A water supply structure for a shower control panel and a shower.

Abstract

This invention provides a water replenishment structure for a shower control panel, characterized in that: the control panel has a water inlet channel and at least one water outlet, the at least one water outlet being connected to the water inlet channel through at least one water outlet channel, and each water outlet channel is provided with a first control switch for connecting or disconnecting the water inlet channel and the water outlet; it also includes a bypass channel, a sub-channel, and a water replenishment manifold, the bypass channel connecting the water inlet channel, the sub-channel, and the water replenishment manifold; the sub-channels correspond to and are arranged in parallel with the water outlet channels, and the sub-channels and their corresponding water outlet channels share a single water outlet; the water replenishment manifold is connected to the water outlet channel; the bypass channel is provided with a second control switch for connecting or disconnecting the bypass channel from the water inlet channel; a first check valve is provided in the sub-channel for cutting off the connection between the sub-channel and the water outlet channel. This invention also provides a shower, including: a control panel and a water outlet terminal; the control panel is equipped with the above-described water replenishment structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a bathroom product, and more particularly to a shower. Background Technology

[0002] Shower systems are an indispensable appliance in modern homes. A typical shower system includes an overhead shower head, a second water outlet device, and a water outlet controller. These are connected via piping to control water flow. When the overhead shower head or second water outlet device switches from running to off, some residual water inevitably remains in the piping, unable to flow towards the shower head and thus forming residual cold water. During the next shower, this residual cold water will be the first to flow out. If this residual cold water flows directly onto the user, it will cause discomfort and significantly impact the showering experience. Traditional shower systems do not have a specific design to handle this residual cold water; users must first empty the shower to allow the cold water to drain, which is wasteful and, if forgotten, results in cold water directly hitting the user, creating a very poor experience. To address this issue, some shower systems have a separate drain button. Users press this button before showering to drain the cold water. However, a separate cooling outlet needs to be installed on the shower unit, making its structure more complex. Furthermore, besides the cooling function, shower units may have additional functions, such as a water replenishment function, where the water flow decreases when a person leaves the shower and increases when they approach, thus saving water. For a shower unit, especially an entry-level one, it's unlikely to have both cooling and water replenishment functions simultaneously. Therefore, shower units with separate cooling and water replenishment functions would require separate molds for production, resulting in higher costs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a water replenishment structure for a control panel that can utilize the existing cooling structure to achieve water replenishment, thereby saving mold opening costs.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a water replenishment structure for a shower control panel. The control panel has a water inlet channel and at least one water outlet. The at least one water outlet is connected to the water inlet channel through at least one water outlet channel. Each water outlet channel is provided with a first control switch for connecting or disconnecting the water inlet channel and the water outlet.

[0005] It also includes a bypass channel, a sub-channel, and a water replenishment channel. The bypass channel connects the inlet channel, the sub-channel, and the water replenishment channel. The sub-channel corresponds to and is connected in parallel with the outlet channel. The sub-channel and its corresponding outlet channel share a common outlet. The water replenishment channel is connected to the outlet channel.

[0006] The bypass channel is equipped with a second control switch that connects or disconnects the bypass channel from the inlet channel;

[0007] A first check valve is provided in the sub-channel, which is used to cut off the connection between the sub-channel and the outlet channel.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment: the water inlet channel includes a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet, and a mixing valve; the cold water inlet and the hot water inlet are respectively connected to the mixing valve, and the mixed water outlet of the mixing valve is connected to the first control switch and the second control switch.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment: a second check valve is provided in the water replenishment channel, which allows the water in the water replenishment channel to flow unidirectionally toward the water outlet channel.

[0010] The present invention also provides a water replenishment structure for a shower control panel, characterized in that: the control panel has a water inlet channel and at least one water outlet, the at least one water outlet is connected to the water inlet channel through a water outlet channel, and a first control switch for connecting or disconnecting the water inlet channel and the water outlet is provided on the water outlet channel;

[0011] It also includes a bypass channel, a cooling exhaust channel, and a water replenishment channel. The bypass channel connects the inlet channel, the cooling exhaust channel, and the water replenishment channel. The cooling exhaust channel corresponds to and is connected in parallel with the outlet channel. The cooling exhaust channel and the corresponding outlet channel share a common outlet. The water replenishment channel is connected to the outlet channel.

