A shower control device and shower system

Abstract

A shower control device and shower system are provided, which integrate a valve body assembly for adjusting water temperature, a switch assembly for easy user control, and a remote control component. Before showering, the user can remotely drain the cold water by opening various control valves to drain the cold water in each mixing water path. After entering the shower room, the water temperature will reach the desired preset temperature. The user can then touch or press the buttons to start showering without having to drain the cold water after entering the shower room, thus improving the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of shower technology, and in particular to a shower control device and a shower system. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, shower controls typically have numerous touch buttons for adjusting temperature, flow rate, and opening / closing various water outlets. Some showers use a display screen as the control panel, requiring users to switch between interfaces multiple times, making operation complex and negatively impacting the user experience. Furthermore, current shower controllers are functionally limited and lack multi-functionality. Utility Model Content

[0003] This utility model provides a shower control device and a shower system, which aims to simplify user operation by eliminating the need for users to switch between different showers multiple times.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0005] A shower control device, comprising:

[0006] The valve body assembly includes a temperature regulating valve core, the inlet end of which is connected to an inlet water passage, and the outlet end of which is connected to several mixing water passages; the valve body assembly also includes a sub-control board, which is electrically connected to a temperature sensor and several control valves, each control valve being located in a separate mixing water passage to open or close the corresponding mixing water passage.

[0007] The switching assembly includes several switches and buttons to control corresponding control valves, thereby opening and closing the corresponding mixing water circuits; and...

[0008] The remote control unit is used to open each control valve to discharge cold water from each mixing circuit. The sub-control board closes each control valve based on whether the temperature monitored by the temperature sensor has reached the preset temperature.

[0009] Furthermore, a temperature sensor is installed in the hot water chamber of the temperature control valve core to detect whether the temperature of the hot water inlet has reached the preset temperature.

[0010] Furthermore, the switch assembly includes a base and a main control board. The main control board is electrically connected to the sub-control board. The back of the main control board is connected to the base. The front of the main control board has several operating positions, each used to open or close the corresponding control valve.

[0011] Furthermore, the operating position adopts a touch switch, and each operating position is made of copper foil; or, the operating position adopts a micro switch or a short-stroke switch.

[0012] Furthermore, the front of the main control board is connected to a panel with labels corresponding to each operation position. The operation position is triggered by touching or pressing the label, and the operation position and label constitute a switch button.

[0013] Furthermore, the temperature control valve core is inserted into the switch assembly, so that each switch button is circumferentially arranged around the temperature control valve core.

[0014] Furthermore, each control valve is installed around the temperature control valve core.

[0015] Furthermore, the switch assembly is detachably connected to the valve body assembly to facilitate the replacement of its internal battery.

[0016] Furthermore, the remote control unit has a built-in battery and is connected to the main control board via Bluetooth, wireless network, or 433MHz wireless communication.

[0017] Furthermore, it also includes the power supply for the main control board.

[0018] Furthermore, the power source is a replaceable dry cell battery or lithium battery.

[0019] Furthermore, the valve body assembly includes a valve body, which has several inlet water ports and several outlet water ports. The sub-control board, temperature regulating valve core, and control valve are installed on the valve body.

[0020] Furthermore, it also includes a mounting bracket, with one side of the mounting bracket connected to the valve body and the other side of the mounting bracket connected to the base.

[0021] A shower system includes at least a handheld shower head and an overhead shower head, and also includes a shower control device as described above, wherein the handheld shower head and the overhead shower head are respectively connected to corresponding mixing water circuits.

[0022] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0023] 1. The present invention proposes a shower control device that integrates a valve body assembly for adjusting water temperature, a switch assembly for easy user control, and a remote control component. Before showering, the user can remotely drain the cold water by opening various control valves to discharge the cold water in each mixing water path. After entering the shower room, the water temperature will reach the desired preset temperature. The user can then touch or press the buttons to start showering without needing to drain the cold water after entering the shower room, thus improving the user experience.

[0024] 2. The present invention proposes a shower control device in which a temperature sensor is installed in the hot water chamber of the temperature regulating valve core to detect whether the temperature of the hot water inlet circuit has reached the preset temperature. During the cooling process, if the water temperature of the hot water inlet circuit is lower than the preset temperature, the control valves can be opened to allow the mixed water to flow out, thus discharging the cold water in the mixed water circuit in advance, until the water temperature is not lower than the preset temperature, and the cooling process ends.

[0025] 3. The shower control device proposed in this utility model has an operating position on the main control board made of copper foil. Copper foil has excellent conductivity, enabling a highly sensitive response that can be triggered even when hands are wet during showering, making it highly adaptable. In addition, copper foil has good flexibility, which can adapt to various complex shapes and structures, and can be flexibly arranged and installed in various touch areas around the circumference of the main control board.

[0026] 4. The shower control device proposed in this utility model includes a main control board, and a panel is connected to the front of the main control board. The panel is provided with labels corresponding to each operation position. The labels can effectively guide the user's operation and reduce the user's usage threshold.

[0027] 5. The shower control device proposed in this utility model has a temperature regulating valve core inserted through the switch assembly, so that each switch button is circumferentially arranged around the temperature regulating valve core, and each control valve is also installed around the temperature regulating valve core, making the overall structure compact and thus reducing the size of the control device.

[0028] 6. The shower control device proposed in this utility model has a switch assembly that can be detachably connected to the valve body assembly to facilitate the replacement of its internal battery and improve the user experience.

[0029] 7. The present invention proposes a shower control device, wherein the remote control component is equipped with a battery and is wirelessly connected to the main control board, so that the user can remotely start the cooling function and start showering without waiting for cooling after entering the bathroom.

[0030] 8. The shower control device proposed in this utility model also includes a power supply for the main control board. The power supply is a replaceable dry cell battery or lithium battery. Compared with the method of using high voltage to low voltage or hydroelectric generator for power supply, it only needs to use ordinary batteries for power supply. It is easy to install and the power supply is stronger than hydroelectric power generation. Compared with the mains power supply, it does not require a very strong power and the power supply is moderate. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a shower control device according to the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of a shower control device according to the present invention;

[0034] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the switch assembly of a shower control device according to the present invention;

[0035] Figure 4 This is one of the schematic diagrams of the valve body assembly of a shower control device according to this utility model;

[0036] Figure 5 This is a second schematic diagram of the valve body assembly of a shower control device according to the present invention;

[0037] Figure 6 This is an exploded view of the valve body assembly of a shower control device according to the present invention;

[0038] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the cooling principle of a shower control device according to the present invention;

[0039] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the switching assembly of a shower control device according to the present invention.

[0040] In the diagram, 10 is the valve body assembly; 101 is the temperature control valve core; 102 is the sub-control board; 103 is the temperature sensor; 104 is the control valve; 105 is the valve body; 1051 is the water inlet; 10511 is the hot water inlet; 10512 is the cold water inlet; 1052 is the water outlet; 10521 is the shower head inlet; 10522 is the overhead spray inlet; 10523 is the lower water outlet; 106 is the sealing ring; 20 is the switch assembly; 201 is the base; 202 is the main control board; 2021 is the operating position; 20211 is the shower head area; 20212 is the overhead spray area; 20213 is the lower water outlet area; 203 is the panel; 2031 is the label; 205 is the annular groove; 30 is the remote control component; 40 is the power supply; 50 is the mounting bracket; and 60 is the embedded box. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The following is combined Figures 1 to 8 This utility model will be described in detail.

[0042] A shower control device, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, it includes: a valve body assembly 10, including a temperature regulating valve core 101, the inlet end of the temperature regulating valve core 101 is connected to an inlet water passage, and the outlet end of the temperature regulating valve core 101 is connected to several mixing water passages; the valve body assembly 10 also includes a sub-control board 102, the sub-control board 102 is electrically connected to a temperature sensor 103 and several control valves 104, each control valve 104 is respectively located in each mixing water passage to open and close the corresponding mixing water passage; wherein, the several control valves 104 are electromagnetic water control valves, or they can be electric switching valves.

[0043] The switch assembly 20 is detachably connected to the valve body assembly 10 for battery replacement. The switch assembly 20 has several switches to control corresponding control valves 104, thereby opening and closing corresponding mixing channels; a temperature control valve core 101 passes through the switch assembly 20, with the switches arranged in a circumferential array around the temperature control valve core; and...

[0044] The remote control unit 30 is used to open each control valve 104 to discharge cold water from each mixing water circuit. The sub-control board 102 closes each control valve 104 based on whether the temperature monitored by the temperature sensor 103 has reached a preset temperature. The remote control unit 30 is for remote-controlled cold water discharge. By pressing the remote control unit 30, it sends a wireless signal to trigger the shower control device to open each control valve 104 to discharge water.

[0045] In this embodiment, a temperature sensor 103 is located in the hot water chamber of the temperature regulating valve core 101 to detect whether the temperature of the hot water inlet circuit has reached a preset temperature, thereby opening and closing each control valve 104. Specifically, during the cooling process, if the temperature sensor 103 detects that the temperature of the hot water inlet circuit is lower than the preset temperature, the sub-control board 102 opens each control valve 104 to drain water from each mixing circuit, thereby prematurely discharging the cold water in the mixing circuit until the water temperature in the hot water inlet circuit is not lower than the preset temperature, at which point the cooling process ends. The preset temperature is 38 degrees Celsius, but is not limited to this.

[0046] like Figure 7 As shown, the user needs to drain the cool water before showering. The user operates the remote control unit 30, and the control information is transmitted to the main control board 202. The main control board 202 transmits the control information to the sub-control board 102. The sub-control board 102 opens each control valve 104 and drains the cool water through the mixing water circuit. When the temperature sensor 103 detects that the temperature is not lower than the preset temperature, the sub-control board 102 transmits the temperature information to the main control board 202, closes each control valve 104, and ends the draining process.

[0047] like Figure 8As shown, the user transmits control information to the main control board 202 via the switch button. The main control board 202 sends instructions to the sub-control board 102. The sub-control board 102 sends open or closed control signals to the corresponding control valve 104 according to the instructions, thereby opening or closing the corresponding mixing water circuit.

[0048] The shower control device proposed in this embodiment integrates a valve body assembly 10 for adjusting water temperature, a switch assembly 20 for easy user control, and a remote control component 30 that can simultaneously open each control valve 104 to discharge cold water from each mixed water path. It can realize the functions of adjusting water temperature, opening different mixed water paths, and discharging cold water on the same device. The operation interface is simplified, the shower control operation process is streamlined, and the user experience is improved.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, the switch assembly 20 includes a base 201 and a main control board 202. The main control board 202 is electrically connected to the sub-control board 102. The back of the main control board 202 is connected to the base 201. The front of the main control board 202 has several operating positions 2021, each operating position 2021 used to open or close the corresponding control valve 104. Specifically, there are three operating positions 2021: a shower area 20211, a top spray area 20212, and a lower water outlet area 20213. The switch assembly 20 also includes an annular groove 205, which is bonded to the front of the main control board 202. The back of the main control board 202 is filled with epoxy resin to achieve waterproofing.

[0050] In this embodiment, the operation position 2021 is a touch switch, and each operation position 2021 is made of copper foil. When the human body is near the copper foil, a capacitive coupling system is formed between the human body and the copper foil. Since the human body's capacitance is generally large, the capacitance value of the capacitive coupling system will change accordingly when the human body is near the copper foil. This change is detected by the main control board 202, and then the detected information is sent to the sub-control board 102 to control the opening and closing of each control valve 104. Copper foil has excellent conductivity, which enables it to provide a highly sensitive response, even when hands are wet during showering, making it highly adaptable. In addition, copper foil also has good flexibility, which can adapt to various complex shapes and structures, and can be flexibly arranged and installed in various touch areas around the circumference of the main control board 202. Compared with resistive touch, it is less affected by environmental factors, has strong anti-interference, and high stability. In other embodiments, the operation position 2021 can also be any switching device with switching function, such as a micro switch or a short-stroke switch.

