Motorized Toilet Seat

This application claims priority benefit of Provisional Application No. 63/634,196 (Docket No. 10222-24020A) filed Apr. 15, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The present disclosure relates generally to toilet seats. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to toilets having motorized toilet seats.

In some conventional toilets, the toilet covers and seats are typically hingably attached to a portion of a toilet base, such that a user can raise the front of each of the cover and the seat from a closed or lowered position to an open or stowed position. The cover and the seat each pivot about a horizontal axis between the lowered position and the stowed position. However, it is often difficult to maintain both the cleanliness of the toilet, particularly at the hinge location, and the overall look and aesthetics of the toilet with this traditional configuration and movement.

As shown in the exemplary embodiment of, the toiletincludes a cover and seat opening mechanism that allows both a coverand a seatto be easily moved relative to the toiletand to maintain the cleanliness (in particular during use) of the toilet. Generally, tankless toilets are illustrated. However, the cover and seat opening mechanism that allows both the coverand the seatto be efficiently opened and closed may be applied to any type of toilet, including those with a tank. Cleanliness is maintained because the hinge location and other opening and closing mechanism are located spaced apart from the opening of the bowl. The seat, the cover, and the opening (and closing) mechanism may be referred to collectively as the seat assembly.

An example seat opening (and closing) mechanism is described in detail below. The opening mechanism allows the coverand the seatto each be pivoted independently. The body or baseof the toiletmay rest on a supportsuch as the width of a base body(or skirt) or bottom surface of the base bodythat abuts the floor. The coveris rotatably coupled to the base. The seatis rotatably coupled to the cover. In other words, the seatis not directly coupled to the base. Instead, as shown by the following embodiments, the coverrotates independently of the seat, and the seatrotates with respect to the cover. The seatmay rotate to be positioned inside a cavity of the coverin the stowed position and rotate down and away from the coveragainst the basein the opened position.

is a perspective view of the toiletwith the coveropen and the seatlowered.is another view of the toilet ofwith the coverand seatin a raised position. In this view, all four motors in the seat opening and closing mechanism are visible.illustrates the opening and closing mechanism in detail.

The first motor Mis configured to rotate the coverand the seatwith respect to the base. The first motor Mmay be connection to one or more levers(e.g., arms) coupled with the cover. The leversinclude a first pivot point on the baseand a second pivot point on the cover. In response to movement of motor M, the coveris rotated with respect to a first axis X(e.g., pivot axis). The coveris rotatably coupled to the basevia the at least one arm and spaced apart from the basevia the at least one arm. The leversare coupled to the covernear the center of gravity of the cover. The leversmay be spaced from the center of gravity of the coverso that the weight of the covercause the coverto rotate to an upright position as the arms lift the coverwith respect to the base. The seatis stowed underneath the coversuch that the armsalso life the seatwith respect to the base. Neither the covernor the seatare pivotably or rotatably coupled to the basevia a hinge that is attached to the base. Thus, the coveris not lifted up in a conventional sense. Instead, the first motor Mlifts an entirety of the coverup and away from the base.

The second motor Mis configured to rotate the coverindependently about an axle (e.g., rod) along a second axis X. The motor Mmay rotate the coverwith respect to the seatand/or the base. The second motor Mis configured to rotate a front of the coverdown and toward the base.

The motor Mmay be a bridge motor configured to rotate a bridge(e.g., lever) with respect to the cover. For example, the motor Mmay position the bridgein order to bring the seatinto position with respect to the base. The bridgeis coupled to the seatand the coverand configured to rotate with respect to the seatand rotate with respect to the cover. The seatis rotatably coupled to the covervia the bridgeand spaced apart from the covervia the bridge. The bridgemay be referred to as a “second lever,” and the armmay be referred to as a “first lever.”

The motor Mmay be a seat motor configured to move the seatwith respect to the bridge. As motor Mrotates the bridgeto being the seatinto position, the motor Mrotates the seatto bring the seatin contact with the bowl. The bridgemay position the seatnear the bowl with the cooperation of motors Mand M.

illustrates another example toiletincluding a cross section illustrating internal working parts of the toiletand a control system. The toiletmay include a toilet bowl, a sump, a trapway, and a sanitary path and opening. Through the sanitary path and opening, the toiletis configured to be attached to another object such as a drainpipe, floor, or another suitable object. The base of the toiletsupports the bowl, the sump(e.g., a receptacle) disposed below the bowl, and the trapwayfluidly connecting the bowl to a drainpipe or sewage line through the sanitary path and opening.

