Electronic shower valve

Abstract

An electronic shower valve includes a valve body and a valve core housed within the valve body. The valve core includes a housing having an internal chamber defining a longitudinal axis, a cold water inlet in fluid communication with the internal chamber, a hot water inlet in fluid communication with the internal chamber, and a movable flow control element supported for rotation about the longitudinal axis to control the flow of water through the cold water inlet and the hot water inlet. A motor assembly is at least partially supported within the housing and includes a motor shaft coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis. A gear assembly operatively connects the motor assembly and the flow control element, and is configured to rotate the flow control element. The gear assembly includes a sun gear operatively connected to the motor shaft, a planetary gear assembly operatively connected to the sun gear, a stationary ring gear fixed to the housing and operatively connected to the planetary gear assembly, and a drive ring gear fixed to the movable flow control element and operatively connected to the planetary gear assembly.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 616,709, filed December 31, 2023, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Background Technology and Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention relates generally to a shower valve, and more specifically to an electronic shower valve core configured to be housed within a conventional shower valve body.

[0005] The present invention provides a compact drive assembly (e.g., a motor and transmission) that provides the speed and torque required to operate a shower valve within the size constraints of an existing valve body.

[0006] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an electronic shower valve includes a valve body and a valve core housed within the valve body. The valve core includes an outer housing having an internal chamber defining a longitudinal axis, a cold water inlet in fluid communication with the internal chamber, a hot water inlet in fluid communication with the internal chamber, and a movable flow control element supported for rotation about the longitudinal axis to control the flow of water through the cold water inlet and the hot water inlet. A motor assembly is at least partially supported within the housing and includes a motor shaft coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis. A gear assembly operatively connects the motor assembly and the flow control element, and is configured to rotate the flow control element. The gear assembly includes a sun gear operatively connected to the motor shaft, a planetary gear assembly operatively connected to the sun gear, a stationary ring gear fixed to the housing and operatively connected to the planetary gear assembly, and a drive ring gear fixed to the movable flow control element and operatively connected to the planetary gear assembly.

[0007] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an electronic shower valve includes a valve body and a valve core housed within the valve body. The valve core includes an outer housing having an internal chamber defining a longitudinal axis, at least one inlet in fluid communication with the internal chamber, and a movable flow control element supported for rotation about the longitudinal axis to control water flow through the at least one inlet. A gear assembly is configured to rotate the flow control element. The gear assembly includes a sun gear operably coupled to a motor shaft, a planetary gear assembly operably coupled to the sun gear, a stationary gear ring fixed to the outer housing, and a drive gear ring fixed to the movable flow control element. The planetary gear assembly includes a plurality of planetary gears rotatably supported on a bracket. Each planetary gear includes a first stage and a second stage. The first stage of each planetary gear engages with the stationary gear ring, and the second stage of each planetary gear engages with the drive gear ring.

[0008] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the valve core includes an outer housing having an internal chamber defining a longitudinal axis, a cold water inlet in fluid communication with the internal chamber, a hot water inlet in fluid communication with the internal chamber, and a movable flow control element supported for rotation about the longitudinal axis to control the flow of water through the cold water inlet and the hot water inlet. A motor assembly is at least partially supported within the housing and includes a motor shaft coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis. A gear assembly operatively connects the motor assembly and the flow control element and is configured to rotate the flow control element. The gear assembly includes a sun gear operatively connected to the motor shaft, a planetary gear assembly operatively connected to the sun gear, a stationary gear ring fixed to the housing, and a drive gear ring fixed to the movable flow control element. The planetary gear assembly includes a plurality of planetary gears rotatably supported on a support, each planetary gear including a first stage and a second stage, the first stage engaging the stationary gear ring and the second stage engaging the drive gear ring.

[0009] Additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments that exemplify what are currently considered the best mode for carrying out the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The detailed description of the accompanying drawings refers specifically to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an exemplary electronic valve assembly according to the present invention; Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken from line 2-2; Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The first partially exploded perspective view of the electronic valve assembly, showing a partial cross-section of the valve body; Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A second partial exploded perspective view of the electronic valve core; Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A partially exploded perspective view of the gear assembly of the electronic valve core; Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A partially exploded perspective view of the gear assembly; Figure 7 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken by line 7-7; Figure 8 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view taken by line 8-8; Figure 9 yes Figure 1 A block diagram of the electrical components of an exemplary valve assembly; Figure 10 This is a perspective view of yet another exemplary electronic valve assembly of the present invention; Figure 11 It is along Figure 10 The cross-sectional view taken by line 11-11; Figure 12 yes Figure 10 A partial exploded view of the electronic valve core; Figure 13 yes Figure 12 An exploded perspective view of the gear assembly of the electronic valve component; Figure 14 yes Figure 10 A perspective view of an exemplary end cap of an electronic valve assembly; Figure 15 yes Figure 14 Exploded 3D diagram; Figure 16 It is along Figure 10 A cross-sectional view taken from line 16-16; Figure 17 yes Figure 13 A perspective view of the planetary gear assembly; and Figure 18 yes Figure 15 An exploded perspective view of the planetary gear assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0011] The embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Rather, the embodiments selected for description are chosen to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention.