[0051] like Figure 3As shown, the front of the main control board 202 is connected to a panel 203, which is made of glass. The panel 203 has labels 2031 corresponding to each operation position 2021. The main control board 202 has a light source for illuminating each label 2031 to indicate the activation status of each operation position 2021, i.e., the opening and closing status of each mixing water circuit, so that the user can know the working status of each mixing water circuit. Specifically, when the control valve 104 is opened, the light source illuminates the corresponding label 2031, and when the control valve 104 is closed, the light source illuminating the corresponding label 2031 is turned off.

[0052] Touching or pressing the identifier 2031 triggers the corresponding operating position 2021, thereby controlling the corresponding control valve 104 to open or close the corresponding mixing water circuit. The paired operating positions 2021 and identifier 2031 constitute the switch buttons. Furthermore, the temperature regulating valve core 101 passes through the switch assembly 20, so that each switch button is circumferentially arranged around the temperature regulating valve core 101. At the same time, each control valve 104 is also installed around the temperature regulating valve core 101, making the overall structure compact and reducing the size of this control device. The back of the panel 203 is provided with adhesive, which bonds the panel 203 to the annular groove 205 and the base 201.

[0053] When assembling the switch assembly 20, first, the annular groove 205 is bonded to the front of the main control board 202. Then, epoxy resin is poured into the annular groove 205. After the epoxy resin has solidified, it is assembled with the base 201. Then, the panel 203 is bonded to the annular groove 205 and the base 201 to complete the assembly of the switch assembly 20.

[0054] In this embodiment, the remote control unit 30 has a built-in battery, such as a button battery, and is connected to the main control board 202 via 433MHz wireless communication, allowing users to remotely control the cooling function without waiting for the cooling to finish during showering. In other embodiments, the remote control unit 30 can also be connected to the main control board 202 via Bluetooth or a wireless network. 433MHz is a radio frequency band with a frequency range of 433.05 to 434.79MHz. It has high frequency stability, is suitable for short-range wireless data transmission, has a wavelength of approximately 69cm, strong obstacle penetration capability, a transmission distance of up to 10km, and extremely low frequency drift (e.g., 3ppm / ℃) when the ambient temperature changes, making it suitable for harsh environments.

[0055] In this embodiment, the shower control device also includes a power supply 40 that powers the main control board 202, and the power supply 40 is a replaceable dry cell battery or lithium battery. Compared with power supply methods such as high voltage to low voltage conversion or hydroelectric generator, it only requires ordinary batteries for power supply, is easy to install, and has a stronger power supply than hydroelectric power generation. Compared with mains power supply, it does not require a very strong power, and the power supply is moderate.

[0056] like Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the valve body assembly 10 includes a valve body 105, which has several inlet water inlets 1051 and several outlet water inlets 1052. A control board 102, a temperature regulating valve core 101, and a control valve 104 are installed on the valve body 105. Different outlet water inlets 1052 can correspond to different water circuits, adapting to user needs in different scenarios. The inlet water inlets 1051 include a hot water inlet 10511 and a cold water inlet 10512, while the outlet water inlets 1052 include a showerhead inlet 10521, a top spray inlet 10522, and a bottom outlet water inlet 10523.

[0057] In this embodiment, the shower control device also includes a fixing bracket 50. The first side of the fixing bracket 50 is connected to the valve body 105, and the second side of the fixing bracket 50 is connected to the base 201. The fixing bracket 50 can connect the valve body 105 and the base 201 together, thereby improving the overall structural stability of the shower control device.