While not shown, the toiletin may include a tank. The tank may be supported by the base, such as an upper surface of a rim. The tank may be integrally formed with the base as a single unitary body. In other embodiments, the tank may be formed separately from the base and coupled (e.g., attached, secured, fastened, connected, etc.) to the base. The toilet may further include a tank lid covering an opening and inner cavity in the tank.

The toiletmay include a waterline that supplies the toiletwith water through one or more valves. For example, the toiletmay include a sump jetand/or a rim jet. The sump jetand/or the rim jetmay be connected to the water supply using a hose or another type of pipe. In some examples, when the toilet base is formed from vitreous, the pipe may be integrally formed in the vitreous from a water supply inlet to the sump jetand/or rim jet. The sump jetand/or rim jetmay include a nozzle. The sump jetand/or rim jetmay include multiple nozzles. For example, a perimeter of several rim nozzles may be arranged around the rim of the toilet.

A bidet may also be connected to the water supply. In some examples, a bidet may be included in a seat or pedestal of a toilet. In other examples, the bidet may be manufactured separately from and attached or coupled to a seat or pedestal of a toilet. The bidet includes a housing. The housing is configured to receive a flow of water through a housing inlet and dispense the flow of water from a housing outlet. The housing inlet and housing outlet may be located on opposite ends of the housing from one another, such that water may flow through the housing from the housing inlet to the housing outlet. In some examples, the housing further includes a chamber. As the housing receives the flow of water, the chamber may fill with water and provide a flow of water between the housing inlet and the housing outlet. The chamber may be configured to contain the flow of water and direct the flow of water from the housing inlet to the housing outlet. After the chamber has filled with water, the flow of water may travel along a substantially linear path between the housing inlet and the housing outlet. In some examples, one or more walls within the housing may be included to help direct a flow of water between the housing inlet and the housing outlet. The bidet may further include a housing inlet conduit configured to direct a flow of water to the housing inlet. The housing inlet conduit may be coupled to a water supply such as tank or waterline. The housing may further include a gear assembly or a portion of the gear assembly. The bidet may be a front wash bidet for female users and may use, generate, and/perform the functions related to nanobubbles, ozonated water, e Water, hydrogen peroxide generation, pH Control, template assisted crystallization, application of polyphosphates, filtration (ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, microfiltration, carbon/GAC), fluidic oscillating sprays, and adding other consumables in the water stream. For nanobubbles, air, ozone, oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide may be used.

An embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a system of the toilet.is a block diagram of a system of the toilet according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The toilet herein may be the toilet according to any of the embodiments, and the descriptions regarding the toilet are incorporated herein. The toilet is configured to perform an operation, function, or the like as described in the present disclosure.

The control system for the toiletmay include a sensoran indicator interface, a sensor array interface, a motor driver, a valve driverand a user input. The control system may include one or more sensorscoupled to the toiletor otherwise configured to collect sensor data from the toiletor from users in the proximity of the toilet. The sensor array interfaceincludes a circuit or other device to communicate with the various sensors. The sensor array interfacemay average measurements from the sensors, sample the sensor data at a predetermined interval, or otherwise manipulate or process the sensor data into a format compatible with the controller. The motor drivermay provide motor commands to the various motors M-M. The motor drivermay convert instructions from the controllerthat include a state of the seat assembly (e.g., open, closed, seat down, etc.) that are converted to individual motor positions or angles that can be commanded to the motors M-M. The motor drivermay also receive feedback from the motors M-M. The motor feedback may be a detected position or operation of the motors M-M. The motor feedback may be measured by a position sensor, a torque sensor, or other measurement device coupled to each motor. The motor drivermay adjust motor commands based on the motor feedback. The valve drivermay provide commands to one or more toilets in the toilet. The valve drivermay open a water supply in response to a flush instructions. The valve drivermay enable or disable certain valve commands according to a state of the seat assembly. For example, the valve drivermay not open the water supply unless the seat assembly is closed. Additional, different or fewer components may be included.

