ES2309669T3 - SHOWER COVERS OR HYDROMASSAGE BATHTUBS WITH ELECTRICAL CONTROL UNIT. - Google Patents

Abstract

An interface device, particularly for shower cubicles (2) or whirlpool baths comprising a unit (3) for controlling and setting their operating cycle. The device comprises at least one sensor (6) for detecting a preset position of the user and at least one first button (10) and one second button (11), which can be activated by the at least one sensor (6). The at least one first and second buttons (10, 11) can be operated selectively by the user for the remote programming of the unit.

Description

Shower cubicles or whirlpools with electrical control unit

The present invention refers to shower cubicles or whirlpools with a device Interface.

In recent years there has been a considerable increased tendency to provide shower cubicles and bathtubs Whirlpool, mainly for domestic use, which have several functions to facilitate personal hygiene care activities and integrate them with new services capable of providing intense feeling of well-being and relaxation to the user, such as by example functions of hydromassage and sauna.

The increase in the number of these functions has required integration, within these known types of shower cubicles and hydromassage baths of hydraulic systems which have an increasing degree of complexity and are designed to get a wide range of ways to feed water or steam in the cubicle or bathtub and to adjust its temperature.

In addition, such known types of cubicle of shower and bathtub comprise sensors to detect parameters of chosen operation and valves that can be activated automatically to prevent damage or water overflow also as a result of inappropriate use by the Username.

In view of the complexity achieved by these known types of shower cubicles and bathtubs, users they particularly feel the need to control and activate the many functions offered by such shower cubicles and bathtubs a way that is simple and intuitive and from within during the use.

Currently, it is known to place within the shower cubicle or on the edge of the hot tub one type known unit to control and set its cycle operational

In the case of the shower cubicle, such a unit It is located on the inside of one of the side walls which constitute the cubicle enclosure, at such a height so that easy access by the user when the user is standing; such a unit comprises a screen, which shows for example the available functions, the active ones, and a chosen number of operating parameters of the shower cubicle, and a keyboard for establish the operating cycle of the shower cubicle.

In the case of the hot tub, said unit is located on the upper side edge of the tub or at one end of the tub and is arranged so that the screen face up or into the bathtub depending on its constructive form, so that it can be easily seen by the user.

The main drawback that can be observed in the use of these known types of unit to control and establish the operating cycle of shower cubicles and bathtubs Whirlpool is that they can only be programmed through a keyboard that is integrated into them or, in the case of the bathtub, located on its upper edge.

This entails the fact that the user looks forced to reach the point where said unit is located, by example standing up if you are sitting in a localized seat inside the shower cubicle or moving inside the bathtub until Keyboard location

As a partial solution to this problem, it is known to provide remote controls, for example of the type infrared or radio, by which it is possible to program remotely the unit to control and set the operating cycle of shower cubicles and whirlpools.

However, even this known solution It has drawbacks, the main one being the user's need to keep the remote control constantly at your fingertips, such remote control thus being exposed to damage and falls

Another drawback of this known solution is that the operation of the remote control always depends on the level of charging the batteries that make it work, which therefore must be controlled by the user and may cause interruptions sudden in the operation of said remote control.

DE 19962742 shows a shower cubicle that It has a control unit attached to a side wall of the cubicle. The control unit includes a plurality of switches of control in the form of wide area proximity detectors, for help the operation of the control unit for example by Users with poor eyesight.

The objective of the present invention is solve the problems mentioned above, eliminating drawbacks of the state of the art cited, providing a interface device that allows convenient programming and easy, by the user, the operating cycle of a shower cubicle or hot tub.

Within this objective, an object of the present invention is to provide an interface device that allow to offer a high security and stability in its use.

Another object is to provide a device for interface that is structurally simple and that has costs of low manufacturing.

In accordance with the invention, a interface device connected in a shower cubicle or bathtub whirlpool as defined in the claims attached.

Other features and advantages of the invention they will be better apparent from the description detailed of a particular embodiment example but not exclusive, illustrated by non-limiting example in the drawings that accompany those who:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a shower cubicle comprising an interface device according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a top view of a bathtub of hydromassage comprising an interface device according to the invention.

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a possible example of realization of a circuit to control and schedule a shower cubicle or hot tub comprising an interface device according to the invention.

In the exemplary embodiments that follow, the individual characteristics, given in relation to specific examples, can in fact be exchanged with others different characteristics that exist in other examples of examples of realization, as proposed by the following claims.

With reference to Figure 1, a device of interface is shown to be arranged in a shower cubicle, designated by reference number 2, of the type comprising a unit 3 to control and establish its operating cycle.

Unit 3 is generally located in the internal face 4 of a wall 5 of the shower cubicle 2, at a height which can be easily reached by a user who is standing inside the shower cubicle, and comprises a keyboard for your activation.

The interface device according to the present invention is constituted by at least one sensor 6, which is capable of detecting the presence of the user's body near the sensor.

The sensor 6 can be constituted for example by a mechanical or piezoelectric type switch, so both can be activated by direct contact with the body of the user, or by a proximity switch, therefore by example of inductive, ultrasonic, capacitive, infrared type or based on photocells, which is therefore able to detect the proximity of the user's body without requiring direct contact with he.

The at least one sensor 6 is arranged in one or more points of the shower cubicle or bathtub that are spaced from the keyboard of unit 3 to control and set them, to detect the presence of the user when the user is in a position from which you cannot easily access the keyboard.

If the interface device is applied to a shower cubicle, the at least one sensor 6 can for example be arranged on the surface to sit 7 or back 8 of a seat 9 located inside the cubicle, to detect the presence of the user when sitting in the seat 9.

In addition, sensor 6 has protection against water infiltrations at least equal for example to IP66 or greater according to IEC 529 standard if it is installed inside a cubicle of shower, to ensure high operational safety even during operating cycles that involve pouring considerable speed of water flow over it.

The interface device further comprises the minus a first button 10 and at least a second button 11, being both of the single state type and being electrically connected to unit 3 to control and establish its operating cycle.

The first and second buttons are normally deactivated and located at points that can be accessed easily by the user when said user is in position in which its presence is detected by said at least one sensor 6.

If sensor 6 is located at a point in the seat 9 of a shower cubicle 2, the first and second button they may be advantageously arranged in shower tray 12, in two positions that can be easily reached by the foot of the user who is sitting in said seat.

In addition, the first and second button must have high protection against water infiltration, for example at least equal to IP66 or higher according to IEC 529 standard if they are installed inside a shower cubicle, to ensure high operational safety even during operational cycles that entail pour a considerable rate of water flow over such buttons.

In addition, when sensor 6 detects the presence of the user in the chosen position, activate the first and second button 10 and 11, which in turn allow the user to program remotely drive 3 without having to move from the position that It is occupying.

In the case of the shower cubicle, the programming can therefore occur without forcing the user to leave the seat 9.

Advantageously, the first button 10 allows the movement of a cursor shown on a screen 13 that is part of unit 3, while the second button 11 allows to select the function that is currently highlighted by the cursor and can be performed by shower cubicle 2 and is constituted by example for a shower, whirlpool or sauna cycle.

For example, it is possible to associate with pressure from the first button 10 the generation of a series of sound tones that are diversified depending on the function selected, to allow rapid recognition even without requiring User check their correspondence on the screen.

Pressing the second button 11 can be matched by the generation of an additional sound tone that is different from the previous ones, to confirm that the function selected has been set; the generation of these signals acoustics can be very effective particularly if the user has vision problems.

Figure 3 illustrates, by means of a diagram schematic, a possible embodiment of a circuit for control and program a shower cubicle or a bathtub hydromassage in which the interface device according to the invention It has been installed.

The first button 10 and the second button 11 are electrically connected to an electronic control unit 14, which is provided for example within unit 3 to control and establish the operating cycle; screen 13 and optionally a keyboard 15 are also connected to the control unit 14.

The electronic control unit 14 is designed to process data entered using the keyboard 15 or by the first and second button 10 and 11, to show on the screen 13 the operational status, and to transmit said data to an electronic activation plate 16, whose intention is to activate the elements that constitute the water system of the cubicle of shower and manage the appearance, on screen 13, of the chosen parameters related to the operation of said elements.

Alternatively, the first and second button 10 and 11 can be connected directly to the activation board electronics 16; in this case, the orders given by the first and second button are transmitted to the electronic control unit 14 by said electronic activation plate 16, preferably in serial form.

In addition, the electronic control unit 14 is electrically connected to a plurality of sensors located at selected points of the shower cubicle or hot tub, such as sensors for detecting infrared rays emitted by an optional remote control, temperature sensors and / or vibration sensors.

The electronic activation plate 16 can comprise a control processor 17 for a plurality of actuators 18 and optional management of signals arriving from buttons 10 and 11 if they are electrically connected there, and a plurality of additional plates 19 constituted for example by sound reproduction units, input / output devices and interface systems.

Preferably, the first button 10 and the second button 11 are connected to an LED or a lamp, which are arranged in said buttons or integrated within them; the buttons are on and optionally flash when they are activated by sensor 6 to facilitate identification by the Username.

When the shower cubicle is in the condition standby, the sensor can also advantageously turn on and optionally it can act as a power button; once The shower cubicle has been activated, the sensor lighting It can be disconnected automatically.

Figure 2 illustrates a hot tub 120, in which an interface device according to the invention is installed; bathtub 120 is of the type provided with a unit 103 to control and establish its operating cycle, which is willing to by way of example at a first end 121 of said bathtub.

In this case, the sensor 106 may be advantageously located in a region or pad 122 located in a second end 123 that is opposite the first end 121, of said bathtub 120, and is therefore able to detect the presence of the user when said user is lying with his back arranged near end 123 or with its head resting on the cushion 122.

In this case, the first and second button 110 and 111 can be arranged respectively on the walls opposite sides of the bathtub at a height that can be reached easily by the user's hands when the user is lying inside the bathtub with its back near end 123 or with its head resting against cushion 122.

Profiled portions, located on the arms of the user, to support the arms while using the buttons 110 and 111 and thus prevent them from getting tired, they can be conveniently arranged on the side walls of the bathtub.

The sensor 106 and the first and second button 110 and 111 have a high level of protection against infiltration of water, for example equal to or greater than IP 67, according to the IEC standard 529 if installed in a hot tub, to ensure a high operational safety even if the operating cycles that provide your complete immersion for long periods are made.

The at least one sensor 106 and the first and second button 110 and 111 can be turned on, according to a logical system that is similar to that described with reference to the installation within a shower cubicle, also in the case where the device Interface is installed in a hot tub.

The operation of the interface device according to the invention implies that when the user of the shower cubicle or hot tub is in a position where its presence cannot be detected by the at least one sensor, the first and second button are disabled and therefore any pressure yours, even an accidental one, is ignored by the control unit electronic, the programming of said unit being possible, in such conditions, only by means of an auxiliary keyboard of the type known.

When the user instead is in a position in which its presence is detected by the at least one sensor, which advantageously corresponds to the position in which such user cannot easily access the unit keyboard To control and set the tub shower cubicle, the first and second button are activated automatically.

Therefore, the user, acting on the First and second button, you can position the virtual cursor shown on the unit screen to control and set the cubicle of shower or bathtub and select its functions that you want to activate, being also helped by the emission of a sound tone that is differentiated depending on the selected function.

Thus it has been discovered that the invention has achieved the objective and the intended objects, a device interface having been designed that allows programming convenient and easy by the user of the work cycle of a shower cubicle or a hot tub.

Another object achieved by the invention is Offer high security and stability in its use.

Where the technical elements mentioned in any claims are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included with the sole purpose of increase the intelligibility of the claims and so accordingly, such reference signs have no limiting effect any about the interpretation of each identified element by example for such reference signs.

Claims (14)

1. A shower cubicle (2) or a hot tub (120) comprising an interface device, the device being constituted by a unit (3; 103), with a keypad (15) to control and establish its operating cycle, at least one sensor (6; 106) for detecting a preset position of the user, and at least a first button (10; 110) and a second button (11; 111), said at least one sensor (6; 106) being arranged at one or more points of the shower cubicle (2) or bathtub (120), said first and second button (10, 11; 110, 111) being normally deactivated and located at points that can be easily accessed by the user when said user it is in the position where its presence is detected by said at least one sensor (6; 106), and said first and second button (10, 11; 110, 111) being activated by said at least one sensor (6; 106 ) when said at least one sensor (6; 106) detects the presence of the user in the chosen position, characterized by the fact that said at least one sensor (6; 106) it is spaced from said keyboard (15) of said control unit (3; 103) to in use detect the presence of the user when the user is in a position from which he cannot easily access the keyboard (15) of said unit of control (3; 103) and therefore activating said at least one first and second button (10, 11; 110, 111) whose buttons can then be selectively operated by the user for remote programming of said unit (3; 103 ). 2. The combination of claim 1, characterized in that said at least one sensor (6; 106) is constituted by a mechanical or ultrasonic type switch, which can be activated by direct contact with the user's body. 3. The combination of claim 1, characterized in that said at least one sensor (6; 106) is constituted by a switch of the proximity type, of the inductive, capacitive, infrared or photocell-based type. 4. The combination of claim 1, characterized in that said first and second button (10, 11; 110, 111), which are normally deactivated, are of the single state type and are electrically connected to said unit (3 ; 103) to control and establish the operating cycle of said shower cubicle (2) or hot tub (120). 5. The combination of claim 1, characterized in that said at least one first and second button (10, 11; 110, 111) are electrically connected to an electronic control unit (14) to manage the functions of said shower cubicle (2) or hot tub (120), said electronic control unit (14) being integrated or electrically connected to said unit (3; 103) to control and establish the operating cycle. 6. The combination of claim 4 characterized in that said at least one first and second button (10, 11; 110, 111) are electrically connected directly to an electronic board (16), which is connected to said electronic control unit (14), to activate the functions of said shower cubicle (2) or hot tub (120). 7. The combination of claim 1, characterized in that said at least one sensor (6) is arranged on the seating surface (7) and / or backrest (8) of a seat (9) located inside the cubicle of shower (2), in order to detect the presence of the user when said user is sitting in said seat (9), said at least a first and second button (10, 11) being placed in the shower tray (12) , in two chosen positions that can be easily reached by the foot of the user sitting in said seat (9). 8. The combination of claim 7, characterized in that said at least one sensor (6) and said first and second button (10, 11) have a water infiltration protection equal to or greater than IP66 according to the IEC standard 529 valid on the date of submission. 9. The combination of claim 1, characterized in that said at least one sensor (106) is arranged in a region or cushion (122) located at one end (123) of said bathtub (120), in order of detecting the presence of the user when said user is lying with his head resting there, said at least a first and second button (110, 111) being arranged respectively on the opposite side walls of said bathtub (120), at a height that can be easily reached by the user's hands when said user is lying inside said bathtub with his head resting on said cushion (122). 10. The combination of claim 9, characterized in that said at least one sensor (106) and said first and second button (110, 111) have protection against water infiltration. 11. The combination of one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first button (10; 110) allows the movement of a cursor that is shown on a screen (13) that is part of said unit (3 ; 103) to control and establish the operating cycle, while said second button (11; 111) allows to select the function of said shower cubicle (2) or hydromassage bathtub (120) which is then highlighted by said cursor. 12. The combination of claim 11, characterized in that the pressing of said first button (10; 110) is associated with the generation of a series of sound tones that are diversified according to the selected function, the pressing of said second button (11; 111) being paired by the generation of an additional sound tone, which differs from the previous ones, to confirm that the selected function has been set. 13. The combination of claim 12, characterized in that said first and second button (10, 11; 110, 111) are connected to an LED or a lamp, which are arranged there or integrated therein, said first and second button (10, 11; 110, 111) being turned on and optionally flashing when at least one sensor (6; 106) is activated, in order to facilitate its identification by the user. 14. The combination of claim 13, characterized in that when said shower cubicle (2) or said hot tub (120) is in the waiting position, said at least one sensor (6; 106) is turned on and optionally acts as a power button, the lighting of said at least one sensor (6; 106) being automatically deactivated once said shower cubicle (2) or said hot tub (120) has been activated.