A smart shower system and its control method

Abstract

An intelligent shower system includes a digitally controlled mixing valve and a digitally controlled manifold. The digitally controlled mixing valve has a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet, and a water outlet. The manifold inlet and outlet of the digitally controlled manifold are connected via pipelines. A water outlet temperature sensor, a water outlet flow sensor, and a flow regulating valve are sequentially connected between the digitally controlled mixing valve and the digitally controlled manifold. The system includes a circulating water pump for circulating water heating, a stepper motor-operated on / off valve, a flow sensor, and a circulating water temperature sensor. The main control circuit board is equipped with a wireless communication component. The outputs of the operation panel, the digitally controlled mixing valve, the water outlet temperature sensor, the water outlet flow sensor, and the flow regulating valve are all connected to the input of the main control circuit board. The output of the main control circuit board is connected to the inputs of the digitally controlled mixing valve and the flow regulating valve, respectively. This invention achieves automatic dual constant temperature, constant water flow, and circulating water heating.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of hot water shower technology, and in particular to an intelligent shower system and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, people have been demanding higher and higher quality of life, and more and more people hope that shower equipment can provide more intelligent services while meeting basic functions.

[0003] Most current shower systems use manual water temperature adjustment. Before each use, it takes a considerable amount of time to manually adjust the mixing ratio of cold and hot water to achieve the desired shower temperature. Alternatively, self-regulating mechanical thermostatic valves can automatically adjust the mixing ratio of cold and hot water to reach the desired temperature. However, these solutions require manual adjustment of the valve's temperature. Neither of these solutions can achieve automatic temperature control, resulting in low automation. Furthermore, during showering, fluctuations in water pressure or temperature can cause the water temperature from the shower system to fluctuate, severely impacting the user's bathing comfort. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the deficiencies in the prior art by proposing an intelligent shower system and its control method, which realizes automatic dual constant temperature and constant water flow functions, and solves the problems of cumbersome mechanical constant temperature or manual adjustment of cold and hot water flow for temperature control and manual adjustment of water flow.

[0005] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A smart shower system includes a smart shower hot water device, which includes a digitally controlled mixing valve and a digitally controlled water distributor. The digitally controlled mixing valve is provided with a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet, and a water outlet. The water distributor inlet of the digitally controlled water distributor is connected to the water outlet of the mixing valve through a pipeline.

[0007] A water outlet temperature sensor, a water outlet flow sensor, and a water flow regulating valve are sequentially connected between the CNC mixing valve and the CNC water distributor.

[0008] The intelligent shower hot water device also includes a main control circuit board and an operation panel. The main control circuit board is equipped with a wireless communication component. The output terminals of the operation panel, the digitally controlled mixing valve, the outlet water temperature sensor, the outlet water flow sensor, and the water flow regulating valve are all connected to the input terminal of the main control circuit board. The output terminal of the main control circuit board is connected to the input terminals of the digitally controlled mixing valve and the water flow regulating valve, respectively.

[0009] Preferably, the intelligent shower hot water device includes a circulating water circuit;

[0010] The circulating water circuit includes a hot water inlet interface, a hot water inlet ball valve, a cold water inlet interface, a cold water inlet ball valve, a circulating water pump, and a stepper motor electric on / off valve;

[0011] The stepper motor electric on / off valve includes a first inlet, a second inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet.

[0012] The hot water inlet interface is sequentially connected to the hot water inlet ball valve, the circulating water pump, and the first inlet pipe of the stepper motor electric on / off valve;

[0013] The cold water inlet interface is connected in sequence to the second inlet pipe of the cold water inlet ball valve and the stepper motor electric on / off valve.

[0014] When the circulating water is flowing, the first inlet of the stepper motor electric on / off valve is connected to the second inlet of the stepper motor electric on / off valve;

[0015] The circulating water circuit also includes a water flow sensor and a circulating water temperature sensor, which are connected to the stepper motor electric on / off valve.

[0016] Preferably, when the circulating water circuit is closed, the first inlet of the stepper motor electric on / off valve is connected to the first outlet of the stepper motor electric on / off valve, and the first outlet of the stepper motor electric on / off valve is connected to the hot water inlet of the mixing valve.

[0017] Preferably, when the circulating water circuit is closed, the second inlet of the stepper motor electric on / off valve is connected to the second outlet of the stepper motor electric on / off valve, and the second outlet of the stepper motor electric on / off valve is connected to the cold water inlet of the mixing valve.

[0018] Preferably, the CNC water distributor is provided with a handheld shower head interface and a top shower head interface, wherein the handheld shower head interface is connected to a handheld shower head and the top shower head interface is connected to a top shower head.

[0019] The input terminal of the CNC water distributor is connected to the output terminal of the main control circuit board.

[0020] Preferably, it includes a water heater, which is externally connected to the intelligent shower hot water device;

[0021] The water heater is provided with a cold water inlet and a hot water outlet. The cold water inlet is connected to the cold water inlet interface, and the hot water outlet is connected to the hot water inlet interface.

[0022] The water heater has a built-in wireless communication module, which is communicatively connected to the wireless communication component.

[0023] A control method for an intelligent shower system, the intelligent shower system including an intelligent shower hot water device and a water heater, wherein the intelligent shower hot water device is externally connected to the water heater, and includes a dual constant temperature control method, the specific steps of which are as follows:

[0024] Input a preset hot water temperature on the control panel, and the control panel will convert the preset hot water temperature into a target command and output it to the main control circuit board.