The indicator interfacemay receive status or error information from the controller. The indicatormay provide a color of light, a light pattern, textual information, or an audio information to describe the status and/or operation of the seat assembly. The indicatormay be lit “red” duration the operation of the seat assembly such as when the seat assembly is in the process of opening or closing. The indicatormay be “green” when the seat assembly is fully at rest, wither closed or opened. In other examples, the indicatormay indicate whether the seat assembly is opened or closed. The indicator may indicate an error with the seat assembly. Example errors include a power outage, a nonresponsive motor, or a jam in the drive mechanism. The indicatormay instruct the user to manually move or otherwise actuate the seat assembly.

A user inputor sensormay include one or more sensors to detect sensor data related to the toilet. The sensor arraymay include a flush trigger. An example flush trigger may be a pressure sensor, a button, a proximity sensor, or other type of sensor that detects when the lid is in an opened position. The flush trigger may be a gesture sensor, a position sensor, or another sensor that detects the presence of a user or a gesture made by a user. The controllermay send commands to the sump jetand/or rim jetin response to user input or sensor data from the flush trigger.

The controllermay also include a user inputthat receives an input for the operation of the seat assembly. In some examples, the user may select a mode of operation such as automatic or manual. During automatic operation, the controlleractivates the seat assembly to open or close in response to sensor data. In manual operation, the controlleronly activates the assembly when the user sends such a command through the user input(e.g., presses a button).

The controllermay be in communication with multiple toilet sensors I the sensor array(e.g., a plurality of sensors) from a group including a first sensor, a second sensor, a third sensor, and a fourth sensor. Various combinations of sensors as well as an individual sensor may be used in the disclosed embodiments.

The first sensor may correspond to an image sensor. The first sensor may be an image collection device with a lens such as a digital aperture collection device (e.g., camera) or an image collection device with a charge coupled device (CCD) such as an integrated circuit formed on a silicon surface forming light sensitive elements. The first sensor may be a retina scanner configured to scan the eyes of the user. The retina scan may detect the position of the eyes, which is indicative of the orientation or facing direction of the user. The retina scan may indicate an eye signature for identification of the user. The first sensor may be a low resolution image sensor. A low resolution image sensor may be defined as having less that a predetermined number of pixels in the viewing range proximate to the toilet. The low resolution image sensor may be defined as having less than a predetermined frame rate. Example low resolution predetermined frame rates may be 10 frames per second, 5 frames per second or another value.

The second sensor may correspond to a proximity sensor. The proximity sensor may be employed to detect the presence of a user within a zone of detection near the toilet. Electric potential sensors, projected capacitance sensors, light detection and ranging (LIDAR), and infrared sensors (e.g., projected infrared sensors, passive infrared sensors) are non-limiting examples of proximity sensors that may be employed with the systems of this disclosure. Motion sensors may be employed to detect motion (e.g., a change in position of an object relative to the object's surroundings). Electric potential sensors, optic sensors, radio-frequency (RF) sensors, sound sensors, magnetic sensors (e.g., magnetometers), vibration sensors, and infrared sensors (e.g., projected infrared sensors, passive infrared sensors) are non-limiting examples of motion sensors that may be employed with the systems of this application. In another example, the sensor may include a time of flight (ToF) or a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) that serves as a proximity sensor.

In one embodiment, a single sensor such as the LiDAR sensor or a millimeter wave sensor may perform the functions of both the first sensor and the second sensor. The LIDAR sensor may generate a series of laser pulses that are emitted toward the user and reflect from the user (e.g., the user's face or the user's body). As the return pulses are detected by the LiDAR sensor, a point cloud or three-dimensional map is generated based on the amount of time for the pulses to reach the user and return to the LiDAR sensor. The process is repeated many times and the point cloud or three-dimensional map may include thousands, millions, or more data points.

The third sensor may correspond to a sensor configured to detect the user at the seat. The third sensor may be a capacitance sensor associated with the seat. The third sensor may be responsive to touch on the seat. The third sensor Smay correspond to a pressure or weight sensor. The third sensor Smay be responsive to the weight from the user sitting on the seat.

The fourth sensor may include a millimeter wave sensor, referred to as a mmwave sensor. Various locations are possible for the mmwave sensor. The mmwave may be attached or otherwise supported by the bowl. The mmwave sensor may be attached or otherwise supported by the tank. The mmwave sensor may be attached or otherwise supported to the housing, such as on the front of the vacuum toilet. In some examples, multiple mmwave sensors may be used such that one of the mmwave sensors is behind the bowland one of the mmwave sensors is in front of the bowl and close to the expected position of the user standing near or sitting at the toilet.