[0012] The bypass channel is equipped with a second control switch that connects or disconnects the bypass channel from the inlet channel;

[0013] A third control switch is also provided at the connection between the exhaust channel and the bypass channel; when the second control switch is open and the third control switch is closed, the water replenishment channel is connected to the water inlet channel; when both the second and third control switches are open, the exhaust channel is connected to the water inlet channel.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment: the third control switch is used to control the opening or closing of the exhaust channel.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment: the water inlet channel includes a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet, and a mixing valve; the cold water inlet and the hot water inlet are respectively connected to the mixing valve, and the mixed water outlet of the mixing valve is connected to the first control switch and the second control switch.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment: a first check valve is provided in the exhaust channel, which allows the water in the exhaust channel to flow unidirectionally toward the outlet.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment: a second check valve is provided in the water replenishment channel, which allows the water in the water replenishment channel to flow unidirectionally toward the water outlet channel.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment: a temperature and flow sensor and a flow controller are provided in the water inlet channel.

[0019] The present invention also provides a shower, including: a control panel and a water outlet terminal; the control panel is equipped with the water replenishment structure described above.

[0020] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution of the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0021] This invention provides a water replenishment structure for a shower control panel. By utilizing the original drainage channel within the control panel as a sub-channel and reversing the installation of the check valve within the drainage channel, residual water is prevented from flowing from the drainage channel to the outlet. Instead, it flows through the water replenishment channel towards the outlet, achieving the desired water replenishment effect. This allows the same mold to produce both control panels with cooling and water replenishment functions, significantly reducing production costs. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the shower in the preferred embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the water circuit of the shower in the preferred embodiment 1 of the present invention (with a second control switch and a third control switch).

[0024] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the control panel in preferred embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the water flow direction of the control panel during normal use in the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of the control panel in the cooling exhaust state, showing water flowing into the cooling exhaust channel;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the control panel in the cooling state when water flows into the cooling channel in the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the water flow direction of the control panel in the cooling state in the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the residual water flowing into the first cold flow channel in the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 9 This is a horizontal sectional view of the control panel in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figures 10-12 They are respectively Figure 9 Sectional views at positions AA, BB, and CC;

[0032] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the water circuit of the shower in the preferred embodiment 2 of the present invention (only the second control switch is shown);

[0033] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the first check valve being installed in reverse in a preferred embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram showing the installation position of the second check valve in a preferred embodiment 2 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0036] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "top / bottom," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for 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 the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0037] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "equipped", "sleeved / connected", "connected", etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a wall-mounted connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0038] Example 1

[0039] refer to Figure 1-13 This embodiment provides a shower, including: a control panel 1 and water outlet terminals 2 connected to the control panel 1; in this embodiment, there are four water outlet terminals 2, namely a two-function overhead shower head, a bottom water outlet terminal, and a handheld shower head. This is just an example of this embodiment; in specific designs, the number of water outlet terminals 2 can be increased or decreased, which is a simple substitution of this embodiment.

[0040] To enable water output from the four water outlet terminals 2, the control panel 1 has an inlet channel consisting of a cold water inlet 11, a hot water inlet 12, and a mixing valve 13; it also has outlet channels 14 corresponding to the four water outlet terminals 2, each outlet channel 14 having an outlet 141 connected to the corresponding water outlet terminal 2. Furthermore, each outlet channel 14 is equipped with a first control switch 142 for connecting or disconnecting the inlet channel and the outlet 141. The first control switch 142 can be a mechanical switch, an electronic switch, or a control switch combining electronic and mechanical mechanisms. In this embodiment, the first control switch 142 is a mechanical switch, specifically a push-button rotary flow regulating valve. The four mechanical switches are connected in parallel, and pressing them allows each to control whether water is output from its respective outlet channel 14.

[0041] Cold water and hot water flow into the mixing valve 13 through the cold water inlet 11 and hot water inlet 12, respectively, and mix to form mixed water, which then flows out from the mixed water outlet 131 of the mixing valve 13. The function of the mixing valve 13 is to regulate the ratio of cold water and hot water entering the mixing valve 13, thereby regulating the water temperature of the mixed water.