[0012] First refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The electronic shower valve 10 of this invention includes a conventional valve body or fitting 12, typed to be supported within the shower wall for housing an exemplary electronic valve core 14. The exemplary valve body 12 includes a first or cold water inlet 16 configured for fluid connection to a conventional cold water supply source 17 and a second or hot water inlet 18 configured for fluid connection to a conventional hot water supply source 19. The cold water inlet 16 includes a tubular body 20 defining a first or cold water inlet orifice 22. Similarly, the hot water inlet 18 includes a tubular body 24 defining a hot water inlet orifice 26. In an exemplary embodiment, the cold water inlet 16 and the hot water inlet 18 are coaxially aligned.

[0013] The valve body 12 further exemplarily includes a mixing valve housing 30 having an end wall 32 and a cylindrical side wall 34, the end wall and the cylindrical side wall defining a cavity 36 that defines a longitudinal housing axis 38. (Reference) Figure 2The first or cold water supply port 40 extends through the end wall 32 and is in fluid communication with the cavity 36. Similarly, the second or hot water supply port 42 extends through the end wall 32 and is in fluid communication with the cavity 36.

[0014] Further reference Figure 1 The exemplary valve fitting 12 also includes a first outlet 44 and a second outlet 46. The first outlet 44 includes a tubular body 48 defining a first outlet orifice 50, while the second outlet 46 includes a tubular body 52 defining a second outlet orifice 54. In an exemplary embodiment, the first outlet 44 and the second outlet 46 are coaxially aligned and extend substantially perpendicular to the hot water inlet 18 and the cold water inlet 16. A connection port 56 exemplarily fluidly connects the first outlet orifice 50 and the second outlet orifice 54, and thus fluidly connects to the cavity 36. Figure 2 ).

[0015] In one exemplary embodiment, the first outlet 44 is configured to be fluidly connected to a conventional shower head 43 via a shower riser 45. Further exemplary, the second outlet 46 is configured to be fluidly connected to a conventional bathtub spray pipe 47 via a delivery pipe 49, which exemplarily includes a diverter valve (not shown). An exemplary arrangement is shown in U.S. Patent No. 4,899,397 to Crawford et al., the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. In yet another exemplary embodiment, a suction device or jet (not shown) may be positioned within the connection hole 56 to create a vacuum environment as water flows through the bathtub spray pipe 47, thereby reducing leakage through the shower head 43.

[0016] The valve body 12 may be formed of a metal (e.g., brass) and may be, for example, a Multi Choice® universal bathtub / shower assembly, universal inlet / outlet model #: R10000-UNBX, available from Delta Faucet Company, Indianapolis, Indiana, Inc. Additional details of an exemplary valve body 12 are shown in U.S. Patent No. 7,819,134 to Izzy et al., the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0017] refer to Figures 2 to 4 The electronic valve spool 14 exemplarily includes a housing 60, flow control elements 62 and 64, and an actuation device 66. An O-ring 67 exemplarily provides a seal between the housing 60 of the valve spool 14 and the housing 30 of the valve body 12. As further detailed herein, the actuation device 66 may include a motor 68 and a mating gear assembly 70, and is operatively coupled to the movable flow control element 62. A valve cover nut 72 may be threaded into the sidewall 34 of the valve body 12 to secure the valve spool 14 within the valve body 12.

[0018] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the housing 60 exemplarily includes a cylindrical outer sidewall 74 defining an internal chamber 76 extending along a longitudinal axis 78. An end cap 80 is exemplarily coupled to an outer or distal end of the housing 60. The end cap 80 is exemplarily positioned between the sidewall 74 and a valve cover nut 72. Exemplarily, the housing 60 and the end cap 80 may be molded from a polymer, such as a thermoplastic.

[0019] Cold water inlet 82 and hot water inlet 84 extend axially (e.g., downwardly) from the end wall or base 86 at the inner end or near end of the housing 60. Cold water inlet 82 and hot water inlet 84 respectively achieve fluid communication between the internal chamber 76 and mating cold water supply port 40 and hot water supply port 42 formed in the valve body 12. Figure 2 O-rings 41 and 43 provide a seal between the inlets 82 and 84 and the valve body 12. As described above, the cold water supply port 40 and the hot water supply port 42 of the valve body 12 are in fluid communication with the conventional cold water supply source 17 and the hot water supply source 19, respectively.