[0025] The outlet water temperature sensor detects the actual hot water temperature and feeds the actual hot water temperature as a temperature signal back to the main control circuit board.

[0026] The main control circuit board compares the preset hot water temperature with the actual hot water temperature to determine whether the actual hot water temperature is consistent with the preset hot water temperature. If not, it outputs the first control command to the CNC mixing valve. If so, it outputs the hot water at the current actual hot water temperature for use.

[0027] The numerically controlled mixing valve adjusts the opening of the hot water inlet and the cold water inlet of the mixing valve according to the first control command, and regulates the ratio of hot water to cold water in the numerically controlled mixing valve so that the actual hot water temperature is consistent with the preset hot water temperature.

[0028] When the opening of the hot water inlet of the mixing valve reaches its maximum value and the opening of the cold water inlet of the mixing valve reaches its minimum value, if the actual hot water temperature cannot match the preset hot water temperature, the main control circuit board outputs a second control command to the water flow regulating valve.

[0029] The water flow regulating valve adjusts the water flow path according to the second control command, reducing the water flow rate so that the actual hot water temperature is consistent with the preset hot water temperature.

[0030] Preferred methods include a boost control method, with the following specific steps:

[0031] Determine if the booster function is enabled; if so, start the circulating water pump to boost the pressure.

[0032] Determining whether the booster function is enabled involves checking whether the water flow regulating valve is open to its maximum value and whether the water flow signal detected by the water flow sensor at the outlet is not greater than the preset value. If so, the booster function is enabled.

[0033] Determine if the boost function on the control panel is activated; if so, activate the boost function.

[0034] Preferred methods include water circulation control, with the following specific steps:

[0035] When the water circulation mode is triggered, the stepper motor electric on / off valve is opened, and then the circulating water pump is turned on. The water flow sensor monitors the water flow in real time and feeds it back to the main control circuit board. The main control circuit board determines whether the water flow has reached the target value based on the water flow feedback signal. If it has, the circulating water circuit is working normally; otherwise, an error is reported.

[0036] When the main control circuit board sends the water flow feedback signal to the water heater, the water heater determines that the water flow has reached the start value based on the water flow feedback signal. When the water heater detects that the water flow has reached the start value according to its own water flow sensor, at least one of the following conditions is met: the water heater starts and heats the circulating water.

[0037] The circulating water temperature sensor detects the actual water temperature and feeds it back to the main control circuit board. The main control circuit board determines whether the actual water temperature has reached the preset water temperature. If so, it shuts down the circulating water pump and then closes the stepper motor electric on / off valve.

[0038] Preferred methods include flow regulation, with the following specific steps:

[0039] Input a preset water flow rate value into the operation panel, and the operation panel will convert the preset water flow rate value into a target command and output it to the main control circuit board.

[0040] The water flow sensor at the outlet detects the actual water flow value and feeds the actual water flow value back to the main control circuit board as a flow signal.

[0041] The main control circuit board compares the preset water flow value with the actual water flow value to determine whether the actual water flow value is consistent with the preset water flow value. If not, it outputs a control command to the water flow regulating valve. If so, it outputs the hot water at the current actual water flow value for use.

[0042] The water flow regulating valve adjusts its opening degree according to the control command, so that the actual water flow value is consistent with the preset water flow value.

[0043] Beneficial effects:

[0044] 1. This invention integrates the functions of circulating water, intelligent temperature control and constant temperature for shower hot water, intelligent flow control and constant flow for shower hot water, and automatic switching between handheld shower head and top shower head. When used with a water heater, it achieves circulating hot water, reduces the requirements for the constant temperature performance of the water heater, and can make up for the defect of poor constant temperature effect of the water heater itself.

[0045] 2. This invention solves the problem of existing products using circulating water functions by setting up a stepper motor electric on / off valve. Because the one-way valve used in these products does not start circulating water, when the user uses cold water through the shower, the water in the hot water pipe will flow through the one-way valve into the cold water pipe and mix with the water in the cold water pipe before coming out of the shower. This will cause the user to want to use cold water, but the actual water that comes out is warm water mixed with hot and cold water, resulting in discomfort for the user and even causing the water heater to start.

[0046] 3. This invention achieves automatic dual constant temperature and constant water flow, solving the problems of cumbersome mechanical temperature control or manual adjustment of cold and hot water flow. It also enables automatic shower head switching, eliminating the need for traditional manual mechanical shower head switching. Users only need to set the circulating water mode, outlet water temperature, and outlet water flow according to their usage habits on the control panel to achieve precise outlet water temperature and flow requirements for a comfortable shower. The temperature control point for starting and stopping the circulating water is installed inside the intelligent shower water heater with circulating water function, closer to the point of use. This avoids the temperature difference problems and water waste caused by the length of the pipes in existing products where the temperature control point is installed inside the water heater or far from the point of use.

