CN109788877B - Intelligent shower compartment - Google Patents

Abstract

A Smart Shower Compartment (SSC) (100) is an enclosed compartment provided with a water-air jet system (WANS) that sprays soapy water/air, respectively, for washing, rinsing or drying purposes. Pure water/air or air alone. The SSC (100) includes a water tank (104) with heaters and sensors, a water pump (218), an air compressor (220) for spraying the water/air mixture, and piping with electronic valves for connection to the WANS/ Hose system. The SSC (100) is supported by an electronic control system that controls washing, rinsing, drying, water flow, air flow and pressure. The SSC (100) is provided with a height adjustable mesh chair (HANC) (110) which provides both safety and comfort without interfering with the wash, rinse and dry cycles. The SSC (100) does not require connection to a water/drainage system as it contains both a water tank and a drain tank. Therefore, the SSC (100) is considered a portable system.

Description

Smart shower cubicle

technical field

The present invention relates generally to shower systems, and more particularly to an intelligent shower cubicle that provides a portable shower assembly with enclosed cubicles for the elderly and disabled.

Background technique

For those with reduced mobility, including the elderly and disabled, entering and leaving the usual shower room can be difficult. Most shower enclosures include raised walls for containing water inside the shower enclosure. Such a wall is a hindrance for some users because it requires the user to step over the wall to enter the bathroom. For those with reduced mobility due to injury or injury, this can be difficult and even dangerous because the user must step across the shower wall one leg at a time while balancing on one foot. While this is easily accomplished by a person of normal health and strength, physical impairment and age can rapidly reduce a person's ability to perform such daily activities.

Therefore, there is a need for a smart shower cubicle that solves the above-mentioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A Smart Shower Compartment (SSC) is an enclosed compartment provided with a water-air jet system (WANS) that sprays soapy water/air, pure water/water, respectively, for washing, rinsing or drying purposes. air or air alone. The SSC contains a water tank with heater and sensors, a water pump, an air compressor that sprays a water/air mixture, and a piping/hose system with electronic valves connected to the WANS. The SSC is supported by an electronic control system that controls washing, rinsing, drying, water flow, air flow and pressure. The SSC is provided with a height-adjustable mesh chair (HANC) that is safe and comfortable and does not interfere with the washing, rinsing and drying cycle. The SSC does not require a water/drainage connection as it contains both a water tank and a drain tank. Therefore, SSC is considered a portable system.

These and other features of the present invention will become apparent upon further reading of the following specification and drawings.

Description of drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a smart shower cubicle according to the present invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a system design of a smart shower cubicle according to the present invention.

3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a hot air system of a smart shower cubicle according to the present invention.

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the hydraulic system of the smart shower cubicle according to the present invention.

Like reference numerals indicate corresponding features throughout the drawings.

Detailed ways

A Smart Shower Compartment (SSC) is an enclosed compartment that includes a water-air sprinkler system (WANS) that sprays soapy water/air, pure water/air, respectively, for washing, rinsing, or drying purposes or air alone. The SSC contains a water tank with heater and sensors, a water pump and an air compressor for spraying the water/air mixture. A pipe/hose system with electronic valve is connected to WANS. The SSC is supported by an electronic control system that controls washing, rinsing, drying, water flow, air flow and pressure.

The SSC is provided with a height-adjustable mesh chair (HANC) that is safe and comfortable and does not interfere with the washing, rinsing and drying cycle. The SSC does not require connection to an external water/drainage system as it contains both a water tank and a drain tank. Therefore, SSC is considered a portable system.

The smart shower cubicle 100 of the present invention provides the elderly and disabled with dignity, independence and privacy, and greatly reduces the risk of bathroom injuries. The SSC can be used as a safe luxury tool for those who want a relaxing and rejuvenating bathing experience, while harnessing the power of compressed air and water to simultaneously achieve maximum cleaning and minimum water consumption. SSC provides hygiene where warm compressed air is used in the final stage of drying instead of towels. A heating system is used to regulate the water temperature.

The smart compartments are programmed to provide multiple programs, for example, a "full wash" program that includes a soapy water cycle, then a water wash cycle, and finally a warm air cycle for drying. Another program, "Refreshing Wash", involves only a cold water cycle followed by a drying cycle.

微控制器的系统。示例性Arduino微控制器电路可以通过

(Bluetooth是布鲁特斯SIG有限公司(Bluetooth SIG,Inc.)的注册商标。)(BT模块)与Sony Experia防水智能手机(或其他智能手机)通信，并运行循环程序。由于Arduino以12V DC运行；它连接至系统中的12V DC电源(SMPS)。Arduino具有用于实现这一目的的预编程的P1D控制器算法。由于液压系统中的电磁阀额定电压为24VAC，因此内置了24V变压器。使用机械继电器将该电源切换到电磁阀。继电器由触摸屏控制面板106的微控制器控制。In addition to the above loops, other different programs can be included. The touch screen control panel 106 is used for programming and can also be used as an entertainment tool. The touch screen control panel 106 may be a microprocessor-based system with additional components that facilitate programming and incorporation into other circuits, such as

microcontroller system. An exemplary Arduino microcontroller circuit can be

(Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.) (BT module) communicates with a Sony Experia waterproof smartphone (or other smartphone) and runs a loop program. Since the Arduino runs on 12V DC; it is connected to the 12V DC power supply (SMPS) in the system. Arduino has a pre-programmed P1D controller algorithm for this purpose. Since the solenoids in the hydraulic system are rated at 24VAC, a 24V transformer is built in. This power is switched to the solenoid valve using a mechanical relay. The relays are controlled by the microcontroller of the touch screen control panel 106 .

SSC uses a 25 gallon tank. Includes heating elements and sensors/thermostats, plunger pumps/motors, air compressors, high pressure hoses, plumbing, air-water sprinklers, soap dispensers, height-adjustable mesh chairs, tablets, plumbing fittings and spare parts. The components are connected electronically to provide programmability through the control panel 106 .

Referring now to FIG. 1 , the smart shower cubicle 100 of the present invention has an enclosure side wall 160 , an enclosure bottom wall 162 and an enclosure top wall 164 that define the interior volume of the compartment 100 . To facilitate access to the interior of the shower compartment, an access door 116 is provided along an opening in one of the side walls 160 to allow access through the access door 116 . The access door 116 pivots outwardly from the side wall 160, and the access door 116 is aligned with the opening in the side wall 160 to seal the compartment against water leakage when the access door 116 is closed. The SSC 100 is provided with a safety lock which can stop the entire system in an emergency as long as the entry door 116 is opened from the inside. The touch screen control panel 106 is disposed outside the enclosure top wall 164 . A hinged access door 108 is positioned along the opening of the enclosure top wall 164 . The access door 108 may have apertures provided to allow the user's limbs to pass through to access the touch screen control panel 106 .

The grid structure 112 defines the floor portion of the interior volume of the shower compartment, the grid structure 112 defining the floor portion is disposed above the enclosure bottom wall 162 and allows water to drain through the floor and into the enclosure bottom wall 162 . The water tank 104 is attached to the outer portion of one side wall 160 of the smart shower cubicle 100 . One or more water delivery spray heads 114 are disposed within the shower compartment and are operable through manifold 240 (shown in Figures 2 and 3). Plunger water pump 218 has an inlet connected to tank 104 by inlet supply line 230 . A connected inlet filter 232 may be provided between the water pump 218 and the water tank 104 . Bypass hose 234 may shunt the connection of inlet filter 232 to tank 104 . The shower gel container 224 corresponding to the control valve 222 is connected to the inlet portion of the water pump 218 .

The plunger of water pump 218 is connected to motor 216 which actuates the plunger to pressurize water flowing from the outlet of water pump 218 to high pressure line 228 , which supplies manifold 240 and soap delivery manifold 214 . The soap delivery manifold 214 feeds the soap delivery jets 213 . Air compressor 220 is also connected to manifold 240 to allow a regulated mixture of air and/or water to pass through water delivery spray head 114 .

As shown in FIG. 4, a drain pipe 406 is provided. A drain 406 may be provided in the enclosure bottom wall 162 and thus adapted to drain water from the enclosure bottom wall 162 . A drain tank may be connected at the drain connection, which receives and stores effluent from the drain 406 . The particular embodiment shown in FIG. 4 shows a hydraulic system 400 . The hydraulic system 400 is responsible for the wash and rinse cycles and includes a water inlet with a solenoid valve 408c positioned between the inlet and the water tank 104 . Initially, the water tank 104 is filled while monitoring the temperature. Solenoid valve 408c is used to fill the tank, while a built-in temperature sensor is used to monitor temperature. A water level/float switch 205 is provided in the water tank 104 to adjust the water level in the water tank 104 . The drain solenoid valve 408d is provided between the drain port of the water tank 104 and the drain pipe 406 . As long as the temperature is not within acceptable limits, water will flow through the drain solenoid valve 408d. When there is enough water in the tank (measured by the water level/float switch 205), the shower cycle begins. A drain/flow pump 410 is provided between the tank 104 and a pair of valves 408a and 408b. Valve 408a feeds manifold 452a, which feeds mist spray head 402. In one embodiment, there may be up to fourteen mist spray heads for the wetting cycle and eighteen spray heads for the soaping and showering cycles. Valve 408b feeds manifold 452b, which feeds showerhead 404. Disposed between the connection of the drain/flow pump 410 and the valves 408a and 408b is a dosing device including a liquid soap container 412 corresponding to a pressure pump 414 and a check valve 416. The wash cycle begins by activating the pump 410 and spraying water through the mist spray head 402 using the solenoid valve 408a. After "spraying" for a predetermined number of seconds, valve 408a is closed and valve 408b is opened to initiate flow through the shower head. Soap can be added to the shower by activating the small pressure pump 414.

Referring again to FIG. 1, a height adjustable mesh chair (HANC) 110 has a base 151 attached to a mesh structure 112 defining a floor portion and a telescoping tube 152 extending upwardly from the base 151, the mesh structure (mesh chair 110) Attached to the upper portion of the telescoping tube 152. As shown in FIG. 1, mesh chair 110 has an angled foot support portion, an angled calf support portion, an angled thigh/hip support portion, and an angled back support portion.

Additionally, a vertically extending water delivery tube 123 disposed along one of the enclosure side walls 160 connects the water delivery spray head 114 to the manifold 240 . The smart shower cubicle 100 is portable and can be pushed into its operable position due to the presence of wheels 102 on the outside of the enclosure bottom wall 162 .

As shown in Figure 3, the hot air delivery system 300 is responsible for the drying process (which begins after the shower cycle is completed) and the addition of warm air during the shower, and includes a centrifugal fan 301 connected to a hot air hose, the centrifugal fan 301 Hot air manifold 302 is supplied, which feeds hot air hose 340 , which is connected to hot air spray head 314 . It is also possible to supply air from the air compressor 220 instead of the centrifugal fan 301 so that the air compressor 220 can be connected to the hot air hose 303 . The heating element 326 is disposed within the hot air hose 303, which may have a temperature sensor embedded therein to monitor the hot air temperature. To regulate the power of the heating elements of the hot air delivery system 300, solid state relays (SSRs) have been used. A single-phase frequency converter 418 (shown in FIG. 4 ) powers the centrifugal fan 301 . A single-phase frequency converter 418 controls the speed of the centrifugal fan 301 (air pump in this embodiment). If the air compressor 220 is used instead of the centrifugal fan 301 to generate air, an electromagnetic air control valve is used to control the air flow. Four different settings have been programmed to be selected by programming in the microcontroller of the touch screen control panel 106 .

It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes any and all embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (16)

1. A smart shower stall, comprising:

a shower stall having an enclosure bottom wall, an enclosure top wall, and a plurality of enclosure sidewalls defining an interior volume, wherein one enclosure sidewall has defined therein a side opening configured to allow a user to step into the interior volume of the shower stall;

an access door attached to the enclosure sidewall defining the side opening therein, the access door adapted to operatively seal the side opening and prevent leakage when the access door is closed;

a grid structure defining a floor portion of the shower stall interior volume, the grid structure defining the floor portion being disposed above the enclosure bottom wall and allowing water to drain through the floor and into the enclosure bottom wall;

a water tank connected to an exterior portion of one sidewall of the shower stall;

a water pump connected to the water tank;

a manifold connected to the water pump;

at least one water delivery spray head disposed within the shower stall and operable through the manifold;

a drain disposed in the enclosure bottom wall and adapted to drain water from the enclosure bottom wall;

a drain tank connected to the drain pipe, the drain tank receiving and storing water drained from the bottom wall of the enclosure;

a height adjustable, mesh chair having a base attached to the floor section and telescoping tubes extending upwardly from the base, the telescoping tubes having an upper portion, the chair having a lattice structure support portion attached to the upper portion of the telescoping tubes;

a top opening defined in the enclosure top wall, the top opening adapted to allow a user to contact an exterior portion of the shower stall when the user is seated within the shower stall;

an access door attached to the enclosure top wall, the access door adapted to operatively seal the top opening and prevent leakage when the access door is closed, but still allow the user to access an exterior portion of the shower compartment;

a touch screen control panel operable by said at least one water delivery spout, said touch screen control panel disposed on said enclosure top wall, said touch screen control panel having means for programming said shower stall and displaying entertainment to said user.

2. A smart shower stall as claimed in claim 1, wherein the grid structure support section comprises:

a foot support portion disposed at an angle;

a lower leg support portion disposed at an angle;

an angled thigh/hip support portion; and

an angled back support portion.

3. The intelligent shower stall of claim 1, further comprising a roller on which the enclosure bottom wall is mounted.

4. The intelligent shower stall of claim 1, further comprising a water conduit disposed along at least one containment wall, the water conduit connecting the at least one water jet to the manifold.

5. The intelligent shower stall of claim 1, further comprising a thermostat disposed within the water tank and a heating element.

6. The intelligent shower stall of claim 1, further comprising:

a shower gel container disposed within the smart shower stall;

a control valve connected to the shower gel container, the water pump having an inlet connected to the control valve and the water tank;

a soap delivery manifold, the water pump having an outlet connected to the soap delivery manifold; and

a soap delivery nozzle disposed in the shower bay and connected to the soap delivery manifold.

7. The intelligent shower stall of claim 6, further comprising an inlet filter disposed between the water pump inlet and the water tank.

8. The intelligent shower stall of claim 6, wherein the water pump is a plunger pump.

9. The intelligent shower stall of claim 8, further comprising a plunger pump motor connected to the plunger pump for high pressure delivery of soap and water to the spray head.

10. The intelligent shower stall of claim 9, further comprising a single phase inverter connected to and powering the plunger pump.

11. The smart shower stall of claim 1, further comprising an air compressor connected to the manifold.

12. The smart shower stall of claim 11, further comprising an air heating element disposed between the air compressor and the manifold.

13. The intelligent shower stall of claim 12, further comprising a level/float switch disposed within the water tank for regulating the flow/level of water into the water tank.

14. The smart shower stall of claim 1, further comprising a solenoid valve connected between the water tank and the drain, the solenoid valve being selectively energized to allow water to drain directly from the water tank to the drain.

15. The intelligent shower stall of claim 14, further comprising means for draining the water tank until a desired water temperature in the water tank is reached.

16. The smart shower stall of claim 15, wherein the touch screen control panel further comprises means for initiating a shower, rinse and dry sequence applied to a user within the shower stall.

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