[0020] Further reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 Exemplary flow control elements 62 and 64 may include mating ceramic valve plates or discs. As in a conventional faucet valve core, valve discs 62 and 64 rotate and seal against each other to mix hot and cold water entering through hot water inlet 84 and cold water inlet 82. More specifically, flow control elements 62 and 64 are exemplary housed within a chamber 76 of housing 60 and include a movable or outer valve disc 62 that is sealingly engaged with a fixed or inner valve disc 64. The fixed valve disc 64 is supported on an end wall 86 of housing 60 and is fixed to prevent movement relative to the end wall. Cold water inlet opening 92 and hot water inlet opening 94 extend through the fixed valve disc 64 and are in fluid communication with the cold water inlet 82 and hot water inlet 84, respectively.

[0021] The fixed valve disc 64 also includes an outlet opening 96, which is in fluid communication with the outlet holes 50 and 54 of the valve body 12 via a connection hole 56. A gasket 98 provides a fluid seal between the lower (inner) surface 100 of the lower valve disc 64 and the end wall 86 of the housing 60. The gasket 98 is exemplary molded from an elastomer such as silicone. A notch 102 is exemplary formed in the outer edge 104 of the lower valve disc 64 and accommodates a tab 106 extending inwardly and upwardly from the end wall 86 of the housing 60 to allow the lower valve disc 64 to be rotated and fixed relative to the housing 60. Figure 3 ).

[0022] The movable valve disc 62 exemplarily includes an outer (e.g., upper) surface 107 and an inner (e.g., lower) surface 108 disposed opposite to each other. The lower surface 108 is sealingly engaged with the outer surface (e.g., upper surface) 110 of the fixed valve disc 64. A cold water flow control port or opening 112 and a hot water flow control port or opening 114 are formed in the movable valve disc 64, and selective fluid communication is achieved between the cold water inlet opening 92 and the hot water inlet opening 94 of the fixed valve disc 64. The fixed valve disc 64 also includes an outlet opening or port 116 in fluid communication with the openings 112 and 114. The ports 112, 114, and 116 extend through the valve disc 62 between the upper surface 107 and the lower surface 108. Exemplarily, the opening 96 of the fixed valve disc 64 is coaxially aligned with the opening 116 of the movable valve disc 116.

[0023] As the movable valve disc 62 rotates about its central axis 78, the flow from openings 92 and 94 (and thus from inlets 82 and 84) to outlet openings 96 and 116 changes, thereby controlling the water flow rate and / or water temperature at outlet opening 96. Flow control openings 112 and 114 include control edges 118 and 120 configured to selectively overlap with the cold water inlet opening 92 and hot water inlet opening 94 of the fixed valve disc 64 to control the water flow from the cold water inlet 82 and hot water inlet 84 to outlet opening 96.

[0024] Flow control elements 62 and 64 exemplarily define a circulation valve. More specifically, the circulation valve is known for mixing hot and cold water to deliver it to an outlet. More specifically, when the valve disc 62 rotates in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) to increase the ratio of hot to cold water, the outlet water temperature increases, and when the valve disc 62 rotates in the opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise) to increase the ratio of cold to hot water, the outlet water temperature decreases.

[0025] Additional details of exemplary valve components defining a circulation valve are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,375,990 to Veros and U.S. Patent No. 10,267,022 to Veros et al., the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0026] For example, motor 68 is a brushless direct current (DC) motor. (See reference...) Figure 2 and Figure 6 The motor 68 exemplarily includes a stator 122 operatively coupled to a rotor 124 to drive a hollow motor shaft 126 to rotate. The stator 122 and rotor 124 may be housed within a housing 123 operatively coupled to a base 125. Alternative actuators, such as brushed DC motors, stepper motors, solenoids, etc., may replace the brushless DC motor 68.

[0027] The exemplary gear assembly 70 may be a planetary gear arrangement. In an exemplary embodiment, the gear assembly 70 may be in the form of a compound planetary gear arrangement (e.g., a Wolfrheim gear arrangement). Reference Figures 4 to 6 The exemplary gear assembly 70 includes a sun gear 128, which is fixed to a motor shaft 126 for rotation therewith. The sun gear 128 includes a plurality of external teeth 129 and can be fixed to the motor shaft 126 by conventional means such as snap-fit ​​fingers, retaining clips, brazing, etc. A planetary gear assembly 130 is operatively coupled to the sun gear 128. More specifically, the planetary gear assembly 130 includes a bracket 132 supporting a plurality of rotatable planetary gears 134. A plurality of shafts 136 are supported on opposing plates 137a and 137b of the bracket 132, circumferentially spaced approximately 120 degrees from each other. The planetary gears 134 are supported on the shafts 136 for rotation. It should be understood that the number and positioning of the planetary gears 134 and the mating shafts 136 can be varied.

