number of times to determine the flush time of the flush apparatus 1. When many targets continuously use the flush apparatus 1, the detecting unit 16 of the flush apparatus 1 can detect many targets, and the flush apparatus can count the number of times of detection of the targets and perform the comparison. When the number of times is smaller than the pre-set number of times, such as 6, as the former five targets use the flush apparatus, the flush time of the flush apparatus is 2.5 seconds. When the number of times is equal to the pre-set number of times as the sixth target uses the flush apparatus, the flush time of the flush apparatus is 3.5 seconds. When the number of times is greater than the pre-set number of times as the seventh target uses the flush apparatus, the flush time of the flush apparatus is 3 seconds.
  • It is to be noted that the control unit 15 of this embodiment only enables the booster unit 14 when the flush starts or stops so that the flush operation can be continuously performed. Thus, the flush time can be determined according to the time instants when the control unit 15 enables the booster unit 14.
  • The comparison parameter considered in the first operating mode is the number of times of detection of the targets, and the flush time can be determined accordingly so that the variety of the flush control method can be increased. In addition, the steps included in the first operating mode can be independently used without the comparison of the interval time with the first pre-set interval time.
  • As shown in FIG. 4B, the method of this embodiment further includes the step of comparing the interval time with a second pre-set interval time (e.g., 30 minutes). When the interval time is shorter than the second pre-set interval time, a second operating mode is chosen. In this embodiment, the step of comparing the interval time with the second pre-set interval time cannot be performed until that the interval time is not shorter than the first pre-set interval time.
  • The second operating mode includes the steps of counting the use time of the target, and comparing the use time with at least one pre-set use time to determine the flush time of the flush apparatus. Each target has its use time, and the use time can be counted according to the detection signal SD. For example, the use time can be counted according to the detection signal SD corresponding to the detection of the existence of the target, and the detection signal SD corresponding to the detection of the leave of the target. For example, the use time starts from the detection of the existence of the target by the detecting unit 16 to the detection of the leave of the target by the detecting unit 16. The flush apparatus 1 can count the use time of each target and perform the comparison. When the use time is shorter than the first pre-set use time (e.g., 20 seconds), the determined flush time is 3 seconds. When the use time is shorter than the second pre-set use time (e.g., 45 seconds) and longer than or equal to the first pre-set use time, the flush time of the flush apparatus is 3.5 seconds. When the use time is longer than or equal to the second pre-set use time, the flush time of the flush apparatus is 4 seconds.
  • The comparison parameter considered in the second operating mode is the use times of the targets, and the flush time can be determined accordingly so that the variety of the flush control method can be increased. In addition, the steps included in the second operating mode can be independently used without the comparison of the interval time with the second pre-set interval time. In addition, the second operating mode can also be used in conjunction with the first operating mode.
  • As shown in FIG. 4C, when the interval time is not shorter than the second pre-set interval time, a third operating mode is chosen. The third operating mode includes the step of comparing the flush time of the flush with the at least one pre-set flush time to determine the flush time of the flush apparatus. Each flush has its flush time, and the flush apparatus 1 can record or get each flush time and perform the comparison to determine the next flush time. Herein, the previous flush time is compared with the pre-set flush time.
  • In addition, the third operating mode of this embodiment can be used in conjunction with the second operating mode. First, as shown in the second operating mode, the use time is compared with the first pre-set use time. When the use time is shorter than the first pre-set use time, the flush time of the previous flush is compared with a pre-set flush time (e.g., 5 seconds). When the flush time is unequal to the pre-set flush time, the next flush time determined is 5 seconds. When the flush time is equal to the pre-set flush time, the next flush time determined is 3 seconds.
  • When the use time is shorter than the second pre-set use time (45 seconds) and longer than or equal to the first pre-set use time (20 seconds), the flush time of the previous flush is compared with the pre-set flush time. When the flush time is unequal to the pre-set flush time, the next flush time determined is 5 seconds. When the flush time is equal to the pre-set flush time, the next flush time determined is 3.5 seconds.
  • When the use time is longer than or equal to the second pre-set use time, the flush time of the previous flush is compared with the pre-set flush time. When the flush time is unequal to the pre-set flush time, the next flush time determined is 5 seconds. When the flush time is equal to the pre-set flush time, the next flush time determined is 4 seconds.
  • The comparison parameter considered in the third operating mode is the flush time, and the flush time is determined accordingly so that the variety of the flush control method can be increased. The step included in the third operating mode can be independently used without the comparison of the interval time with the second pre-set interval time. In addition, at least two of the third operating mode, the first operating mode and the second operating mode can be applied together so that the variety of the flush control method can be enhanced.
  • In summary, the automatic flush apparatus and its flush control method of the present invention can determine the operating mode of the flush apparatus according to the comparison between the interval time and the pre-set interval time. The operating modes have different comparison parameters correspondingly. For example, the numbers of times of detection of the targets are adapted to be a comparison base in the first operating mode, the use times of the targets are adapted to be a comparison base in the second operating mode, and the flush times are adapted to be a comparison base in the third operating mode to determine the required flush time. In addition, the modes of the present invention may also be independently or combinatively used without comparing the interval time with the pre-set interval time. Thus, the flush control method of the invention has diversified comparison parameters so that the variety can be increased, the requirement of energy-saving can be satisfied and the water-saving effect can be achieved.
  • In addition, the automatic flush apparatus of the present invention controls the operation of the booster unit according to the control signal so that the operation time of the booster unit can be shortened, the power consumption of the power supply unit can be decreased, and the energy-saving effect can be thus achieved. In addition, when the electric power supplied by the power supply unit is decreased, the control signal may also control the booster unit for transforming sufficient electric power to enable the actuator unit so that the electric power availability can be enhanced.
  • Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. It is, therefore, contemplated that the appended claims will cover all modifications that fall within the true scope of the present invention.

