Shower device capable of specifying water outlet channel to pre-drain cold water and control method

Abstract

The invention provides a shower device capable of specifying a water outlet channel to pre-drain cold water and a control method, and relates to the technical field of sanitary products. Comprising a valve body, a control module and a plurality of water outlet channels are arranged in the valve body, and the temperature detection device is used for detecting the temperature of water flowing to the water outlet channels; an electronic control valve connected to the control module is arranged in each water outlet channel and is used for controlling the on-off of the corresponding water outlet channel; the control module is configured to selectively control the specific electronic control valves to be opened so that the corresponding water outlet channels can pre-drain cold water. And when the temperature detection device detects that the water temperature reaches a preset threshold value, the opened electronic control valve can be automatically closed. According to the scheme, the cold pre-discharging function of the specified water outlet channel can be achieved, and the cold pre-discharging function can be implemented according to the use habit of a user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of bathroom structure technology, and more specifically, to a shower device and control method that can pre-drain cold water through a designated water outlet channel. Background Technology

[0002] During showering, pre-draining cold water addresses the issue of needing to let a section of cold water run before hot water arrives after turning on the showerhead, reducing waiting time and improving comfort. Currently, existing smart thermostatic showerheads with pre-draining functions initially drain cold water through a bypass (as shown in the showerhead), only dispensing hot water once it arrives. However, this method only drains cold water from the valve body and hot water inlet pipe, not from the overhead or handheld showerhead pipes. In shower systems with multiple outlets, the existing bypass method drains cold water from all outlets, failing to pre-drain cold water from specific outlets. Furthermore, the current pre-draining button is located on the showerhead itself, requiring users to wait for the pre-draining process to complete, impacting the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention discloses a shower device that can pre-drain cold water through a designated water outlet channel, aiming to solve the aforementioned problems.

[0004] The present invention adopts the following solution:

[0005] A shower device that can pre-discharge cold water through a designated outlet channel includes a valve body, the valve body being provided with a control module and several outlet channels, and also includes a temperature detection device for detecting the water temperature flowing into the outlet channel.

[0006] Each of the water outlet channels is equipped with an electronic control valve connected to the control module to control the opening and closing of the corresponding water outlet channel;

[0007] The control module is configured to selectively control the opening of specific electronic control valves to pre-drain cold water from the corresponding water outlet channel; and when the temperature detection device detects that the water temperature has reached a preset threshold, it can automatically close the already opened electronic control valve.

[0008] Furthermore, the valve body is also equipped with an electronic thermostatic valve that can automatically adjust the ratio of hot and cold water. A constant temperature water path is formed inside the electronic thermostatic valve, and the temperature detection device is installed inside the constant temperature water path.

[0009] Furthermore, a wireless transceiver module is integrated within the control module, and the control module is adapted to receive wireless control signals from external control devices through the wireless transceiver module.

[0010] Furthermore, the external control device is suitable for placement outside the shower area and is connected to the control module via a wireless transceiver module. The external control device is equipped with a pre-drain cold water button and a pre-drain cold water temperature setting button. The pre-drain cold water button includes a button for a specific water outlet channel and a memory function button.

[0011] Furthermore, the external control device and / or the valve body are provided with a voice module, which is adapted to control the valve body to discharge water through a designated water outlet channel or pre-drain cold water by recognizing voice commands.

[0012] Furthermore, the valve body is provided with an operation panel connected to the control module, and the operation panel is adapted to be operated to send control commands to the control module.

[0013] Furthermore, the valve body is also equipped with an infrared sensor connected to the control module. The infrared sensor is configured to enable the shower device to perform a water discharge function or a pre-draining cold water function when triggered.