[0028] refer to Figures 5 to 8 Each planetary gear 134 exemplarily includes a first stage 138, which is axially spaced from a second stage 140. The first stage 138 exemplarily includes a plurality of external teeth 142, while the second stage 140 includes a plurality of external teeth 144. Teeth 129 of the sun gear 128 mesh with the teeth 144 of the first stage 138 of the planetary gear 134. The dimensions of the first stage 138 (including the diameter and number of teeth 142) exemplarily differ from the dimensions of the second stage 140 (including the diameter and number of teeth 144).

[0029] The gear assembly 70 further includes a first or stationary gear ring 146 configured to engage with a first stage 138 of the planetary gear 134 and a second or rotatable gear ring 148 configured to engage with a second stage 140 of the planetary gear 134. The stationary gear ring 146 exemplarily includes a plurality of internal teeth 150 that engage with external teeth 142 of the first stage 138 of the planetary gear 134. Similarly, the rotatable gear ring 148 includes a plurality of internal teeth 152 that engage with external teeth 144 of the second stage 140 of the planetary gear 134. Exemplarily, gears 128, 134, 146, and 148 may be formed from a molding polymer (e.g., polyoxymethylene (POM)).

[0030] The stationary gear ring 146 is exemplarily fixed to the housing 60. More specifically, a plurality of circumferentially spaced protrusions 154 are received within mating recesses 156 formed in the sidewall 74 of the housing 60. Figure 4 and Figure 7Although three tabs 154a, 154b, 154c and three mating recesses 156a, 156b, 156c are shown, it should be understood that the number and positioning of the tabs 154 and recesses 156 can be changed. The above method can be replaced by other methods of securing the stationary gear ring 146 to prevent it from moving relative to the housing 60.

[0031] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The exemplary operation of the drive unit 66 is shown. Figure 7 The fit between the sun gear 128, the planetary gear assembly 130, and the stationary gear ring 146 is shown. Figure 8 The engagement between the planetary gear assembly 130 and the rotatable gear ring 148 is shown.

[0032] like Figure 7 As shown, when motor 68 is actuated, motor shaft 126 and sun gear 128 rotate (e.g., clockwise as shown by arrow 158). The rotation of sun gear 128 causes the first stage 138 of planetary gear 134 to rotate (e.g., counterclockwise as shown by arrow 160), and subsequently causes the support 132 to rotate (e.g., counterclockwise as shown by arrow 162). Reference Figure 8 Rotation of the first stage 138 of planetary gear 134 causes a corresponding rotation of the second stage 140 of planetary gear 134 (e.g., counterclockwise rotation as indicated by arrow 160). Rotation of the second stage 140 of planetary gear 134 causes rotation of the rotatable ring gear 148 (e.g., clockwise rotation as indicated by arrow 164). The ratio defined by the different numbers of teeth 142 and 144 is used to reduce the rotational speed between the input at the sun gear 128 and the output at the ring gear 148. As further detailed herein, the rotatable ring gear 148 is operatively coupled to a movable valve disc 62 such that rotation of the ring gear 148 causes a corresponding rotation of the valve disc 62.

[0033] refer to Figure 9 A controller 170 (e.g., including a microprocessor) is provided to control the operation of the motor 68 in response to various inputs, including inputs from a user interface 172, an angular or rotary position sensor 174, and / or a temperature sensor 176. The controller 170 may be supported by a printed circuit board (not shown) housed within the valve spool 14, or it may be positioned externally to the valve spool. Exemplarily, the controller 170 may communicate wirelessly with the valve spool 14. The controller 170 may include a memory 177 and communicate with the motor 68. A power supply 178 exemplarily communicates electrically with the controller 170 and is configured to provide selective power to the motor 68.

[0034] An angular or rotary position sensor 174 communicates with the controller 170 and is configured to provide an indication of the rotational position of the movable valve disc 62 at any given time. The angular position sensor 174 may have a conventional design, such as a Hall effect sensor coupled with a magnet, or a rotary potentiometer.

[0035] In an alternative embodiment, the angular position sensor 174 is not required to control the motor 68. In this embodiment, the motor 68 can be controlled in a manner similar to that of a stepper motor. Without the position sensor 174, it must be assumed that the motor 68 moves to the location it is commanded to move via the controller 170.

