JP2005522608A - Toilet cleaning device for water tank with novel valve and dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

A tank-type cleaning apparatus (100) including a suction valve (102), a cleaning valve (104), and a sensor module (20). The suction valve (102) is connected to an external water source (17) and is configured to close the water flow to the water storage tank at a substantially predetermined water level in the water storage tank (16). The flush valve (104) is configured to control the flush valve member (112) between a seated state and a non-seat state to allow water discharge from the water storage tank (16) to the toilet bowl (13). . The sensor module (20) is disposed at a reference position outside the water storage tank (16).

Description

  The present invention relates to a toilet cleaning device relating to a water storage tank.

  The technology of toilet cleaning equipment is old and mature (in this document, the term “toilet” is used in a broad sense including toilets, flush toilets, urinals, and others). Although extensive methods have been obtained as a result of numerous modifications and improvements in this technology, toilet flushing systems can still be divided into two general types. The first type is the gravity type, which is used for most home applications in the United States. The gravity type uses the pressure resulting from the water contained in the tank to flush the toilet and provide siphon action to draw out the contents of the toilet. The second type is a pressurizing type cleaning device, which performs washing with water using a flow path pressure.

  There is a tank type of the pressure type cleaning device. Such a scrubber uses a pressure tank in communication with the main water inlet conduit. The water from the main water inlet conduit is filled into the pressure tank until the air in the tank reaches the main conduit static pressure. When the system flows water, it is expelled from the tank initially at a constant pressure equal to the static pressure, without a drop due to the flow resistance of the main conduit. Another pressurized scrubber does not use a pressure tank, so the initial flush pressure is reduced by the flow resistance of the main conduit.

  The rinsing mechanism has been triggered manually until now, and interest in automatic processing has also existed for a long time. Moreover, particularly in recent decades, this interest has resulted in a large number of actual devices that have acquired the cleanliness and other benefits provided by automated operation. As a result, much effort has been developed to provide a rinsing mechanism that is well adapted to automatic operation. Although automatic operation is well known for pressurized cleaning devices in the tankless embodiment, gravity type cleaning devices and pressurized cleaning devices in the tank embodiment have also been adapted to automatic operation. For example, European patent EPO 0 828 103 A1 illustrates a typical gravitational configuration. When the flush valve member is biased to the closed position, the flush valve member prevents water in the tank from flowing to the toilet bowl. A piston in the shaft of the valve member is disposed in the cylinder. The pilot valve controls communication between the main (pressurized) water source and the cylinder. When flushing the toilet, only a small amount of energy is required to operate the pilot valve. As a result of the operation, the flow path pressure enters the cylinder through the opening of the pilot valve. The pressure exerts a relatively large force on the piston, thereby opening the valve against the biasing spring force.

  However, a reliable and reproducible flush can be provided, or a more accurate amount of water can be supplied for a complete or half flush, or based on external channel pressure There is still a need for new or improved cleaning devices that can monitor or adjust the water washing operation.

  The present invention relates to water washing of a tank-type toilet and a method of operating a washing apparatus corresponding thereto. This tank toilet flush can be adapted for automatic or manual operation and can include one or more dispensers to provide a cleaning or fragrance. It is.

  According to another aspect, the tank-type cleaning device includes a suction valve, a cleaning valve, and a sensor module. The suction valve is connected to an external water source and configured to close the flow of water to the water storage tank when the water storage tank reaches a predetermined water level. The washing valve is configured to control the washing valve member between a sealed state and an unsealed state, and to discharge water from the water storage tank to the toilet. The sensor module is disposed at a position serving as a reference outside the water storage tank.

  The water storage tank can be an external tank or an internal tank located on the back side of the wall. The sensor module includes a light source and a photodetector. Alternatively, the sensor module can have only a photodetector. The photodetector operates in the range of 350-1500 nm. The sensor module provides a signal to a controller that controls the hydraulic operation of the wash valve.

  According to another aspect, a tank cleaning apparatus includes a suction valve (ie, a tank fill valve), a diaphragm operated cleaning valve, and a pressure control mechanism. The suction valve is connected to an external water source, and is configured to close the flow of water to the water storage tank when the water storage tank reaches a predetermined water level. The diaphragm-operated cleaning valve is configured to control the cleaning valve member between a sealed state and an unsealed state, and to discharge water from the water storage tank to the toilet. The diaphragm is configured to divide the wash valve chamber and the pilot chamber and seal the wash valve, thereby maintaining the pressure to force the wash valve member into a seated state, and water from the water storage tank to the toilet bowl. Is prevented from being released. The pressure control mechanism, when driven, reduces the pressure in the pilot chamber of the diaphragm-operated cleaning valve to cause deformation of the diaphragm, thereby reducing the pressure in the cleaning valve chamber and thereby releasing water. Composed.

  Depending on the selected embodiment, the tank cleaning device can monitor or adjust the cleaning operation based on the external water pressure. The tank-type cleaning device can also supply a predetermined amount of water as needed, i.e. it can provide a full or half water wash. The tank-type cleaning device can also monitor the water level in the water storage tank, or can detect water leaks and indicate the presence of such leaks visually or audibly to the user.

  According to another aspect, an electromagnetic actuator system includes an actuator, a controller, and an actuator sensor. The actuator includes a solenoid coil and an armature housing configured and arranged to receive a movable armature in a movable relationship. The controller is coupled to power drive means configured to provide a drive signal to the solenoid to open or close a valve passage for displacing the armature to flow fluid. The actuator sensor is configured and arranged to sense the position of the armature and provide a signal to the controller.

  Preferably, the actuator sensor includes an electrical sensor configured to detect voltage, current, or a change in phase between voltage and current, all of which are induced by armature movement. The actuator sensor may include a resistor configured to receive at least a portion of the drive signal and a voltmeter configured to measure a voltage across the resistor. Alternatively, the actuator sensor may include a coil sensor configured and arranged to directly detect a voltage induced by armature movement. The coil sensor can be connected in a feedback configuration to a signal conditioner that provides an adjustment signal to the controller. The coil sensor can be formed from two coils, each coil configured and arranged to directly detect a voltage induced by the armature movement. Alternatively, the actuator sensor may include an optical sensor configured to detect armature movement.

  According to yet another aspect, an actuator system includes an electromagnetic actuator, an armature sensor, an external object sensor (eg, a motion sensor or presence sensor), and a controller having control circuitry. The actuator includes an armature and a coil configured to displace the armature by applying a coil drive signal. The armature sensor is configured to detect a displacement of the armature. The control circuit is configured to apply the coil drive signal to the coil when receiving a signal emitted from the external object sensor.

  According to yet another aspect, the water leak detector includes a fixed or floating level sensor and a controller. The level sensor provides the controller with a level signal corresponding to the water level in the water storage tank. The controller correlates the level signal with other data related to water usage. Based on this correlation, the controller has lowered the water level without intentional water use (eg, the desired cleaning action with the wash valve) or intentional water filling (eg, the desired filling action with the suction valve). If so, generate a warning signal.

  Preferably, the controller controls the operation of the electromagnetic actuator. The electromagnetic actuator includes a solenoid coil and an armature housing for the movable armature. The controller is also coupled to power drive means configured to provide a drive signal to the solenoid coil to displace the armature to open or close a valve passage for flowing fluid. The controller then generates a signal that is provided to the flush valve or fill valve (ie, the suction valve). The controller is capable of providing a drive signal based on manual input (eg, a button press by a user) or automatic input (eg, a signal from a presence sensor or motion sensor).

Preferred embodiments of the above aspects include one or more of the following features.
The suction valve (ie tank fill valve) includes a float constructed and arranged without being fixedly coupled to any valve member;
• The suction valve includes a float that floats freely in the float cage.
The suction valve includes a float configured to float within the float cage and shut off the relief orifice at a predetermined water level;

  Alternatively, the suction valve can be completely separate from the float for measuring the water level in the water storage tank. The float can be placed anywhere in the water storage tank and includes an electrical, magnetic, or optical sensor for detecting one or more predetermined water levels. Is possible. After detecting the water level, the float sensor can provide a signal to the system controller. Alternatively, the float can be replaced with a “fixed” level sensor configured as an electrical, magnetic, or optical sensor to detect one or more predetermined water levels. is there. The electrical sensor can be an inductive, resistive, or capacitive sensor. The magnetic sensor can include one or more fixed reed switches and a movable magnet.

  The pressure control mechanism is controlled by a solenoid. The cleaning valve member is configured to move linearly within the cleaning valve housing. The flush valve chamber is configured to receive water pressure from an external water source and is configured to utilize at least a portion of the water pressure to prevent water discharge.

  According to another aspect, the tank cleaning device includes a suction valve (ie, a fill valve) and a diaphragm operated cleaning valve. The suction valve is configured to close the water flow from the external water source to the water storage tank when the water storage tank reaches a predetermined water level. The suction valve includes a float constructed and arranged to float freely within the float cage. The diaphragm actuated wash valve includes a wash valve chamber, the diaphragm actuated wash valve being configured to open when driven to discharge water from the water storage tank to the toilet bowl.

  According to yet another aspect, a tank cleaning apparatus includes a suction valve and a diaphragm operated cleaning valve. The suction valve is coupled to an external water source and is configured to close the water flow to the water storage tank when the water level in the water storage tank approaches a predetermined level. The flush valve is configured to allow the discharge of water from the water storage tank to the toilet bowl by controlling the position of the flush valve member that can move between a seated state and a non-seat state. In this case, the cleaning valve member is biased to the non-sitting state by the biasing member, and is forced to be seated by at least part of the water pressure from the external water source.

Preferred embodiments of this aspect will include one or more of the following features.
• A suction valve and a flush valve are arranged in a single housing.
The wash valve chamber is configured to receive water pressure from an external water source and configured to utilize at least a portion of the water pressure to prevent water discharge;

  The diaphragm-operated cleaning valve can be controlled by a solenoid. The water storage tank can be a water tank that is exposed to the human eye or a water tank that is placed behind the wall and is not visible. The suction valve allows a variable water level in the tank.

  The tank-type cleaning device can include a vacuum breaker configured to prevent water transfer from the tank to the water supply.

  The tank cleaning device may include a manual actuator configured and arranged to drive the cleaning valve. The manual actuator can be a pushbutton actuator. The pushbutton actuator is configured to drive the cleaning valve with water pressure.

  The tank cleaning device may include an automatic actuator configured and arranged to drive the cleaning valve. The automatic actuator is configured to be triggered by a sensor. The sensor is capable of recording the presence of an object or the movement of the object. The sensor can be an optical sensor. The automatic actuator can be configured to drive the cleaning valve so that cleaning with two water volumes is possible. The automatic actuator can be located outside the water tank and is configured to drive the wash valve with water pressure.

  The tank cleaning device can include a check valve configured to reduce variations in closing pressure in response to water pressure. The tank type cleaning apparatus can include a pressure compensation type flow rate adjusting means. The tank cleaning device can include a viper seal configured to cooperate with the cleaning valve to prevent leakage of water into the toilet bowl. The tank cleaning device can include a vent for adjusting the odor.

  We have invented a new gravity and pressure cleaning mechanism. In the case of a gravity-type cleaning valve, it has been found that the operation can be made more reproducible by simply adopting the opposite configuration to that described in the above-mentioned European patent publication. Specifically, the flush valve is biased to its non-sitting state, allowing water to flow from the tank to the toilet and closing the flush valve (rather than opening) using channel pressure. Keep in state. It has been found that this method greatly simplifies the acquisition of reproducible valve opening characteristics. Also, the high flow path pressure does not actually reduce the effectiveness of the cleaning valve seal, but actually helps prevent leakage through the cleaning valve. Because the generation of toilet suction is primarily dependent on such characteristics, and because our method makes the bias mechanism essentially the determinant of that characteristic, our method is It makes it possible to make the characteristics of the operation largely independent of the channel pressure.

  It has also been found that a pressure cleaning system configured for automatic operation can be simplified by providing a pressure relief passage that extends through the cleaning valve member itself. Specifically, a part or the whole of the valve member is disposed in the pressure chamber, and the flow path pressure is put in the chamber. This pressure overcomes the biasing force and holds the valve member in the seated position, where it prevents water flow from the pressurized liquid source into the toilet bowl. To open the flush valve, it is necessary to release the pressure in the pressure chamber by letting the pressure in the pressure chamber escape to some unpressurized space. Rather than following the conventional method of further providing an outlet for pressure relief from the cleaning mechanism, cleaning for pressure relief is achieved by providing a pressure relief conduit that extends from the pressure chamber through the cleaning valve member itself. Use an exit for A pressure relief mechanism normally prevents flow through its pressure relief conduit, but allows such flow when the toilet is to be cleaned.