[0014] The present invention also provides a control method for a shower device that can pre-drain cold water through a designated water outlet channel, comprising the following steps:

[0015] S1. By setting the preset threshold temperature of the pre-drained cold water;

[0016] S2. Select the pre-drained cold water outlet device and open the electronic control valve in the corresponding outlet channel;

[0017] S3. The temperature detection device monitors the water temperature in the inflow and outflow channels in real time. When the detected water temperature is lower than the preset threshold temperature, the already opened electronic control valve remains open. When the detected water temperature reaches the preset threshold temperature, the already opened electronic control valve automatically closes to complete the pre-cooling process.

[0018] Furthermore, in step S3, when the detected water temperature reaches a preset threshold temperature, the control module controls the already opened electronic control valve to automatically close after a preset delay, so as to drain the cold water in the corresponding water outlet channel.

[0019] Furthermore, in step S2, when a specific electronic control valve is selected to open, the corresponding water outlet channel is pre-drained with cold water; or when no specific electronic control valve is selected, the electronic control valve that last performed the water outlet action is opened, so that the corresponding water outlet channel is pre-drained with cold water.

[0020] Beneficial effects:

[0021] This solution uses three electronically controlled valves, each corresponding to a separate water outlet. These valves control the overhead shower, hand shower, and bottom water outlet independently, allowing each outlet to pre-drain cold water. An external control device allows the pre-draining process to be completed outside the shower area. A temperature detection device in the electronic thermostatic valve automatically stops the pre-draining process once the set temperature is reached, minimizing hot water loss. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a shower device that can pre-drain cold water through a designated water outlet channel according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the valve body structure of a shower device that can pre-drain cold water through a designated water outlet channel, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the valve body of a shower device that can pre-drain cold water through a designated water outlet channel, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of water mixing flow within the valve body of a shower device that can pre-discharge cold water through a designated water outlet channel, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of one type of external control device of a shower device that can pre-drain cold water through a designated water outlet channel according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the operation interface of a shower device with a pre-drained cold water outlet channel that can be specified according to an embodiment of the present invention when controlled by a mobile phone APP;

[0028] Reference numerals: 1. Handheld shower head; 2. Overhead shower head; 3. Bottom water outlet device; 4. Valve body; 41. Housing; 42. Control module; 43. Electronic thermostatic valve; 44. Water outlet channel; 45. Temperature detection device; 46. Electronic control valve; 47. Thermostatic water circuit; 48. Battery pack; 49. Hydropower generation device; 410. Infrared sensor; 411. Operation panel; 5. External control device; 51. Remote control housing; 52. PCBA control board; 53. Remote control cover plate; 54. Remote control diaphragm; 55. Remote control faceplate. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Example 1

[0030] Combination Figures 1 to 6As shown, this embodiment provides a shower device that can pre-discharge cold water through a designated outlet channel, including a valve body 4. The valve body 4 houses a control module 42 and an electronic thermostatic valve 43 that can automatically adjust the ratio of hot and cold water. The electronic thermostatic valve 43 forms a thermostatic water path 47, which is connected to several outlet channels 44. A temperature detection device 45 connected to the control module 42 is installed within the thermostatic water path 47 to detect the water temperature flowing through it. Each outlet channel 44 is equipped with an electronic control valve 46 connected to the control module 42 to control the opening and closing of the corresponding outlet channel. A wireless transceiver module is integrated within the control module 42, which is adapted to receive wireless control signals from an external control device 5 via the wireless transceiver module.

[0031] The control module 42 is configured to, according to the control signal from the external control device 5, pre-drain cold water from the corresponding water outlet channel 44 when a specific electronic control valve 46 is selected to open; and when no specific electronic control valve 46 is selected, control the electronic control valve 46 that last performed the water outlet action to open so that the corresponding water outlet channel 44 pre-drains cold water. Furthermore, when the temperature detection device 45 detects that the water temperature of the constant temperature water circuit 47 has reached a preset threshold, it closes the already opened electronic control valve 46.

