WO1993014451A1

WO1993014451A1 - Electronically timed shower controller

Info

Publication number: WO1993014451A1
Application number: PCT/AU1993/000016
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gregory Allan Stokes; Ross Alexander Benge
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1992-01-20
Filing date: 1993-01-18
Publication date: 1993-07-22
Anticipated expiration: 1994-07-20

Abstract

An electronically controlled shower controller governing the time period and consumption of hot and cold shower water in domestic and commercial applications. Upon turning on shower taps a flow switch or sensor (1) activates and signals a central processing unit (2) which activates 3 dual function timers which time and regulate the amount of water by operating 3 solenoids. At the end of a fully adjustable time period the hot water main solenoid snaps shut. This leaves the secondary hot water solenoid open along with the cold water solenoid to give a period of warm water. At the end of this period the hot water secondary solenoid snaps shut giving a period of cold water only. At the end of the cold water period the cold water solenoid snaps shut ending the shower. After a given time period the shower timer resets ready for the next shower cycle.

Description

ELECTRONICALLY TIMED SHOWER CONTROLLER

Basic Field of Invention

1) This invention relates to governing the time period and consumption of hot and cold shower water used in domestic and commercial applications. This can be done by limiting the time sequence and/or the volume of water passing through the shower.

2) "Condensed Technical Description of Function"

The basis function of this invention during operation is as follows :-

Immediately upon turning on the hot and cold taps in a shower compartment a flow switch, sensor or flow detection device is activated setting in motion 3 two function timers contained in a central processing unit (C.P.U.). Once these timing devices are activated, 3 count down periods of adjustable preset time value will commence. When the end of these preset time values are reached, the secondary functions of the timers are simultaneously initiated.

The secondary function of these timers is to, in the first instance, close off the primary hot water supply after a pre-determined time period.

This renders the shower water "WARM" only. Next, after the second pre-determined time period the supply of hot water is closed off entirely rendering the shower water "COLD" only. Thirdly after a further pre-determined time period the cold water flow is closed off altogether rendering the shower time complete. After the duration of the preset "OFF" period, all 3 water supplies will reset and resume flow as normal, thus leaving the shower ready for the next user.

The solenoid valves used may be separate or housed in the one block but will be normally open until energised to make them snap shut. In another form of the invention, in the event that shower taps are not closed off at the end of the shower cycle a buzzer will sound to warn the user that the taps are still in the open position.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET 3) The Dual function of the Invention is as follows:

By limiting a person's shower time hot water will be saved hence a big saving on gas or electricity bills. People taking long hot showers will be "WARNED" when the water becomes "WARM" that it is time to get out.

By cutting off the water supply entirely they will not be encouraged to stand around waiting for the hot water to come back on.

IN this way teenagers and motel guests for example who take unusually long showers will be discouraged from doing so, timed showers cut down on fuel bills and conserve water.

EXPANDED MECHANICAL DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION "ELECTRONICALLY TIMED SHOWER CONTROLLER"

This unit consists of the following components. a) 1 Flow switch, sensor, Flow Detection Device or similar. b) 1 Central Processor Unit (C.P.U.) 32 Bit and totally expandable. c) 2 x (3/8" - 10mm) Solenoid Valve or similar. d) 1 x (1/4" - 6.5mm) Solenoid Valve or similar. e) 2 x 4 Port Manifolds or similar. f) 1 encasement Housing or similar. g) 1 x 240-12v Transformer or direct 240v.

In the diagram -

Figure 1 shows one form of this invention.

Referring to Figure 1.

A flow switch or similar (1) is mounted on line, in the "MIXED WATER" pipe down stream from the hot and cold taps in a shower compartment. Wiring from this unit is connected to the Central Processor Unit (C.P.U.) (2) which is mounted upstream from the hot and cold taps.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET Once either the hot or cold tap is opened the flow switch or similar is activated sending its signal to the C.P.U. Upon receiving the signal the C.P.U. initiates 3 separate pre-determined "on" periods which are relayed to 3 solenoid valves, all of which are open at rest (open when de- energised).

One of the 3/8" - 10mm solenoid valves is for primary hot water, the other 3/8" - 10mm valve being for the cold water supply. The 1/4" - 6.5mm solenoid valve is for secondary hot water. The primary hot water valve will remain open for 8 minutes (or any pre-set time the owner chooses), before the primary function of timer (1) snaps it shut.

The secondary hot water valve will remain open for a further period of 2 minutes (or any pre-set time the owner chooses) before the primary function of timer 2 snaps it shut. The cold water valve will remain open for a further period of 2 minutes (for example) before the primary function or timer 3 snaps it shut. At this stage all 3 valves are held closed for the duration or the pre-set time delays governed by the secondary function of timers 1, 2 and 3. Once this period has lapsed all 3 solenoid valves will simultaneously de-energise and re-open ready for the shower to be used again, total cycle time is 15 minutes (8 minutes hot water, 2 minutes warm, 2 minutes cold, 3 minutes off. All times are fully adjustable).

Note by increasing the number of 32 Bit Micro Processors the number of showers that can be programmed and governed by this unit is virtually limitless such as apartment blocks, hospitals, penal institutions, schools, universities or virtually any large establishment catering to the public such as caravan parks, hotels and motels.

Also digital displays on the shower wall can give a countdown time letting the user know how much shower time is left.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:-

1) An electronically time shower controller having a flow switch, sensor flow detection device or similar activated when shower taps are turned on. The flow switch signals a central processing unit (CP.U.) which activates 3 dual function timers.

2) An electronically timed shower controller of claim (1) that limits the time sequence and/or volume of water passing through the shower. Three solenoid valves govern Primary Hot Water, Secondary Hot Water and Primary Cold Water supply leading to the shower. Three dual function timers in a central processing unit (CP.U.) accurately time and regulate the amount of water passing through the solenoid valves.

3) An electronically times shower controller of claim (1) having 3 adjustable timers giving a period of hot water followed by a period of warm water than a period of cold water. Time sequences are fully adjustable. At the end of the shower after an interval of time the solenoids re-open ready for the next shower.

4) An electronically timed shower controller of claim (3) having 3 fully adjustable timers and a totally expandable Central Processing Unit (C.P.U.) that can control large numbers of showers.

5) An electronically timed shower controller of claims (1-4) which can have a buzzer or similar to warn the user that taps have been left open at the end of a shower. Also a digital readout can inform the user how much shower time remains.

6) An electronically timed shower controller substantially as here in described with reference to the accompanying diagram.

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