  In both pressure and gravity systems, most of the mechanisms used to operate the wash valve will generally be located in a wet local area. That is, the region is inside the pressure vessel in the case of a pressure system and in the tank below the high-water line in the case of a gravity system. However, in the case of automatic operation, at least a portion is located at a remote location, such as a lens used as part of an object sensor for collecting light reflected from the object. For this reason, some kind of communication exists between the local area and the remote area. This communication can be completely fluid, in which case the pressure relief flow path extends from the local area to a remote area outside the pressure vessel or outside the tank. The remote valve controls the pressure relief flow path to control the operation of the wash valve. In this embodiment, a sealed container for electrical components is not necessary.

  Another important feature of the present invention is a novel algorithm for operating the automatic cleaning apparatus. According to a preferred embodiment, the automatic cleaning device uses an optical object sensor with a visible or infrared light source and a photodetector. The photodetector provides an output signal based on the determination of whether the control circuit should wash the toilet (or urinal). After each pulse of light is emitted from the light source, the control circuit determines whether the resulting reflectivity of the reflected light is significantly different from the last reflectivity, and the change in reflectivity is Determine whether it is positive or negative. From the sum of subsequent determined data having a given direction and its value, the control circuit determines whether the user has approached the toilet and then has retracted from the tray. Based on this determination, the controller operates the valve of the cleaning device. That is, the control circuit determines the cleaning criterion based on whether the period in which the reflectivity (according to an appropriate approach criterion) increases precedes the period in which the reflectivity (in accordance with an appropriate retraction criterion) decreases. To do. In this embodiment, the control circuit does not determine whether or not the user has approached the toilet based on whether or not the reflectance exceeds a predetermined threshold, and whether the user has left the toilet. The determination of whether or not is not performed based on whether or not the reflectance is less than a predetermined threshold value.

  In a typical application, if the user is standing or sitting in front of the detector for at least 8 seconds, the cleaning device is driven after the user has moved out of the optical range. When the detector detects the user at a close position for 8 seconds or longer (including the time to approach and stop), the controller of the cleaning device changes the state from the preparation state to the cleaning state. After the detector detects that the user has moved out of range, the controller issues a cleaning command to the cleaning device. The time threshold can be adjusted depending on the application and environment.

  According to another embodiment, after each infrared pulse is emitted, the control circuit determines whether the user has approached the toilet based on whether the reflectivity exceeds a predetermined threshold. Here, in the same manner as described above, the control circuit determines whether or not the user has left the toilet based on whether or not the reflectance is less than a predetermined threshold value for each selected pulse intensity. The predetermined threshold is selected based on the environment (eg, the reflective surface of the wall, the light in the bathroom, the direction of the detector).

  Another important aspect of the present invention is automatic cleaning using an optical object sensor having only a photodetector for detecting light in the visible or infrared range (preferably in the visible to near infrared range). The device will be used.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a toilet 12 having a toilet 13, a toilet seat 14, a water tank 16, an automatic detection module 20, and a manual override button 18. The automatic detection module 20 includes a light detection system or any other object sensor described with respect to FIG. 1D. The object sensor provides a signal to a controller that controls the driving means of the latching actuator as described with respect to FIGS. 2, 2A, and 2B. As shown in FIG. 3, the latching actuator is connected to a flow path for operating a pilot mechanism of a gravity-type cleaning device disposed inside the tank 16.

  Still referring to FIG. 1, the automatic detection module 20 is coupled to the location where the input water pipe is connected to the water tank 16. This location is chosen because it is the only reference location for all types of tank toilets used in the United States. The auto-detect module 20 provides signals to a controller that controls the fluid drive of the gravity cleaning device.

  FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the automatic detection module 20 including a light source that emits light pulses through a window 32 and a photodetector that receives the reflected light pulses through the window 34. The body of the auto-detection module 20 can include all electronic components described with respect to any one of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2, 2A, and 2B. In addition, the auto-detection module 20 can include an input valve disposed within the container 40 and configured to control the flow of water from the input pipe 17 to the water tank 16. This input valve can replace the filling valve 102 described later with respect to the cleaning devices 100 and 100A.

  FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the automatic detection module 20. The automatic detection module 20 includes a light source that emits light pulses through the window 32 and a photodetector that receives the reflected light pulses that pass through the window 34. The main body 40 also includes a separate actuator (for example, the actuator shown in FIG. 3D) that controls the water pressure in the flow path 153 to control the cleaning valve 104 of the gravity-type cleaning devices 100 and 100A described below.

  Referring to FIG. 1C, an automatic detection module 20 according to another embodiment includes only a photodetector for receiving the reflected light pulse through the optical window 33. In this embodiment, there is no light source, and the photodetector detects visible light or near infrared light that reaches the optical window 33. The amount of light will depend on the ambient light (ie background) and on the object “shadowing” (ie the measured signal). If the object is located near the optical window 33, the photodetector detects a smaller amount of light. There are several embodiments of the optical window 33. For example, the optical window 33 can be a light transmissive material, a focusing lens, or a lens (for example, a dimming lens) that changes its transmission characteristics in response to ambient light.

  FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the optical object sensor shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The active photosensor (detector) includes a light source 66 (eg, an infrared transmitter) and a photodetector 68 (eg, an infrared receiver). Infrared transmitter 66 provides light to transmitter lens 70, and the infrared receiver receives the light collected by receiver lens 72. Lenses 70 and 72 are optically aligned with optical windows 32 and 34, respectively. Alternatively, both lenses 70 and 72 can be integrally formed as part of the housing 62, which is a manufacturing advantage compared to a configuration in which the lens is disposed separately from the housing. It will provide benefits. However, in another embodiment, the lenses can be separate, which provides greater flexibility in the choice of materials for both lens and circuit housings.

  Still referring to FIG. 1D, the module 20 includes a sensor circuit board 64, a light emitting diode 66, a photodiode 68, a light emitting side lens 70, and a light receiving side lens 72, all of which are disposed within the housing 62. The light emitting side lens 70 focuses the infrared light from the light emitting diode 66 through the infrared transmissive window 32 having a predetermined radiation output distribution. The light-receiving side lens 72 focuses the received light on the photodiode 68, and this configuration provides a predetermined pattern of sensitivity to the light reflected from the various targets. The emitted radiation power distribution and the sensitivity pattern of the photodiode 68 are shown, for example, in US Pat. No. 6,212,697. The optical sensor also includes an opaque blindfold 90 attached to the front of the lens 70, thereby forming a central hole for transmitting infrared light and for stray light that can contribute to crosstalk. Transmission is blocked. In order to prevent crosstalk, the light sensor may include opaque blocking means, such as blindfolding means 90, or other components.

  Both the light emitting diode 66 and the photodiode 68 are mounted on the circuit board 64. In this case, the light emitting diode 66 is disposed in the light emitting side hood 76, and the photodiode 68 is disposed in the light receiving side hood 78. The light emitting side hood 76 and the light receiving side hood 78 are opaque and contribute to reduction of noise and crosstalk. The lenses 70, 72 can be made as part of the front housing 40, placed in the housing 62, and a transmissive material such as Lexan OQ2720 polycarbonate can be used. The lens 70 has polished surfaces with different shapes on its front and back surfaces to provide an optimally shaped emission beam. Similarly, the lens 72 can have different polished surfaces on its front and back surfaces to provide optimal light detection.

  Referring to FIGS. 2, 2A, and 2B, the microcontroller 34 controls the entire cleaning cycle of the automatic cleaning apparatus embodiment. On the other hand, in the embodiment of the manual cleaning device, its operation is controlled by pressing button 18. Manual operation is described in PCT application PCT / US01 / 43273. The button 18 drives a fluid mechanism connected to the flow path 153, and the fluid mechanism then controls the cleaning valve 104 of the gravity cleaning device.

  FIG. 2 schematically shows a controller of the cleaning device, which is constituted by an actuator 32, a controller or microcontroller 34, an input element (eg photosensor 20 or any type of switch), and a voltage regulator. Solenoid drive means 40 for receiving power from conditioned battery 44 is included. The microcontroller 34 is designed for efficient power operation. To save power, the microcontroller 34 initially enters a low frequency sleep mode and periodically calls the input element to see if it has been triggered. After being triggered, the microcontroller 34 provides a control signal to the power consumption controller 39. The power consumption controller 39 is a switch that powers on the voltage regulator 46 (or voltage booster 46), the input element or sensor 20, and the signal regulator 42 (simplifies the block diagrams of FIGS. 2 and 2A). Therefore, the connection from the power consumption controller 39 to the input element or sensor 38 and the signal conditioner 42 is not shown).

  The microcontroller 34 receives an input signal from an input element (or external sensor) 20 that provides drive of the actuator 32 or control input for the actuator 32. Specifically, the microcontroller 34 provides the control signals 35a and 35B to the power driving means 40 that drives the solenoid of the actuator 32. The power driver 40 receives DC power from the battery 44 and the voltage regulator 46 adjusts the battery power to provide a substantially constant voltage to the power driver 40. Armature sensor 50 records or monitors the armature position of actuator 32 and provides control signal 45 to signal conditioner 42.

  The armature sensor 50 provides data relating to the movement or position of the armature of the actuator to the microcontroller 34, and this data is used to control the power drive means 40. The armature sensor 50 can be an electromagnetic sensor (eg, a pickup coil), a capacitive sensor, a Hall effect sensor, an optical sensor, a pressure transducer, or other type of sensor.

Preferably, the microcontroller 34 is a Toshiba 8-bit CMOS microcontroller TMP86P807M. The microcontroller has 8 Kbytes of program memory and 256 bytes of data memory. Programming is performed using a Toshiba adapter socket with a general purpose PROM programmer. The microcontroller operates at three frequencies (f _c = 16 MHz, f _c = 8 MHz, f _s = 332.768 KHz), where the first two clock frequencies are used in normal mode and the third frequency is Used in low power mode (eg sleep mode). The microcontroller 34 operates in sleep mode during various drives. To save battery power, the microcontroller 34 periodically samples the input signal of the input element or sensor 20 and then triggers the power consumption controller 39. The power consumption controller 39 supplies power to the signal conditioner 42 and other components. In other cases, no power is supplied to the object sensor 20, the voltage regulator 46 (or voltage booster 46), and the signal regulator 42 to conserve battery power. In operation, the microcontroller 34 also provides indicator data to the indicator 48.

  FIG. 2A schematically illustrates another embodiment of the cleaning device controller. The cleaning device control system again includes a microcontroller 34, a power switch 38, and solenoid drive means 40 for controlling the actuator 36. Preferably, the actuator 36 is a latching actuator that includes at least one drive coil wound on a bobbin and an armature, preferably composed of a permanent magnet. The actuator 36 also includes coil sensors 53A, 53B (eg, separate coils having only a few turns for detection by induction). Various embodiments of the actuator 32 are described in US Patent Application No. 60 / 362,166 (filed March 5, 2002) entitled “Controlling Fluid Flow”, PCT Application PCT / US01 entitled “Apparatus and Method for Controlling Fluid Flow”. / 51098 (filed October 25, 2001), and US Pat. Nos. 6,293,516 and 6,305,662.

  The microprocessor 34 supplies control signals 35A and 35B to the power driving means 40, and the power driving means 40 drives the solenoid to move the armature. The solenoid drive means 40 receives DC power from the battery 44 and the voltage regulator 46 adjusts the battery power to provide a substantially constant voltage to the power drive means 40. The coil sensors 53A and 53B pick up a voltage signal induced due to the movement of the armature and supply this signal to an adjustment feedback loop including preamplifiers 55A and 55B and low-pass filters 57A and 57B. That is, the coil sensors 53A and 53B are used to monitor the position of the armature of the actuator 36.

  The microcontroller 34 is designed for efficient power operation. Between each drive, the microcontroller 34 automatically enters a low frequency sleep mode and all other electronic components (e.g., input element or object sensor 20, power drive means 40, voltage regulator or voltage booster 46, And the signal conditioner 44) is powered off. When receiving an input signal (eg, from the object sensor 20), the microcontroller 34 powers on the power consumption controller 39, which powers on the signal conditioner 42. A circuit diagram of this cleaning device controller is described in US Patent Application No. 60 / 362,166.