[0032] Combination Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the valve body 4 includes a housing 41 and an electronic thermostatic valve 43 disposed inside the housing 41. A control module 42 and a power supply are also disposed within the housing 41. It should be noted that the electronic thermostatic valve 43 can use an existing electronic thermostatic valve core, which can automatically adjust the hot and cold water ratio until the set water temperature is reached. It should also be noted that in some applications, the valve body can be directly connected to the hot water pipe without connecting to the electronic thermostatic valve 43. The control module 42 can be a control PCBA board, which integrates a wireless transceiver module for receiving and sending wireless signals. The power supply can be an external power source or a battery pack 48, which can be a rechargeable lithium battery, etc. In a preferred embodiment, a miniature hydroelectric generator 49 connected to the water circuit can be disposed within the housing 41 to charge the battery pack 48, thereby extending the battery pack 48's operating time.

[0033] An operation panel 411 is provided on the outside of the housing 41. The operation panel 411 is a capacitive touch panel, which includes a water outlet button, a temperature setting button, and a temperature display area, facilitating user selection of the water outlet. Preferably, the operation panel 411 may also include a pre-cooling discharge button for controlling the pre-cooling discharge function.

[0034] In this embodiment, three water outlet channels 44 are provided, each connected to a handheld shower head 1, an overhead shower head 2, and a lower water outlet device 3. Of course, two or more water outlet channels 44 can also be provided. Correspondingly, each water outlet channel 44 is equipped with an electronic control valve 46. The electronic control valve 46 is a conventional solenoid valve, which is opened and closed by a control module 42. The temperature detection device 45 in this embodiment can use a conventional temperature sensor, such as an NTC sensor.

[0035] The control module 42 integrates a timing module, which is adapted to set a delay time threshold. It is used to automatically start timing when the temperature detection device 45 detects that the water temperature of the constant temperature water circuit 47 has reached the preset threshold. When the set delay time threshold is reached, the control module 42 is adapted to automatically close the electronic control valve 46, thereby achieving the function of delayed closing.

[0036] Combination Figure 1 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the external control device 5 is suitable for placement outside the shower area and is connected to the control module 42 via a wireless transceiver module. The external control device 5 is equipped with a pre-drain cold water button and a pre-drain cold water temperature setting button. Here, the external control device 5 can be a remote control with a wireless transceiver module. The wireless transceiver module can be an existing wireless signal receiving and transmitting device such as a Bluetooth module or a WIFI module. Preferably, the remote control can be equipped with an Internet of Things (IoT) module, which is suitable for network connection via a handheld terminal such as a mobile phone. For example, it can be connected to the remote control via a mobile app, allowing the app to send wireless control signals to the control module 42. By placing the IoT module on the external control device 5, charging is convenient and the energy consumption of the power supply within the valve body 4 can be reduced.

[0037] Combination Figure 5 As shown, this invention provides the structure of an external control device. The external control device includes a remote control housing 51, a PCBA control board 52 disposed within the remote control housing 51, a remote control cover 53 connecting the PCBA control board 52, and a remote control diaphragm 54. The PCBA control board 52 is fixed within the remote control housing 51 via the remote control cover 53. The remote control diaphragm 54 is a display module disposed on the top surface of the remote control cover 53, used to display the set temperature or the current water temperature in real time. The top surface of the remote control cover 53 also has a remote control faceplate 55 for identifying the functions of corresponding buttons.

[0038] Preferably, an infrared sensor 410 connected to the control module 42 is also provided on the valve body 4. The infrared sensor 410 is configured to enable the shower device to perform a water discharge function or a pre-draining cold water function when triggered. The infrared sensor 410 is located on one side of the valve body 4, and the user can activate the pre-draining cold water function or the water discharge function by triggering the infrared sensor 410.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the external control device 5 and / or the control module 42 of the valve body 4 are further provided with a voice module. The voice module is adapted to control the valve body 4 to discharge water from the designated water outlet channel 44 or pre-drain cold water by recognizing voice commands. For example, it can issue commands such as "pre-drain cold water", "handheld shower head water", or "top spray pre-drain cold water" to specify the function.