Claims (20)

1. A flush apparatus, comprising:
a valve;
an actuator unit connected to the valve;
a power supply unit;
a booster unit electrically connected to the actuator unit and the power supply unit; and
a control unit for detecting the power supply unit and outputting a control signal to the booster unit according to the detection to enable the actuator unit.
2. The flush apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:
a detecting unit for transmitting a detection signal to the control unit.
3. The flush apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the detecting unit is an infrared detecting unit, and the flush apparatus is an automatic flush urinal.
4. The flush apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the detecting unit comprises a transmitting element and a receiving element, and when a target starts to use the flush apparatus, the transmitting element transmits an infrared signal, thereby detecting whether the receiving element receives the infrared signal so as to determine whether the target exists or not.
5. The flush apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit performs a time counting operation according to the detection signal.
6. The flush apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the actuator unit comprises an electromagnetic element or a solenoid.
7. The flush apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power supply unit comprises a solar cell, a rechargeable battery, a battery or a rectifier.
8. The flush apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control signal is a duty cycle control signal, a frequency control signal or a voltage control signal.
9. The flush apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the booster unit comprises a converter and at least one switch element electrically connected to the converter.
10. The flush apparatus according to any one of claim 1, wherein:
the control unit comprises a micro-controller unit (MCU) and a detecting element electrically connected to the MCU;
the detecting element is electrically connected to the power supply unit to detect electric power of the power supply unit and to transmit an electric power signal to the MCU; and
the MCU transmits the control signal according to the electric power signal.
11. The flush apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an energy storage unit and a switch unit, wherein the energy storage unit is electrically connected to the actuator unit, and the switch unit is electrically connected to the booster unit and the energy storage unit.
12. The flush apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the energy storage unit comprises a capacitor, and the switch unit comprises at least one transistor.
13. The flush apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the actuator unit comprises a first state and a second state, and is changed into the first state or the second state by the control unit.
14. The flush apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising a switch unit electrically connected between the control unit and the actuator unit, wherein the switch unit is activated or deactivated corresponding to the first state or the second state of the actuator unit, so that the valve is opened when the actuator unit is in the first state and is enabled, and the valve is closed when the actuator unit is in the second state and is enabled.
15. A flush control method applied to a flush apparatus, comprising steps of:
detecting a target;
counting an interval time from a previous flush to the detection of the target; and
comparing the interval time with at least one pre-set interval time to determine an operating mode of the flush apparatus.
16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the interval time is counted according to a detection signal transmitted by the flush apparatus.
17. The method according to claim 15, wherein the operating mode comprises:
counting the number of times of detection of the target; and
comparing the number of times with at least one pre-set number of times to determine a flush time of the flush apparatus.
18. The method according to claim 15, wherein the operating mode comprises:
counting a use time of the target; and
comparing the use time with at least one pre-set use time to determine a flush time of the flush apparatus.
19. The method according to claim 15, wherein the operating mode comprises:
comparing a flush time of the flush apparatus with at least one pre-set flush time to determine next flush time of the flush apparatus.
20. A flush control method applied to a flush apparatus, comprising steps of:
detecting a target; and
obtaining a comparison parameter according to a flush of the flush apparatus or the target, and determining an operating mode of the flush apparatus according to the comparison parameter.
US12/324,585 2008-08-07 2008-11-26 Flush apparatus and flush control method thereof Abandoned US20100031430A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN200810129824A CN101644074A (en) 2008-08-07 2008-08-07 Flushing device and flushing control method thereof
CN200810129824.3 2008-08-07

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20100031430A1 true US20100031430A1 (en) 2010-02-11

Family

ID=41651559

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/324,585 Abandoned US20100031430A1 (en) 2008-08-07 2008-11-26 Flush apparatus and flush control method thereof