  FIG. 2B schematically illustrates another embodiment of an electronic control circuit that can be disposed on the circuit board 64. The cleaning device control system also includes a microcontroller 34 that provides a control signal to the power drive means 40, which then supplies drive current to the solenoids of the actuators 32, 32A. The drive current supplied to control the actuator 32 is monitored by power monitoring means 29 that supplies a control signal to the microprocessor 34. Preferably, the actuators 32, 32A are latching actuators. As will be described later, the microcontroller 34 commands the supply of a drive current to the light emitting diode 66 in order to increase the light intensity of the light emission pulse. The microcontroller 34 also receives a detection signal from an amplifier associated with the photodiode 68, as described below.

  3, 3A, and 3B show a first embodiment of a gravity cleaning device 100 that includes a filling valve 102 and a cleaning valve 104 that are constructed in one piece. The cleaning device 100 is driven by water pressure by actuators 32 and 36 controlled by the microcontroller 34. During operation, the wash valve 104 facilitates the flow of water from the water storage tank 17 to the toilet 13, and the fill valve 102 facilitates the filling of the water storage tank 16 from the water supply 17.

  The cleaning valve 104 includes a cleaning valve member 112, a cleaning diaphragm 132, and a set of passages. The cleaning valve member 112 moves up and down between an open state and a closed state. Within the cleaning valve 104, the biasing spring 110 biases the cleaning valve member 112 to the open position. That is, the biasing spring 110 maintains the state where the cleaning valve member 112 is separated from the cleaning valve seat 114. The cleaning valve seat 114 is formed at the inlet of a cleaning conduit 116 disposed at the bottom of the toilet tank 16A. As shown in more detail in FIG. 3B, the lower main housing half 120 is mounted on the flush conduit 116 by struts 122 and includes a pressure chamber 124 above the flush valve member 112. The housing 120 includes a cylinder 126 configured to be slidable with the piston portion 128 of the flush valve member 112. Chamber 124 is normally in a pressurized state due to the fluid communication provided by pressure channel 130 and a pressurized water source connected to passage 148. Passage 148 includes a check valve (which prevents backflow) and a flow controller (ie, a flow restrictor). The flow restrictor is calibrated to provide a slow and constant water flow to the chamber 124. This results in a controlled closure due to external channel pressure. Diaphragm 132 seals chamber 124 at the top of passage 136 (FIG. 3B). When the force generated in the pressure chamber 124 by the water source exceeds the force of the spring 110, the flow path pressure holds the valve member 112 in the seated position.

  The pressure in the pressure chamber 124 is usually superior to others. This is because the pilot valve diaphragm 132 secured in the housing half 120 by the pilot valve cap 133 normally cooperates with the valve member seal ring 134 to prevent pressurized water from flowing out of the chamber 124. It is. The pilot valve diaphragm 132 is elastically deformable, so that the prevailing pressure in the chamber 124 helps raise the pilot valve diaphragm 132 from its engagement with the pilot valve seat 136. Thus, if a similar pressure is not surpassing over a larger area in the pilot chamber 138, the pressure can be released. The other reason for this pressure in the pilot chamber 138 is in the small orifice (or groove) 140 through which the pilot valve pin 142 formed by the cap 133 extends so that from the pressure chamber 124 Water can flow into the pilot chamber 138 (via a relatively high flow resistance). For this reason, the valve member 112 maintains a seating position (not shown) during each cleaning.

  Actuator 32 or 36 communicates with passage 156 which in turn communicates with pilot chamber 138. In order for the system to perform cleaning, the actuator 132 or 36 reduces the pressure in the pilot chamber 138, which causes the diaphragm 132 to transform into information and allow water flow in the region 136. Since the flow resistance through the orifice 140 in the pin 142 is much higher than the bleed orifice in communication with the passage 156, the pressure in the pilot chamber 138 will be lower than the pressure in the chamber 142. This reduction in pressure generates a reverse force that raises the diaphragm 132 from its seated state, as shown in FIG. 3B. Diaphragm 132 serves as a pressure relief valve that reduces the water pressure in chamber 124. As a result, the bias spring 110 overcomes the force exerted by the pressure in the chamber 124. For this reason, the cleaning valve member 112 is raised (i.e., the member 128 slides upward in the cylinder 126), and the O-ring seal 162 is raised and separated from the main valve seat 114, whereby a set of FIG. As indicated by the arrow, the tank can be emptied.

  Importantly, the O-ring 162 can be replaced with a rubber or plastic seal having a viper shaped blade 163 (see FIG. 3A). The viper-shaped blade is designed to provide a seal on the sheet 114 and remove deposits on the surface of the sheet 114. The design and operation of the viper shaped blade further helps to prevent water leakage.

  Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 3A, the float valve assembly 102 uses a diaphragm actuated valve 108 and a float 109 disposed within the cage 107 to control water flow to the tank 16. Fill valve 102 includes a diaphragm 170 mounted on a diaphragm pin 190 that separates pilot chamber 179 from pressure chamber 180 in communication with a water source provided by input flow path 17 (see FIG. 1). Diaphragm pin 190 includes a groove 192 that provides communication between pilot chamber 179 and pressure chamber 180. In the closed state, the diaphragm 170 seals the chamber 180. In the open state, diaphragm 170 deforms to provide a passage from chamber 180 to passages 182, 184 (see FIG. 5A). The fill valve diaphragm 170 is held between a valve cap and a valve plug that is screwed into the valve cap and sealed against the float valve frame 172. When mounted, the diaphragm 170 having elasticity sits on a valve seat formed by a valve cap. When the diaphragm valve 108 is opened, water from the flow path 17 flows through the main valve passage 174 and the filling tube 176 in the tank 16. As long as the ball float 109 does not block the pressure relief orifice, the pressure in the passage 180 will be higher than the pressure in the pilot chamber 179, which causes deformation of the elastic diaphragm 170, causing water from the chamber 180 to It is possible to flow around the valve seat through the opening 182 in the cap (see FIG. 5A), the passage 184, and the opening in the float valve frame into the filling tube 176. This is described in detail in PCT application PCT / US01 / 43273 (filed November 20, 2001) entitled “Toilet Flusher with Novel Valves and Controls”.

  Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 3A, the fill tube 176 is designed to perform a controlled filling of the tank 16. Since the channel pressure causes the wash valve member 112 to close, a large tank fill flow can degrade the valve closing performance. When the washing valve member 112 remains in the non-sitting state, the water to be filled flows from the tank 16 to the toilet 13. For this reason, there is a flow restrictor 178 (see FIG. 3B), which allows water to flow from the fill tube 175 into the tank 16 at a high flow rate when the cleaning valve member 112 is completely in the non-sitting position. Can not be. A flow restrictor 178 is mounted on the flush valve member and projects into the outlet of the fill tube 176 to greatly limit the flow of the fill tube. This has the advantageous effect of maintaining the manifold 148 and thus the pressure channel 130 at a high pressure. The operation of the flow restrictor can be said to help make the operation of the wash valve more predictable over a period of time (than if it is not present). Importantly, filling the tank does not adversely affect the pressure that acts to close the flush valve member 112. However, the pressure from the water source 17 can vary. This pressure fluctuation can cause undesirable fluctuations in the delay between remote valve closing and flush valve closing.

  The pressure flow path pressure and the size of the orifice 140 (within the diaphragm valve) affect the rate at which the manifold pressure closes the pilot valve (and thus applies pressure to the wash valve to close it). In other words, the flow restrictor 130 ensures that there is sufficient pressure to cause the flush valve 104 to close at a high rate. When the flush valve 104 is closed, movement of the member 112 causes the flow restrictor 178 to retract from the fill tube 176, thereby allowing the tank to be quickly filled.

  The flush valve 104 also includes a check valve and flow controller 150 disposed in the passage 148. The check valve prevents back flow of water from the chamber 124. The flow controller 150 is a flow restrictor calibrated to provide a slow and constant water flow to the chamber 124. The particular type of flow controller 150 is not critical and can be one of the deformable ring variants. The flow restrictor creates a closure controlled by an external flow path pressure. The external flow path pressure acts against the spring 110 to maintain the wash valve member 112 in the closed position.

  The pressurized conduit 130 includes a check valve 152 that prevents backflow from the chamber 124 so that the pressure that maintains the flush valve 104 closed when the pressure in the flow path 17 drops is not lost. To do. If the check valve 152 is not present, the cleaning valve 104 is opened as a result of the pressure drop or disappearance, and an unintended flow of water from the water storage tank 16 occurs.

  Gravity cleaning devices 100, 100A are configured to comply with applicable EU and US standards. Specifically, the gravity cleaning device 100, 100A complies with the standard titled “Dual Flush Deviced for Water Closets” published as ASME A112.19.10-1994 in 1994 and the proposed ASME A112.19.10-2002. It is configured as follows.

  FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a gravity cleaning device having a cleaning valve 104 directly controlled by an electromagnetic actuator (see FIG. 3D) mounted and sealed within the cleaning device body. As described above, the cleaning valve 104 includes a cleaning valve member 112, a cleaning diaphragm 132, and a set of passages. The cleaning valve member 112 moves up and down between an open state and a closed state. Within the cleaning valve 104, the biasing spring 110 biases the cleaning valve member 112 to the open position. The housing 120 includes a cylinder 126 configured to be slidable with the piston portion 128 of the flush valve member 112. The chamber 124 is normally in a pressurized state due to the fluid communication provided by the pressurized water source connected to the pressure channel 130 and the passage 148 (including the check valve). Diaphragm 132 seals chamber 124 at the top of passage 136 (FIG. 3B). When the force generated in the pressure chamber 124 by the water source exceeds the force of the spring 110, the flow path pressure holds the valve member 112 in the seated position.

  The pressure in the pressure chamber 124 is usually superior to others. This is because the pilot valve diaphragm 132 secured in the housing half 120 by the pilot valve cap 133 normally cooperates with the valve member seal ring 134 to prevent pressurized water from flowing out of the chamber 124. It is. The pilot valve diaphragm 132 is elastically deformable, so that the prevailing pressure in the chamber 124 helps raise the pilot valve diaphragm 132 from its engagement with its pilot valve seat 136. This allows the pressure to be relieved if a similar pressure does not win over a larger area in the pilot chamber 138. The other reason for this pressure in the pilot chamber 138 is in the small orifice (or groove) 140 through which the pilot valve pin 142 formed by the cap 133 extends so that from the pressure chamber 124 Water can flow into the pilot chamber 138 (via a relatively high flow resistance). For this reason, the valve member 112 maintains a seating position (not shown) during each cleaning.

  To open the cleaning valve 104 (i.e., lift the cleaning valve member 112 from the seat 114), the microcontroller 34 (see FIGS. 2, 2A, 2B) provides a drive current actuator coil 428 (see FIG. 2) for opening. 3D) is started. This allows the pressure in the control valve chamber 124 to be released via the pilot valve inlet and outlet passages. Water exits the control chamber 124. Due to the high resistance of the flow through the bleed groove between the orifice 140 and the pin 142, the resulting pressure loss in the control valve chamber 124 will not be transmitted immediately to the interior of the cap neck, and thus on the diaphragm 132. The net force is what currently makes it unsitting at the top. The bottom surface of the pilot valve member can provide a diaphragm stopper, which includes an annular diaphragm stopper ring with diaphragm stopper teeth extending radially inward from the ring. This prevents the cleaning valve diaphragm 132 from being excessively deformed by the upward force applied to the cleaning valve diaphragm 132.

  When the diaphragm 132 is not seated, the fluid can flow from the cap neck interior 124 to the outside of the control valve port via the valve seat 136. This releases the pressure in the cylinder chamber that previously maintained the cleaning valve member 112 in the seated state. Therefore, the washing valve spring 110 places the washing valve member in a non-sitting state, and water can flow from the inside of the tank into the toilet through the washing conduit port 122 and the washing passage 116. The overflow tube 118 sends excess water from the water storage tank 16 through the passage 119 to the cleaning passage 116.

  The automatic cleaning described above is controlled by actuators described in PCT applications PCT / US01 / 51098 and PCT / US02 / 38758. Any of the PCT applications can utilize various embodiments of actuators. Referring to FIG. 3D, the isolated actuator 400 includes an actuator base 416, a ferromagnetic pole piece 425, and a ferromagnetic armature 440 slidably mounted within an armature pocket formed in the bobbin 414. The ferromagnetic armature 440 includes an armature cavity 430 having a distal end 442 (ie, plunger 442) and a coil spring 448. Coil spring 448 includes tapered ends 448a, 448b for machine operation. The ferromagnetic armature 440 can include one or more grooves or passages 432 that are at the pole piece 425 from the distal end of the armature 440 to the adjacent ends of the armature cavity 430 and the armature 440. To facilitate fluid movement when the armature is displaced.