[0040] This embodiment features three electronic control valves 46 arranged in the valve body 4, which respectively control the overhead shower 2, the handheld shower 1, and the bottom water outlet. These can be controlled via touch buttons on the panel and a remote control. A temperature detection device 45 and an electronic thermostatic valve 43 are arranged inside the valve body 4. The electronic thermostatic valve 43 automatically adjusts the hot and cold water ratio to ensure the outlet water temperature reaches the set temperature. An external control device 5 is provided, equipped with a pre-drain cold water button and a pre-drain cold water temperature setting button, allowing for pre-drain cold water control from outside the shower area.

[0041] When the shower head performs the pre-drainage action: the electronic control valve 46 corresponding to the user-defined pre-drainage channel 44 opens, the temperature detection device 45 monitors the current water temperature, and the electronic thermostatic valve 43 adjusts the water temperature to the set pre-drainage temperature by adjusting the hot and cold water ratio. The electronic control valve 46 closes immediately or after a 3-second delay, allowing cold water in the hot water inlet pipe, valve body 4, and outlet pipe to be discharged. Because it is equipped with an external control device 5, cold water can be pre-drained outside the shower room. Furthermore, since this external control device 5 has IoT functionality, it can customize the pre-drainage shower head channel and remember the user's settings.

[0042] Combination Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, it should be noted that the pre-drain cold water button on the external control device 5 includes a button for a specific water outlet channel and a memory button. For example, the button for a specific water outlet channel includes the top spray 2 shower head drain button, the handheld shower head 1 drain button, and the bottom water outlet device drain button, which are used to drain the cold water from the designated water outlet channel 44. The memory button is a memory drain button, which, when triggered, can pre-drain cold water from the water outlet channel 44 that last performed the water outlet action, that is, it can realize the memory function of user behavior mode.

[0043] Example 2

[0044] This embodiment provides a control method for a shower device that can pre-drain cold water through a specified outlet channel, including the following steps:

[0045] S1. Set the preset threshold temperature for pre-drained cold water;

[0046] S2. Select the pre-drained cold water outlet device to open the electronic control valve 46 in the corresponding outlet channel 44;

[0047] S3. Temperature detection device 45 monitors the water temperature flowing to the outlet channel in real time. When the detected water temperature is lower than the preset threshold temperature, the already opened electronic control valve 46 remains open. When the detected water temperature reaches the preset threshold temperature, the already opened electronic control valve 46 automatically closes to complete the pre-cooling process.

[0048] It should be noted that the preset threshold temperature for pre-drained cold water can be lower than the outlet water temperature set by the electronic thermostatic valve 43. For example, the preset threshold temperature for pre-drained cold water can be set to 36℃, and the outlet water temperature set by the electronic thermostatic valve 43 can be set to 38℃. When the temperature detection device 45 detects that the water temperature in the thermostatic water circuit 47 reaches 36℃, it can trigger the control module 42 to control the pre-draining function to be turned off. This setting allows the user to freely set the pre-draining water temperature. When the water temperature is detected to be greater than or equal to the preset threshold temperature during activation, the pre-draining action will no longer be performed.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, a timing module is provided within the control module 42. Therefore, in step S3, when the detected water temperature reaches a preset threshold temperature, the control module 42 controls the already open electronic control valve 46 to automatically close after a preset delay to drain the cold water in the corresponding water outlet channel 44. For example, after the detected water temperature reaches the preset threshold temperature of 36°C, the time can be extended by 3 seconds before controlling the corresponding electronic control valve 46 to close. By delaying the closure, the residual cold water in the water outlet channel 44 can be drained.