[0036] like Figure 2 and Figure 9 As shown, the exemplary valve core 14 includes a water temperature sensor 176 (exemplarily a thermistor) communicating with a controller 170. The temperature sensor 176 monitors the output temperature of the output water (through the outlet opening 96), thereby providing feedback necessary for proper mixing of the water within the valve core 14. More specifically, the thermistor 176 can provide the controller 170 with an indication of the temperature of the water supplied to the outlet opening 96, for display on a user interface 172 and / or for adjusting the position of the valve disc 62 to control the temperature of the water supplied to the outlet opening 96 to match a setpoint or user-preset temperature. The thermistor 176 exemplary includes a sensing portion or probe 180 and a wire 182, the sensing portion or probe including a distal sensing end 181 within the water flow, the wire extending through a longitudinally extending sleeve 184 to enable electrical communication between the thermistor 176 and the controller 170.

[0037] Further reference Figures 2 to 4 The exemplary valve core 14 also includes a mixer 190 to facilitate the mixing of hot and cold water and to measure temperature via a thermistor 176. The exemplary mixer 190 includes a body 192 operatively coupled to the gear assembly 70 and the movable valve disc 62. Thus, the mixer 190 is coupled to the movable valve disc 62 to rotate therewith. More specifically, a rotatable gear ring 148 including a plurality of circumferentially spaced internal teeth 152 can be operatively coupled to the body 192. Exemplarily, the body 192 can be integrally molded with the gear ring 148, for example, via a molding polymer (e.g., polyoxymethylene (POM)).

[0038] The thermistor 176 can be axially secured within the central opening 191 of the outer wall (e.g., the central end wall) 193 of the mixer body 192 using conventional methods such as clamps and / or fasteners. Exemplarily, an O-ring 195 is accommodated between the flange 197 on the thermistor 176 and the mixer body 192.

[0039] refer to Figure 3The body 192 of the mixer 190 includes axially extending and circumferentially spaced tabs 194 received within mating recesses 196 of a movable valve disc 62. The recesses 196 are circumferentially spaced within the outer edge 198 of the movable valve disc 64. The tabs 194 orient the body 192 of the mixer 190 relative to the movable valve disc 62 and rotatably connect the mixer 190 and the movable valve disc 62 together. Exemplarily, the dimensions of the first tab 194a and the first recess 196a differ from those of the other tabs 194b, 194c and the other recesses 196b and 196c (e.g., wider than the other tabs and recesses) to facilitate proper orientation of the mixer 190 and the movable valve disc 62. Although three tabs 194a, 194b, 194c and three mating recesses 196a, 196b, 196c are shown, it should be understood that the number and positioning of the tabs 194 and recesses 196 can be varied. For example, an O-ring 200 or other seal is exemplarily positioned between the movable valve disc 62 and the mixer 190.

[0040] In other exemplary embodiments, the mixer 190 may include a screen (not shown) covering at least a portion of the thermistor 176. The holes in the screen will be perpendicular to the water flow, so water will initially be ejected through the holes. Once the chamber 76 is full, back pressure and turbulence will force water through the holes in the screen. As water is ejected through the screen, mixing of the water is promoted.

[0041] User interface 172 may include a sealed display with an input area or button and an output area. Multiple displays may be configured to control valve core 14. Once paired with user interface 172, the user will be able to control the shower valve by pushing buttons or dials in the shower, using a remote control (via telephone, tablet, etc.), and / or by using an app on a smart device.

[0042] One or more of the electronic components described above may be part of a user interface device that is detachably coupled to other components of the electronic valve core 14. For example, the controller 170, memory 177, display, and power supply 178 may be part of a user interface device that is detachably coupled to other components of the electronic valve core 14. Examples of such a user interface device are described in more detail below.

[0043] Figures 10 to 18 An electronic shower valve 210 is shown as yet another exemplary embodiment. Valve 210 includes an exemplary valve core 214 configured to be received within a valve body 12. Valve core 214 exemplaryly includes many of the same components as valve core 14 detailed above. Therefore, in the following description, the same reference numerals identify similar components.

[0044] refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12The electronic valve spool 214 exemplarily includes a housing 60', flow control elements 62 and 64, and an actuation device 66'. An O-ring 67 exemplarily provides a seal between the housing 60' of the valve spool 214 and the housing 30 of the valve body 12. As further detailed herein, the actuation device 66' may include a motor 68' and a mating gear assembly 70, and is operatively coupled to the movable flow control element 62. A valve cover nut 72 may be threadedly engaged with a sidewall 34 of the valve body 12 to secure the valve spool 214 within the valve body 12.

[0045] The housing 60' exemplarily includes a cylindrical outer sidewall 74' that defines an internal chamber 76 extending along a longitudinal axis 78. An end cap 80' is exemplarily coupled to an outer or distal end of the housing 60'. The end cap 80' is exemplarily positioned between the sidewall 74' and a valve cover nut 72. Exemplarily, the housing 60' and the end cap 80' may be molded from a polymer, such as a thermoplastic.