  The isolated actuator body 400 also includes a solenoid winding 428 wound around the solenoid bobbin 414 and a magnet 423 disposed within the magnet recess 420. Isolated actuator body 400 also includes an elastically deformable O-ring 415 that forms a seal between solenoid bobbin 414 and actuator base 416 and also forms a seal between solenoid bobbin 414 and pole piece 425. It includes an elastically deformable O-ring 430, all of which are held together by a solenoid housing 418. Solenoid housing 418 (ie, can 418) is secured to actuator base 16 to hold magnet 423 and pole piece 425 against bobbin 414, thereby securing winding 428 and actuator base 416 together.

  Isolated actuator 400 also includes an elastic membrane 450 that can be in various embodiments as described and illustrated in PCT application PCT / US02 / 38758. As shown in FIG. 3D, the elastic membrane 450 is mounted between the actuator base 416 and the pilot button 405 to contain the armature fluid disposed in an airtight armature chamber that communicates with the armature port 432. The elastic membrane 450 includes a distal end 452, an O-ring portion 453, and a flexible portion 456. End 452 comes into contact with the sealing surface in region 408. The elastic membrane 450 is exposed to the regulated fluid pressure supplied via the conduit 406 in the pilot button 405 and can therefore receive a large external force. Furthermore, the elastic membrane 450 is configured to have relatively low permeability and high durability for thousands of opening and closing operations over many years of operation.

  Referring to FIG. 3D, the actuator base 416 receives a wide base portion substantially disposed within the can 412 and a delivery fluid cap (described in PCT / US02 / 38758) that is screwed onto its outer surface. Or a narrow base extension for connection to the valve body as shown in FIG. 3C. The base extension is screwed into a complementary thread provided on the outer surface of the pilot button 405. The membrane 450 includes a thick peripheral rim 454 disposed between the lower surface of the base extension and the pilot button 405. This forms an airtight seal and the membrane protects the armature from external fluid flowing in the main valve.

  The elastic membrane 450 encloses the armature fluid disposed in an airtight armature chamber that communicates with the armature port 432 formed by the armature body 440. In addition, the elastic membrane 450 is subjected to regulated fluid pressure in the main valve, which can be subject to large external forces. However, the armature 440 and the spring 430 need not overcome this force. This is because the conduit pressure is transmitted through the membrane 450 to the incompressible armature fluid in the armature chamber. Thus, the force resulting from the pressure in the chamber is balanced with the force exerted by the conduit pressure.

  Referring to FIG. 3D, the armature 440 is free to move with respect to fluid pressure in the chamber between a retracted position and an extended position. Armature port 432 allows for fluid force balance to be transferred from the lower well of the armature chamber through the spring cavity 430 to the portion of the armature chamber where the upper end (ie, end) of the armature is retracted upon actuation. To do. Armature fluid can also flow around the sides of the armature, but configurations that require rapid armature movement can provide a relatively low flow resistance path (such as port 432 assisting in its formation). Should have. For similar considerations, it is advantageous to use an armature chamber fluid having a relatively low viscosity. For this reason, the isolated operating means (i.e., actuator 400) requires less electrical energy for operation and is therefore particularly suitable for battery operation.

  In the latching embodiment shown in FIG. 3D, armature 440 is held in the retracted position by magnet 423 when no solenoid current is present. Thus, to drive the armature to the extended position, the resulting magnetic force will be opposite to the magnet's magnetic force enough to allow the spring force to overcome, Direction and magnitude of armature current is required. When this is done, the spring force will move the armature 440 to its extended position, where the outer surface of the membrane will be sealed against the valve seat (eg, the seat of the pilot button 405). In this position, the armature is sufficiently away from the magnet, and the spring force can maintain the armature in the extended position without the aid of a solenoid.

  To return the armature to the illustrated retracted position to allow fluid flow, a current is driven through the solenoid in such a direction that the resulting magnetic field reinforces the magnet's magnetic force. As described above, the force exerted by the magnet 423 on the armature in the retracted position is a force large enough to maintain the armature in the retracted position against the spring force. However, in a non-latching embodiment that does not include the magnet 423, the armature 440 remains in the retracted position as long as the resulting magnetic force is passed through the solenoid sufficient to exceed the spring force of the spring 448. .

  Advantageously, the diaphragm membrane 450 protects the armature 440 and forms a cavity filled with a sufficiently corrosion-resistant liquid, which in turn allows the actuator designer to have high corrosion resistance and high permeability. It becomes possible to make a more preferable selection between materials having magnetism. In addition, the membrane 450 provides a barrier to metal ions and other debris that move into the armature cavity and ultimately prevent movement of the armature 440.

  Diaphragm membrane 450 includes a sealing surface 452 associated with the seat opening area, any of which can be increased or decreased. The sealing surface 452 and the sealing surface of the pilot button 405 can be optimized for the pressure range designed to operate the valve actuator. The reduction of the sealing surface 452 (and the corresponding tip of the armature 440) reduces the plunger area as the membrane compresses, which in turn reduces the spring force required for a given upstream fluid conduit pressure. On the other hand, if the plunger tip area is too small, the diaphragm membrane 450 is damaged when the valve is closed for a long time. A preferable range of the tip contact area with respect to the sheet opening area is 1.4 to 12.3. The actuator will be suitable for a variety of controlled fluid pressures (including a pressure of about 150 psi). The valve actuator can be used in the range of about 30 psi to 80 psi without significant changes, and can even be used at a water pressure of about 125 psi.

  The pilot button 405 has an important new function to achieve consistent long term pilot operation of the diaphragm valve shown in FIGS. 3C and 3E. Solenoid actuator 400 is disposed within the electronic plug as a single assembly with pilot button 405, thereby minimizing variations in the pilot valve stroke in the pilot seat within region 408 relative to the closure surface. This variation will adversely affect pilot operation. This device is quicker and simpler than conventional devices.

  The assembly of the operating means 400 and the pilot button 405 are usually formed at the factory and permanently connected so that the diaphragm membrane 450 and the armature fluid under pressure (at a pressure comparable to that of the control fluid) are applied. Retained. The pilot button 405 is coupled to the narrow end of the actuator base 416 using a complementary thread or slide mechanism, both of which are reproducible between the distal end 452 of the diaphragm 450 and the sealing surface of the pilot button 405. A certain distance is surely formed. The coupling between the operating means 400 and the pilot button 405 can be made permanently (or rigidly) using an adhesive, a set screw, or a pin. Alternatively, one member can include an extension portion that can be used to secure the two members together after being screwed or slid onto the pilot button 405.

  FIG. 3E shows another embodiment of a gravity cleaning device having a cleaning valve controlled by an actuator 400 (reference numeral 32 in FIG. 2). The gravity cleaning apparatus 100D is an improved version of the gravity cleaning apparatus shown in FIGS. 3, 3A, and 3C. Gravity cleaning device 100D includes a body 111A configured and arranged to receive a movable piston 112A. The movable piston 112A is sealed against the inner surface of the cleaning device body 111A using several O-rings (known in the art). The gravity type cleaning device 100D includes a lower chamber 122A formed between the movable piston 112A and the cleaning device body 111A, and includes an upper control chamber 124A. The control chamber 124A is in communication with the control chamber 124B in contact with the movable piston 112A just above the movable piston 112A. Control passage 113A provides fluid communication between lower chamber 122A and upper control chamber 124B. Control chamber 122A communicates with external water via passage 149A and conduit 130. The passage 149A includes a check valve for preventing backflow.

  In the open state shown in FIG. 3E, the cleaning valve member 112 is in a non-sitting state. In this case, the pressure in the control chamber 124A is much lower than the input water pressure in the chamber 122A. This is because the diaphragm valve is open and there is a water flow from the diaphragm pilot chamber 138 by the valve seat 136. That is, water flows through check valve and passage 149A and through conduit 130 to chamber 122A. From chamber 122A, water flows through control passage 113A to upper control chambers 124A and 124B. From the control chamber 124A, water flows to the water tank by the diaphragm valve seat 136.

  To close the flush valve 104, the actuator 400 closes the control passage 408A. This increases the pressure in the diaphragm control chamber 138 that receives the water flow through the bleed orifice provided by the pin, as described above. As the water pressure in the diaphragm control chamber 138 increases, the diaphragm 132 seals the upper chamber 124 with the sealing surface 136. However, water still flows through check valve and passage 149A and through conduit 130 to chamber 122A. From chamber 122A, water flows through control passage 113A to upper chambers 124A, 124B where the water pressure rises. After the upper chamber 124A is sealed, there is a pressure up to the water pressure in the chambers 124A, 124B. Since the water pressure in the chamber 124B acts on the entire upper surface of the movable piston 112A, a large downward force exists. This force is greater than the upward force generated by the pressure in chamber 122A. Due to the difference in net force, the movable piston 112A is pushed to a position below it, whereby the cleaning valve member 112 is moved to the seating position, and the rubber seal 163 seals the cleaning valve with the valve seat 114. In this embodiment, the gravity cleaning device 100D does not use the biasing spring 110 used in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3, 3A, 3C, 5, and 5B. The actuator 400 opens and closes the cleaning valve 104 by increasing or decreasing the pressure in the control chambers 124A and 124B.

  FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the cleaning device 100 with the cleaner dispenser device 200 attached to the top of the overflow tube 118. According to a first preferred embodiment, the cleaner dispenser device 200 includes a battery powered motor. The dispenser motor can be a 100-200mW motor driven by a 1.5-3V battery to supply cleaning fluid to the wash tube 116 and toilet 13 through the overflow tube 118 via port 202 It is. The cleaning liquid is disposed in the cleaner dispenser device 200 and is not diluted in the water tank 16. After each wash, the microcontroller 34 can drive the motor of the cleaner dispenser device 200 to supply the cleaning liquid as described above. Advantageously, the microcontroller 200 can also count and store cleaner supply times. The dispenser device 200 has an approximate value of the number of times the cleaner is supplied. Thus, the microcontroller 34 can determine when the dispenser device 200 is empty and can inform the need for refilling or replacement of the cleaner dispenser.

  A preferred embodiment of the dispenser device 200 is shown in FIGS. 4B-4I and 4B-II. The dispenser device 200 can be connected to an external water pressure and can be controlled by the water pressure. Alternatively, this operation can be mechanically controlled using an electric motor and a set of separate batteries. 4B-I and 4B-II illustrate the operation of the cleaner dispenser 200 shown in FIG. 4 (or similar fragrance dispenser 210 shown in FIG. 4). The cleaner dispenser 200 includes a 460 that houses a flexible member 462 that holds a cleaning liquid (or fragrance). The cleaning fluid is in communication with ports 464, 465 that provide communication with the dispensing chamber 468 and dispensing chamber 470. The dispenser also includes an actuator 472 and dispensing piston 474 for supplying cleaning liquid (or fragrance liquid) via dispensing port 476. Actuator 472 can be driven fluidly (eg, using external water pressure) or mechanically. Upon actuation, the actuator 472 displaces the piston 474, which then pushes the cleaning liquid through the dispensing port 476 and into the overflow tube 118 (shown by arrows 202 in FIGS. 4 and 4A).

  4B-I shows the cleaner dispenser 200 in the “load” position, in which case cleaning liquid is fed by gravity into the dispensing chamber 468 and dispensing chamber 470 via the dispensing ports 464,465. The There are many designs (such as orifices or membranes) for the propellant port. Due to the relatively high viscosity or configuration of the dispensing port (eg, membrane or orifice), cleaning fluid does not substantially exit the dispensing chamber 470 until it is pushed out by the piston 474 (this open position is during toilet cleaning). Or a small amount of cleaning liquid can be allowed to leak since it occurs immediately thereafter).

  4B-II show the cleaner dispenser 200 in the closed position after dispensing. In this position, the flexible member 462 extends and the dispensing ports 464, 465 are closed. After driving, the dispensing piston 474 moves to the extended position, thereby pushing the cleaning liquid into the overflow tube 118 via the dispensing port 476. This movement is controlled by movement of the actuator 474, controlled by water pressure (using water pressure), pneumatically, or mechanically. Alternatively, this operation can be mechanically controlled using an electric motor and a set of separate batteries.