[0047] 4. It can be used to increase the water pressure and flow rate in areas with low water pressure and low flow rate. Attached Figure Description

[0048] Figure 1 This is an internal structural diagram of the intelligent shower hot water device of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the interface of the intelligent shower hot water device of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the intelligent shower hot water device of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the circulating water principle of an intelligent shower hot water device and water heater according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the circulating water principle of an intelligent shower hot water device and water heater according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] The system includes: hot water inlet interface 1, hot water inlet ball valve 2, hot water inlet ball valve inlet 21, hot water inlet ball valve outlet 22, circulating water pump 3, circulating water pump inlet 31, circulating water pump outlet 32, stepper motor electric on / off valve 4, stepper motor electric on / off valve first inlet 41, stepper motor electric on / off valve second inlet 42, stepper motor electric on / off valve first outlet 43, stepper motor electric on / off valve second outlet 44, water flow sensor 5, circulating water temperature sensor 6, cold water inlet interface 7, cold water inlet ball valve 8, cold water inlet ball valve inlet 81, and cold water... 82. Inlet ball valve outlet, 9. CNC mixing valve, 91. Hot water inlet of mixing valve, 92. Cold water inlet of mixing valve, 93. Water outlet of mixing valve, 10. Water outlet temperature sensor, 11. Water flow sensor at the outlet end, 12. Water flow regulating valve, 13. CNC water distributor, 131. Water distributor inlet, 132. Handheld shower head interface, 133. Top shower head interface, 14. Handheld shower head, 15. Top shower head, 16. Main control circuit board, 17. Operation panel, 18. Water heater, 181. Cold water inlet of water heater, 182. Hot water outlet of water heater, 183. Wireless communication module, 19. Water usage point. Detailed Implementation

[0054] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0055] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0056] An intelligent shower system of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the device includes an intelligent shower hot water device, which includes a digitally controlled mixing valve 9 and a digitally controlled water distributor 13. The digitally controlled mixing valve 9 is provided with a cold water inlet 92, a hot water inlet 91, and a water outlet 93. The water distributor inlet 131 of the digitally controlled water distributor 13 is connected to the water outlet 93 of the mixing valve through a pipeline.

[0057] The CNC mixing valve 9 and the CNC water distributor 13 are connected in sequence to an outlet water temperature sensor 10, an outlet water flow sensor 11, and a water flow regulating valve 12.

[0058] The intelligent shower hot water device also includes a main control circuit board 16 and an operation panel 17. The main control circuit board 16 is equipped with a wireless communication component. The output terminals of the operation panel 17, the digitally controlled mixing valve 9, the outlet water temperature sensor 10, the outlet water flow sensor 11, and the water flow regulating valve 12 are all connected to the input terminal of the main control circuit board 16. The output terminal of the main control circuit board 16 is connected to the input terminal of the digitally controlled mixing valve 9 and the water flow regulating valve 12, respectively.

[0059] Most current shower systems use manual water temperature adjustment. Before each use, it takes a considerable amount of time to manually adjust the mixing ratio of cold and hot water to achieve the desired shower temperature. Alternatively, self-regulating mechanical thermostatic valves can automatically adjust the mixing ratio of cold and hot water to reach the desired temperature. However, these solutions require manual adjustment of the valve's temperature. Neither of these solutions can achieve automatic temperature control, resulting in low automation. Furthermore, during showering, fluctuations in water pressure or temperature can cause the water temperature from the shower system to fluctuate, severely impacting the user's bathing comfort.

[0060] To address the aforementioned issues, this application achieves a dual temperature control effect by configuring the aforementioned CNC mixing valve 9, outlet water temperature sensor 10, outlet water flow sensor 11, and water flow regulating valve 12 in conjunction with the main control circuit board 16. Specifically, as shown... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the CNC mixing valve 9 is equipped with a cold water inlet 92 and a hot water inlet 91. Cold water flows into the CNC mixing valve 9 from the cold water inlet 92, and hot water flows into the CNC mixing valve 9 from the hot water inlet 91. When using hot water, the user sets the hot water temperature T1 on the operation panel 17 according to their bathing needs. The operation panel 17 converts the hot water temperature T1 into a target command and outputs it to the main control circuit board 16. At the same time, the water outlet temperature sensor 10 feeds back a temperature signal to the main control circuit board 16. The main control circuit board 16 compares the temperature signal (actual hot water temperature T2) fed back by the water temperature sensor with the set hot water temperature T1, and then outputs a control command to the stepper motor on the CNC mixing valve 9 to control the stepper motor of the CNC mixing valve 9 to adjust the opening of the hot water inlet 91 and the cold water inlet 92 of the mixing valve, so as to adjust the mixing ratio of cold water and hot water. This adjustment and feedback are repeated to make the temperature signal (actual hot water temperature T2) fed back by the water outlet temperature sensor 10 consistent with the set hot water temperature T1, so as to achieve the first-level constant temperature effect.

[0061] When the hot water inlet 91 of the CNC mixing valve 9 is opened to its maximum value and the cold water inlet 92 is opened to its minimum value, if the temperature signal (actual hot water temperature T2) fed back by the water temperature sensor does not reach the set hot water temperature T1, then the main control circuit board 16 will send a control command to the motor of the water flow regulating valve 12 to control the motor of the water flow regulating valve 12 to gradually close the water flow path and reduce the water flow, so that the temperature signal (actual hot water temperature T2) fed back by the water temperature sensor is consistent with the set hot water temperature T1, thereby achieving a second layer of constant temperature effect.

