A zero-cold-water shower controller and shower system

Abstract

This utility model provides a zero-cold-water shower controller, comprising: a zero-cold-water drainage circuit independent of the temperature control valve core, and a first control valve for opening the zero-cold-water drainage circuit; the inlet end of the zero-cold-water drainage circuit is connected to the outlet end of a water heater, and the outlet end of a water pump in the zero-cold-water drainage circuit is connected to the inlet end of the water heater through a second control valve; the outlet end of the water pump is also connected to a corresponding outlet terminal through a water distribution valve; when the zero-cold-water drainage circuit is opened, water flows from the outlet end of the water heater through the water pump into the inlet end of the water heater. This utility model also provides a shower system, including the zero-cold-water shower controller and outlet terminal as described above.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In existing thermostatic showers, residual water remains in the hot water inlet pipe after use. When the shower is used again, this residual water in the hot water inlet pipe will become cold. After entering the thermostatic valve core and mixing, the water coming out will be cold for a period of time, failing to reach the normal bathing water temperature, thus affecting the user experience.

[0003] To address this issue, Chinese patent CN211933811U discloses a return water system between the hot water inlet and the cold water inlet. When the hot water temperature stored in the user's hot water pipe does not meet the required shower temperature, the return water system recirculates the residual water in the hot water pipe back to the supply pipe via the hot water inlet, and then back to the water heater via the cold water inlet for heating. This heats the cold water in the hot water pipe to the target temperature required by the consumer, achieving a zero-cold-water effect in the shower. However, in this technical solution, after the pump starts, the water passes through a thermostatic valve. Once the thermostatic valve is in a fully cold state, the residual water in the hot water pipe cannot flow through the thermostatic valve, resulting in incomplete zero-cold-water flow. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a zero-cold-water shower controller that can enter the zero-cold-water mode when the temperature control valve core is in any position.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides a zero-cold-water shower controller, including: a zero-cold-water drainage circuit independent of the temperature control valve core, and a first control valve for opening the zero-cold-water drainage circuit; the inlet end of the zero-cold-water drainage circuit is connected to the outlet end of the water heater, and the outlet end of the water pump in the zero-cold-water drainage circuit is connected to the inlet end of the water heater through a second control valve; the outlet end of the water pump is also connected to a corresponding outlet terminal through a water distribution valve; when the zero-cold-water drainage circuit is opened, water flows from the outlet end of the water heater through the water pump into the inlet end of the water heater.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment: the outlet end of the temperature regulating valve core is connected to the shower water outlet circuit through a third control valve.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment: the outlets of the first control valve and the third control valve are respectively connected to the inlet of the water pump.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the system further includes a venting channel and an air pump, wherein the venting channel is connected to the outlet end of the water distribution valve via the air pump.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment: the outlet ends of the first control valve and the third control valve are respectively connected to the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment: In zero cold water mode, when the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor is greater than the set value, the circuit control board outputs a control signal to shut down the first control valve and the water pump.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment: the circuit control board receives the temperature signal detected by the second temperature sensor and transmits the temperature signal to the display device for display.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment: the outlet of the third control valve is also connected to a water flow sensor, and the circuit control board receives the signal from the water flow sensor to illuminate the display device.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment: the shower controller has an operation element for activating the zero cold water mode.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment: the operating element is a remote control.

[0015] This embodiment also provides a shower system, including a zero-cold-water shower controller and a water outlet terminal as described above.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution of this utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0017] 1. This utility model provides a zero-cold-water shower controller, which sets the zero-cold-water drainage circuit independently outside the temperature control valve core. Therefore, when the zero-cold-water mode is turned on, the water remaining at the outlet of the water heater can be sent back to the water heater for heating without passing through the temperature control valve core. Therefore, even if the temperature control valve core is in a fully cold state, that is, the hot water inlet of the temperature control valve core is closed, it does not affect the normal operation of the zero-cold-water mode. Because there is a first control valve controlling the zero cold water drainage circuit, the inlet end of the zero cold water drainage circuit is connected to the outlet end of the water heater, and the outlet end is connected to the inlet end of the water heater; when the zero cold water is circulating, the first control valve is opened, and the cold water in the zero cold water drainage circuit that does not reach the preset temperature, which is independent of the temperature regulating valve core, can only be pumped through the water circuit of the first control valve to return to the inlet end of the water heater for heating. Compared with the existing technology where there is only a pump and no control valve, in this cold water return heating pipeline, after the pump starts, the water may pass through the water circuit of the thermostatic valve. The water circuit with relatively small pipe resistance will have more cold water return, so the cold water return is incomplete.

[0018] 2. This utility model provides a zero-cold-water shower controller, which connects the outlet of the water pump in the zero-cold-water drainage circuit to the inlet of the water heater via a second control valve; the outlet of the water pump is also connected to the corresponding outlet terminal via a water distribution valve; when the shower controller is in normal water output mode, the booster pump can be activated to increase the water pressure at the corresponding outlet terminal connected to each water distribution valve, improving the showering experience. In normal water output mode, due to the presence of the second control valve, it can be closed to prevent self-circulation from the return water pipe in booster mode from affecting the booster effect. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the shower system in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the shower controller in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the shower controller in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the shower controller in a preferred embodiment of the present invention from another angle;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a water circuit diagram of the shower controller in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 6-8 This is a schematic diagram of the shower water outlet path in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figures 9-12 This is a schematic diagram of the zero-cold-water drainage system in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figures 13-14 This is a schematic diagram of the ventilation channel in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the technical solution and features of this utility model clearer, the following detailed description of this utility model is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific examples. It should be understood that these examples are only for illustrating this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. After reading this utility model, any modifications of this utility model by those skilled in the art in various equivalent forms fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

[0028] refer to Figures 1-14This embodiment provides a shower system, including a shower controller 1 and water outlet terminals 2. The shower controller 1 includes a housing, a thermostatic valve core 11, a circuit control board 12, an operation button 13, and a water distribution valve 14 disposed within the housing. The shower controller 1 has a hot water inlet 15 and a cold water inlet 16. The cold water inlet of the thermostatic valve core 11 is connected to the municipal water supply network through the cold water inlet 16, and the hot water inlet is connected to the outlet 31 of the water heater 3 through the hot water inlet 15. The outlet 31 of the water heater 3 is the hot water outlet, and correspondingly, the inlet 32 ​​of the water heater 3 is the cold water inlet. The outlet of the thermostatic valve core 11 is connected to each water distribution valve 14 through the shower water circuit 19, and each water distribution valve 14 corresponds to one water outlet terminal 2. By opening the corresponding water distribution valve 14 by the operation button 13, the corresponding water outlet terminal 2 can be operated to dispense water. In this embodiment, there are four water distribution valves 14, and the corresponding water outlet terminals 2 are the overhead shower, handheld shower, side shower, and bottom shower.

[0029] In this embodiment, the shower controller 1 also includes a zero-cold-water drainage path 17, used to return the residual cold water at the outlet 31 of the water heater 3 to the water heater 3 for reheating, thereby achieving the zero-cold-water function. In this embodiment, the zero-cold-water drainage path 17 is independent of the temperature control valve core 11, meaning that the cold water does not need to pass through the temperature control valve core 11 during the return process. Therefore, even if the temperature control valve core 11 is in a fully cold state, that is, the hot water inlet 15 of the temperature control valve core 11 is closed, it does not affect the normal operation of the zero-cold-water mode.

[0030] In this embodiment, a first control valve 171 for opening the zero cold water drainage path 17 is also included. The inlet of the zero cold water drainage path 17 is connected to the outlet 31 of the water heater 3, and the outlet of the water pump in the zero cold water drainage path 17 is connected to the inlet 32 ​​of the water heater 3. During zero cold water circulation, the first control valve 171 is opened. Cold water in the zero cold water drainage path 17, which is independent of the temperature regulating valve core 3, that does not reach the preset temperature can only flow back to the inlet 32 ​​of the water heater 3 through the water pump 172 via the first control valve 171 for heating. Compared with the prior art where there is only a pump and no control valve, in the cold water return heating pipeline, after the pump starts, the water may pass through the thermostatic valve. The pipeline with relatively small pipe resistance will have more cold water return, so the cold water return is incomplete. To enable users to independently control the opening of the zero cold water mode, the shower controller 1 in this embodiment has an operating component 18 for opening the zero cold water mode. The operating component 18 sends a signal to the circuit control board 12, which then outputs a signal to open the first control valve 171, thus entering the zero-cold-water mode. Since the zero-cold-water mode is typically activated before showering, the operating component 18 is remotely controlled for user convenience, allowing the user to activate the shower from outside the shower area. The remote control and circuit control board 12 can connect via common wireless signal transmission methods such as infrared, WiFi, and Bluetooth.

[0031] Furthermore, since the zero-cold-water drain circuit 17 relies on the water pump 172 to return the residual cold water from the water heater 3 outlet to the water heater 3 for reheating after opening, if the shower circuit 19 is also open at this time, cold water from the municipal water supply network will continuously flow into the water heater 3 inlet through the thermostatic valve core 11, causing the zero-cold-water function to fail. Therefore, the shower circuit 19 needs to be closed after the zero-cold-water drain circuit 17 is opened. Thus, the outlet of the thermostatic valve core 11 is connected to the shower outlet circuit via the third control valve 191. In this way, by closing the third control valve 191 when the first control valve 171 is open, the shower circuit 19 can be closed after the zero-cold-water drain circuit 17 is opened.

[0032] Furthermore, the zero-cold-water function relies on the water pump 172. Therefore, the water pump 172 can be used to pressurize the water outlet of the shower water circuit 19, allowing the shower controller 1 to have a pressurized water outlet mode in addition to the regular water outlet mode. For this purpose, the outlets of the first control valve 171 and the third control valve 191 are respectively connected to the inlet of the water pump 172. The outlet of the water pump 172 is connected to the corresponding outlet terminal 2 through the water distribution valve 14, meaning the water pump 172 is installed on the common water circuit for the shower outlet. This allows the water pump 172 to be turned on by the pressurization button 10 on the shower controller 1, thereby pressurizing the water outlet in the shower water circuit 19, providing a better shower experience even when the water pressure is low.

[0033] When the pressurization mode is activated, water flows not only through the outlet of water pump 172 into the water distribution valve 14, but also through the outlet of water pump 172 into the inlet 32 ​​of water heater 3. To avoid this problem, the outlet of water pump 172 is connected to the inlet 32 ​​of water heater 3 via a second control valve 173. In normal shower and pressurized water output modes, both the first and second control valves 171 and 173 are closed, and the third control valve 191 is open. In zero cold water mode, both the first and second control valves 171 and 173 are open, and the third control valve 191 is closed.

[0034] After the zero-cold-water mode ends, a portion of residual water remains between the water distribution valve 14 and the corresponding showerhead, unable to flow back into the water heater 3. This residual water needs to be discharged after the zero-cold-water mode ends. Therefore, a venting channel 193 and an air pump 192 are included. The venting channel 193 is connected to the outlet of the water distribution valve 14 via the air pump 192. After the outlet water temperature reaches the set value in the zero-cold-water mode, the water pump 172 stops, the third control valve 191 opens, and the first control valve 171 and the second control valve 173 close. Subsequently, the air pump 192 starts, and airflow enters the outlet of the water distribution valve 14, blowing out the residual water in the water channel from the outlet of the water distribution valve 14 to the water outlet terminal 2.