[0042] The control panel 1 is equipped with a temperature detection device 15 and a flow detection device 16 at the rear end of the mixed water outlet 131 of the mixing valve 13. This allows for real-time detection of the temperature and flow rate of the mixed water. The control panel 1 also features a display screen 102 that shows the temperature and flow rate as numbers or symbols. The significance of the flow detection device 16 is that the temperature detection device 15 is located inside the inlet channel, a considerable distance from the outlet 141. Therefore, during the cooling process, the temperature at the outlet 141 will be lower than the temperature at the location of the temperature detection device 15. In other words, even when the temperature detector has reached the preset temperature for the mixed water in the channel, the temperature at the outlet 141 may still be lower than the preset temperature. If the cooling process were to stop at this point, the user would still feel that the water temperature is too low. Therefore, a flow detection device 16 is installed. When the temperature detector detects that the water temperature has reached the preset temperature, the control panel 1 starts recording flow information through the flow detection device 16. Cooling is only stopped when the flow rate reaches the set value. This ensures that the water temperature at the outlet 141 reaches the user's set value when the user is showering. The set flow rate depends on the pipe volume downstream of the temperature detection device 15. A flow controller 17, such as a water-saving plate, is installed at the connection between the inlet and outlet channels 14 to adjust the water flow rate at each outlet terminal 2.

[0043] This completes the regular function of control panel 1, namely, controlling the different water outlet terminals 2 to dispense water. In this embodiment, control panel 1 also has a key function: draining residual water from the pipes. Common methods for draining residual water involve using a separate drain outlet. This would require adding another drain outlet to control panel 1, resulting in a complex structure and unsightly appearance. Therefore, this embodiment utilizes the existing water outlet terminals 2 for draining. To this end, control panel 1 also includes drain channels 18 corresponding to some or all of the water outlet channels 14 and connected in parallel, as well as a bypass channel 101 connecting the drain channels 18 and the inlet channels. The drain channels 18 and their corresponding water outlet channels 14 share a single outlet 141. The bypass channel 101 is equipped with a second control switch 181 that connects or closes the bypass channel 101 to the inlet channel. In this embodiment, there are three drain channels 18, corresponding to three of the four water outlet channels 14. Alternatively, four exhaust channels 18 can be configured, each corresponding to one of the four outlet channels 14. By configuring exhaust channels 18 connected in parallel with the outlet channels 14, the outlet 141 of the outlet channels 14 can be used as the outlet 141 of residual water, thereby enabling exhaust from the outlet terminals 2 connected to the control panel 1. Furthermore, multiple exhaust channels 18 can be configured, each connected in parallel with a different outlet channel 14, thus enabling multiple outlet terminals 2 to exhaust simultaneously.

[0044] Furthermore, since the exhaust channel 18 and the water outlet channel 14 are connected in parallel, and the exhaust channel 18 is directly connected to the water outlet 141 of the water outlet channel 14, the exhaust channel 18 can bypass the first control switch 142 provided on the water outlet channel 14.

[0045] Meanwhile, to prevent residual water in the exhaust channel 18 from flowing into the outlet channel 14, a first check valve 182 is provided in the exhaust channel 18. The first check valve 182 allows the water in the exhaust channel to flow unidirectionally towards the outlet. This eliminates the concern that water in the outlet channel 14 may flow into the exhaust channel and cross-flow between different outlets 141.

[0046] To further enhance the functionality of the control panel 1, this embodiment also includes a water replenishment channel 192, which connects to the outlet channel 14, and a bypass channel 101 connects to the water replenishment channel 192. A third control switch 191 is also provided between the exhaust channel 18 and the bypass channel 101. This allows for two water flow modes: Mode 1: When the second control switch 181 is open and the third control switch 191 is closed, the water replenishment channel 192 connects to the inlet channel, allowing water to enter the outlet channel 14 for replenishment, increasing the water flow rate at the outlet terminal 2 during normal operation; Mode 2: When both the second and third control switches 191 are open, the exhaust channel 18 connects to the inlet channel, allowing water to be discharged from the outlet terminal 2 through the exhaust channel 18, thus achieving the exhaust function.

[0047] Similarly, to prevent backflow of water in the water replenishment manifold 192, a second check valve 193 is provided inside the water replenishment manifold 192. The second check valve 193 allows the water in the water replenishment manifold 192 to flow unidirectionally towards the water outlet manifold 14. At the same time, it also prevents the water mixed in the mixing valve from passing through the flow controller to the water replenishment manifold 192 and then out through the cooling exhaust manifold 18.

[0048] See Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6The hot and cold water from the mixing valve is controlled by a flow controller, then passes through four first control switches 142, and finally flows to the user for showering via handheld, overhead, or bottom sprayers. Another path passes through a third control switch 191, then through a residual water channel to discharge residual water from the same outlet at the terminal. Regarding the arrangement of the outlet channel 14 and the exhaust channel 18, in this embodiment, the outlet channel 14 is connected to the inlet channel via a bypass 143. The bypass 143 is also connected to a side outlet 145 via an upper inlet 144, and the side outlet 145 is connected to the exhaust channel 18. The solenoid valve mounting cavity 146 is located at the connection between the bypass 143 and the upper inlet 144, allowing the third control switch 191 to control the opening and closing of the bypass 143 and the upper inlet 144. Thus, when the third control switch 191 is open, residual water enters the upper inlet 144 from the bypass 143 and then enters the exhaust channel 18 from the side outlet 145.

[0049] After the residual water flows out from the side outlet 145, it first enters the first row of cold flow channels 183. The residual water entering the first row of cold flow channels 183 is divided into two paths. One path flows in from the two inlets 1835 on the inner side of the first row of cold flow channels 183, and then flows out from the first outlet hole 1831 and the second outlet hole 1832 after passing through the two check valves of the two flow channels inside the water channel assembly. The residual water passing through the first outlet hole 1831 flows out from the first outlet hole 1841 through the second row of cold flow channels 184, and the residual water passing through the second outlet hole 1832 flows out from the second outlet hole 1851 through the third row of cold flow channels 185. The other path continues to flow down through the first row of cold flow channels 183, and then flows into the water channel through the third inlet 1833, and then comes out from the third outlet hole 1834 through the internal channel. In this way, the water channel assembly is arranged compactly, the water flow will not cross, and the space is compact.

[0050] refer to Figure 11 Residual water flows in from the third inlet 1833, passes through the check valve, and flows out from the third outlet 1834. The residual water flows upwards, towards... Figure 11 On the left side.

[0051] refer to Figure 12 The residual water flows out through the check valve from the first outlet hole 1831 and exits from the first outlet 1841. The residual water flows from top to bottom. Figure 12 To the right of.

[0052] refer to Figure 13 The residual water flows out through the check valve from the second outlet hole 1832 and is discharged from the second outlet 1851; the water flows from bottom to top. Figure 13 To the left.

[0053] In addition, the shower rod is equipped with a human body sensor 103 to sense the user's location. The human body sensor 103 can be an infrared, microwave, laser, or other distance sensor. The human body sensor 103 can detect whether the user is within the water outlet coverage area of ​​the shower device. During normal use of the shower, if the human body sensor 103 detects that the user has left the shower coverage area, the flow rate of the current water outlet 2 automatically decreases, thus saving water and energy. If the human body sensor 103 detects that the user has re-entered the shower coverage area, the flow rate of the current water outlet 2 automatically increases.

[0054] The aforementioned second control switch 181 and third control switch 191 are electrically controlled valves, used in conjunction with a wireless remote control. The wireless remote control can send a cooling command to the shower's control board 10. Upon receiving the command, the control board 10 controls the second control switch 181 and the third control switch 191 to open simultaneously, performing the cooling action. The display screen 102 and the human body sensor 103 are mounted on the control board 10. During normal use of the shower, if the human body sensor 103 detects a user entering the shower area, the control board 10 receives a signal and sends a command to open the second control switch 181 while keeping the third control switch 191 closed, performing the water replenishment function.