[0050] In step S2, the user can select a specific water outlet channel 44 for cooling as needed, or select the water outlet channel 44 that last performed the cooling action according to the memory mode. Specifically, when the memory button is selected, the control module 42 selects the electronic control valve 46 in the water outlet channel 44 that last performed the cooling action to open, so as to perform pre-cooling of the water outlet channel 44 that last performed the cooling action. In this way, the cooling function can be quickly realized according to the user's habits.

[0051] Through the above-described embodiments, the shower device can achieve pre-cooling in a specific water outlet channel and has a memory function to meet the user's usage habits. At the same time, the pre-cooling action can be controlled and executed outside the shower area, greatly improving the user experience.

[0052] It should be understood that the above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention, and the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. All technical solutions that fall within the scope of the present invention are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0053] The accompanying drawings used in the above description of the embodiments only illustrate certain embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

Claims

1. A shower device with pre-discharge capability for designated water outlet channels, comprising a valve body, wherein a control module and several water outlet channels are disposed within the valve body, characterized in that, It also includes a temperature detection device, which is used to detect the temperature of the water flowing into the outlet channel; Each of the water outlet channels is equipped with an electronic control valve connected to the control module to control the opening and closing of the corresponding water outlet channel; The control module is configured to selectively control the opening of specific electronic control valves to pre-drain cold water from the corresponding water outlet channel; and when the temperature detection device detects that the water temperature has reached a preset threshold, it can automatically close the already opened electronic control valve.

2. The shower device with pre-discharge of cold water through a designated water outlet channel as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The valve body is also equipped with an electronic thermostatic valve that can automatically adjust the ratio of hot and cold water. A constant temperature water circuit is formed inside the electronic thermostatic valve, and the temperature detection device is installed inside the constant temperature water circuit.

3. The shower device with pre-discharge of cold water through a designated water outlet channel as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The control module integrates a wireless transceiver module, which is adapted to receive wireless control signals from external control devices via the wireless transceiver module.

4. The shower device with pre-discharge of cold water through a designated water outlet channel as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The external control device is suitable for placement outside the shower area and is connected to the control module via a wireless transceiver module. The external control device is equipped with a pre-drain cold water button and a pre-drain cold water temperature setting button. The pre-drain cold water button includes a button for a specific water outlet channel and a memory function button.

5. The shower device with pre-discharge of cold water through a designated water outlet channel according to claim 4, characterized in that, The external control device and / or the valve body are equipped with a voice module, which is adapted to control the valve body to discharge water through a designated water outlet channel or pre-drain cold water by recognizing voice commands.

6. The shower device with pre-discharge of cold water through a designated water outlet channel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve body is provided with an operation panel that is connected to the control module. The operation panel is adapted to be operated to send control commands to the control module.

7. The shower device with pre-discharge of cold water through a designated water outlet channel as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The valve body is also equipped with an infrared sensor connected to the control module. The infrared sensor is configured to enable the shower device to perform a water output function or a pre-draining cold water function when triggered.

8. A control method for a shower device with pre-discharge of cold water through a designated outlet channel as described in any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. By setting the preset threshold temperature of the pre-drained cold water; S2. Select the pre-drained cold water outlet device and open the electronic control valve in the corresponding outlet channel; S3. The temperature detection device monitors the water temperature in the inflow and outflow channels in real time. When the detected water temperature is lower than the preset threshold temperature, the already opened electronic control valve remains open. When the detected water temperature reaches the preset threshold temperature, the already opened electronic control valve automatically closes to complete the pre-cooling process.

9. The control method according to claim 8, characterized in that, In step S3, when the detected water temperature reaches the preset threshold temperature, the control module controls the already opened electronic control valve to automatically close after a preset delay, so as to drain the cold water in the corresponding water outlet channel.

10. The control method according to claim 8, characterized in that, In step S2, when a specific electronic control valve is selected to open, the corresponding water outlet channel is pre-drained of cold water; or when no specific electronic control valve is selected, the electronic control valve that last performed the water outlet action is opened, so that the corresponding water outlet channel is pre-drained of cold water.

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