Shower and drying device

Abstract

The shower and drying device of the present invention may include a housing having an internal space, a shower unit installed inside the housing for spraying water, a heat exchanger and a blower for supplying air into the housing for drying, the heat exchanger may recover thermal energy of wastewater discharged from the shower unit, and the blower may form an air circulation path that preheats the air by passing it through the heat exchanger during the process of circulating air inside the housing.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an energy-circulating shower and drying device that integrally provides various functions such as showering, drying, and sterilization in a single enclosed space, and recovers thermal energy from used wastewater to recycle it in the drying process. Background Technology

[0002] Conventional shower facilities focus simply on the function of supplying hot water to wash the body, and in most cases, the process of drying the body after showering is separated from the shower itself, such as by using a towel.

[0003] However, with these conventional methods, the water heated using energy to reach the user-set temperature is simply flushed down the drain without any recycling process after touching the body, which can result in very low energy efficiency. Furthermore, when using a fan heater or similar device for drying in an open bathroom space, the heated air easily dissipates outwards, leading to significant heat loss.

[0004] Furthermore, it can cause inconvenience and safety risks for those with physical limitations. For the elderly or people with disabilities who have difficulty moving, bending over to wash or drying every part of their body with a towel in a narrow and slippery bathroom entails significant discomfort and a risk of falls. In fact, bathrooms account for a very high proportion of safety accidents involving the elderly at home. Additionally, especially during the winter, sudden temperature changes after showering can lead to health problems, such as a rapid spike in blood pressure, and there have even been reported cases of death resulting from this.

[0005] While full-body dryers and improved shower facilities have been proposed to address these issues, most fail to provide a fundamental solution as they either offer only specific functions in isolation or lack sufficient consideration for energy recycling. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the technological development of a new type of integrated shower and drying device that maximizes energy efficiency while satisfying user convenience, safety, and hygiene. The problem to be solved

[0006] The present invention can maximize the energy efficiency of the entire system by recovering the thermal energy of wastewater used and discarded during showering and recycling it in the drying process, and can enhance user convenience by integrally providing all functions necessary for personal hygiene, such as showering, drying, and sterilization, in a single independent, enclosed space. In particular, it can provide a shower and drying device that allows the elderly or users with limited mobility to safely manage personal hygiene without the risk of falls or sudden temperature changes. means of solving the problem

[0007] The shower and drying device of the present invention may include a housing having an internal space, a shower unit installed inside the housing for spraying water, a heat exchanger and a blower for supplying air into the housing for drying, the heat exchanger may recover thermal energy of wastewater discharged from the shower unit, and the blower may form an air circulation path that preheats the air by passing it through the heat exchanger during the process of circulating air inside the housing. Effects of the invention

[0008] The present invention has the effect of significantly reducing energy consumption by recovering the heat of discarded wastewater and using it as preheating energy for an air drying system.

[0009] In addition, since the present invention handles everything from showering to drying in a single space isolated from the outside, heat loss is minimized, and it can eliminate discomfort or health risks caused by sudden temperature changes experienced by users, especially during the winter season.

[0010] In addition, the present invention can always maintain the interior of the booth hygienically through an automatic sterilization function using a UV-C lamp or the like after use, and can reduce the risk of skin diseases by minimizing the use of towels.

[0011] In addition, the present invention provides a chair that allows users to shower and dry while sitting, enabling the elderly or users with limited mobility to use it safely and conveniently. Furthermore, through an intelligent control system such as an automatic drying termination function using a humidity sensor, it provides an optimal usage environment and prevents unnecessary energy waste.

[0012] In addition, the present invention has the advantage of being easily installed in various locations without complex bathroom construction, through a modular design that is manufactured in a factory and simply assembled on-site.

[0013] In addition, the present invention improves energy efficiency by reducing unnecessary heat loss and energy waste through an integrated design of shower and drying functions, and thereby reduces greenhouse gas emissions, which can technically contribute to achieving the government's '2050 Net-Zero' policy goal.

[0014] In other words, the present invention can drastically reduce energy consumption compared to existing shower facilities by organically combining three energy-saving mechanisms: heat conservation (closed loop), waste heat recycling (heat exchange), and minimization of energy input (two-stage heating). This improvement in energy efficiency directly contributes to the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions resulting from fossil fuel-based power generation, and this can serve as a concrete and practical technical solution that contributes to achieving national carbon neutrality goals.

[0015] In addition, the present invention further includes a water quality improvement module that lowers the hardness of the water supplied to the shower section and adjusts the pH, thereby fundamentally preventing slipperiness caused by the formation of soap residue. Through this, it has the effect of maximizing safety by significantly reducing the risk of falls that elderly users may experience due to slipperiness. This softened and neutralized water causes less skin irritation and leaves no residue after washing, providing the user with a significantly pleasant and soft shower experience, and can increase the convenience of maintenance by preventing limescale from accumulating inside the device. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall external configuration of a shower and drying device according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic front view showing the internal configuration of a shower and drying device according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram showing a specific implementation method of the energy-circulating drying system of the present invention. Figure 4 is a conceptual diagram visually explaining the operating principle of the waste heat recovery system of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing the role of air flow control of a honeycomb structure that can be applied to the heater part of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a control system block diagram showing the connection relationship between the central control unit for integrated control of the present invention and various sensors and driving units. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the water quality improvement module of the present invention in detail. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0017] The shower and drying device (100) of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0018] The shower and drying device (100) of the present invention may be a single unit designed so that all functions necessary for personal hygiene, such as showering, drying, and hygiene management, are completed within a single independent space. The greatest feature of the shower and drying device (100) of the present invention is that it may have a closed cell structure that is completely separated from the external environment.

[0019] This shows a fundamental difference from conventional open bathroom structures, where heat and steam generated during showering and the hot air energy used during drying easily dissipate to the outside, which can result in significant energy loss. However, the closed cell structure (100) of the present invention can maximize energy efficiency by trapping and conserving all energy within the housing (110) and recycling it through the waste heat recovery system and air circulation system described later. This may embody the core concept of an eco-friendly integrated cell that prevents energy from being wasted to the outside.

[0020] In FIG. 1, the shower and drying device (100) may include at least one of a housing (110), a door (120), and a control panel (130).

[0021] Housing (110) refers to the entire structure forming the outer frame and walls of the integrated booth (100) and has the following characteristics.

[0022] The housing (110) is in the shape of a streamlined capsule with rounded corners, which can provide the user with a sense of visual stability and a sophisticated impression. Additionally, the design incorporates the concept of efficiently utilizing space-time, such as a wormhole, allowing for efficient installation and use even in narrow spaces. A circular LED light may be installed on the front top of the housing (110), which can function as an indicator light to show the power status or whether it is in use.

[0023] The material of the housing (110) may include ABS reinforced plastic or FRP (fiber-reinforced plastic) which have excellent durability and water resistance, and the frame may be made of lightweight and sturdy aluminum. The selection of these materials is intended to maintain the shape and function of the product without deformation or corrosion even in environments exposed to moisture for a long period of time. In particular, considering that a UV-C sterilization lamp (250) is installed inside, UV-resistant plastic that is strong against ultraviolet rays may be used.

[0024] The housing (110) may adopt a modular design in which each part is prefabricated in a factory and assembled on-site. This allows for relatively simple installation without complex on-site construction and provides the convenience of being ready for use with only water supply, drainage, and power connections, similar to a washing machine. That is, the housing (110) may be configured to adopt a modular design in which modules prefabricated in a factory are assembled on-site, so that installation is completed with only water supply, drainage, and power connections. Specifically, the housing (110) is formed by assembling multiple panel members on-site, and the multiple panel members may include functional panels in which the main components of a drying system, including at least one of a blower unit (320), a heat exchanger (310), and a heater unit, are integrally combined in the factory. The installation may be characterized by being completed with only the assembly of multiple panel members including such functional panels and connections to external water supply, drainage, and power facilities.

[0025] The door (120) serves as a passage for the user to enter and exit the housing (110) and can also function to completely seal the interior space from the outside when in use.

[0026] The material of the door (120) can be transparent or translucent tempered glass to minimize the feeling of stuffiness or confinement that a user may feel in a closed space and to provide a sense of visual openness.

[0027] In terms of safety interlocking, the door (120) may be equipped with a door sensor (540) that detects its open / closed state. The door sensor (540) is linked with a central control unit (500) (MCU, 500) to perform a safe interlock function that prevents the UV-C sterilization lamp (250) or high-power drying system from operating when the door (120) is not in a completely closed state.

[0028] The control panel (130) may be a core user interface (HMI) through which the user sets all functions of the integrated booth (100) and checks the current status. Through the control panel (130), the user can set settings according to their personal preferences, such as the temperature of the shower water, the wind speed and temperature during drying, and the operating time. In addition, it can perform a real-time data feedback function, which is one of the important features of the present invention.

[0029] Real-time water and electricity usage measured from a humidity sensor (510), a temperature sensor (520), a power sensor (530), a door sensor (540), a flow sensor, etc. is displayed on the screen, which can help the user intuitively recognize their energy consumption and encourage voluntary saving.

[0030] In FIG. 2, a schematic front view showing the internal configuration of the shower and drying device (100) of the present invention is shown. The interior of the shower and drying device (100) can have various components ergonomically arranged so that the user can conveniently and safely perform showering, drying, and hygiene management.