[0046] For example, motor 68' is a brushless direct current (DC) motor. (See reference...) Figure 2 and Figure 6 The motor 68' exemplarily includes a stator 122' operably coupled to a rotor 124' to drive a hollow motor shaft 126' to rotate. The stator 122' and rotor 124' can be housed within a housing 123' operably coupled to a base 125'. Alternative actuators, such as brushed DC motors, stepper motors, solenoids, etc., can replace the brushless DC motor 68'.

[0047] exist Figure 10 and Figure 11 In the exemplary valve core 214, in an alternative embodiment, the thermistor 276 is exemplaryly housed within the outlet opening 168 of the mixer 190' and the outlet opening 116 of the movable valve disc 62. An O-ring 224 is exemplaryly positioned between the thermistor 276 and the body 192' of the mixer 190'. An annular retainer 412 is exemplaryly housed around the thermistor 276 and within an opening 221 in the end wall 222 to secure the thermistor 436 to the mixer 190'.

[0048] The thermistor 276 exemplarily includes a sensing portion or probe 280 and a wire 282, the sensing portion or probe being positioned within the internal chamber 76 of the valve core 214, and the wire extending to the outside of the valve core 214 to enable electrical communication between the sensing portion 280 and the controller 170. A distal sensing tip 281 is exemplarily positioned within the water flow, axially adjacent to the lower surface 100 of the fixed valve disc 64. The wire 282 may form part of a cable 284 to further enable electrical communication with the motor 68 and the controller 170.

[0049] The probe 280 of the thermistor 276 includes a distal sensing end 281, which is exemplarily positioned downstream of the outlet 168 of the mixer 190'. More specifically, the sensing end 281 is exemplarily positioned axially near the outlet opening 96 of the fixed valve disc 64. Figure 11 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the sensing end 281 is axially positioned near the lower surface 100 of the fixed valve disc 64. The extended mixing length, achieved through the positioning of the thermistor 276, promotes more thorough mixing of the cold and hot water supplied to the mixer 190', thereby improving temperature measurement accuracy. Holder 283

[0050] refer to Figure 12 and Figure 13 The end cap 80' includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced locking tabs 286 received within mating openings 288 formed in the sidewall 74' of the housing 60'. More specifically, a plurality of axially extending grooves 290 extend radially outward within the inner surface 292 of the sidewall 74' and receive arms 294 supporting the locking tabs 286. Each opening 288 is formed within one of the grooves 290. The arms 294 are radially outwardly biased to force the locking tabs 286 into the openings 288, thereby securing the end cap 80' to the housing 60'.

[0051] The end cap 80' further includes circumferentially spaced slots 296 configured to receive a plurality of tabs or crenellated protrusions 298 of the gear ring 146'. More specifically, the crenellated protrusions 298 are circumferentially spaced and received within the slots 296. The engagement between the slots 296 and the crenellated protrusions 298 aligns (i.e., oriented) the teeth 150 of the gear ring 146' while also preventing lateral deformation of the gear ring 146'.

[0052] refer to Figure 14 and Figure 16 The sun gear 128' is connected to the motor shaft 126' at the rear surface 300 of the housing 123' near the motor 68'. Exemplarily, the sun gear 128' includes resilient snap-fit ​​fingers 302 having tabs 304 that are received within an annular groove 306 of the motor shaft 126'.

[0053] Further reference Figure 11 and Figure 12 The sidewall 74' of the housing 60' exemplarily includes snap-fit ​​fingers 308 having tabs 310 extending radially inward. The body 192' of the mixer 190' includes an annular groove 312 for receiving the tabs 310. More specifically, the snap-fit ​​fingers 308 bias the tabs 310 into the grooves 312 to axially hold the mixer 190' to the housing 60' while allowing rotation between the two.

[0054] Further reference Figure 11 and Figure 12 The end wall 193 of the mixer 190' includes a first support surface 314a and a second support surface 314b for engaging with the plate 137a of the support 130'. The first support surface 314a and the second support surface 314b are exemplary surfaces that extend outward in an axial direction (i.e., protrude), and these surfaces are arranged in a concentric ring (i.e., annular) to reduce surface contact between the mixer 190' and the support 130'.

[0055] Further reference Figures 11 to 13 , Figure 17 and Figure 18 The outer surface of the bracket 130' exemplarily includes a support surface 316 for engaging with the rear surface 300 of the motor housing 123'. The support surface 316 exemplarily includes an axially outward (i.e., raised) surface arranged in annular (i.e. ring-shaped) manner to reduce surface contact between the bracket 130' and the motor 68'.