[0062] It should be noted that, in this application, the functional logic of the operation panel 17 converting the hot water temperature T1 into a target instruction and the functional logic of the main control circuit board 16 outputting the corresponding control instruction can be set by the device before leaving the factory, or can be set by the user.

[0063] This application features a water flow regulation function, allowing users to adjust the hot water flow rate according to their bathing needs. This is achieved through a water flow sensor 11 at the outlet and a water flow regulating valve 12, enabling digital control of the water flow. The user sets the hot water flow rate Q1 on the operation panel 17 according to their bathing requirements. The operation panel 17 converts the hot water flow rate Q1 into a target command and outputs it to the main control circuit board 16. Simultaneously, the water flow sensor 11 at the outlet feeds back a flow signal to the main control circuit board 16. The main control circuit board 16 compares the flow signal (actual hot water flow rate Q2) from the water flow sensor 11 with the set hot water flow rate Q1, and then outputs a control command to the motor on the water flow regulating valve 12. This motor controls the opening of the water flow regulating valve 12, and the adjustment and feedback are repeated until the flow signal (actual hot water flow rate Q2) from the water flow sensor 11 matches the set hot water flow rate Q1, achieving a constant hot water flow rate.

[0064] Preferred, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, it includes a circulating water system;

[0065] The circulating water circuit includes a hot water inlet 1, a hot water inlet ball valve 2, a cold water inlet 7, a cold water inlet ball valve 8, a circulating water pump 3, and a stepper motor electric on / off valve 4.

[0066] The stepper motor electric on / off valve 4 includes a first inlet 41, a second inlet 42, a first outlet 43, and a second outlet 44.

[0067] The hot water inlet interface 1 is sequentially connected to the hot water inlet ball valve 2, the circulating water pump 3, and the first inlet 41 pipeline of the stepper motor electric on / off valve;

[0068] The cold water inlet 7 is connected in sequence to the cold water inlet ball valve 8 and the second inlet 42 pipeline of the stepper motor electric on / off valve;

[0069] When the circulating water is flowing, the first inlet 41 of the stepper motor electric on / off valve is connected to the second inlet 42 of the stepper motor electric on / off valve;

[0070] The circulating water circuit also includes a water flow sensor and a circulating water temperature sensor, which are connected to the stepper motor electric on / off valve.

[0071] In this application, the hot water inlet ball valve 2 and the cold water inlet ball valve 8 can also be replaced by normally closed electromagnetic switch valves. When the normally closed electromagnetic switch valve is not energized, the valve is in a closed state, and when energized, the valve is in an open state. The valve core is driven to open by the magnetic force generated by the coil of the electromagnetic valve, so that the pipeline is connected and the normally closed state is changed to a normally open state to ensure the flow of water.

[0072] In this application, the water flow sensor 5, the circulating water temperature sensor 6, and the stepper motor electric on / off valve 4 can be designed in series as a single unit, or they can be designed separately and then connected in series through pipelines. In this embodiment, for example... Figure 4 As shown, the water flow sensor 5, the circulating water temperature sensor 6, and the stepper motor electric on / off valve 4 are integrally formed.

[0073] The water flow sensor 5 and the circulating water temperature sensor 6 are installed in the pipeline connecting the first inlet 41 of the stepper motor electric on / off valve to the second inlet 42 of the stepper motor electric on / off valve.

[0074] This application includes a circulating water path to achieve a circulating water function. When the top shower head 15 and handheld shower head 14 are off, if circulating water is required, the conditions for this function are: the actual temperature sensed by the circulating water temperature sensor 6 is lower than the set temperature; the user activates the circulating water function on the operation panel 17; and the water flow sensor 5 detects a water flow signal that meets a preset condition. When the circulating water function is activated, the stepper motor electric on / off valve 4 opens, and the circulating water pump 3 is started. The circulating water pump 3 provides power to the water in the pipe, causing water to enter from the hot water inlet 1, pass through the hot water inlet ball valve 2, then through the circulating water pump 3, and then flow into the water through the first inlet 41 of the stepper motor electric on / off valve 4, passing through the water flow sensor. 5 and circulating water temperature sensor 6, flow to the second inlet 42 of the stepper motor electric on / off valve, flow out from the second inlet 42 of the stepper motor electric on / off valve to the cold water inlet ball valve 8, and finally flow out from the cold water inlet interface 7 for heating. In this application, the cold water inlet interface 7 is connected to the cold water inlet 181 of the water heater, and the hot water inlet interface 1 is connected to the hot water outlet 182 of the water heater. Therefore, after the circulating water flows out from the cold water inlet interface 7, it flows into the water heater 18 through the cold water inlet 181 of the water heater, is heated by the water heater 18, flows out from the hot water outlet 182 of the water heater, and returns to the hot water inlet interface 1 through the indoor hot water pipe, realizing a closed-loop overall circulation. When the water reaches the set temperature, the circulating water pump 3 is stopped, and the stepper motor electric on / off valve 4 is closed.