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US20100031430A1 (en)
CN (1) CN101644074A (en)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD635219S1 (en) 2010-04-20 2011-03-29 Zurn Industries, LCC Flush valve actuator
US20140352048A1 (en) * 2013-03-06 2014-12-04 Toto Ltd. Urinal with sanitation device
US20160024777A1 (en) * 2014-07-23 2016-01-28 Toto, Ltd. Urinal Apparatus and Urinal Unit
JP2016130442A (en) * 2015-01-15 2016-07-21 パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 Sanitary washing device
JP2017179754A (en) * 2016-03-29 2017-10-05 Toto株式会社 Flush toilet bowl device
US20170298608A1 (en) * 2016-04-17 2017-10-19 Jorge Maercovich Valve Actuation Control for Flush Urinal and Toilet Apparatus
CN108222157A (en) * 2018-03-27 2018-06-29 黄石兴阀科技股份有限公司 A kind of non-contact toilet flushing valve automatic sensing device of luminous energy

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2578758B1 (en) * 2011-10-06 2016-11-30 Geberit International AG Method for setting parameters and device for carrying out said method
CN102776938A (en) * 2012-07-26 2012-11-14 郭祥金 Intelligent water controlling device used in washroom
CN111265139A (en) * 2020-03-19 2020-06-12 广东蓝水花智能电子有限公司 Intelligent toilet seat control method
CN114033003A (en) * 2021-12-02 2022-02-11 中山东菱威力洁净科技有限公司 Automatic induction flushing device and control method thereof

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD635219S1 (en) 2010-04-20 2011-03-29 Zurn Industries, LCC Flush valve actuator
US20140352048A1 (en) * 2013-03-06 2014-12-04 Toto Ltd. Urinal with sanitation device
US9644362B2 (en) * 2013-03-06 2017-05-09 Toto Ltd. Urinal with sanitation device
US20160024777A1 (en) * 2014-07-23 2016-01-28 Toto, Ltd. Urinal Apparatus and Urinal Unit
US10309088B2 (en) * 2014-07-23 2019-06-04 Toto, Ltd. Urinal apparatus and urinal unit
JP2016130442A (en) * 2015-01-15 2016-07-21 パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 Sanitary washing device
JP2017179754A (en) * 2016-03-29 2017-10-05 Toto株式会社 Flush toilet bowl device
US20170298608A1 (en) * 2016-04-17 2017-10-19 Jorge Maercovich Valve Actuation Control for Flush Urinal and Toilet Apparatus
US10344461B2 (en) * 2016-04-17 2019-07-09 Jorge Maercovich Valve actuation control for flush urinal and toilet apparatus
CN108222157A (en) * 2018-03-27 2018-06-29 黄石兴阀科技股份有限公司 A kind of non-contact toilet flushing valve automatic sensing device of luminous energy

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN101644074A (en) 2010-02-10

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20100031430A1 (en) Flush apparatus and flush control method thereof
CN108649802B (en) Wake-up management circuit for switching converters and related wake-up method
RU2464632C2 (en) Inductive source of supply with identification of devices
US20060055384A1 (en) Adaptive control for inductor based buck-boost voltage regulators
CN103036438B (en) Peak current regulation system and method used in power conversion system
US7577005B2 (en) Method for recognizing the load of an island inverter and island inverter
US8279634B2 (en) Circuit and method for predicting a valley timing for a voltage across a switching device
EP2678927B1 (en) A power supply comprising a stand by feature
CN111404403B (en) Synchronous rectification control method and control circuit for self-adaptive detection time
EP1239574A3 (en) DC-DC converter, power supply circuit, and method for controlling the same
CN208675111U (en) Resonance converter circuit, the circuit for controlling its light load operation, resonant mode power control circuit
US20120307530A1 (en) Power supply device and method for controlling same
US8552705B2 (en) Lower power controller for DC to DC converters
TW201013388A (en) Power supply unit having a voltage converter
US20110210712A1 (en) AC or DC POWER SUPPLY EMPLOYING SAMPLING POWER CIRCUIT
US7282900B2 (en) Performance controller for a step down current mode switching regulator
JP6010257B2 (en) Converter unit and method for converting voltage
US6297601B1 (en) Apparatus and method for saving electric power in a display system
CN112803722B (en) Isolated switch converter and controller and control method thereof
CN108880259B (en) Secondary side current mode control for converters
JP2000037074A (en) Switch mode power supply
US20100026233A1 (en) Sensor-controlled flushing device and method and system for managing power thereof
CN1518201B (en) Power-supply device for power supplying to discharge lamp
TW200941902A (en) Synchronous rectifying apparatus and forward synchronous converter
JP2000184716A (en) Power supply circuit

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.,TAIWAN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:CHANG, KUO-MING;REEL/FRAME:021897/0812

Effective date: 20080918

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION