Multifunctional control box

Abstract

The utility model discloses a multifunctional control box, comprising a housing provided with an accommodating cavity; a first communication port and at least one water inlet are formed in the first cavity; one end of the flow guide body is concavely provided with a water outlet flow channel and is further provided with at least one water inlet flow channel, the two ends of the water inlet flow channel are communicated with the first cavity, one side of the flow guide body is provided with a second communication port correspondingly communicated with the first communication port, and the second communication port is communicated with the side wall of the water outlet flow channel; one end of the second cavity communicates with the first communicating opening, and a plurality of water outlets are formed in the second cavity; the flow adjusting assembly comprises a first linear driver, the moving end of the flow adjusting assembly extends into the first cavity in a sealed mode, and the flow adjusting assembly is provided with a flow piston. Dynamic adjustment of flow is achieved through the flow adjusting assembly composed of the first linear driver and the flow piston, the flow adjusting assembly is more flexible and accurate compared with traditional fixed aperture adjustment, and the flow adjusting and controlling requirements under different water pressure conditions can be met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of bathroom equipment technology. More specifically, this utility model relates to a multi-functional control box. Background Technology

[0002] As a core component of a shower system, the control box directly impacts the shower experience and water efficiency through its flow control method. Currently, control boxes often rely solely on preset, fixed outlet diameters for different flow levels. However, in real-world applications, water pressure varies significantly between households, and existing control box designs do not adequately consider this crucial factor. When water pressure fluctuates, especially below normal levels, the actual flow rate difference between each flow level is minimal, even indistinguishable, due to the fixed outlet diameter. This severely limits the user's ability to precisely control the shower flow, failing to meet diverse water usage needs and reducing the flexibility of flow control.

[0003] Therefore, how to design the structure of a multi-functional control box to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is worth considering. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One objective of this utility model is to provide a multifunctional control box, comprising:

[0005] A shell having a receiving cavity;

[0006] A first cavity is provided inside the receiving cavity, and the first cavity is provided with a first connecting port and at least one water inlet.

[0007] A guide fluid is disposed within the first cavity. One end of the guide fluid has a recessed outlet channel. At least one inlet channel is also provided on the guide fluid. The inlet channel is located between the side wall of the outlet channel and the outer side wall of the guide fluid. Both ends of the inlet channel are respectively connected to the first cavity. A second connection port corresponding to and connected to the first connection port is provided on one side of the guide fluid. The second connection port is connected to the side wall of the outlet channel.

[0008] The second cavity has one end connected to the first communication port, and multiple water outlets are provided on the second cavity, with solenoid valves provided on the water outlets.

[0009] A flow regulating assembly includes a first linear actuator with a fixed end disposed on one end of the first cavity, a movable end of the first linear actuator being sealed and extended into the first cavity, and a flow piston being provided thereon. The first linear actuator drives the flow piston to move axially along the water outlet channel to adjust the communication volume between the guide fluid and the second cavity.

[0010] Preferably, the flow piston includes a cylindrical piston body and an annular connecting part sleeved on the piston body. The annular connecting part is mounted on the end wall of the inlet end of the outlet channel, and the piston body is movably inserted through the outlet channel at one end facing the outlet channel.

[0011] Preferably, there are two water inlets, namely a cold water inlet and a hot water inlet;

[0012] It also includes a temperature regulation component, which includes:

[0013] A second linear actuator is disposed at one end of the first cavity relative to the first linear actuator, and the moving end of the second linear actuator extends into the first cavity in a sealed manner.

[0014] A temperature regulating piston is disposed on the moving end of the second linear actuator. The temperature regulating piston has a flow port corresponding to the cold water inlet and the hot water inlet. The distance from the axis of the flow port to the free end of the temperature regulating piston is greater than the distance from the axis of the hot water inlet to the axis of the cold water inlet.

[0015] Preferably, the second cavity includes:

[0016] A flow channel, one end of which is connected to the first connection port;

[0017] A connecting pipe, one end of which is connected to the other end of the flow pipe, and the other end of the connecting pipe is closed.

[0018] The water outlet pipe is closed at both ends, one side of the water outlet pipe is connected to the side wall of the connecting pipe, and multiple mixed water outlets are provided on the water outlet pipe;

[0019] Multiple mixing chambers are provided, with their sidewalls connected to multiple mixing water outlets in a one-to-one manner. One end of each mixing chamber is closed, while the other end extends out of the housing and is open, forming the water outlet.

[0020] Preferably, it also includes a temperature sensor, the sensing end of which is sealed and extends into the flow channel.

[0021] Preferably, it also includes a flow meter, the impeller of which is disposed inside the flow pipe, and the axis of the impeller is parallel to the axis of the flow pipe.

[0022] Preferably, it also includes a processing module disposed on the receiving cavity, the processing module being electrically connected to the flow meter and the first linear driver respectively.

[0023] Preferably, the processing module is electrically connected to both the temperature sensor and the second linear driver.

[0024] Preferably, the processing module is electrically connected to the solenoid valves on the multiple water outlets.

[0025] This utility model has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0026] First, this utility model achieves dynamic flow regulation through a flow regulation component consisting of a first linear actuator and a flow piston. This flow regulation method is more flexible and precise than the traditional fixed orifice regulation, and can also meet the flow regulation needs under different water pressure conditions.

[0027] Secondly, this utility model, through a temperature regulating component consisting of a second linear actuator and a temperature regulating piston, can regulate the flow rate of cold water and hot water entering the first chamber, thereby achieving the purpose of regulating water temperature.

[0028] Other advantages, objectives and features of this invention will be partly apparent from the following description, and partly understood by those skilled in the art through study and practice of this invention. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a side view of the multi-functional control box with its housing in an open state, representing one of the technical solutions of this utility model.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a side sectional view of the multifunctional control box according to one of the technical solutions of this utility model;

[0031] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of structure A in the middle;

[0032] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of structure B in the middle;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a side view of the first cavity structure according to one of the technical solutions of this utility model;

[0034] Figure 6 This is a side sectional view of the first cavity in one of the technical solutions of this utility model;

[0035] Figure 7 This is a side view of the second cavity portion structure according to one of the technical solutions of this utility model;

[0036] Figure 8This is a side sectional view of the second cavity portion structure according to one of the technical solutions of this utility model;

[0037] Figure 9 This is a side view of the fluid guide of one of the technical solutions of this utility model;

[0038] Figure 10 This is a side cross-sectional view of the fluid guide in one of the technical solutions of this utility model.

[0039] The markings in each of the attached figures are as follows:

[0040] Housing 1, first cavity 2, cold water inlet 3, hot water inlet 4, second cavity 5, flow pipe 6, connecting pipe 7, water outlet pipe 8, mixing cavity 9, water outlet 10, first linear actuator 11, flow piston 12, annular connecting part 121, guide fluid 13, water outlet channel 131, water inlet channel 132, second connecting port 133, second linear actuator 14, temperature regulating piston 15, flow port 151, temperature sensor 16, flow meter 17, processing module 18. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can implement it based on the description.

[0042] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the experimental methods described in the following embodiments are all conventional methods, and the reagents and materials described are all commercially available unless otherwise specified. In the description of this utility model, the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description. It does 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0043] like Figures 1-10 As shown, this utility model provides a multi-functional control box, including:

[0044] The housing 1 has a receiving cavity; specifically, the housing 1 is made of a robust and corrosion-resistant material and serves as the outer structure of the control box. The housing 1 has a receiving cavity inside for installing and supporting other components.

[0045] A first cavity 2 is disposed within the receiving cavity. The first cavity 2 has a first connecting port and at least one water inlet. Specifically, the first cavity 2 may be cylindrical. The first cavity 2 may be horizontally fixed within the receiving cavity by bonding or welding, serving as one of the main channels for water flow. The water inlet may be adapted to connect to water supply pipes of different specifications to receive water flow from the shower system's water supply pipes, laying the foundation for subsequent water flow regulation. The first connecting port is used to connect the first cavity 2 and the second cavity 5 described below.

[0046] A guide fluid 13 is disposed within the first cavity 2. One end of the guide fluid 13 has a recessed outlet channel 131. At least one inlet channel 132 is also provided on the guide fluid 13, located between the side wall of the outlet channel 131 and the outer side wall of the guide fluid 13. Both ends of the inlet channel 132 are respectively connected to the first cavity 2. A second connecting port 133 is provided on one side of the guide fluid 13, corresponding to and communicating with the first connecting port. The second connecting port 133 is connected to the side wall of the outlet channel 131. The wall is connected; specifically, the guide fluid 13 can be horizontally inserted into the first cavity 2. The guide fluid 13 can be set as cylindrical or rectangular according to the shape of the first cavity 2. The guide fluid 13 is used to guide the flow direction of water and improve the efficiency of flow regulation. When the shower system supplies water, the water first enters the first cavity 2 through the inlet, then enters the outlet channel 131 through the inlet channel 132 on the guide fluid 13, and then enters the second cavity 5 below through the second connecting port 133 and the first connecting port.

[0047] The second cavity 5 has one end connected to one side of the first cavity 2. The second cavity 5 has multiple water outlets 10, and each water outlet 10 is equipped with a solenoid valve. Specifically, the second cavity 5 forms an extension of the water flow path. Each water outlet 10 is equipped with a solenoid valve to independently control the opening and closing state of each water outlet 10. By setting the solenoid valves of multiple water outlets 10, it is possible to realize a variety of water outlet modes such as single water outlet outlet and multiple water outlet outlets simultaneously according to the user's personalized needs. In the family shower scenario, it meets the needs of different members for single or simultaneous use of various water appliances such as shower heads and hand showers, greatly improving the convenience and comfort of showering.

[0048] The flow regulation assembly includes a first linear actuator 11 with its fixed end located at one end of the first cavity 2. The movable end of the first linear actuator 11 extends into the first cavity 2 in a sealed manner and is provided with a flow piston 12. The first linear actuator 11 drives the flow piston 12 to move axially along the water outlet channel 131, thereby adjusting the communication volume between the guide fluid 13 and the second cavity 5. Specifically, the first linear actuator 11 can be an electric push rod, a linear motor, or a linear cylinder, preferably a linear stepper motor. The first linear actuator 11 can be mounted on one end of the first cavity 2 via a motor mounting base located at one end (outside) of the first cavity 2. The movable end of the first linear actuator 11 can extend into the first cavity 2 in a sealed manner via a lip seal or other sealing element and move axially along the water outlet channel 131. Driven by the first linear actuator 11, the flow piston 12 moves, thereby changing the communication volume between the guide fluid 13 and the second cavity 5, and realizing dynamic flow regulation.

[0049] In the above technical solution, the first linear actuator 11 is activated, which drives the flow piston 12 to move within the first cavity 2 to adjust the distance between the flow piston 12 and the end wall of the outlet channel 131, thereby adjusting the flow rate of water entering the outlet channel 131. The adjusted water flows through the second connecting port 133 and the first connecting port into the second cavity 5, and flows out from the outlet 10 to form a shower water flow for use. The inlet channel 132 is located between the side wall of the outlet channel 131 and the outer side wall of the guide 13 to ensure that the water flow can smoothly enter the outlet channel. 131. To avoid generating eddies or turbulence, the flow piston 12 is moved to change the communication volume between the guide fluid 13 and the second cavity 5, which has the beneficial effect of dynamically adjusting the flow rate. This flow rate adjustment method is more flexible and precise than the traditional fixed aperture adjustment. During use, users can choose to open or close specific water outlets 10 according to actual needs to meet the needs of different water appliances. The flow rate adjustment method of the flow rate adjustment component can meet the flow rate control needs under different water pressure conditions. Regardless of the water pressure, users can obtain the ideal shower water flow effect by adjusting the position of the flow piston 12 and the opening state of the solenoid valve.

[0050] In another technical solution, the flow piston 12 includes a cylindrical piston body and an annular connecting portion 121 sleeved on the piston body. The annular connecting portion 121 rests on the end wall of the water inlet end of the water outlet channel 131, and the end of the piston body facing the water outlet channel 131 is movably inserted into the water outlet channel 131. Specifically, the opening position of the water inlet channel 132 is set to allow water to flow more smoothly from the water inlet channel 132 into the water outlet channel 131, reducing the water flow during the flow process. The annular connecting part 121 is sleeved on the piston body and the end wall of the water inlet end of the water outlet channel 131, which helps to ensure the sealing between the piston body and the water outlet channel 131. The first linear actuator 11 drives the flow piston 12 to move along the water outlet channel 131, which helps to adjust the distance between the annular connecting part 121 and the end wall of the water outlet channel 131, and helps to adjust the communication volume between the water inlet channel 132 and the water outlet channel 131, so as to regulate the flow rate.

[0051] In another technical solution, there are two water inlets, namely a cold water inlet 3 and a hot water inlet 4; specifically, both the cold water inlet 3 and the hot water inlet 4 are equipped with a one-way valve to prevent cold water and hot water from flowing back.

[0052] It also includes a temperature regulation component, which includes:

[0053] The second linear actuator 14 is disposed on one end of the first cavity 2 relative to the first linear actuator 11. The moving end of the second linear actuator 14 extends into the first cavity 2 in a sealed manner. Specifically, the second linear actuator 14 can be an electric push rod, a linear motor, or a linear cylinder, preferably a linear stepper motor. The second linear actuator 14 can be disposed on one end of the first cavity 2 relative to the first linear actuator 11 via a motor mounting seat disposed on the other end (outside) of the first cavity 2. The moving end of the second linear actuator 14 can extend into the second cavity 5 in a sealed manner via a lip seal or other sealing material, and moves along the axis of the first cavity 2.

[0054] A temperature-regulating piston 15 is disposed on the moving end of the second linear actuator 14. The temperature-regulating piston 15 has a flow port 151 corresponding to the cold water inlet 3 and the hot water inlet 4. The distance from the axis of the flow port 151 to the free end of the temperature-regulating piston 15 is greater than the distance from the axis of the hot water inlet 4 to the axis of the cold water inlet 3. Specifically, the second linear actuator 14 drives the temperature-regulating piston 15 to move horizontally within the first cavity 2. When the second linear actuator 14 drives the temperature-regulating piston 15 to move, the opening degree of the flow port 151 relative to the cold water inlet 3 and the hot water inlet 4 will change. By precisely controlling the position of the temperature-regulating piston 15, the flow rate of cold water and hot water entering the first cavity 2 can be adjusted, thereby achieving the purpose of regulating the water temperature.

[0055] In the above technical solution, when the user needs to adjust the water temperature, the second linear actuator 14 is activated, which drives the temperature regulating piston 15 to move within the first cavity 2. As the temperature regulating piston 15 moves, the opening degree of the flow port 151 relative to the cold water inlet 3 and the hot water inlet 4 changes, thereby changing the flow ratio of cold water and hot water entering the first cavity 2, thus achieving the beneficial effect of effectively regulating the water temperature.

[0056] In another technical solution, the second cavity 5 includes:

[0057] The flow pipe 6 has one end connected to the first connecting port; specifically, one end of the flow pipe 6 is tightly connected to the first connecting port (i.e., the opening connected to the water outlet channel 131) to ensure that the water flowing out of the water outlet channel 131 can smoothly enter the flow pipe 6.

[0058] A connecting pipe 7 is provided, one end of which is connected to the other end of the flow pipe 6, and the other end of the connecting pipe 7 is closed. Specifically, one end of the connecting pipe 7 is connected to the other end of the flow pipe 6 (i.e., the top of the flow pipe 6 in the attached figure) to form a continuous channel for water flow.

[0059] The water outlet pipe 8 is closed at both ends. One side of the water outlet pipe 8 is connected to the side wall of the connecting pipe 7. The water outlet pipe 8 is provided with multiple mixed water outlets. Specifically, the side wall of the connecting pipe 7 and the side wall of the water outlet pipe 8 are connected through through holes. The water flow in the connecting pipe 7 enters the water outlet pipe 8 from the side and then flows to multiple mixed water outlets.

[0060] Multiple mixing chambers 9 are provided, with their sidewalls connected to multiple mixing water outlets in a one-to-one correspondence. One end of each mixing chamber 9 is closed, and the other end extends out of the housing 1 and is open, forming the water outlet 10. Specifically, the sidewalls of the multiple mixing chambers 9 are connected to multiple mixing water outlets in a one-to-one correspondence to ensure that each mixing chamber 9 can receive water flow from the water outlet pipe 8, and then flow out from the water outlet 10 to multiple different water-using appliances connected to the multiple water outlets 10 for user use.

[0061] In the above technical solution, the flow pipe 6, the connecting pipe 7, the water outlet pipe 8 and multiple mixing chambers 9 are connected to form the second chamber 5. Through the reasonable design and connection method of each pipe, the smooth flow of water is achieved. The water flowing out of the first chamber 2 is diverted to multiple water outlets for use.

[0062] In another technical solution, a temperature sensor 16 is also included, the probe of which is sealed and extends into the flow pipe 6. Specifically, the temperature sensor 16 is a device for measuring water temperature. The main body of the temperature sensor 16 can be disposed outside the flow pipe 6 by means of a snap-fit ​​or the like, and its probe can be sealed and extended into the flow pipe 6 by means of a sealing ring or other sealing element, for measuring the temperature of the mixed water flowing out of the water outlet channel 131 and about to enter the shower head.

[0063] In another technical solution, a flow meter 17 is also included, whose flow impeller is disposed inside the flow pipe 6, and the axis of the flow impeller is parallel to the axis of the flow pipe 6. Specifically, the flow meter 17 can be a Hall flow meter, a device for measuring the flow rate of water. The design of the flow impeller enables the flow impeller to rotate when water flows through it, thereby calculating the flow rate of water by measuring the rotational speed of the flow impeller. This is also the principle by which the flow meter 17 measures the flow rate.

[0064] In another technical solution, a processing module 18 is also included, which is disposed on the receiving cavity. The processing module 18 is electrically connected to the flow meter 17 and the first linear actuator 11. Specifically, the processing module 18 is connected to the flow meter 17 and the first linear actuator 11 via wires. The processing module 18 is used to receive the flow signal from the flow meter 17, compare it with a flow threshold preset in the processing module 18, and control the direction of movement of the moving end of the first linear actuator 11. This part of the technology is the technical content already disclosed in the prior art. When the processing module 18 receives and compares the flow detected by the flow meter 17, which is less than the flow threshold, the processing module 18 controls the first linear actuator 11 to move away from the guide fluid 13 to increase the flow rate entering the guide fluid 13. The arrangement of the processing module 18, the flow meter 17, and the first linear actuator 11 helps to enable the first linear actuator 11 to adaptively adjust the flow rate according to the fluctuation of the water supply pressure, wherein the fluctuation of the water supply pressure will cause the flow rate to change.

[0065] In another technical solution, the processing module 18 is electrically connected to the temperature sensor 16 and the second linear actuator 14, respectively. Specifically, the processing module 18 is connected to the temperature sensor 16 and the second linear actuator 14 via wires. The processing module 18 is used to receive the temperature signal from the temperature sensor 16, compare it with the target temperature, and control the direction of movement of the moving end of the second linear actuator 14. This part of the technology is a publicly disclosed technology in the prior art. The target temperature is set by a remote control and transmitted to the processing module 18 wirelessly via the remote control. When the processing module 18 receives and compares the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 16, which is lower than the target temperature, the processing module 18 controls the second linear actuator 14 to move, so that the hot water inlet 4 is opened to a greater extent. The configuration of the processing module 18, the temperature sensor 16, and the second linear actuator 14 helps the first linear actuator 11 to adjust the water temperature in real time according to the externally set target temperature.