  The entire process described above is repeated, in which case the dispensing chamber 468 and the dispensing chamber 470 are “filled” with cleaning fluid (during or immediately after toilet flushing) prior to dispensing. When dispensed into dispensing chamber 470, the cleaning liquid is discharged through dispensing port 476 as described above. The dispenser can remain in the closed position for most of the time.

  FIG. 4A shows a tank-type cleaning device 100 in which an aroma dispenser device 210 is mounted on the overflow tube 118. The fragrance dispenser device 210 can be designed similar to the cleaner dispenser device 200 described above. The fragrance dispenser device 210 can include a motor or valve for supplying fragrance through the passage 212. The fragrance dispenser device 210 can be driven by user input or can be driven automatically using a predetermined algorithm executed by the microcontroller 34. For example, the object sensor 20 can detect that the user has reached the toilet 12 and can provide a signal to the microcontroller 34. The microcontroller 34 then drives the fragrance dispenser device 210 to deliver fragrance into the overflow tube 118 well before starting the above-described wash cycle. Based on a predetermined algorithm, the microcontroller 34 can start driving the fragrance supply device 210 several times while the user is in the toilet 12. Furthermore, the microcontroller 34 can drive the aroma dispenser device 210 after performing the above-described cleaning cycle. In this way, the present system enables an efficient supply of the desired fragrance when the toilet 12 is used.

  The fragrance dispenser device 210 can supply a fragrance that can be a fragrance chemical or a malodor removal chemical. The supply can be accomplished by generating an air flow with a fan driven by a motor, which feeds the fragrance into the toilet 13 via the overflow tube 118. The fragrance supply device 210 can also supply a liquid fragrance in the form of a liquid or a solid fragrance in the form of powder or crystals. The solid crystal can be fed into the overflow tube 118 by air pressure. Alternatively, the solid can be mixed with water and fed from a jet using the venturi effect by water pressure. Alternatively, the cleaner's liquid fragrance is supplied using the energy provided by the water supplied to the toilet via the overflow tube 118 after each wash (as is done in any cleaning device currently on the market). It is possible. In this embodiment, the fluid to be supplied is stored in a container. The washed water is piped through the container using a venturi shaped nozzle, and this flow creates a suction effect that releases fragrance or cleaning liquid from the container.

  All communication connections, including connections to the object sensor module 20, the pushbutton or capacitive switch 18, or the dispenser device 200, 210 can be implemented using a wireless system. The push button or sensing circuit in such a manner can be remotely located to provide a signal to the microcontroller 34. The remote circuit will include a wireless transmitter and the local circuit will include a wireless receiver responsive to the transmitter. For example, the transmitter and the receiver can communicate with electromagnetic waves having a low frequency (for example, 125 KHz). Such electromagnetic waves can be modulated by a pulse train and encoded to minimize the effects of receiving spurious signals from other sources. In the wireless system, it is preferable to arrange at least the local receiver above the water line, but this is not essential.

  5 and 5A are cross-sectional views of the second embodiment of the tank type cleaning apparatus 100B. The tank type cleaning apparatus 100B includes a filling valve 102, a cleaning valve 104, a control valve 220, and a three-way valve 300. Fill valve 102 and cleaning valve 104 operate in substantially the same manner as described above with respect to tank-type cleaning device 100, but in this case are controlled by a three-way valve 300. Alternatively, the three-way valve 300 can be replaced with two actuators that are configured to control the fill valve 102 and the wash valve 104 separately. The two actuators can be connected to and driven by the microcontroller 34.

  The control valve 220 is disposed in the cavity 222. Control valve 220 includes a joint 224, a control passage 226, and a diaphragm 230 mounted on a pin 232. Pin 232 includes a groove 234. Diaphragm 230 separates pilot chamber 236 from pressure chamber 238. Pressure chamber 238 is in communication with chamber 295, which includes a three-way valve 300. The coupling 224 is constructed and arranged to receive a hydraulic flow path whose pressure is controlled by the actuator 32 or 36 (FIGS. 2 and 2A). Water pressure from the actuator 32 or 36 is sent to the passage 226 and the pilot chamber 236 via the joint passage 225. Pilot chamber 236 communicates with pressure chamber 238 via groove 234. For this reason, the water pressure in the chambers 236 and 238 is the same. Due to the large surface area in the pilot chamber 236, there is a net force from the pilot chamber 236 to the pressure chamber 238 that keeps the control valve 220 closed in region 239.

  Upon actuation, the actuator 32 or 36 releases the pressure in the hydraulic flow path connected to the joint passage 225, thereby reducing the pressure in the pilot chamber 236. The reduced pressure in pilot chamber 236 causes diaphragm 230 to deform in region 239. This deformation of the diaphragm 230 allows water to flow into the chamber 222 via the passage 240 in the region 239. The pressure drop in the pressure chamber 238 causes a pressure drop in the chamber 295, which causes a change in the state of the 3-way valve 300. For this reason, the actuator 32 or 36 changes the state of the three-way valve 300. The operation of the three-way valve 300 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. In short, by changing its state, the three-way valve 300 changes the pressure in the control passage 297 for the fill valve 102 or the pressure in the control passage 299 for the wash valve 104.

  The actuator 32 or 36 changes the state of the three-way valve 300 as follows. That is, the three-way valve 300 is constructed and arranged to initially close both the fill valve 102 and the wash valve 104. When the control valve 220 is driven and opened, the 3-way valve 300 changes its state to provide communication with the passage 299, thereby causing the cleaning valve 104 to open. Next, when the control valve 220 is closed, the three-way valve 300 changes its state to close communication with the passage 299, thereby closing the flush valve 104, while the fill valve 102 remains closed. . Next, upon opening of the control valve 220, the three-way valve 300 changes its state to provide communication with the passage 297, thereby opening the fill valve 102 while the wash valve 104 remains closed. . Finally, when the control valve 220 is closed, the three-way valve 300 changes its state to close communication with both the control passage 297 and the control passage 299.

  The control passages 297 and 299 are configured to control the filling valve 102 and the cleaning valve 104, respectively. When the pressure in the control passage 297 decreases, the pressure in the pilot chamber 179 of the filling valve 102 decreases, which causes the diaphragm 170 to deform and communicate with the water storage tank 16 from the chamber 180 via the passage 182. The water flow to the water channel 184 is opened. Diaphragm pin 190 includes a groove 192 that provides communication between passage 182 and pilot chamber 179. When the control passage 297 is closed, the pressure in the pilot chamber 197 is slowly increased through the groove 192. After a while, the water pressure becomes equal between the pilot chamber 197 and the pressure chamber 180. After this pressure is equalized, the diaphragm 170 reversely deforms and seals the passageway 182, thereby closing the fill valve 102.

  The control passage 299 is used to control the operation of the cleaning valve 104. When the three-way valve 300 opens the control passage 299, the water pressure in the pilot chamber 138 of the cleaning valve 104 decreases. Due to the decrease in water pressure, the diaphragm 132 is deformed and the cleaning valve 104 is opened. Specifically, when the diaphragm 132 is deformed and leaves the region 136, water flows from the chamber 124 through the passage 160 in the region 136. The decrease in pressure in the chamber 124 moves the wash valve member 112 from its seated position to its unseatted position under the force generated by the biasing spring 110, as described with respect to FIG. 3B. When the washing valve member 112 is not seated, water flows from the water storage tank 16 to the toilet 13 through the washing conduit 116.

  Referring to FIG. 5A, when the three-way valve 300 changes its state and closes the control passage 299, the washing valve member 112 starts moving to its seating position. Specifically, when the control passage 299 is closed, the pressure in the pilot chamber 138 slowly increases via the groove 142. When the pressure is equal between pilot chamber 138 and pressure chamber 124, diaphragm 132 is deformed to seal chamber 124 at region 136. The pressure in the chamber 124 generates a force that acts on the biasing spring 110, which moves the wash valve member 112 to its closed state, as described with respect to FIG. 3B.

  FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of a tank type cleaning apparatus 100A in which a water level detector 280 is mounted on the overflow tube 118. The water level detector 280 can include an electrical, magnetic, or optical sensor for sensing one or more predetermined water levels. The electrical sensor can be an inductive, resistive, or capacitive sensor. After detection of the water level, a float sensor can supply a signal to the system controller.

  According to one preferred embodiment, FIG. 5C shows a novel water level sensor for use in the gravitational cleaning apparatus described above. The water level sensor 280 includes a housing 282 attached to the overflow tube 118. The housing 282 is configured to cooperate with a float 284 that moves up and down depending on the water level. The housing 282 includes a lead sensor connected to system electronics (shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 2A, or FIG. 2B) via an electrical connector 286. The float 284 includes a set of magnets that are linearly disposed over the entire length from the lower end 284A to the upper end 284B. The lead sensor is constructed and arranged to align with individual magnets and provide corresponding signals to the microcontroller 34. When the water level increases, the upper end 284B rises as the float 284 moves within the housing 282. During the movement of the float 284, the reed sensors are aligned with the individual magnets to provide information regarding the water level in the water tank 16. The microcontroller 34 processes the signal from the lead sensor and records the water level.

  Based on the water level information, the microcontroller 34 can command the filling valve 102 to close at a predetermined water level. In addition, the microcontroller 34 can command opening and closing of the wash valve 104 at a predetermined water level, thereby providing a metered wash volume.

  In addition, the system of FIG. 2, FIG. 2A, or FIG. When a water seal (eg, water seal 163) fails, water can leak from the inside of the tank 16 to the toilet. Over time, the float 284 descends within the housing 282 as water leaks. The microcontroller 34 detects a drop in water level without a prior cleaning command, i.e. a water leak. The microcontroller 34 can not only detect water leaks but also calculate the rate of water leaks. Based on the rate and temporal characteristics of the water leak, the microcontroller 34 can indicate a possible type of failure. Indicator 48 (FIG. 2) provides the user with visual or acoustic indications regarding water leaks.

  Referring to FIG. 5, similar to that described with respect to FIGS. 4 and 4A, the cleaning device 100C may include a cleaner dispenser device 200 mounted on top of the overflow tube 118, or the overflow tube 118 A fragrance dispenser device 210 attached to the top can be included, or both can be included.

  FIG. 6 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the present invention used as a three-way pilot valve for controlling the flow in the two main valves showing the fill valve 102 and the wash valve 104. Specifically, the three-way valve 300 uses the actuator 32 or 36 to drive the control valve 312 (representing the control valve 220), thereby providing a diaphragm valve 314 (representing the fill valve 102) and a (wash valve 104). The diaphragm valve 320 is opened and closed.

  When the valve 320 is in the closed position, the flexible diaphragm 322 (or the diaphragm 132 in the wash valve 104) sits on the valve seat (seat 136 in the wash valve 104), thereby causing the inlet 324 (in the wash valve 104). Flow from the chamber 124) to its outlet (the outlet 160 in the wash valve 104). The diaphragm remains seated despite the inlet pressure. This is because diaphragm 322 has a bleed orifice (ie, groove 140 described above), which allows the pressure at inlet 324 to rise in pilot chamber 328 on the other side of the diaphragm. . The pressure on that side prevails over a larger diaphragm area than the pressure on the inlet side, which forces the flexible diaphragm to remain seated and keeps the valve 320 closed.

  As will be described in more detail below, the valve 320 is opened from this state when the grooved surface 330 of the index member 332 is in place, at which position the surface 330 is in contact with the operating pin 334. This is a time to make the non-sitting state. By unchecking check valve 336, the pressure in the pilot chamber of valve 320 is released into manifold 338 through inlet port 340. At the same time, the surface 330 of the index member is in a position that allows the other operating pin 342 to remain in the retracted position, in which further check valves 344 can remain seated. . This prevents the check valve from releasing the pressure in the pilot chamber of the valve 314 so that the valve 314 remains closed.

  As also described below, repeated opening and closing of the control valve 312 advances the index member 332 to successive index positions, in some of which both valves are closed or valve 314 is opened. Valve 320 is closed. As can be seen, this occurs because member 332 is the index member of a reciprocating stepper. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, it is also a reciprocating member, but the teachings of the present invention can be implemented without using the same member for both functions.

  FIG. 6A is a side view showing a part of the manifold 338 in cross section, and an index member 332 is incorporated in the manifold 338. As shown in FIG. 6B, the index member 332 forms an inner stop surface 346. In the state shown in FIG. 6A, the bias spring 348 compressed by the end cap 350 biases the index member 332 upward, and in this case, a generally serrated cam follower surface 352 is formed in the manifold 338. The cam pin 354 fixed in the hole is pressed. There may be a ball 349 (shown in FIG. 5A) that contacts the biasing spring 348 to reduce the corresponding friction.