[0055] Example 2

[0056] refer to Figures 13-15 Example 1 is a control panel 1 that has both cooling and water replenishment functions. However, some showers do not require cooling. This example uses the same control panel as Example 1, without requiring a new mold. It only has a water replenishment function and no cooling function. In this example, the original cooling channel 18 is called a sub-channel 18. The first check valve 182 in the sub-channel 18 is installed in reverse, preventing the water flow from the bypass channel 101 from being discharged through the sub-channel 18. At the same time, the third control switch 191 in Example 1 can be removed. This eliminates the concern that when the second control switch 181 is turned on for water replenishment, the water flow will flow through the sub-channel 18 to different outlets, causing unexpected water flow during normal showering. When the second control switch 181 is turned on, the water flow from the inlet channel can only flow into the outlet channel 14 through the water replenishment manifold 192 and the water replenishment hole 194, replenishing the outlet channel 14. This allows the same mold to produce control panels 1 that have both cooling and water replenishment functions, or only water replenishment function, saving production costs.

[0057] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the design concept of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any non-substantial modifications made to the present invention by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention using this concept shall be deemed as an infringement of the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A water supply structure for a shower control panel, characterized in that: The control panel has a water inlet channel and at least one water outlet. The at least one water outlet is connected to the water inlet channel through at least one water outlet channel, and each water outlet channel is provided with a first control switch for connecting or disconnecting the water inlet channel and the water outlet. It also includes a bypass channel, a sub-channel, and a water replenishment channel. The bypass channel connects the inlet channel, the sub-channel, and the water replenishment channel. The sub-channel corresponds to and is connected in parallel with the outlet channel. The sub-channel and its corresponding outlet channel share a common outlet. The water replenishment channel is connected to the outlet channel. The bypass channel is equipped with a second control switch that connects or disconnects the bypass channel from the inlet channel; A first check valve is provided in the sub-channel, which is used to cut off the connection between the sub-channel and the outlet channel.

2. The water replenishment structure of a shower control panel according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water inlet channel includes a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet, and a mixing valve; the cold water inlet and the hot water inlet are respectively connected to the mixing valve, and the mixed water outlet of the mixing valve is connected to the first control switch and the second control switch.

3. The water replenishment structure of a shower control panel according to claim 1, characterized in that: A second check valve is installed in the water replenishment channel, which allows the water in the water replenishment channel to flow unidirectionally towards the water outlet channel.

4. A water supply structure for a shower control panel, characterized in that: The control panel has a water inlet channel and at least one water outlet. The at least one water outlet is connected to the water inlet channel through a water outlet channel. The water outlet channel is provided with a first control switch for connecting or disconnecting the water inlet channel and the water outlet. It also includes a bypass channel, a cooling exhaust channel, and a water replenishment channel. The bypass channel connects the inlet channel, the cooling exhaust channel, and the water replenishment channel. The cooling exhaust channel corresponds to and is connected in parallel with the outlet channel. The cooling exhaust channel and the corresponding outlet channel share a common outlet. The water replenishment channel is connected to the outlet channel. The bypass channel is equipped with a second control switch that connects or disconnects the bypass channel from the inlet channel; A third control switch is also provided at the connection between the exhaust channel and the bypass channel; when the second control switch is open and the third control switch is closed, the water replenishment channel is connected to the water inlet channel; when both the second and third control switches are open, the exhaust channel is connected to the water inlet channel.

5. The water replenishment structure of a shower control panel according to claim 4, characterized in that: The third control switch is used to control the opening or closing of the exhaust channel.

6. The water replenishment structure of a shower control panel according to claim 4, characterized in that: The water inlet channel includes a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet, and a mixing valve; the cold water inlet and the hot water inlet are respectively connected to the mixing valve, and the mixed water outlet of the mixing valve is connected to the first control switch and the second control switch.

7. The water replenishment structure of a shower control panel according to claim 4, characterized in that: A first check valve is installed in the exhaust channel, which allows the water in the exhaust channel to flow unidirectionally toward the outlet.

8. The water replenishment structure of a shower control panel according to claim 4, characterized in that: A second check valve is installed in the water replenishment channel, which allows the water in the water replenishment channel to flow unidirectionally towards the water outlet channel.

9. A water supply structure for a shower control panel according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that: Temperature and flow sensors and a flow controller are installed inside the water inlet channel.

10. A shower, characterized in that... include: Control panel, water outlet terminal; The control panel is equipped with the water replenishment structure as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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