[0035] The outlets of the first control valve 171 and the third control valve 191 are respectively connected to the first temperature sensor 174 and the second temperature sensor 194. In zero cold water mode, if the first temperature sensor 174 detects that the temperature is lower than the set value, the water pump 172 is started. The water pump 172 returns the cold water from the independent branch cold water path 17 of the water heater 3 outlet 31 (separate from the temperature regulating valve core 11) to the water heater 3 inlet 32 ​​for heating through the first control valve 171 and the second control valve 173. When the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor 174 is greater than or equal to the set value, it is determined that the zero cold water mode can be exited, and the circuit control board 12 outputs a control signal to close the first control valve 171 and the water pump 172. The function of the second temperature sensor 194 is to allow the user to intuitively see the outlet water temperature of the shower water path 19. The circuit control board 12 receives the temperature signal detected by the second temperature sensor 194 and transmits the temperature signal to the display device 101 for display. In this embodiment, the display device 101 is a hidden display screen. Therefore, a water flow sensor 195 is connected to the outlet of the third control valve 191. The circuit control board 12 receives the signal from the water flow sensor 195 to illuminate the display device 101. In this embodiment, the second temperature sensor 194 is installed at the outlet of the temperature regulating valve core 11. After entering the zero cold water mode, the air pump 192 starts, and airflow enters the outlet of the water distribution valve 14, blowing out the residual water in the water channel from the outlet of the water distribution valve 14 to the water outlet terminal 2. The water temperature at each outlet is the actual water temperature exiting the temperature regulating valve core after entering the zero cold water mode, ensuring that the water temperature displayed on the display device 101 is the outlet water temperature of the shower water circuit 19, consistent with the user's actual showering experience. In existing cold water recirculation showers, a temperature sensor is installed on the return line of the hot water pipe or on the outlet line of the thermostatic valve. This single sensor detects the water temperature in the hot water pipe and activates the water pump to recirculate cold water for heating when the temperature drops below a preset value. This same sensor also displays the water temperature. However, using a single temperature sensor for both detection and display presents several problems. When installed on the return line, the displayed temperature reflects the hot water temperature, not the actual temperature of the water flowing out of the outlet. Similarly, when installed on the outlet line of the thermostatic valve, the displayed temperature at the outlet of the valve is the hot water temperature at the end of the zero-cold-water mode. Since residual cold water remains after the valve in these showers, cold water actually flows out, leading to a discrepancy between the sensor's display and the actual outlet temperature.

[0036] The above is only one specific embodiment of the present utility model, but the design concept of the present utility model is not limited thereto. Any non-substantial modifications made to the present utility model using this concept shall be deemed as an infringement of the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A zero-cold-water shower controller, characterized in that... include: A zero-cold-water drainage circuit, independent of the temperature-regulating valve core, and a first control valve for opening the zero-cold-water drainage circuit; the inlet of the zero-cold-water drainage circuit is connected to the outlet of the water heater; the outlet of the water pump in the zero-cold-water drainage circuit is connected to the inlet of the water heater through a second control valve; the outlet of the water pump is also connected to the corresponding outlet terminal through a water distribution valve. When the zero-cold-water drainage circuit is opened, water flows from the outlet of the water heater through the water pump into the inlet of the water heater.

2. The zero-cold-water shower controller according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outlet of the temperature regulating valve core is connected to the shower water outlet circuit via a third control valve.

3. A zero-cold-water shower controller according to claim 2, characterized in that: The outlets of the first control valve and the third control valve are respectively connected to the inlet of the water pump.

4. A zero-cold-water shower controller according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a ventilation channel and an air pump, wherein the ventilation channel is connected to the outlet end of the water distribution valve via the air pump.

5. A zero-cold-water shower controller according to claim 2, characterized in that: The outlets of the first control valve and the third control valve are respectively connected to the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor.

6. A zero-cold-water shower controller according to claim 5, characterized in that: In zero-cold-water mode, when the temperature detected by the first temperature sensor is greater than the set value, the circuit control board outputs a control signal to shut down the first control valve and the water pump.

7. A zero-cold-water shower controller according to claim 6, characterized in that: The circuit control board receives the temperature signal detected by the second temperature sensor and transmits the temperature signal to the display device for display.

8. A zero-cold-water shower controller according to claim 7, characterized in that: The outlet of the third control valve is also connected to a water flow sensor, and the circuit control board receives the signal from the water flow sensor to light up the display device.

9. A zero-cold-water shower controller according to claim 1, characterized in that: The shower controller has an operation element for activating the zero cold water mode.

10. A zero-cold-water shower controller according to claim 9, characterized in that: The operating device is a remote control.

11. A shower system, characterized in that... Includes the zero-cold-water shower controller and water outlet terminal as described in any one of claims 1-10.

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