[0075] Another embodiment, such as Figure 5As shown, the water flow sensor 5 and the circulating water temperature sensor 6 are not integrally formed with the stepper motor electric on / off valve 4. The water flow sensor 5 and the circulating water temperature sensor 6 can also be set at the inlet or outlet of the circulating water pump 3. The front-to-back position of the water flow sensor 5 and the circulating water temperature sensor 6 can be adjusted, that is, the water flow sensor 5 can be set before or after the circulating water temperature sensor 6. When the water flow sensor 5 and the circulating water temperature sensor 6 are set at the inlet of the circulating water pump 3, water enters from the hot water inlet interface 1, passes through the hot water inlet ball valve 2, then passes through the water flow sensor 5 and the circulating water temperature sensor 6, and then... The circulating water pump 3, when installed at its outlet, allows water to enter from the hot water inlet 1, pass through the hot water inlet ball valve 2, then through the circulating water pump 3, then through the water flow sensor 5 and the circulating water temperature sensor 6, and finally flow into the stepper motor electric on / off valve 4 through its first inlet 41. When the water flow sensor 5 and the circulating water temperature sensor 6 are installed at the inlet or outlet of the circulating water pump 3, they can not only detect the water flow and temperature of the circulating water, but also detect the water flow and temperature of the hot water when the circulating water function is off, even when the hot water is in normal use.

[0076] In the market, one-way valves are generally used to achieve the purpose of water backflow. This application adopts the stepper motor electric on / off valve 4, which can effectively solve the problem that when the circulating water is not started and the user uses cold water through the shower, the water in the hot water pipe will flow through the one-way valve to the cold water pipe and mix with the water in the cold water pipe. Then it will come out from the shower, which will cause the user to intend to use cold water, but the actual water that comes out is warm water mixed with hot and cold water, which will make the user uncomfortable to use and may even cause the water heater 18 to start.

[0077] Preferably, when the circulating water circuit is closed, the first inlet 41 of the stepper motor electric on / off valve is connected to the first outlet 43 of the stepper motor electric on / off valve, and the first outlet 43 of the stepper motor electric on / off valve is connected to the hot water inlet 91 of the mixing valve.

[0078] When the circulating water circuit is closed, hot water is used normally. The hot water flows as follows: it enters through the hot water inlet 1, passes through the hot water inlet ball valve 2 and the circulating water pump 3, and then enters through the first inlet 41 of the stepper motor electric on / off valve. At this time, the first outlet 43 of the stepper motor electric on / off valve is opened, so that the hot water flows from the first inlet 41 of the stepper motor electric on / off valve to the first outlet 43 of the stepper motor electric on / off valve, and then flows through the pipe from the first outlet 43 of the stepper motor electric on / off valve to the hot water inlet 91 of the mixing valve, and enters the CNC mixing valve 9.

[0079] Preferably, when the circulating water circuit is closed, the second inlet 42 of the stepper motor electric on / off valve is connected to the second outlet 44 of the stepper motor electric on / off valve, and the second outlet 44 of the stepper motor electric on / off valve is connected to the cold water inlet 92 of the mixing valve.

[0080] When the circulating water circuit is closed, cold water is used normally. The flow direction of the cold water is as follows: it enters through the cold water inlet 7, passes through the cold water inlet ball valve 8, and then enters through the second inlet 42 of the stepper motor electric on / off valve. At this time, the second outlet 44 of the stepper motor electric on / off valve is opened, so that the cold water flows from the second inlet 42 of the stepper motor electric on / off valve to the second outlet 44 of the stepper motor electric on / off valve, and then flows through the pipeline from the second outlet 44 of the stepper motor electric on / off valve to the cold water inlet 92 of the mixing valve, and enters the CNC mixing valve 9.

[0081] Preferably, the CNC water distributor 13 is provided with a handheld shower head interface 132 and a top shower head interface 133, the handheld shower head interface 132 is externally connected to a handheld shower head 14, and the top shower head interface 133 is externally connected to a top shower head 15.

[0082] The input terminal of the CNC water distributor 13 is connected to the output terminal of the main control circuit board 16.

[0083] In the market, the switching between the top shower head 15 and the handheld shower head 14 is generally done manually, which has a low degree of automation. However, this device has a built-in digital water distributor 13. The digital water distributor 13 is connected to the main control circuit board 16 to realize the automatic switching of the hot water channel between the handheld shower head 14 and the top shower head 15. The user operates the operation panel 17, and the main control circuit board 16 sends a switching command to the digital water distributor 13 to realize the automatic switching of the digital water distributor 13. In this application, the handheld shower head interface 132 and the top shower head interface 133 are not limited to external handheld shower head 14 and top shower head 15.

[0084] A water heater includes an external connection to the intelligent shower hot water device;

[0085] The water heater 18 is provided with a cold water inlet 181 and a hot water outlet 182. The cold water inlet 181 is connected to the cold water inlet interface 7, and the hot water outlet 182 is connected to the hot water inlet interface 1.

[0086] In existing products, the circulating water circuit is installed inside the water heater 18 (e.g., zero-cold-water gas water heater 18 on the market). Therefore, the temperature control point for starting and stopping the circulating water function is located inside the gas water heater 18. This temperature control point is a certain distance (i.e., pipe length) from the user's actual water usage point (i.e., showerhead). Due to the pipe length, there will be a temperature difference between the temperature control point and the actual water usage point. For example, if the temperature control point is set to 38℃, the actual water usage point temperature may be 35℃ or lower, leading to discomfort for the user when using hot water. In this application, however, the circulating water circuit is built into the intelligent shower hot water device, making the temperature control point closest to the actual water usage point, eliminating the temperature difference.

[0087] Furthermore, the water heater 18 itself is equipped with a sensor for detecting water flow and / or a sensor for detecting the temperature of circulating water. When the water heater 18 itself has a sensor for detecting water flow that detects that the water flow reaches the start value or a sensor for detecting the temperature of circulating water that detects that the temperature of circulating water reaches the start value, the water heater 18 starts to heat the circulating water.

[0088] Furthermore, the water heater in this application can be a gas water heater, a heat pump water heater, a solar water heater, or an electric water heater, but is not limited to the above types of water heaters. At the same time, the gas water heater is started based on the flow signal of the water flow sensor, while the heat pump water heater, solar water heater, and electric water heater are started based on the circulating water temperature detected by the circulating water temperature sensor.

[0089] Preferably, the water heater 18 has a built-in wireless communication module 183, which is communicatively connected to the wireless communication component.

[0090] In this application, the main control circuit board 16 is equipped with a wireless communication component to communicate with the wireless communication module 183 of the water heater 18. It controls the operation of the water heater 18 through an intelligent shower hot water device installed in the circulating water circuit of the bathroom, monitors the operation of the water heater 18, and controls and adjusts the operating parameters of the water heater 18 by operating the operation panel 17. This simplifies the design of the operation panel of the water heater 18 or removes the operation panel of the water heater 18, thereby reducing the cost of the water heater 18.

[0091] The water flow direction during the operation of this device is:

[0092] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, when the circulating water function is activated, the stepper motor electric on / off valve 4 opens, and the circulating water pump 3 is started. Water in the pipeline enters from the hot water inlet interface 1, flows to the hot water inlet ball valve inlet 21, flows from the hot water inlet ball valve outlet 22 to the circulating water pump inlet 31, flows out from the circulating water pump outlet 32, and enters the first inlet 41 of the stepper motor electric on / off valve, thus entering the stepper motor electric on / off valve 4. After passing through the water flow sensor 5 and the circulating water temperature sensor 6, the water is controlled by the stepper motor electric on / off valve 4. The water flows out from the second inlet 42 of the electric motor on / off valve, passes through the outlet 82 of the cold water inlet ball valve, flows from the inlet 81 of the cold water inlet ball valve to the cold water inlet interface 7, is transported through the indoor pipe to the cold water inlet 181 of the water heater, flows into the water heater 18, is heated by the water heater 18, and flows out from the hot water outlet 182 of the water heater, and is transported to the hot water inlet interface 1. In particular, after being heated by the water heater 18, the hot water flowing out from the hot water outlet 182 of the water heater can flow to other water points 19.

[0093] When the circulating water function is not activated, hot water enters through the hot water inlet 1, flows to the hot water inlet ball valve inlet 21, flows from the hot water inlet ball valve outlet 22 to the circulating water pump inlet 31, flows out from the circulating water pump outlet 32, enters the first inlet 41 of the stepper motor electric on / off valve, flows out from the first outlet 43 of the stepper motor electric on / off valve, flows to the hot water inlet 91 of the mixing valve, and enters the CNC mixing valve 9; cold water enters through the cold water inlet 7 and flows to the cold water inlet ball valve inlet. 81. The cold water flows out from the outlet 82 of the cold water inlet ball valve, enters from the second inlet 42 of the stepper motor electric on / off valve, and flows out from the second outlet 44 of the stepper motor electric on / off valve. It flows to the cold water inlet 92 of the mixing valve and enters the CNC mixing valve 9. After the cold water and hot water are mixed by the CNC mixing valve 9, they pass through the outlet temperature sensor 10, the outlet water flow sensor 11 and the water flow regulating valve 12, and flow into the CNC water distributor 13. After the CNC water distributor 13, the water is divided into different shower heads.

[0094] A control method for an intelligent shower system, the intelligent shower system including an intelligent shower hot water device and a water heater 18, wherein the intelligent shower hot water device is externally connected to the water heater 18, and includes a dual constant temperature control method, the specific steps of which are as follows:

[0095] Input a preset hot water temperature into the operation panel 17, and the operation panel 17 will convert the preset hot water temperature into a target command and output it to the main control circuit board 16.

[0096] The outlet water temperature sensor 10 detects the actual hot water temperature and feeds the actual hot water temperature as a temperature signal back to the main control circuit board 16.

[0097] The main control circuit board 16 compares the preset hot water temperature with the actual hot water temperature to determine whether the actual hot water temperature is consistent with the preset hot water temperature. If not, it outputs the first control command to the CNC mixing valve 9. If so, it outputs the hot water at the current actual hot water temperature for use.

[0098] The numerically controlled mixing valve 9 adjusts the opening of the hot water inlet 91 and the cold water inlet 92 of the mixing valve according to the first control command, thereby regulating the ratio of hot water to cold water in the numerically controlled mixing valve 9 so that the actual hot water temperature is consistent with the preset hot water temperature.

[0099] When the opening of the hot water inlet 91 of the mixing valve reaches its maximum value and the opening of the cold water inlet 92 of the mixing valve reaches its minimum value, if the actual hot water temperature cannot match the preset hot water temperature, the main control circuit board 16 outputs a second control command to the water flow regulating valve 12.

[0100] According to the second control command, the water flow regulating valve 12 adjusts the water flow path and reduces the water flow to make the actual hot water temperature consistent with the preset hot water temperature.

[0101] Preferred methods include a boost control method, with the following specific steps:

[0102] Determine whether the booster function is enabled. If so, start the circulating water pump 3 to boost the pressure.

[0103] Determining whether the pressure boosting function is enabled includes determining whether the water flow regulating valve 12 is opened to its maximum value and whether the water flow signal detected by the water flow sensor 11 at the outlet is not greater than the preset value. If so, the pressure boosting function is enabled.

[0104] Determine if the boost function of the control panel 17 is activated. If so, activate the boost function.

[0105] Preferred methods include water circulation control, with the following specific steps:

[0106] The water circulation mode is triggered. When the water circulation mode is triggered, the stepper motor electric on / off valve 4 is opened, and then the circulating water pump 3 is turned on. The water flow sensor 5 monitors the water flow in real time and feeds it back to the main control circuit board 16. The main control circuit board 16 judges whether the water flow has reached the target value based on the water flow feedback signal. If it has, the circulating water circuit is working normally. If not, an error is reported.

[0107] When the main control circuit board 16 sends the water flow feedback signal to the water heater 18, the water heater 18 determines that the water flow has reached the start value based on the water flow feedback signal. When the water heater 18 detects that the water flow has reached the start value based on its own water flow sensor, at least one of the conditions is met, the water heater 18 starts to heat the circulating water.

[0108] The circulating water temperature sensor 6 detects the actual water temperature and feeds it back to the main control circuit board 16. The main control circuit board 16 determines whether the actual water temperature has reached the preset water temperature. If so, it shuts down the circulating water pump 3 and then shuts down the stepper motor electric on / off valve 4.

[0109] Preferred methods include flow regulation, with the following specific steps:

[0110] Input a preset water flow value into the operation panel 17, and the operation panel 17 will convert the preset water flow value into a target command and output it to the main control circuit board 16.

[0111] The water flow sensor 11 at the outlet detects the actual water flow value and feeds the actual water flow value back to the main control circuit board 16 as a flow signal.

[0112] The main control circuit board 16 compares the preset water flow value with the actual water flow value to determine whether the actual water flow value is consistent with the preset water flow value. If not, it outputs a control command to the water flow regulating valve 12. If so, it outputs the hot water at the current actual water flow value for use.

[0113] The water flow regulating valve 12 adjusts its opening degree according to the control command, so that the actual water flow value is consistent with the preset water flow value.

[0114] Furthermore, the outlet water flow sensor 11 can also provide the following control signals: When the circulating water function is activated, if the user uses hot water, when the outlet water flow sensor 11 senses that the water flow has reached a preset value, it indicates that the user is using hot water. The outlet water flow sensor 11 then feeds a signal back to the main control circuit board 16, which in turn outputs a signal to the circulating water pump 3 and the stepper motor electric on / off valve 4. This first stops the circulating water pump 3, then closes the stepper motor electric on / off valve 4, stopping the circulating water function. Existing cold-water zero-water water heaters, when the circulating hot water function is activated, cannot accurately determine whether the user is using hot water if the user is using hot water. This results in the circulating water function and the user using hot water operating simultaneously, leading to unstable and uncomfortable hot water temperatures.

[0115] The technical principles of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. These descriptions are merely for explaining the principles of the invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the invention in any way. Based on this explanation, those skilled in the art can readily conceive of other specific embodiments of the invention without inventive effort, and these embodiments will all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An intelligent shower system, characterized in that: The device includes an intelligent shower hot water unit, which includes a digitally controlled mixing valve and a digitally controlled water distributor. The digitally controlled mixing valve is provided with a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet, and a water outlet. The water distributor inlet of the digitally controlled water distributor is connected to the water outlet of the mixing valve through a pipeline. A water outlet temperature sensor, a water outlet flow sensor, and a water flow regulating valve are sequentially connected between the CNC mixing valve and the CNC water distributor. The intelligent shower hot water device also includes a main control circuit board and an operation panel. The main control circuit board is equipped with a wireless communication component. The output terminals of the operation panel, the digitally controlled mixing valve, the outlet water temperature sensor, the outlet water flow sensor, and the water flow regulating valve are all connected to the input terminal of the main control circuit board. The output terminal of the main control circuit board is connected to the input terminals of the digitally controlled mixing valve and the water flow regulating valve, respectively. The stepper motor controlling the CNC mixing valve adjusts the opening of the hot water inlet and the cold water inlet of the mixing valve to adjust the mixing ratio of cold water and hot water. When the hot water inlet of the CNC mixing valve is opened to its maximum value and the cold water inlet is opened to its minimum value, if the outlet water temperature sensor returns a temperature signal indicating that the actual outlet water temperature T2 does not reach the set outlet water temperature T1, then the main control circuit board will send a control command to the motor of the water flow regulating valve to gradually close the water flow path and reduce the water flow, so that the outlet water temperature sensor returns a temperature signal indicating that the actual outlet water temperature T2 is consistent with the set outlet water temperature T1.

2. The intelligent shower system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The intelligent shower hot water device includes a circulating water circuit; The circulating water circuit includes a hot water inlet interface, a hot water inlet ball valve, a cold water inlet interface, a cold water inlet ball valve, a circulating water pump, and a stepper motor electric on / off valve; The stepper motor electric on / off valve includes a first inlet, a second inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The hot water inlet interface is sequentially connected to the hot water inlet ball valve, the circulating water pump, and the first inlet pipe of the stepper motor electric on / off valve; The cold water inlet interface is connected in sequence to the second inlet pipe of the cold water inlet ball valve and the stepper motor electric on / off valve. When the circulating water is flowing, the first inlet of the stepper motor electric on / off valve is connected to the second inlet of the stepper motor electric on / off valve; The circulating water circuit also includes a water flow sensor and a circulating water temperature sensor, which are connected to the stepper motor electric on / off valve.

3. The intelligent shower system according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the circulating water circuit is closed, the first inlet of the stepper motor electric on / off valve is connected to the first outlet of the stepper motor electric on / off valve, and the first outlet of the stepper motor electric on / off valve is connected to the hot water inlet of the mixing valve.

4. The intelligent shower system according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the circulating water circuit is closed, the second inlet of the stepper motor electric on / off valve is connected to the second outlet of the stepper motor electric on / off valve, and the second outlet of the stepper motor electric on / off valve is connected to the cold water inlet of the mixing valve.

5. The intelligent shower system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The CNC water distributor is equipped with a handheld shower head interface and a top shower head interface. The handheld shower head interface is connected to a handheld shower head, and the top shower head interface is connected to a top shower head. The input terminal of the CNC water distributor is connected to the output terminal of the main control circuit board.

6. The intelligent shower system according to claim 5, characterized in that: Includes a water heater, which is externally connected to the intelligent shower hot water device; The water heater is provided with a cold water inlet and a hot water outlet. The cold water inlet is connected to the cold water inlet interface, and the hot water outlet is connected to the hot water inlet interface. The water heater has a built-in wireless communication module, which is communicatively connected to the wireless communication component.

7. A control method applied to an intelligent shower system as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that: The intelligent shower system includes an intelligent shower hot water device and a water heater. The intelligent shower hot water device is externally connected to the water heater and includes a dual thermostatic control method. The specific steps are as follows: Input a preset hot water temperature on the control panel, and the control panel will convert the preset hot water temperature into a target command and output it to the main control circuit board. The outlet water temperature sensor detects the actual hot water temperature and feeds the actual hot water temperature as a temperature signal back to the main control circuit board. The main control circuit board compares the preset hot water temperature with the actual hot water temperature to determine whether the actual hot water temperature is consistent with the preset hot water temperature. If not, it outputs the first control command to the CNC mixing valve. If so, it outputs the hot water at the current actual hot water temperature for use. The numerically controlled mixing valve adjusts the opening of the hot water inlet and the cold water inlet of the mixing valve according to the first control command, and regulates the ratio of hot water to cold water in the numerically controlled mixing valve so that the actual hot water temperature is consistent with the preset hot water temperature. When the opening of the hot water inlet of the mixing valve reaches its maximum value and the opening of the cold water inlet of the mixing valve reaches its minimum value, if the actual hot water temperature cannot match the preset hot water temperature, the main control circuit board outputs a second control command to the water flow regulating valve. The water flow regulating valve adjusts the water flow path according to the second control command, reducing the water flow rate so that the actual hot water temperature is consistent with the preset hot water temperature.

8. The control method for an intelligent shower system according to claim 7, characterized in that: This includes boost control methods, with the specific steps as follows: Determine if the booster function is enabled; if so, start the circulating water pump to boost the pressure. Determining whether the booster function is enabled involves checking whether the water flow regulating valve is open to its maximum value and whether the water flow signal detected by the water flow sensor at the outlet is not greater than the preset value. If so, the booster function is enabled. Determine if the boost function on the control panel is activated; if so, activate the boost function.

9. The control method for an intelligent shower system according to claim 7, characterized in that: This includes water circulation control methods, with the following specific steps: When the water circulation mode is triggered, the stepper motor electric on / off valve is opened, and then the circulating water pump is turned on. The water flow sensor monitors the water flow in real time and feeds it back to the main control circuit board. The main control circuit board determines whether the water flow has reached the target value based on the water flow feedback signal. If it has, the circulating water circuit is working normally; otherwise, an error is reported. When the main control circuit board sends the water flow feedback signal to the water heater, the water heater determines that the water flow has reached the start value based on the water flow feedback signal. When the water heater detects that the water flow has reached the start value according to its own water flow sensor, at least one of the following conditions is met: the water heater starts and heats the circulating water. The circulating water temperature sensor detects the actual water temperature and feeds it back to the main control circuit board. The main control circuit board determines whether the actual water temperature has reached the preset water temperature. If so, it shuts down the circulating water pump and then closes the stepper motor electric on / off valve.

10. The control method for an intelligent shower system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The flow rate adjustment method includes the following specific steps: Input a preset water flow rate value into the operation panel, and the operation panel will convert the preset water flow rate value into a target command and output it to the main control circuit board. The water flow sensor at the outlet detects the actual water flow value and feeds the actual water flow value back to the main control circuit board as a flow signal. The main control circuit board compares the preset water flow value with the actual water flow value to determine whether the actual water flow value is consistent with the preset water flow value. If not, it outputs a control command to the water flow regulating valve. If so, it outputs the hot water at the current actual water flow value for use. The water flow regulating valve adjusts its opening degree according to the control command, so that the actual water flow value is consistent with the preset water flow value.

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