  FIG. 6C shows that the index member 332 forms a plurality of longitudinally extending lands 356. As will be described in more detail later, one of the drive pins 334, 342 in FIG. 6 aligns with one of such lands, while the other does not align with the lands. The operating pin aligned with the land opens its corresponding check valve 336 or 344 so that a recess 358 between the longitudinal lands (FIG. 6C) forms between the index member 332 and the inner wall of the manifold 338. The fluid enters the space.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, the index member 332 forms an annular groove 60. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 6A, the groove receives a lip seal 362. Seal 362 prevents flow downstream in FIG. 6A, but not upstream flow. When the manifold chamber 363 formed by the inner wall of the manifold 338 cooperating with the seal and the upper index member wall 364 of FIG. Thus, the pressure in the pilot chamber of valve 314 is not released. However, in the state that FIG. 6A is intended to represent, the manifold chamber is not closed. This is because the pressure release path prevents the pressure from rising and prevailing in the manifold chamber. Specifically, FIGS. 6D, 6E, and 6F show that the upper wall 366 of the manifold 338 forms a control chamber 368. FIG. Four inlet ports 370 are formed into the control chamber 368 and outlet ports 372 are formed from the control chamber 368 through the drain fitting 374 of FIG.

  Here, the control valve assembly 312 of FIG. 6 forms the upper wall of the control chamber 368. Its outer O-ring 376 prevents leakage through threads 378 for securing the control valve assembly 312 to the manifold 338. Also, the inner O-ring 380 prevents flow from the inlet port 370 of the control chamber 368 of FIG. 6 to its outlet port 372 except for the control valve 312 itself. However, the valve is open in the manner that FIG. 6A is intended to represent, and because the valve is open, the manifold is under pressure too low to overcome the force exerted by the spring 348 of FIG. 6A. At this time, the flow resistance through the valve is sufficiently low. Therefore, as long as the valve is open, the index member 332 remains in the relaxed reciprocating state shown in FIG. 6A. Preferably, control valve 312 is latching and requires power only to change state and does not require power to remain in any state. For this reason, no power is required to keep the valve 312 open.

  The index member 332 is not only in the reciprocating state shown in FIG. 6A but also in the index position shown in FIG. 6G, and one of the lands 356 is aligned with the actuator pin 334 of the right port. This causes the land to hold the pin in a position that maintains the check valve 336 in a non-sitting state. This allows fluid to flow into the manifold chamber via the right port. At the same time, the other actuator pin 342 is aligned with the recess 358 and the check valve 344 remains seated to prevent flow into the manifold chamber through the left port.

  In this way, the index position of the index member 332 determines the state of the left and right ports, the control valve 312 determines the state of the upper port, and the control valve 312 cooperates with the index member 332 to Determine overall flow conditions. In the flow state that FIG. 6G is intended to represent, fluid can flow from the right port to the upper port rather than from the left port. In the application shown in FIG. 6, the 3-way valve acts as a pilot valve, which maintains the main valve 314 in an open state, and the main valve 320 is closed in this flow state. It will be appreciated that this is one of three possible flow conditions for the illustrated embodiment. In this flow state, fluid can flow from the right port of the 3-way valve to its outlet.

  Here, it is assumed that the control circuit described below controls the control valve 312 and blocks the flow out of the manifold chamber by closing the valve. This stops the flow so that there is no pressure drop resulting from flow resistance in the path through the right port into the manifold chamber. Therefore, the manifold pressure is high enough to push index member 332 down to the position shown in FIG. 6H. When the position is displaced in the axial direction, the generally serrated cam follower lower surface 382 of the index member 332 contacts the cam surface 384 of the lower cam member 386, and the cam member 386 places the end cap 350 in a predetermined position. It is fixed to the manifold 338 by screws 388 held in As a result, the index member 332 is rotated to the index position as shown in FIG. 6I. In this case, none of the actuator pins 334 and 342 is completely aligned with the land 356.

  Thus, both check valves 336 and 340 allow the inlet fluid pressure to communicate into the manifold chamber, so that the currently closed control valve 312 prevents pressure release. Thus, closing the control valve 312 causes the three-way valve to move from a first flow state allowing flow from the right port into the manifold chamber and out of the upper port to a second state where no flow occurs. Switch. In the illustrated application, a three-way valve acts as a pilot valve and the diaphragm valves 314, 320 it controls are closed. “Crosstalk” between two controlled ports is not an important consideration. However, other applications may need to prevent crosstalk. This can be achieved by placing an additional check valve directed in reverse in series with the illustrated check valve.

  Here, it is assumed that the control valve 312 is driven back to the open position, thereby releasing the manifold pressure again. The bias spring 348 returns the index member 332 to the relaxed reciprocating state shown in FIG. 6A, but does not return to the last index position in the relaxed reciprocating state. When returning to this state, the upper cam follower surface 352 of the index member comes into contact with the cam pin 354, and the index member 332 rotates to another index position shown in FIG. 6J. The index position results in a different third flow state. Specifically, in this case, actuator pin 342 is aligned with land 356 and actuator pin 334 is aligned with recess 358. For this reason, when the check valve 332 is closed, the check valve 344 opens, and the outflow through the manifold outlet 374 is not from the right port as at the last time the index member was in its relaxed reciprocating state. Not possible from the left port.

  In summary, repetitive operation between the two states of the control valve 312 (or control valve 220) causes the three-way valve 300 to proceed to three different flow states as described above with respect to FIG. 5A.

  FIG. 6K shows an alternative embodiment. Except for two points, this embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. 6, and the same reference numerals indicate the same parts. One point is that the controlled ports in FIG. 6K do not include check valves 336, 344 or actuator pins 334, 342 in FIG. Another point is that the surface 330a of the index member 332a is different from the surface 330 of the index member of FIG.

  Specifically, the surface 330a does not have the gradual waviness characteristic of the surface 330 described above. Instead, the surface 330a is generally cylindrical and forms discretely arranged grooves 390, the purpose of which is to selectively allow flow through various control ports. The portion of the index member above the lip seal 362 is divided into two segments having different outer diameters. The diameter of the lower segment is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the manifold wall, and the outer diameter of the upper segment is smaller, leaving a large clearance between it and the manifold wall.

  In the extended reciprocating state, the port orifices 392 and 394 for flowing fluid through the control port face the smaller outer diameter portion above the index member. This portion dominates the pressure in the manifold chamber 363 that is provided communication by the controlled port due to the clearance left between it and the manifold wall. Also in this case, a check valve can be added to the port to prevent crosstalk.

  Thereafter, when the manifold pressure is released by opening the valve 312, the spring force moves the index member 32 a upward again. As before, the index member 332 rotates by cam action. In this embodiment, the rotation aligns the groove 390 of FIG. 6K with one of the port orifices. With respect to the index position, it is the right port orifice 394 where the groove is aligned. However, there is no groove aligned with the left port orifice 392, so the portion of the lower outer index member below closes the left port.

  7 and 7B show a gravity cleaning device 100A using a water barrier in a water storage tank 16 (also shown in FIG. 1). The gravity cleaning apparatus 100A is the same as that described above. Water barriers 680, 682 provide a reduced or variable wash volume. Specifically, referring to FIGS. 7 and 7B, the barrier 680 is attached to the cleaning device body just above the retaining nut 117. During the above washing operation, only water located inside and above the water barrier 680 is supplied to the toilet bowl. Of course, the amount of water depends on the height of the barrier. The cleaning apparatus 100A having the water barrier 680 can be used to improve an existing water storage tank when a reduction in cleaning volume is desired.

  FIG. 7B shows a gravity cleaning device 100A having an adjustable water barrier 682 for providing cleaning with an adjustable amount of water. The adjustable water barrier 682 includes a movable wall 684 that can slide between a lower position (ie, a barrier closed position) and an upper position (ie, a barrier open position). Basically, in a manual embodiment, the water barrier 682 is used to provide full cleaning by raising the barrier wall 684 or semi-cleaning by keeping the barrier closed. The

  8, 8A, 8B, and 8C illustrate an algorithm for detecting an object such as a pants of a person using the toilet 12 (ie, a “pants” detection algorithm). The algorithm 500 is designed for use with an active light sensor 62 having a light source 66 and a light detector 68 (see FIG. 1D). The microcontroller 34 provides adjustable IR emission current intensity for the light source 66 (eg, LED) and maintains a constant amplifier gain for the photodetector (eg, PIN diode or other photosensitive element). Command the light source driver.

  In general, the algorithm 500 detects user motion by scanning up to 32 different IR beam intensities and keeping the gain of the amplifier constant. For each intensity IR pulse (emitted from the light source), the reflected IR signal is detected and this cycle is performed continuously. For example, when detecting a target far away from the active optical sensor, it is necessary to increase the IR current. On the other hand, the algorithm can identify approaching or spaced apart users by using a comparison of detected IR current changes. The IR emission current changes from high to low, indicating that the detected target or user is moving towards the cleaning device.

  8C, the control logic uses different target states such as IDLE 600, ENTER_STAND 602, STAND_SIT 604, SIT_STAND 610, STAND_FLUSH 606, STAND_FLUSH_WAIT 608, STAND_OUT 612, SIT_FLUSH 614, RESET_WAIT 616, and EXIT_RESET 620. All of the states are based on target or user behavior within the IR sensing area. When the target or user enters the optical area, the state is set to the ENTER_STAND state. For example, the STAND_SIT state is set while the target stops moving after the ENTER_STAND state is set. The following is a private room user operation cycle.

  As the user moves toward the detection area, the state changes from IDLE to ENTER_STAND. If the user spends enough time in front of the toilet cleaning device, the state changes to STAND_SIT. If the subsequent action of the target is to sit, the state is SIT_STAND. If the sitting time is long enough, the state changes to the STAND_OUT state. Next, the user stands up and moves. At this time, the control algorithm shifts to the SIT_FLUSH state, issues a washing command to the solenoid, and performs a water washing operation. The device returns to the IDLE state again.

  Transitions between the individual states are initially performed with, for example, ½ × maximum IR output. At this time, the state machine starts from IDLE and transitions to ENTER_STAND. After this transition, threshold values for all states that change from one state to another are predefined for the two IR output steps. Another threshold for changing from one state to another is rest time. The quiesce time threshold is selected to be 2 seconds for all transitions except transitions from the SIT_STAND state to the STAND_FLUSH_WAIT state and the STAND_OUT state. The stationary time threshold is selected to be 4 seconds for transitions from the SIT_STAND state to the STAND_FLUSH_WAIT state and STAND_OUT state.

  In a typical application, the criterion for the cleaning device to release water is that the user was standing or sitting in front of the detector for at least 8 seconds. In other words, when the detection device detects the user for 8 seconds or longer (including the time of approaching and stopping), the cleaning device controller changes the state from the preparation state to the cleaning state. When it detects that the user has moved away, the controller will issue a wash command to the solenoid to release water. The time threshold is highly dependent on the application.

  Referring to FIG. 8, the “pants” detection algorithm 500 uses a target detection subroutine 510 that cycles through up to 20 different levels of IR emission intensity emitted from a light source 66 (FIG. 1D). For each intensity of the emitted IR pulse, the detector 68 detects the corresponding reflected signal. As shown in FIG. 8A, the maximum light source output and the minimum light source output are selected and stored in the temporary buffer (steps 512 to 518). The IR light source 66 emits a corresponding optical signal at the output level stored in the temporary buffer 1, and the IR photodetector 68 detects the corresponding reflected signal. As shown in step 522, if no echo is detected, the output level circulates and increases one step toward the maximum output. The increase in output is performed according to steps 532 and 534, and the entire process is repeated starting from step 514. If a corresponding echo signal is detected at step 522, the final value is assigned to the current output level (step 524). As shown in block 526, the next output level is averaged and the pointer sequence number is incremented (step 528). Next, the entire cycle is repeated for the first time from step 514. In this way, the output to the light source 66 is increased to a specific output level, and an IR pulse of increased intensity is detected by the detector 68 (sampling and timing for the emitted pulse is performed). The light is emitted to the intensity.