[0056] refer to Figure 11 and Figure 18 Each planetary gear 134 includes support surfaces 318a and 318b respectively supported on the outer surfaces of the first stage 138 and the second stage 140. These support surfaces 318a and 318b exemplarily include axially outwardly extending (i.e., protruding) surfaces that engage with the opposing inner surfaces of the support plates 137a and 137b, respectively. These support surfaces 318a and 318b are exemplarily annular (i.e., ring-shaped).

[0057] Each planetary gear 134 exemplarily includes an angular alignment feature. More specifically, Figure 17 and Figure 18 Planetary gears 134 are shown, which include a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots 320a, 320b, 320c, 322 formed on a surface 323 of a first stage 138. The slots 322 cooperate with slots 324 formed on a plate 137a of a support 130' to define an alignment device for the planetary gears 134.

[0058] More specifically, slots 320a, 320b, and 320c each have a first arc length, while slot 322 has a second arc length, wherein the second arc length is greater than the first arc length. The arc length of slot 324 is similar to the second arc length of slot 322. Aligning slot 322 of support 130' with slot 324 of planetary gear 134 enables planetary gear 134 to be angularly aligned (i.e., rotationally oriented) relative to support 130', thereby angularly aligning the teeth 142 of planetary gear 134 with the teeth 150 of stationary gear ring 146'. A tool including an arc-shaped blade (not shown) can be inserted into slots 322 and 324 to align planetary gear 134. It should be understood that the width of the tool blade can be greater than the first arc length of slots 320a, 320b, and 320c, but less than the second arc length of slot 322, in order to be accommodated therein. Therefore, the tool blade will only be fitted into slot 322, and not into slots 320a, 320b, and 320c.

[0059] While the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention as described and defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electronic shower valve, comprising: Valve body; as well as Valve core, the valve core being housed within the valve body, the valve core comprising: The outer casing includes an internal cavity defining a longitudinal axis. A cold water inlet is provided, which is in fluid communication with the internal chamber. A hot water inlet is in fluid communication with the internal chamber. A movable flow control element is supported for rotation about the longitudinal axis to control the flow of water through the cold water inlet and the hot water inlet; A motor assembly, at least partially supported within the housing and including a motor shaft coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis; and A gear assembly operably connects the motor assembly and the flow control element, the gear assembly being configured to rotate the flow control element; The gear assembly includes a sun gear operably connected to the motor shaft, a planetary gear assembly operably connected to the sun gear, a stationary gear ring fixed to the housing and operably connected to the planetary gear assembly, and a drive gear ring fixed to the movable flow control element and operably connected to the planetary gear assembly.

2. The electronic shower valve of claim 1, wherein, The planetary gear assembly includes a plurality of planetary gears rotatably supported on a bracket, each planetary gear including a first stage and a second stage, the first stage engaging with the stationary gear ring and the second stage engaging with the drive gear ring.

3. The electronic shower valve of claim 2 wherein, The valve core support includes a plate that supports the planetary gears, and each planetary gear includes an outwardly extending support surface that engages with the inner surface of the plate opposite to the support.

4. The electronic shower valve of claim 2 wherein, The bracket includes an annular support surface that engages with the motor assembly.

5. The electronic shower valve of claim 2 wherein, The valve core further includes a planetary gear alignment device having a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots supported on each planetary gear, and a mating slot supported on the support for alignment with one of the slots of the planetary gear.

6. The electronic shower valve of claim 1, wherein, The gear assembly is at least partially supported within the housing and is coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis.

7. The electronic shower valve of claim 1 wherein, The motor assembly includes a fixed stator coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis and a rotor configured to rotate relative to the stator.

8. The electronic shower valve of claim 1, further comprising a controller and an angle sensor configured to detect the angular position of the flow control element and provide a signal to the controller indicating the angular position.

9. The electronic shower valve of claim 1, further comprising a controller and a temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of the water supplied to the outlet and to provide a signal to the controller indicating the temperature.

10. The electronic shower valve as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The temperature sensor includes a thermistor, the flow control element includes a central opening, and the thermistor extends through the central opening.

11. The electronic shower valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The valve core further includes a mixer operably coupled to the flow control element and in fluid communication with the cold water inlet and the hot water inlet.

12. The electronic shower valve as claimed in claim 11, wherein, The outer housing of the valve core includes a plurality of snap-fit ​​fingers, and the mixer of the valve core includes an annular groove, the snap-fit ​​fingers being accommodated in the annular groove to axially hold the mixer to the outer housing while allowing relative rotation between the mixer and the outer housing.

13. The electronic shower valve as claimed in claim 11, wherein, The planetary gear assembly of the valve core includes a plurality of planetary gears rotatably supported on a bracket, and the mixer of the valve core includes an annular support surface that engages with the bracket.