The fourth sensor may emit waves (e.g., pulses) include millimeter electromagnetic wave energy that reflects of an object such as a user or contents of the bowl. The return waves (e.g., pulses) includes a smaller amount of electromagnetic wave energy than the emitted waves. The return waves are received at the at least one receiver after a propagation delay and at a reflection angle. The controllermay be configured to calculate one or more kinematic properties of the object based on the energy, time, and/or angle of the return pulse. The controlleror an integrated control unit of the millimeter wave sensor performs fast Fourier transform (FFT) operation on the intermediate frequency signal to obtain the distance, intensity, and velocity information of the objects. Based on the characteristics of radar signals, when a person approaches or leaves may be identified. The emitted wave and reflected wave are mixed in the mixer to generate an intermediate frequency signal in the millimeter wave sensor.

Specifically, the intermediate frequency signal is an electrical signal having a frequency and an intensity (e.g., an amplitude). The frequency of the intermediate frequency signal ranges from several-hundred Hz to about a few KHz. The frequency of the intermediate frequency signal has a mathematical relationship with a distance between the sensor and the object (e.g., users or urine steams). The frequency of the intermediate frequency signal also has a mathematical relationship with a velocity of the motion of the object based on the Principle of Doppler (e.g., the Doppler shift). The object in motion with respect to the sensorresults in a change in the frequency of the waves generated by the sensor.

The sensor data may be descriptive of a user in proximity to the toilet. The sensormay detect when a user is in a distance range. As described above, the distance range may depend on the state of the sensorand the motion of the user. The sensormay detect gestures of the user. The sensormay detect the position of the user such as standing versus sitting. The controlleris configured to receive sensor data from the microwave sensors and generate a control signal response for the toilet in response to the sensor data from the microwave sensors.

In response to the sensor data, the controllermay send command signals to the seat assembly. The controlleris configured to generate and send commands to the motors or other drive mechanism to open and close the seatand coveraccording to the data collected by the sensors. The controlleris configured to determine an orientation of the user based on the sensor data and generate a command for the drive mechanism in response to the orientation of the user. Example orientations of the user include facing the toiletor facing away from the toilet. Example orientation of the user include approaching the toiletor stepping away from the toilet.

In some examples, the controllerutilizes the image data from the first sensor to determine whether a user is facing the toiletor facing away from the toilet. For example, the controlleranalyzes the image data to determine whether human facial features (e.g., facial recognition) can be identified from the image data. When facial features are identified, the controllerdetermines that the user is facing the toilet. Otherwise, the controllerdetermines that the user is facing away from the toilet. When the user is facing the toilet, the seatand coverare opened. When the user is facing away from the toilet, the seatand coverare closed. In the LiDAR example, the controllermay compare the point cloud or three-dimensional map to a template or other thresholds to identify the direction that the user is facing.

In addition, the controllermay determine whether the user has turned around. For example, after the controllerdetermines that the user is facing the toilet, the controllermay further analyze the image data to determine that the image data still includes the user but no longer includes facial features. This indicates that the user has turned around. When the user has turned around, the controllermay generate a command for the seatto close (e.g., lowered position) and/or the coverto remain open (e.g., stowed position).

In addition, the controllermay determine whether the user walked away from the toilet. For example, after the controllerdetermines that the user is facing the toilet, the controllermay further analyze the image data to determine that the image data no longer includes the user and/or no longer includes facial features. This indicates that the user is no longer present at the toilet. When the user is no longer present, the controllermay generate a command for the seatto close (e.g., lowered position) and/or the coverto close (e.g., lowered position).

The controllermay determine the orientation of the user based on a template. A memory may be configured to store a plurality of templates for possible orientations of the user. The controlleris configured to access the templates from the memory and compare the image data from at least one of the sensors to the plurality of templates. In one example, the templates are based on image data at the sensor data compared to the template is from the first sensor. At least one of the templates includes a pixel arrangement indicative of a face of a user (e.g., facial feature). The controllercompares the collected image data to determine if there is a match with the facial feature. If there is a match, the controllerdetermines that the user in facing the toilet. Other templates may include pixel arrangements indicative of the back of a user (e.g., hair).

The controllermay be in communication with a feedback sensor for the motors M-M. The feedback sensor may be a torque sensor or a position sensor.

illustrate a sequence for raising the lid and lowering the seat. The sequence inmay be performed by the controlleras it serves commands through the motor driverto the array of motors. At least one motor is operated by the controllerto place the seat assembly into the state as shown in each of. That is, at least one motor is actuated to move fromto, fromto, and so on.