[0066] In another technical solution, the processing module 18 is electrically connected to the solenoid valves on the multiple water outlets 10 respectively; specifically, the processing module 18 is connected to the solenoid valves on the multiple water outlets 10 respectively via wires. Through the electrical connection between the processing module 18 and the solenoid valves on the multiple water outlets, the multi-functional control box can realize independent control and adjustment of each water outlet 10, so as to facilitate the water outlet 10 to output water for use.

[0067] Although the embodiments of this utility model have been disclosed above, they are not limited to the applications listed in the specification and embodiments. They can be applied to various fields suitable for this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other modifications can be easily made. Therefore, without departing from the general concept defined by the claims and their equivalents, this utility model is not limited to the specific details and the illustrations shown and described herein.

Claims

1. A multi-functional control box, characterized in that, include: A shell having a receiving cavity; A first cavity is provided inside the receiving cavity, and the first cavity is provided with a first connecting port and at least one water inlet. A guide fluid is disposed within the first cavity. One end of the guide fluid has a recessed outlet channel. At least one inlet channel is also provided on the guide fluid. The inlet channel is located between the side wall of the outlet channel and the outer side wall of the guide fluid. Both ends of the inlet channel are respectively connected to the first cavity. A second connection port corresponding to and connected to the first connection port is provided on one side of the guide fluid. The second connection port is connected to the side wall of the outlet channel. The second cavity has one end connected to the first communication port, and multiple water outlets are provided on the second cavity, with solenoid valves provided on the water outlets. A flow regulating assembly includes a first linear actuator with a fixed end disposed on one end of the first cavity, a movable end of the first linear actuator being sealed and extended into the first cavity, and a flow piston being provided thereon. The first linear actuator drives the flow piston to move axially along the water outlet channel to adjust the communication volume between the guide fluid and the second cavity.

2. The multi-functional control box as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The flow piston includes a cylindrical piston body and an annular connecting part sleeved on the piston body. The annular connecting part is mounted on the end wall of the water inlet end of the water outlet channel, and the piston body is movably inserted through the water outlet channel at one end facing the water outlet channel.

3. The multi-functional control box as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The number of water inlets is two, namely a cold water inlet and a hot water inlet; It also includes a temperature regulation component, which includes: A second linear actuator is disposed at one end of the first cavity relative to the first linear actuator, and the moving end of the second linear actuator extends into the first cavity in a sealed manner. A temperature regulating piston is disposed on the moving end of the second linear actuator. The temperature regulating piston has a flow port corresponding to the cold water inlet and the hot water inlet. The distance from the axis of the flow port to the free end of the temperature regulating piston is greater than the distance from the axis of the hot water inlet to the axis of the cold water inlet.

4. The multi-functional control box as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The second cavity includes: A flow channel, one end of which is connected to the first connection port; A connecting pipe, one end of which is connected to the other end of the flow pipe, and the other end of the connecting pipe is closed. The water outlet pipe is closed at both ends, one side of the water outlet pipe is connected to the side wall of the connecting pipe, and multiple mixed water outlets are provided on the water outlet pipe; Multiple mixing chambers are provided, with their sidewalls connected to multiple mixing water outlets in a one-to-one manner. One end of each mixing chamber is closed, while the other end extends out of the housing and is open, forming the water outlet.

5. The multi-functional control box as described in claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a temperature sensor, the sensing end of which is sealed and extends into the flow channel.

6. The multi-functional control box as described in claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a flow meter, whose flow impeller is disposed inside the flow pipe, and the axis of the flow impeller is parallel to the axis of the flow pipe.

7. The multi-functional control box as described in claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a processing module disposed on the receiving cavity, the processing module being electrically connected to the flow meter and the first linear driver respectively.

8. The multi-functional control box as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The processing module is electrically connected to the temperature sensor and the second linear driver, respectively.

9. The multifunctional control box as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The processing module is electrically connected to the solenoid valves on multiple water outlets.

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