14. The electronic shower valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The outer housing of the valve core includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings, and the motor assembly of the valve core includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced locking tabs housed within the openings of the outer housing.

15. An electronic shower valve, comprising: Valve body; as well as Valve core, the valve core being housed within the valve body, the valve core comprising: An outer casing, the outer casing including an internal cavity defining a longitudinal axis; At least one water inlet, the at least one water inlet being in fluid communication with the internal chamber; A movable flow control element, the movable flow control element being supported for rotation about the longitudinal axis to control the water flow through the at least one inlet; and A gear assembly configured to rotate the flow control element; The gear assembly includes a sun gear operably connected to the motor shaft, a planetary gear assembly operably connected to the sun gear, a stationary gear ring fixed to the housing, and a drive gear ring fixed to the movable flow control element; and The planetary gear assembly includes a plurality of planetary gears rotatably supported on a bracket, each planetary gear including a first stage and a second stage, the first stage engaging with the stationary gear ring and the second stage engaging with the drive gear ring.

16. The electronic shower valve of claim 15, further comprising a motor assembly at least partially supported within the housing and including a motor shaft coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis, the motor assembly being operatively coupled to the gear assembly.

17. The electronic shower valve as claimed in claim 16, wherein, The motor assembly includes a fixed stator coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis and a rotor configured to rotate relative to the stator.

18. The electronic shower valve as claimed in claim 15, wherein, The at least one inlet includes a cold water inlet and a hot water inlet.

19. The electronic shower valve as claimed in claim 15, wherein, The gear assembly is at least partially supported within the housing and is coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis.

20. The electronic shower valve of claim 15, further comprising a controller and an angle sensor configured to detect the angular position of the flow control element and provide a signal to the controller indicating the angular position.

21. The electronic shower valve of claim 20, further comprising a controller and a temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of the water supplied to the outlet and to provide a signal to the controller indicating the temperature.

22. The electronic shower valve as claimed in claim 21, wherein, The temperature sensor includes a thermistor, the flow control element includes a central opening, and the thermistor extends through the central opening.

23. The electronic shower valve as claimed in claim 15, wherein, The valve core further includes a planetary gear alignment device having a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots supported on each planetary gear, and a mating slot supported on the support for alignment with one of the slots of the planetary gear.

24. The electronic shower valve as claimed in claim 15, wherein, The valve core further includes a mixer operably coupled to the flow control element and in fluid communication with the at least one inlet.

25. The electronic shower valve as claimed in claim 24, wherein, The outer housing of the valve core includes a plurality of snap-fit ​​fingers, and the mixer of the valve core includes an annular groove, the snap-fit ​​fingers being accommodated in the annular groove to axially hold the mixer to the outer housing while allowing relative rotation between the mixer and the outer housing.

26. A valve core, comprising: The outer casing includes an internal cavity defining a longitudinal axis. A cold water inlet is provided, which is in fluid communication with the internal chamber. A hot water inlet is in fluid communication with the internal chamber. A movable flow control element is supported for rotation about the longitudinal axis to control the flow of water through the cold water inlet and the hot water inlet; A motor assembly, which is at least partially supported within the housing and includes a motor shaft coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis; as well as A gear assembly operably connects the motor assembly and the flow control element, the gear assembly being configured to rotate the flow control element; The gear assembly includes a sun gear operably connected to the motor shaft, a planetary gear assembly operably connected to the sun gear, a stationary gear ring fixed to the housing, and a drive gear ring fixed to the movable flow control element; and The planetary gear assembly includes a plurality of planetary gears rotatably supported on a bracket, each planetary gear including a first stage and a second stage, the first stage engaging with the stationary gear ring and the second stage engaging with the drive gear ring.

27. The valve core as claimed in claim 26, wherein, The motor assembly includes a fixed stator coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis and a rotor configured to rotate relative to the stator.

28. The valve core as claimed in claim 26, wherein, The gear assembly is at least partially supported within the housing and is coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis.

29. The valve core of claim 26, further comprising a temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature of water within the internal chamber.

30. The valve core as claimed in claim 29, wherein, The temperature sensor includes a thermistor, the flow control element includes a central opening, and the thermistor extends through the central opening.

31. The valve core of claim 26, further comprising a planetary gear alignment device having a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots supported on each planetary gear, and a mating slot supported on the support for alignment with one of the slots of the planetary gear.

32. The valve core of claim 26, further comprising a mixer operatively coupled to the flow control element and in fluid communication with the cold water inlet and the hot water inlet.

33. The valve core as claimed in claim 32, wherein, The housing includes a plurality of snap-fit ​​fingers, and the mixer includes an annular groove in which the snap-fit ​​fingers are received to axially hold the mixer to the housing while allowing relative rotation between the mixer and the housing.

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