[0031] The shower and drying device (100) may include at least one of a shower section (210), a drainage section (220), a hot air spraying section (230) including an upper nozzle (230a) and a lower nozzle (230b), a chair (240), and a sterilization lamp (250).

[0032] The shower section (210) is a part that supplies washing water to the user, and may include two types of spray devices, a fixed shower head and a movable shower head, to maximize user convenience.

[0033] The hot air spray unit (230) is a part that performs full-body drying, which is one of the core functions of the present invention, and multiple nozzles may be ergonomically arranged to maximize drying efficiency and user comfort. This can be designed to provide drying optimized for each body part, going beyond simply spraying hot air.

[0034] The upper nozzle (230a) is located at the rear or upper side inside the shower and drying device (100) and can serve to intensively dry the upper body, such as the user's hair, shoulders, and back, which take relatively long to dry.

[0035] The lower nozzle (230b) is positioned at the middle-lower part of the wall so that it can effectively dry the legs, feet, and lower body parts that are not easily exposed to wind. This upper and lower separation prevents excessive heat concentration in specific areas and allows for the uniform removal of moisture from the entire body in a short time, thereby increasing the efficiency and completeness of full-body drying.

[0036] A sterilization lamp (250), such as UV-C ultraviolet light, may be installed at the top interior of the shower and drying device (100). The sterilization lamp (250) may be automatically turned on under the control of the control unit (500) after the user leaves the booth. The lit lamp (250) irradiates ultraviolet light of a wavelength that may be harmful to the human body, thereby performing an active hygiene management function to sterilize bacteria, viruses, mold, etc. that may remain on the interior surface of the device (100) and in the air. This fundamentally blocks the risk of cross-infection that may occur on towels or the bathroom floor, and can always provide a pleasant and hygienic shower environment.

[0037] Figure 3 shows a specific implementation method of the energy-circulating drying system, which is the most important technical concept of the present invention, and is divided into a shower space (102) where the user stays and an equipment space (104) where the actual system components are located.

[0038] An intake port (106) and a nozzle (108), which serve as passages for air movement, may be installed in the wall separating the shower space (102) and the equipment space (104). The intake port (106) is a passage for drawing air from inside the shower space (102) into the equipment space (104), and the nozzle (108) is a passage for blowing hot air heated in the equipment space (104) back into the shower space (102). At least one of a blower unit (320), a heat exchanger unit (310), and a heater unit (330), which constitute the drying system of the present invention, may be arranged in the equipment space (104).

[0039] That is, the interior of the housing (110) may be partitioned into a shower space (102) where the user is located and an equipment space (104) where a heat exchanger (310) and a blower (320) are arranged, and in the partition between the shower space (102) and the equipment space (104), an intake port (106) for introducing air from the shower space (102) into the equipment space (104) and a nozzle (108) for spraying preheated air from the equipment space (104) into the shower space (102) through an air circulation path (350) may be formed.

[0040] The blower unit (320) can serve as a power source for forcibly circulating air within the closed air circulation path loop (350). It can draw in air from the shower space (102) through the intake port (106) and push the air into the heat exchange unit (310) and the heater unit (330).

[0041] The heat exchanger (310) may be a core component responsible for the waste heat recovery function of the present invention. In one embodiment, two independent passages may be provided inside the heat exchanger (310), one through which wastewater passes and the other through which drying air passes. These two fluids do not mix with each other but exchange only heat, thereby performing a preheating function that preheats the air using the heat of the wastewater.

[0042] The heater section (330, e.g., PTC Heater) may include a honeycomb structure (400). The heater section (330) may be a main heating device that ultimately heats the air to produce high-temperature hot air suitable for drying. Air preheated in the heat exchange section (310) passes through here and is heated once more, after which it can be supplied to the shower space (102) through the nozzle (108).

[0043] The solid and dotted lines shown in FIG. 3 represent a waste heat path (370) and an air circulation path (350), respectively, and these two paths operate independently of each other but are organically connected through a heat exchanger (310) to exchange energy.

[0044] The waste heat path (370) can serve to supply initial thermal energy to the shower and drying device (100) or the shower space (102). Warm wastewater from the floor drain of the shower space (102) can travel along the waste heat path (370) to the equipment space (104).

[0045] In heat exchange, wastewater flows into the heat exchanger (310) and, while flowing inside, can transfer its heat to the air circulation path (350). The water, having lost heat and become cold, can finally be discharged to the sewer (390) through the outlet of the heat exchanger (310).

[0046] The air circulation path (dotted line 350) can serve to heat the air supplied to the user by utilizing heat obtained from wastewater and heat from the heater.

[0047] It can be interpreted as operating as a single closed loop (350) as follows. Air inside the shower space (102) can be drawn into the equipment space (104) through the intake port (106), and the blower (320) can draw in this air and make it into a strong wind to push it to the next stage.

[0048] The air coming out of the blower unit (320) can pass through the heat exchange unit (310), and in this process, the air can be primarily heated by heat received from the wastewater to become preheated air (preheating, primary heating). The preheated air passes through the heater unit (330) and can be finally heated into high-temperature hot air suitable for drying (main heating, secondary heating).

[0049] The heated hot air can be sprayed back into the shower space (102) through the nozzle (108) or the hot air sprayer (230) to dry the user's body.

[0050] The air sprayed into the shower space (102) is sucked back in through the intake port (106) to repeat the above process, which can complete a closed-loop circulation that minimizes heat loss to the outside.

[0051] That is, air circulating through the air circulation path (350) can be drawn in from inside the housing (110) by the blower (320), then passed through the heat exchanger (310) to be preheated, then passed through the heater (330) to be heated, and then injected back into the housing (110) through the nozzle (108).

[0052] In FIG. 3, two important principles for maximizing energy efficiency and increasing user convenience, which are the core technical concepts of the present invention, are implemented.

[0053] The biggest feature of the shower and drying device (100) may be the two-stage heating method. If the outside cold air is heated directly by only the heater part (330), a huge amount of power may be consumed.

[0054] However, the present invention preheats the air using the heat of wastewater discarded from the heat exchanger (310), and the heater (330) can perform only the role of raising the preheated air to a target temperature. This may be a key principle that reduces the total amount of energy that the heater (330) must bear, thereby dramatically increasing the energy efficiency of the entire system.

[0055] Another key feature of the present invention may be heat preservation through closed-loop circulation (350), i.e., closed-loop air circulation (350). Once heated during the drying process, the air is not discarded to the outside but continues to circulate and be reused within the device (100). This eliminates the need to continuously heat the outside cold air, thereby minimizing heat loss and maintaining a constant temperature within the device (100), which can provide a comfortable drying environment for the user.

[0056] Therefore, the present invention can achieve optimal drying performance with minimal energy by organically combining waste heat recovery technology that recycles wasted energy and closed-loop circulation technology that preserves and reuses that energy.

[0057] FIG. 4 may be a conceptual diagram visually explaining the operating principle of the waste heat recovery system of the present invention. It shows how two different fluids that are not physically mixed, namely hot wastewater and cold air, efficiently exchange only thermal energy through a heat exchanger (310).

[0058] The heat exchanger (310) may be a core component that acts as the heart of the present invention, increasing energy efficiency. In one embodiment, the interior of the heat exchanger (310) may be composed of two independent flow paths. Hot wastewater may flow through one flow path (red), and cold air may flow through the other flow path (blue). These two flow paths are separated by a thin wall, and although they do not mix directly, heat can be transferred through the wall.

[0059] The heat exchanger (310) can serve as a bridge connecting the waste heat recovery system and the closed-loop air circulation drying system of the present invention. That is, by recovering the energy of the discarded wastewater and performing a preheating process to preheat the air to be used for drying, it can play a decisive role in reducing the energy consumption burden of the PTC heater (330) to be described later.

[0060] The wastewater path (370) can serve to supply waste heat energy.

[0061] Hot wastewater is warm water collected from the drain (220) after the user finishes showering. If this wastewater is discarded as is, it is merely sewage, but in the present invention, it is utilized as a valuable recoverable thermal energy resource. The hot wastewater can flow along an independent passage (red) inside the heat exchanger (310). While flowing, the wastewater transfers its heat to the cold air flowing through the adjacent passage via the walls of the heat exchanger (310). The wastewater, having lost its heat, becomes cold water with a significantly lower temperature and can finally be discharged into the sewer (390). This indicates that the thermal energy contained in the wastewater has been successfully recovered.

[0062] That is, the heat exchanger (310) is configured to include a first flow path into which wastewater flows; and a second flow path into which air circulating along an air circulation path (350) flows; and the heat of the wastewater flowing in the first flow path can be transferred to the air flowing in the second flow path while the first flow path and the second flow path are isolated so as not to mix with each other.

[0063] The air path (350, Air Path) can serve to absorb and recycle wasted thermal energy. The cold air connected to the blower (320) may refer to the air inside the shower space (!02) at a relatively low temperature, which the blower (320) has just started circulating for the drying cycle.

[0064] This cold air is forced to flow along an independent passage (blue) inside the heat exchanger (310). While flowing, the air can receive and absorb heat from the hot wastewater flowing through the adjacent passage via the wall of the heat exchanger (310). As a result, the air is heated, and the upward arrow indicates the process of the air being forcibly transported from bottom to top by the blower (320). This air, which is heated primarily by absorbing heat from the wastewater, now becomes preheated air, and this preheated air is sent to the next stage, the heater (330), where it can be heated into high-temperature hot air required for drying. In one embodiment, the preheating process may be the core energy-saving principle of the present invention, which reduces the total amount of energy that the heater (330) must use. In particular, a counter-flow method in which two fluids flow in opposite directions can be effective by maximizing heat exchange efficiency.

[0065] FIG. 5 illustrates the role of the honeycomb structure (400) applied to the heater unit (330) of the present invention. The honeycomb structure (400) performs a multifunctional role that simultaneously improves drying efficiency and user comfort, and its first key function may be the control of air flow. Irregular air flow entering or exiting the honeycomb structure (400) may be called turbulent flow (410), and uniform air flow passing through the honeycomb structure (400) may be called rectified air flow (420).

[0066] The wind generated by the blower (320) of the present invention may have the characteristics of turbulent flow (410), which is essentially full of swirls and has an irregular direction. The turbulent air flow (410) depicted by the wavy arrow on the left side of FIG. 5 represents this state, and this irregular wind (410) does not reach the body evenly, which can reduce drying efficiency and cause discomfort to the user.

[0067] To solve this problem, the present invention places a honeycomb structure (400) within an air circulation path (350), and in particular, enables the heater part (330) itself to have a honeycomb structure. The honeycomb structure (400) may have a structure in which a plurality of fine hexagonal passages are arranged like a honeycomb. As the turbulent airflow (410) passes through these numerous parallel passages, the vortex and lateral flow of the air are suppressed and the direction is aligned to one side, so that it can become a rectified airflow (Laminar Airflow, 420).

[0068] Air passing through the honeycomb structure (400) can be converted into a rectified (or near-laminar) airflow (420) with uniform direction and speed, as depicted by the straight arrow on the right side of FIG. 5. This airflow control function can ensure that when the air is sprayed into the shower space (102) through the nozzle (108) or hot air sprayer (230) heated by the heater unit (330), the air is delivered evenly and intensively to the user without scattering. As a result, it can play a key role in preventing heat from concentrating on specific areas, shortening the overall drying time, and providing a soft and pleasant breeze to the user.

[0069] The honeycomb structure (400) may have the characteristic of maximizing the surface area per unit volume. This large surface area can dramatically improve heat transfer efficiency and contribute to energy saving. This characteristic may be most effective when applied to a honeycomb PTC heater (330). That is, the heater part (330) itself may be made of a honeycomb-shaped ceramic heating element.

[0070] Thanks to the large surface area of ​​the honeycomb structure (400), heat can be transferred very efficiently even during the short moment that air passes through the heater section (330). This means that warm air at the desired temperature can be generated quickly with less power, and the drying time can be shortened, resulting in an indirect energy saving effect. Since the honeycomb structure (400) is structured to allow air to pass through smoothly, a high airflow can be maintained while minimizing the load (pressure loss) on the blower section (320).

[0071] The honeycomb structure (400) can perform the function of an ideal support for fixing a catalyst for air purification or deodorization. The honeycomb structure (400) can be placed in the air circulation path (350) of the drying system by coating a photocatalyst or a deodorizing catalyst material such as platinum or manganese onto the surface of a honeycomb structure made of ceramic or metal material. The large surface area of ​​the honeycomb structure (400) maximizes the opportunity for sweat or mold odor molecules in the circulating air to come into contact with the catalyst, thereby increasing the efficiency of the deodorization and air purification reaction, and can provide the user with a hygienic function that manages the air quality inside the shower and drying device (100) comfortably, going beyond a simple drying function.

[0072] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an integrated control system that intelligently controls the components of a shower and drying device (100) according to the present invention. The system may be composed of a central control unit (500, MCU), an input unit that receives inputs from a plurality of sensors and user commands, and an output unit (driving unit) that actually performs various functions.

[0073] The control unit (500) can be responsible for all operations, logical judgments, and control of the present invention. Specifically, it can collect and process user commands (e.g., desired temperature, drying time) and various sensor data (e.g., current humidity, temperature) in real time from the input unit. Based on the processed information, it can send accurate control signals to each driving device included in the output unit, such as the blower unit (320) and heater unit (330), to manage and control the entire system so that all functions, such as showering, drying, and sterilization, operate organically.

[0074] The input section is a part that provides all information necessary for the control section (500) to judge the situation and make a decision, and can be composed of direct commands from the user and environmental data collected from various sensors.

[0075] The control panel (130) is a touchscreen-based interface in which the user directly inputs desired functions and settings, such as shower temperature, drying intensity, and operating time. The control unit (500) receives this signal and can perform basic commands to operate the entire system according to the user's requirements.

[0076] A humidity sensor (510) can measure the relative humidity inside the shower and drying device (100) in real time and transmit it to a control unit (500). This can perform a smart drying function that automatically determines when drying is complete and prevents unnecessary power waste.

[0077] The temperature sensor (520) measures the temperature of hot water and hot air, and can maintain the temperature set by the user at a constant level and prevent safety accidents such as burns caused by overheating.

[0078] Power Sensor (530): It can measure real-time electricity usage data of the shower and drying device (100), and this data is processed by the control unit (500) and displayed on the control panel (130), thereby helping the user intuitively recognize energy consumption and encourage saving.

[0079] A door sensor (540) is a safety device that detects the open / closed state of the door (120) and transmits it to a control unit (500). The control unit (500) can ensure user safety by controlling the UV-C sterilization lamp (250) or high-power drying system to operate only when the door is completely closed.

[0080] The output unit may be a driving device that performs actual physical operation by receiving a control signal from the control unit (500). The instant water heater (550) can immediately heat and supply hot water for showering according to the signal from the control unit (500). It can be precisely controlled to match the temperature set by the user on the control panel (130).

[0081] The heater unit (PTC Heater, 330) is a main heating device that heats air to generate hot air for drying, and the control unit (500) can create an optimal drying environment by adjusting the output of the heater unit (330) based on the values ​​of the temperature sensor (520) and the humidity sensor (510).

[0082] The blower unit (320) generates drying air and circulates air inside the shower and drying device (100), and the control unit (500) operates in conjunction with the heater unit (330) in drying mode and can operate independently in ventilation mode if necessary.

[0083] A sterilization lamp (UV-C Lamp, 250) can be turned on only when safety is ensured through the door sensor (540) after use, under the control of the control unit (500), to sterilize the inside of the shower and drying device (100).

[0084] To summarize, the overall operation flow of the integrated control system according to the present invention will be explained in detail step by step with reference to FIG. 6.

[0085] Based on user commands and sensor detection values, the control unit (500) organically controls each driving unit, thereby automating and optimizing the entire process from showering to drying and hygiene management.

[0086] When a user enters the shower and drying device (100), inputs a shower start command through the control panel (130), and sets a desired temperature, the command signal can be transmitted to the control unit (500). The control unit (MCU, 500) can receive this command and send an operation signal to the instantaneous water heater (550). At the same time, the temperature sensor (520) continuously measures the current water temperature and provides feedback to the control unit (500), and the control unit (500) can fine-tune the output of the instantaneous water heater (550) based on this feedback value to control the supply of hot water at the temperature set by the user at a constant rate.

[0087] The control unit (500) can optimize energy usage by collecting user environment and usage data in real time and analyzing or processing it through a machine learning-based algorithm, and can provide customized control services based on the user's usage patterns and preferences.

[0088] In this way, the AI-based control unit (500) of the present invention can perform the role of intelligently operating the system by learning and analyzing collected data, going beyond simple automation functions. Specifically, the control unit (500) can accumulate user environment and usage data collected in real time from multiple sensors, such as a humidity sensor (510), a temperature sensor (520), a power sensor (530), and a flow sensor. The big data accumulated in this way can be analyzed through an AI algorithm including a machine learning-based algorithm.

[0089] Additionally, after the shower ends, if the user selects to start drying on the control panel (130), the control unit (500) can issue an operation command to the blower unit (320) and the heater unit (330) simultaneously. The blower unit (320) starts air circulation along the air circulation path (350), and the PTC heater (330) can heat this air to generate warm air.

[0090] During this process, the humidity sensor (510) can detect the humidity inside the shower and drying device (100) in real time and transmit it to the control unit (500). When the control unit (500) reaches a preset target humidity value, it determines that the user is dry and can automatically stop the operation of the blower unit (320) and the heater unit (330). This is a smart drying function that maximizes energy efficiency compared to a fixed timer method.

[0091] Additionally, when the user finishes using the booth and exits, the door sensor (540) detects that the door is closed and there is no user inside and sends a signal to the control unit (500). The control unit (500) sends a signal to the UV-C lamp (250) to turn on only after confirming this safety signal, thereby automatically sterilizing the interior space for a set period of time. If the door opens during sterilization, the control unit (500) immediately stops the operation of the UV-C lamp (250) in accordance with the signal from the door sensor (540) to ensure the user's safety.

[0092] Additionally, throughout the entire process of showering and drying, the power sensor (530) and the door sensor (540) (or flow sensor) can continuously detect the electricity usage and door status, respectively. The control unit (500) collects and processes this data and displays it in real time on the control panel (130), thereby providing useful information to the user and encouraging energy saving.

[0094] The water quality improvement structure of the present invention is described according to FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 7.

[0095] In FIG. 3, the shower and drying device (100) of the present invention may include a water quality improvement structure comprising a water quality improvement module (600) capable of improving the water quality of water supplied to the shower unit (210) in order to maximize user safety and satisfaction.

[0096] In terms of the purpose of water quality improvement structures, tap water generally supplied to households may contain large amounts of mineral components such as calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) depending on the region, resulting in high hardness; furthermore, it often exhibits a weak alkaline nature due to residual components from the water treatment process. When this water comes into contact with soap, the fatty acid components of the soap can combine with mineral ions in the water to form insoluble salts, such as soap residue. If these insoluble salts remain on the skin, they are not easily removed even after rinsing multiple times with water, causing a distinctive slippery sensation. This slipperiness goes beyond mere discomfort; it causes anxiety by making users mistakenly believe that the floor or their body is still slippery due to the soap residue. Moreover, particularly for elderly users with reduced balance, it can induce unnecessary movements, potentially leading to falls and posing a serious safety risk.

[0097] Accordingly, the shower and drying device (100) of the present invention, which includes a water quality improvement module (600), can perform a water softening function that lowers the water hardness or a neutralization function that adjusts the water's acidity (pH) to a state most friendly to the skin, thereby fundamentally eliminating the cause of such slipperiness and providing the safest and most pleasant shower environment.

[0098] The water quality improvement function of the present invention may be organically integrated within a shower and drying device (100) system rather than being an independent device, and the water quality improvement module (600), which is the core of the water quality improvement function, may be placed inside the shower space (102) or equipment space (104).

[0099] The water quality improvement module (600) can be installed before the water flowing in from the external water source (10) is heated in the instantaneous water heater (550). In one embodiment, the water supply path can be connected in the order of external water source (10) → water quality improvement module (600) → instantaneous water heater (550) → shower section (210). By connecting in this way, the hot / cold water supplied to the shower section (210) undergoes softening or neutralization treatment before being heated, thereby maximizing the water quality improvement effect.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 7, the water quality improvement module (600) may include at least one of a cartridge housing (602), an ion exchange unit (610), a pH control unit (620), an inlet (632), and an outlet (634).

[0101] The ion exchange unit (610) can primarily perform a water softening function to soften the water, which may be to remove hardness components that are a major cause of slipperiness in tap water.

[0102] In one embodiment, the interior of the ion exchange unit (610) may be filled with a cation exchange resin filter. This resin may be in the form of numerous fine beads and may contain a large amount of sodium ions (Na+) on its surface. When hard water passes through the ion exchange unit (610), calcium ions (Ca2+) and magnesium ions (Mg2+) dissolved in the water may be adsorbed onto the resin.

[0103] At this time, the resin can perform ion exchange by releasing the sodium ions (Na+) it possesses into the water. As a result, calcium and magnesium ions in the water are removed and replaced with sodium ions, and the water can be converted into soft water with low hardness.

[0104] Accordingly, this results in reduced slipperiness and enhanced safety. Specifically, the ion exchange process suppresses the formation of soap residue, which is the primary cause of slipperiness, thereby significantly reducing user discomfort and the risk of falls caused by slipperiness. Furthermore, soft water creates rich lather for soap or shampoo, improving cleaning power; it leaves no residue on the skin after washing, providing a softer and more pleasant user experience; and it facilitates hygienic maintenance by preventing limescale buildup on the shower walls or showerhead.

[0105] The pH control unit (620) can adjust the acidity (pH) of the soft water that has passed through the ion exchange unit (610) to create a neutral or slightly acidic state (pH 6.5 to 7.0) that is most ideal for the skin. It may contain a mineral adjustment filter or a ceramic balancer, and these can dissolve a small amount of minerals in the water or suppress alkalinity through an ion reaction and adjust the hydrogen ion concentration to finally stabilize the pH of the water supplied to the shower space (102) through the shower unit (210).

[0106] Since the skin's natural protective barrier, the acidic film, is slightly acidic, showering with water of a similar pH can minimize skin irritation. This is particularly beneficial for users with sensitive skin or infants, and can help maintain a healthy skin condition.

[0107] The water quality improvement module (600) is configured with an ion exchange unit (610) and a pH control unit (620) as a single integrated module, allowing the user to easily replace it. The ion exchange unit (610) and the pH control unit (620) are placed together inside a single cylindrical cartridge housing (602), so that when the filter reaches the end of its life, the user can easily replace the entire water quality improvement module (600) just like replacing a water purifier filter.

[0108] Accordingly, since the user only needs to replace the water quality improvement module (600) without replacing complex internal parts, the convenience of maintenance can be dramatically improved. This can serve as an important factor in increasing user satisfaction during long-term product use.

[0109] In addition, a microbubble nozzle part may be additionally provided. Fine air bubbles (microbubbles) can be mixed and sprayed into the shower head that ultimately sprays water through the microbubble nozzle part, and the microbubbles can penetrate deep into the pores of the skin to increase cleansing power, while simultaneously reducing the surface area where water molecules come into direct contact with the skin, thereby providing an additional effect of suppressing the slippery feeling. Explanation of the symbols

[0110] 10... External water source 100... Shower and drying unit 102... Shower space 104... Equipment space 106... Intake 108... nozzle 110... housing 120... Door 130... Control Panel 210... shower section 220... drain section 230... Hot air spray section 230a... Upper nozzle 230b... lower nozzle 240... chair 250... Sterilization lamp 310... Heat exchanger 320... Blower unit 330... Heater unit 350... Air circulation path 370... Wastewater path 390... Sewer 400... Honeycomb structure 410... Turbulence 420... Stagnated airflow 500... Control unit 510... Humidity sensor 520... Temperature sensor 530... Power sensor 540... Door sensor 550... Instant water heater 600... Water quality improvement module 602... Cartridge housing 610... Ion exchange unit 620... pH control unit 632... Inlet 634... Outlet

Claims

Claim 1 A shower and drying device comprising: a housing having an internal space; a shower unit installed inside the housing for spraying water; and a heat exchanger and a blower unit for supplying air into the housing for drying; wherein the heat exchanger recovers thermal energy of wastewater discharged from the shower unit, and the blower unit forms an air circulation path that preheats the air by passing it through the heat exchanger during the process of circulating air inside the housing, and the heat exchanger includes a first path through which the wastewater flows and is introduced, and a second path through which air circulating along the air circulation path flows and is introduced, and wherein the first path and the second path are isolated so as not to mix with each other, and the heat of the wastewater flowing in the first path is transferred to the air flowing in the second path, and a heater unit disposed at the rear end of the heat exchanger on the air circulation path to finally heat the preheated air. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 A shower and drying device according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes a heater unit that heats air preheated by passing through the heat exchanger, and the heater unit includes a honeycomb structure that rectifies the flow of incoming air, and the preheated air is heated and its flow is rectified while passing through a plurality of passages of the honeycomb structure. Claim 4 A shower and drying device according to claim 1, wherein the interior of the housing is partitioned into a shower space where a user is located and an equipment space where the heat exchanger and the blower are arranged, and a partition wall between the shower space and the equipment space has an intake port for introducing air from the shower space into the equipment space; and a nozzle for spraying preheated air from the equipment space into the shower space through the air circulation path. Claim 5 A shower and drying device according to claim 1, comprising: a door sensor for detecting the door opening / closing state of the housing; a sterilization lamp for sterilizing the interior of the housing; and a control unit for allowing the operation of the sterilization lamp only when it is confirmed by the door sensor that the door is in a closed state. Claim 6 delete Claim 7 A shower and drying device according to claim 1, wherein air circulating through the air circulation path is sucked in from inside the housing by the blower, then passes through the heat exchanger to be preheated, then passes through the heater, then is heated, and then sprayed back into the housing through the nozzle. Claim 8 A shower and drying device according to claim 1, wherein the housing is formed by assembling a plurality of panel members on-site, and the plurality of panel members include a functional panel in which a component comprising at least one of the blower unit, heat exchange unit, and heater unit is integrally combined in advance at a factory, and the installation is completed solely by assembling the plurality of panel members including the functional panel and connecting to external water supply, drainage, and power facilities. Claim 9 In claim 1, the shower and drying device wherein the air circulation path forms a closed-loop structure that repeatedly recirculates air only within the housing without exchange with external air. Claim 10 A shower and drying device according to claim 1, comprising a water quality improvement module for improving the water quality of water supplied to the shower unit, wherein the water quality improvement module comprises: an ion exchange unit filled with a cation resin to remove calcium or magnesium ions contained in the water; and a pH control unit for adjusting the acidity (pH) of the water passing through the ion exchange unit to neutral or weakly acidic. Claim 11 A shower and drying device according to claim 1, comprising a water quality improvement module for improving the water quality of water supplied to the shower unit, wherein the water quality improvement module performs a water softening function that lowers hardness by replacing ions contained in the water and a neutralization function that adjusts the acidity (pH) of the water, and is characterized by being placed together inside a replaceable cartridge housing.

Images