[0058] like Figure 2 As shown, the shower control device also includes a pre-embedded box 60 embedded in the wall. The outer side of the valve body 105 is sealed to the inner wall of the pre-embedded box 60 by a sealing ring 106. The pre-embedded box 60 is provided with an inlet connected to the inlet water inlet 1051 and an outlet connected to each outlet water inlet 1052. The inlet includes a hot water inlet connected to the hot water inlet 10511 and a cold water inlet connected to the cold water inlet 10512. The outlet includes a shower outlet connected to the shower head inlet 10521, a top spray outlet connected to the overhead spray inlet 10522, and a bottom outlet connected to the bottom outlet water inlet 10523.

[0059] This embodiment also proposes a shower system, including a handheld shower head and an overhead shower head, as well as a shower control device as described above, with the handheld shower head and overhead shower head respectively connected to corresponding mixing water circuits. It also includes a lower water outlet connected to a corresponding mixing water circuit.

[0060] The above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of this utility model, and are intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of this utility model and implement it. They should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model. All equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit and essence of this utility model should be covered within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A shower control device, characterised in that, include: The valve body assembly includes a temperature regulating valve core, the inlet end of which is connected to an inlet water passage, and the outlet end of which is connected to several mixing water passages; the valve body assembly also includes a sub-control board, the sub-control board being electrically connected to a temperature sensor and several control valves, each of which is respectively located in each of the mixing water passages to open and close the corresponding mixing water passage. A switching assembly is provided with several switches and buttons to control corresponding control valves, thereby opening and closing corresponding mixing water circuits; and, A remote control unit is used to open each of the control valves to discharge cold water from each of the mixed water circuits, and the sub-control board closes each of the control valves based on whether the temperature monitored by the temperature sensor has reached a preset temperature.

2. A shower control device as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that The temperature sensor is located in the hot water chamber of the temperature regulating valve core and is used to detect whether the temperature of the hot water inlet reaches the preset temperature.

3. A shower control device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that, The switch assembly includes a base and a main control board. The main control board is electrically connected to the sub-control board. The back of the main control board is connected to the base. The front of the main control board is provided with several operating positions, each of which is used to open or close the corresponding control valve.

4. A shower control device as claimed in claim 3, wherein The operation position is a touch switch, and each operation position is made of copper foil; or, the operation position is a micro switch or a short-stroke switch.

5. A shower control device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the control device is adapted to be mounted on a wall of a shower cubicle. The main control board has a panel connected to its front side. The panel has labels corresponding to each of the operation positions. The operation position is triggered by touching or pressing the label. The operation position and the label constitute the switch button.

6. A shower control device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the control device is configured to provide a flow of water at a temperature of 45°C or less. The temperature control valve core is inserted through the switch assembly, such that each switch button is circumferentially arranged around the temperature control valve core.

7. A shower control device as claimed in claim 1, wherein Each of the control valves is installed around the temperature regulating valve core.

8. A shower control device as claimed in claim 3, wherein The switch assembly is detachably connected to the valve body assembly to facilitate the replacement of its internal battery.

9. A shower control device as claimed in claim 3, wherein The remote control unit has a built-in battery and is connected to the main control board via Bluetooth, wireless network or 433MHz wireless communication.

10. A shower control device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a power supply for powering the main control board.

11. A shower control device as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The power source is a replaceable dry cell battery or a lithium battery.

12. A shower control device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The valve body assembly includes a valve body, which has several inlet water ports and several outlet water ports. The sub-control board, temperature regulating valve core, and control valve are installed on the valve body.

13. A shower control device as described in claim 12, characterized in that, It also includes a fixing frame, the first side of which is connected to the valve body and the second side of which is connected to the base.

14. A shower system comprising at least a handheld shower head and an overhead shower head, characterized in that, It also includes a shower control device as described in any one of claims 1-13, wherein the handheld shower head and the overhead shower head are respectively connected to the corresponding mixing water circuit.

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