Operative states of the seat assembly include a standing user raised position, a seated user position, and a closed position. As shown in, the standing user raised position, the seatis behind the cover.and a front of the coveris closer to the basethan a rear of the coveris to the base. As shown in, in the closed position, the seatis at a first height with respect to the base. As shown in, in the seated user position, the seatis a second height with respect to the basesuch that the first height is above the second height. When moving from the seated user position into the closed position, the seatis move upward to meet the cover, as shown by.

Inthe coverand seatof the toiletare in the lowered or stowed position. The seatis positioned within a cavity of the cover.

In, the coverand seatmove together to move away from the basethrough motion of motor M. The coverand seatare lifted up and away from the base of the toilet. In some examples the coverrotates (e.g., as shown, counter-clockwise) either by motor Mor under the force of gravity. Similarly, as the seatis stowed within the cavity of the cover, the seatalso rotates (e.g., as shown, counter-clockwise) either by motor Mor under the force of gravity.

In, the coverand seatare completely open. In some examples, the covermay rest against the base. In other examples, the armssupport the coverand seatat a predetermined distance of the base of the toilet.

In, the seatseparates from the coverthrough via bridgethrough motion of motor M. In one example, the covermay pivot up through motor Min order to provide space for the seatto make clearance when it separates from the cover. The seatis moved with respect to the coverand with respect to the base of the toilet. The seat may be translated and rotated according to the dimensions of the bridge.

In, the seatmoves to the bowl through further rotation of bridgethrough the motion of motor M. In, the seatis in the lowered position in contact with the base. In other examples the covermay be held a predetermined distance above the base.

In, the seatfolds back into the cavity of the coverthrough opposite rotation of bridgeand reverse direction of motor M.

In, the seatis returns to the cavity of the cover, which returns to the stowed position against the base.

illustrate another sequence for raising the lid and lowering the seat with the coverremoved and a transparent seatfor illustrative purposes.

As shown in, the first motor Mrotates in a first direction as the third motor Mbrings the seattoward the base. As shown in, the first motor Mrotates in a second direction after the third motor Mbrings the seat toward the base.

illustrate the seatbeing deployed and lowered back to the base.

illustrates the motors M-Mfor the toilet.illustrate a timing chart for the motors of. Time is on the horizontal axis. Hatching(slanted to the right) indicates that the respective motor is rotating in a first direction such as clockwise. Hatching(slanted to the left) indicates that the respective motor is rotating in a second direction such as counterclockwise. The empty boxes(or empty space) indicates no movement. The motors M-Mmay operate at different speeds. Thus, a particular length of the bar charts inrelate to lengths of time but do not necessary relate to particular motor positions on angular distances for the motors M-M.

illustrates the timing for opening the coverand seat. When opening the seatand cover, the motor Mis operated in rotated in a first direction, bringing the seatand coverup and away from the base, and the motor Mis operated in a second direction bringing seatand covertowards a substantially vertical position with respect to the toilet. There may be a time delay Dbetween the operation of motor Mand the operation of motor M. The motors Mand Mmay stop at the same time. In this opening sequence motors Mand Mare not used.

illlustrates the timing for deployment of the seat. Four motors M-Mmay be used for the seat deployment. As shown in the timing chart, all four motors M-Mare operated initially, with three of the motors M-Mrotating in the first direction and one of the motors Mrotating in the second direction. Motor Mis operated throughout the deployment sequence and motors M, Mand Mare stopped for a delay period. Motor Mis delayed for time period Din one occurrence. Motor Mis delayed for time period Din four occurrences. Motor Mis delayed for time period Din one occurrence. As noted above, the duration of the operation of the motor is not necessarily proportionally to the angular distanced traveled by the motor. Specifically, in the instance of motor Mduring seat deployment, only a few angular degrees may be traveled by the motor Mfrom the beginning to the end of seat deployment.

illustrates the timing for closing the coverand seat. In the closing sequence, the motor Moperates for a short time in the first direction, pauses for a time period D, and then is reversed to the second direction. Similarly, the motor Mis reversed to the second direction. Motor Mrotates in the first direction with an interruption having time period D. Motor Mrotates in the second direction having multiple pauses for a duration of time period D. Motor Mrotates in the first direction having multiple pauses for a duration of time period D.