  Referring to FIG. 8, in steps 550-552, the processor checks the battery status and then proceeds to store sample data as shown in step 554. The stored optical data is processed using the algorithm shown in FIG. 8B. In steps 562-566, the processor finds the average of the four most recent IR detection levels. Next, the processor finds the longest level period in the buffer (step 568) and finds the average of the IR levels in the buffer (step 570). Before each data is processed, the processor checks whether manual cleaning has been initiated by the user (step 580). If manual cleaning has been activated, the processor exits the current target state as indicated at block 582. Alternatively, if manual cleaning has not been activated, the processor continues to determine individual target states as shown in FIG. 8C.

  In this embodiment, the system determines whether the absolute value of the difference between the current gain and the gain listed in the upper stack entry exceeds a threshold gain change. If not, as a result of the current call to this routine, there are no new entries pushed into the stack, and the contents of the timer field of the existing upper entry are incremented. As a result, the absolute value of the gain change is actually greater than the threshold, and the routine pushes a new entry onto the stack, sets the current gain in the entry's gain field, and gives the timer field a value of zero. In short, a new entry is always added whenever the target distance changes by a certain step size, and the user stays in the same place without moving as much as the step size. Keep track of time.

  The routine also gives the entry's in / out field an “out” value, which means that the target is moving away from the toilet if the current gain exceeds the previous entry's gain. If the current gain is less than the gain of the previous entry, give the field an “in” value. In either case, the routine then performs the steps of incrementing the timer (to value “1”) and moving from the stack maintenance portion of the routine to the portion where the valve opening criteria are actually applied.

  The processor applies a first criterion, i.e. whether the in / out field of the upper entry indicates that the target is moving away. If the target does not meet this criterion, the routine performs the step of setting the wash flag to a value that prevents subsequent routines from opening the wash valve, and then the routine returns. On the other hand, if the criterion is met, the routine will approach the target (towards the toilet) prior to the top entry indicating that the target is moving away and any entries immediately preceding it. A step is performed to determine whether there is a set of a predetermined minimum number of entries indicating that it is moving in the direction. If such an entry does not exist, it is unlikely that the user has actually approached and used the equipment and then moved away from the toilet, and the routine returns again after resetting the wash flag. In this preferred embodiment, the criterion is independent of absolute reflectivity, i.e. only based on a change in reflectivity, and the reflectivity is displaced from a minimum range as it increases. Note that it is necessary.

  If the system indicates that the required number of approaching entries precedes the entry indicating separation, the routine determines whether the entry indicating the last approaching movement has a time value representing at least 5 seconds, for example. Impose criteria to do. This criterion is imposed to prevent cleaning from being triggered when the equipment is not actually in use. Also in this case, the routine returns after resetting the cleaning flag if the determination criterion is not satisfied.

  On the other hand, if the criterion is met, the routine imposes a criterion intended to determine whether the user has moved far enough away. If the target appears to have moved farther than the threshold amount, or if the target is slightly less apart but stays at that distance for a longer period of time Return after setting the cleaning flag, otherwise reset the cleaning flag.

  Referring to FIGS. 2, 2A, and 2B, the microcontroller 34 controls the entire cleaning cycle for the automatic cleaning apparatus embodiment. On the other hand, in the embodiment of the manual cleaning device, its operation is controlled by pressing button 18. Manual operation is described in PCT application PCT / US01 / 43273. The button 18 activates a hydraulic mechanism connected to the hydraulic flow path 153 (FIGS. 3 and 3B). The hydraulic mechanism controls the wash valve 104 (as described in PCT application PCT / US01 / 43273) and the float 109 controls the fill valve 102.

  Referring to FIGS. 9 and 9A, in the automatic cleaning apparatus embodiment, the microcontroller 34 controls both the operation of the light sensor and the cleaning cycle shown in flowchart 620. Initially, the microcontroller 34 is in a sleep mode. When an input signal from an input element or external sensor (eg, an active or passive optical sensor) occurs, the microcontroller 34 is started and a timer is set to zero (step 622). In step 623, the battery voltage is checked to see if there is sufficient power. The microcontroller 34 executes the “pants” detection algorithm described with respect to FIGS. 8-8C. When a cleaning command is received at step 624, the algorithm proceeds to execute a cleaning cycle (step 626). Otherwise, the “pants” detection algorithm is continued, or the microcontroller 34 enters sleep mode.

Still referring to FIG. 9, if, at step 624, the valve actuator performs a complete wash, time T = T _full (step 632). If there is no complete wash, the timer is set at step 630 to T _bas = T _half . In step 634, the microcontroller starts supplying the drive signal and drives the actuator to open the cleaning valve. The microcontroller 34 then searches for a latch point (as described in PCT application PCT / US02 / 38758 and PCT application PCT / US02 / 41576). When the timer reaches the latch point (step 638), the microcontroller 34 releases the drive of the solenoid (step 640). After a predetermined opening time (step 646), the microcontroller 34 begins to close the wash valve (step 648). Next, the microcontroller 34 starts supplying a drive signal and drives the actuator to open the filling valve (step 650).

  Next, the microcontroller 34 searches for a latch point (steps 652 and 654) and releases the drive of the solenoid (step 656). When the actuator solenoid is de-energized, based on the latch time, the microcontroller 34 (as described in US provisional application 60 / 362,166 or PCT application PCT / US02 / 38758 filed Mar. 5, 2002). B) Calculate the corresponding water pressure in the water flow path using the stored calibration data.

  Based on the water pressure, the fill valve is maintained open for a calculated time so that a known amount of water is supplied into the water tank 16. After the calculated time, the microcontroller releases the actuator armature latch (step 656). This closes the filling. The opening and closing of the cleaning valve and the filling valve are used using two solenoid actuators or in the gravity cleaning device shown in FIGS. 5, 5A and 5B (described with respect to FIGS. 6 to 6K). This can be done using a single solenoid actuator connected to a 3-way valve.

  Importantly, the automatic cleaning system can use a passive light sensor instead of the active light sensor described above with respect to FIG. 1D. The passive light sensor includes only a photodetector that provides a detection signal to the microcontroller 34 (shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 2A, or FIG. 2B). FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a detection circuit used in a passive optical sensor disposed in the control module shown in FIG. 1C.

  The passive optical sensor does not include a light source (no light emission occurs), and includes only a photodetector that detects incoming light. Compared with the active light sensor, the active light sensor enables a reduction in power consumption. This is because all the power consumption related to the IR light emitting means is eliminated. The light receiving means can be a photodiode, a photoresistor, or some other optical element that provides an electrical output depending on the intensity or wavelength of the received light. The light receiving means is selected to function in the range of 350-1500 nm (preferably 400-1000 nm, more preferably 500-950 nm). For this reason, the light receiving means is insensitive to body heat emitted by the user of the toilet 12.

  The light receiving means provides an electrical output to the amplifier or converter. According to one preferred embodiment, the circuit has an RC value proportional to the specific light intensity at the power-up stage when no object is present in the field of view and the ambient light is set to a predetermined level. When an object is introduced into the field of view, the RC value of the system changes and its time constant shifts. Furthermore, the constant shifts in the time domain as the target moves toward or away from the detector, which is an important new design.

  As the target moves toward or away from the detector, the constant shifts in the time domain so that the microcontroller can determine whether an object is present and whether the object is close to the light sensor. It can be determined whether it is in the middle or away. When this phenomenon is employed in a cleaning device (or faucet), the use of a photoresistor in the amplifier circuit greatly improves the ability to achieve a more accurate evaluation as to whether or not to initiate water flow. The circuit is modified so that the RC constant shifts due to the change in the resistance value proportional to the light intensity when compared with the diode configuration, so that the voltage change affects the change in the time constant of the integrated signal. Is done. Use of this fully passive system further reduces overall energy consumption.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a detection circuit used by a passive sensor. The detection circuit includes a detection element D (eg, a photodiode or a photoresistor) and two comparators (U1A, U1B) connected to provide a read signal from the detection element when receiving a high pulse. The voltage V _CC received from the power supply is + 5V (or + 3V). Resistors R ₂ and R ₃ are voltage dividers between V _CC and ground. The diode D ₁ is connected between the pulse input and the output flow path, and enables reading of the capacitance of the capacitor C ₁ charged during light detection.

Preferably, the detection element D is a photoresistor that receives light with an intensity in the range of 1 to 100 lux, with a suitable design of the optical window 33. For example, the optical window 33 can include a photochromic material or a variable size aperture. In general, a photoresistor can receive light in the range of 0.1 to 500 lux for proper detection. Upon receipt of a “high” pulse at the input connection, comparator U _1A receives the “high” pulse and provides the “high” pulse to node A. At this point, the corresponding capacitor charge is read out to the output 7 via the comparator U _1B . Output pulse is a square wave having a period corresponding to (the capacitor C ₁ has been charged over the light detection period) photocurrent. In this way, the microcontroller 34 receives a signal corresponding to the detected light.

In the absence of a high signal, comparator U _1A does not provide a signal to node A, so capacitor C ₁ is charged by the photocurrent excited in photoresistor D between V _CC and ground. The The charging and reading (discharging) process is repeated in a controlled manner by providing a high pulse on the control input. The output receives a square wave with a high output, i.e. a period proportional to the photocurrent excited in the photoresistor D. The detection signal can be used in a detection algorithm such as the previously described “pants” algorithm 500.

  By eliminating the need to use an energy consuming IR light source, the system can be configured to achieve a longer battery life (usually multiple years or multiple operations without battery replacement). Furthermore, the passive system allows for the implementation of a more accurate means for determining the presence of the user, the user's movement, and the direction in which the user moves. These are important data as shown in the previously described “pants” algorithm 500.

  As to which type of light sensing element to use, the preferred embodiment depends on the following factors: That is, the response time of the photoresist is on the order of 20 to 50 milliseconds, whereas the photodiode is on the order of several milliseconds, so the use of the photoresist requires a considerably long time. This will affect the overall energy use. However, the use of a photodiode requires a somewhat elaborate amplifier circuit. This is because more optimal energy is required per unit time (more overall battery power) as the optimal detection range results in higher light intensity. It is believed that the cost of the sensing element connected to the support electronics for the method using the photo-resistor will be lower than in the case of a photodiode.

  Furthermore, active sensors (FIG. 1D) and passive sensors can be used to determine the light and darkness in the facility and then change the detection frequency. That is, the detection rate is reduced under the assumption that no water supply (ie, WC, urinal, or faucet) will be used in a dark facility, thereby reducing the detection frequency to reduce overall energy usage. Thus, it is possible to extend the battery life by this detection.

  While various embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above is merely illustrative and not limiting. There are other embodiments or components suitable for the above embodiments. The function of every component can be implemented in various ways in alternative embodiments. Also, the function of some components can be performed in an alternative embodiment with fewer components or with a single component.

It is a perspective view of the toilet which has a water storage tank and an object sensor. It is a perspective view of the object sensor arrange | positioned at the input part to a water storage tank. It is a perspective view of the object sensor arrange | positioned at the input part to a water storage tank. It is a perspective view of the object sensor arrange | positioned at the input part to a water storage tank. It is sectional drawing which shows roughly the object sensor shown to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. It is a block diagram of the control system for controlling the actuator which operates the automatic washing apparatus arrange | positioned in the water storage tank shown in FIG. It is a block diagram of the control system for controlling the actuator which operates the automatic washing apparatus arrange | positioned in the water storage tank shown in FIG. It is a block diagram of the control system for controlling the actuator which operates the automatic washing apparatus arrange | positioned in the water storage tank shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing of 1st Embodiment of the gravity type washing | cleaning apparatus arrange | positioned in the water storage tank shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing to which the gravity type washing | cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a detailed cross-sectional view of a cleaning valve used in the gravity type cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a gravity cleaning device having a cleaning valve that is directly controlled by an electromagnetic actuator attached to the cleaning device body. 3C is a detailed cross-sectional view of the electromagnetic actuator shown in FIG. 3C. FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a gravity cleaning device having a cleaning valve that is directly controlled by an electromagnetic actuator attached to the cleaning device body. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the gravity cleaning device of FIG. 3 including a cleaner dispenser. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the gravity cleaning device of FIG. 3 including an aroma dispenser. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the dispenser for supplying a cleaner liquid or an aromatic liquid. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the dispenser for supplying a cleaner liquid or an aromatic liquid. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a gravity cleaning device that uses a three-way valve to control a cleaning valve and a fill valve. It is an expanded sectional view of the gravity type washing | cleaning apparatus shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the gravity type washing | cleaning apparatus of FIG. 5 containing a water level sensor. FIG. 6 is a more detailed view of the water level sensor shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention used as a three-way pilot valve to control two main valves. It is a front view which shows the pilot valve of a multi-flow state partially in a cross section in the state in which the index member exists in the relaxed reciprocating position. It is sectional drawing of the perpendicular direction which passes along the index member of a pilot valve. It is 4-4 sectional drawing of FIG. 6B. It is a top view of the manifold of a pilot valve. 6D is a 6-6 cross-sectional view of the manifold of FIG. 6D. FIG. 7D is a 7-7 cross-sectional view of the manifold of FIG. 6D. FIG. FIG. 2 is a plan view of a pilot valve, with its control valve removed, the manifold shown in cross-section, showing the flow condition allowing the pilot valve to flow from its right inlet through its outlet port. ing. FIG. 6B is a view similar to FIG. 6A, but with the index member in its extended reciprocating position. FIG. 6G is a view similar to FIG. 6G, but showing the flow state that the pilot valve can take when the index member is in the reciprocating state shown in FIG. 6H. FIG. 6G is a view similar to FIG. 6G, but showing the flow condition allowing the pilot valve to flow from the left to the outlet rather than from the right. FIG. 6 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing of the gravity-type washing | cleaning apparatus which uses a water barrier as shown also to FIG. 7A used inside the water storage tank shown in FIG. It is a top view which shows a water barrier. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a gravity cleaning device that uses another type of water barrier. 6 illustrates an algorithm for use with the photosensor shown in FIG. 3D designed to control the cleaning apparatus shown in FIGS. 3-5B. 6 illustrates an algorithm for use with the photosensor shown in FIG. 3D designed to control the cleaning apparatus shown in FIGS. 3-5B. 6 illustrates an algorithm for use with the photosensor shown in FIG. 3D designed to control the cleaning apparatus shown in FIGS. 3-5B. 6 illustrates an algorithm for use with the photosensor shown in FIG. 3D designed to control the cleaning apparatus shown in FIGS. 3-5B. Fig. 3 shows a cleaning algorithm executed by the microcontroller of the system shown in Figs. 2, 2A and 2B. Fig. 3 shows a cleaning algorithm executed by the microcontroller of the system shown in Figs. 2, 2A and 2B. 1D is a schematic diagram of a detection circuit used in the passive photodetector shown in FIG. 1C. FIG.

Claims (42)

A tank-type cleaning device,
A suction valve connected to an external water source and configured to close the water flow to the water storage tank at an approximately predetermined level in the water storage tank;
A wash valve configured to control a wash valve member between a seated state and a non-seat state to allow water discharge from the water storage tank to the toilet;
A tank-type cleaning device including a sensor module disposed at a reference position outside the water storage tank.   The tank type cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reference position is a place where an input flow path of the external water source is coupled to the water storage tank.   The tank type washing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the water storage tank is an external tank.   The tank type washing | cleaning apparatus of Claim 1 which is an internal tank by which the said water storage tank is arrange | positioned on the back side of a wall.   The tank type cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor module includes a light source and a photodetector.   The tank type cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor module includes a photodetector that operates within a range of 350 to 1500 nm.   The tank type cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sensor module provides a signal to a control unit that controls driving of the cleaning valve by water pressure.   The tank type cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning valve is configured for manual driving. A method for operating a tank-type cleaning device,
A suction valve connected to an external water source and configured to close a water flow to the water storage tank at a substantially predetermined water level in the water storage tank; and a cleaning valve member between a seated state and a non-seat state A cleaning valve configured to control and allow water discharge from the water storage tank to the toilet;
The cleaning valve is driven by a signal from a sensor module arranged at a reference position outside the water storage tank.
The method of operating a tank type washing | cleaning apparatus including each step. A suction valve connected to an external water source and configured to close the water flow to the water storage tank at an approximately predetermined level in the water storage tank;
A diaphragm-operated wash valve configured to control a wash valve member between a seated state and a non-seat state to allow water discharge from the water storage tank to the toilet;
A diaphragm that divides a cleaning valve chamber and a pilot chamber, and is configured to seal the cleaning valve chamber, thereby maintaining a pressure for forcibly putting the cleaning valve member into the seating state. A diaphragm that prevents the water release from the storage tank to the toilet;
The diaphragm driven cleaning valve is configured to be configured to reduce the pressure in the pilot valve of the diaphragm driven cleaning valve to cause deformation of the diaphragm by driving to reduce the pressure in the cleaning valve chamber and to generate the water discharge. A tank type cleaning device including a pressure control mechanism.   The tank type cleaning apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the suction valve includes a float configured and arranged without being fixedly coupled to any valve member.   The tank type cleaning apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the suction valve includes a float that floats freely in a float cage.   The tank type cleaning apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the suction valve is activated by a water level detector.   14. The tank type cleaning apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the water level detector includes a reed sensor.   The tank type cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pressure control mechanism is controlled by a solenoid.   The tank-type cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning valve member is configured to move linearly within the cleaning valve housing.   The tank-type cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning valve chamber is configured to receive water pressure from the external water source and configured to prevent the water discharge using at least a portion of the water pressure. . A suction valve configured to close a water flow from an external water source to the water storage tank when a predetermined water level exists in the water storage tank, and is configured and arranged to float freely in the float cage A suction valve, including a float;
A diaphragm-operated cleaning valve including a cleaning valve chamber, the tank-driven cleaning valve including the diaphragm-driven cleaning valve that is configured to open and release water from the water storage tank to the toilet bowl when driven. Cleaning device. A suction valve connected to an external water source and configured to close the water flow to the water storage tank at an approximately predetermined level in the water storage tank;
A wash valve configured to control the position of a wash valve member capable of moving between a seated state and a non-seat state to allow water to be discharged from the water storage tank to the toilet. A tank-type cleaning device, comprising: a cleaning valve biased to the non-sitting state by a member and forced to be in the sitting state by at least a part of water pressure from the external water source.   20. The tank type cleaning apparatus according to claim 10, 18, or 19, wherein the suction valve and the cleaning valve are disposed in a single housing.   20. The tank-type cleaning device of claim 19, wherein the cleaning valve chamber is configured to receive water pressure from the external water source and configured to prevent the water discharge using at least a portion of the water pressure. .   The tank type cleaning apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the diaphragm operation type cleaning valve is controlled by a solenoid.   20. The tank type cleaning device according to claim 10, 18, or 19, wherein the water storage tank is an exposed water storage tank.   20. The tank type cleaning apparatus according to claim 10, 18 or 19, wherein the water storage tank is a concealed water storage tank disposed on the back side of a wall.   20. A tank-type cleaning device according to claim 10, 18, or 19, wherein the suction valve enables a variable water level in the water storage tank.   20. A tank type cleaning apparatus according to claim 10, 18 or 19, comprising vacuum breaking means configured to prevent transfer of water from the water storage tank to a water supply source.   20. A tank-type cleaning apparatus according to claim 10, 18 or 19, comprising a manual actuator configured and arranged to activate the cleaning valve.   28. The tank type cleaning apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the manual actuator is a push button type actuator.   29. The tank-type cleaning device according to claim 28, wherein the push-button actuator is configured to drive the cleaning valve so that cleaning with two water volumes is possible.   20. A tank-type cleaning device according to claim 10, 18 or 19, wherein the pushbutton actuator is configured to drive the cleaning valve with water pressure.   20. A tank-type cleaning device according to claim 10, 18 or 19, comprising an automatic actuator configured and arranged to drive the cleaning valve.   32. The tank-type cleaning device according to claim 31, wherein the automatic actuator is configured to be triggered by an object sensor.   The tank-type cleaning device according to claim 32, wherein the sensor records the presence of an object.   The tank-type cleaning device according to claim 32, wherein the sensor records the movement of an object.   The tank type cleaning apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the sensor is an optical sensor.   32. The tank-type cleaning device according to claim 31, wherein the automatic actuator is configured to drive the cleaning valve so that cleaning with two water volumes is possible. The tank forming a cleaning outlet that allows liquid in the tank to exit the tank for cleaning;
A wash valve member operable between a non-sitting position that allows flow from the tank through the wash outlet and a seated state that prevents flow from the tank through the wash outlet;
A valve operating mechanism including a housing, wherein the housing defines a control chamber, forms a flow path pressure inlet that guides a water flow path pressure in the control chamber, and further allows relief of pressure in the control chamber Forming a control chamber pressure relief outlet, wherein the valve operating mechanism operates the wash valve member to its seated state when the flow path pressure becomes dominant in the control chamber, and in the control chamber A valve operating mechanism for operating the cleaning valve member to the non-sitting state when a pressure relief is performed;
A pressurized conduit having an upstream end and a downstream end, the pressurized conduit communicating with the control chamber such that pressurized water applied to the pressurized conduit at the upstream end can pressurize the control chamber;
Pressure control means interposed in the pressurization conduit, wherein the pressurization conduit imposes a pressure drop that increases or decreases with the upstream pressure from its upstream side to its downstream side. , Cleaning equipment. The tank forming a cleaning outlet that allows liquid in the tank to exit the tank for cleaning;
A wash valve member operable between a non-sitting position that allows flow from the tank through the wash outlet and a seated state that prevents flow from the tank through the wash outlet;
A valve operating mechanism including a housing, wherein the housing defines a control chamber, forms a flow path pressure inlet that guides a water flow path pressure in the control chamber, and further allows relief of pressure in the control chamber Forming a control chamber pressure relief outlet, wherein the valve operating mechanism operates the wash valve member to its seated state when the flow path pressure becomes dominant in the control chamber, and in the control chamber A valve operating mechanism for operating the cleaning valve member to the non-sitting state when a pressure relief is performed;
A pressurized conduit having an upstream end and a downstream end, the pressurized conduit communicating with the control chamber such that pressurized water applied to the pressurized conduit at the upstream end can pressurize the control chamber;
A check valve interposed in the pressurization conduit, wherein the check valve is arranged in such a direction as to allow flow toward the upstream end of the pressurization conduit but not flow toward the upstream side. A cleaning device including a valve; A tank forming a cleaning outlet, wherein the cleaning outlet is for the liquid in the tank to exit the tank for cleaning; and
A cleaning valve member biased to a non-sitting state, wherein the cleaning valve member allows flow from the tank through the cleaning outlet in the non-sitting state, and between the non-sitting state and the sitting state. A wash valve member that is operable between, and in the seated state, impedes flow from the tank through the wash outlet;
A cleaning valve housing forming a cleaning valve chamber disposed therein with at least a portion of the cleaning valve member being movable, the cleaning valve housing including a cleaning valve chamber pressure relief outlet and a flow path pressure inlet When the water flow path pressure exceeding the minimum holding pressure becomes dominant in the cleaning valve chamber, the water flow path pressure enters the cleaning valve chamber to maintain the valve in its seated state. A flush valve housing;
And operating between a closed state that prevents relief of the wash valve chamber pressure via the wash valve chamber pressure relief outlet and an open state that provides relief of the wash valve chamber pressure via the wash valve chamber pressure relief outlet. A cleaning device including a possible pressure relief mechanism. A tank forming a cleaning outlet, wherein the cleaning outlet is for the liquid in the tank to exit the tank for cleaning; and
A wash valve member operable between a non-sitting state that allows flow from the tank through the wash outlet and a seated state that impedes flow from the tank through the wash outlet;
A valve operating mechanism including a housing, wherein the housing defines a control chamber located at a local location, forms a flow path pressure inlet in the control chamber for directing water flow path pressure, and further in the control chamber A control chamber pressure relief outlet that allows relief of the pressure of the cleaning valve member when the flow path pressure prevails in the control chamber, the cleaning valve member being in the seated state and the non- A valve operating mechanism that operates to one of the seating states and operates the cleaning valve member to the other of the seating state and the non-sitting state when the pressure in the control chamber is relieved; Including a cleaning device. An actuator comprising a solenoid coil and an armature housing configured and arranged to receive the armature in a movable relationship;
Control means connected to power drive means configured to open or close a valve passage for fluid flow by providing a drive signal to the solenoid coil to displace the armature;
And an actuator sensor configured and arranged to sense the position of the armature and provide a signal to the control means. An actuator comprising an armature and a coil configured to displace the armature by applying a coil drive signal;
An armature sensor configured to detect displacement of the armature;
An actuator system comprising: a control circuit configured to apply the coil drive signal to the coil upon receipt of a signal emitted from an external object sensor; and responsive to an output from the sensor.

Images