JP2004195463A - Bath water circulator - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide safe bath water by removing organic chlorine compounds, such as trihalomethane, generated in bath water sterilized by chlorine addition, in a device carrying out cleaning, sterilization, heat insulation, and circulation of the bath water; to improve sterilization efficiency by the chlorine addition and provide safe bath water. <P>SOLUTION: The bath water circulator has a dechlorination filter 3a for removing chlorine components in the bath water, generated when the bath water is sterilized by adding chlorine to a circulation passage, after the sterilization and the cleaning, and a purification filter 3b for removing fine foreign particles, in the device carrying out the cleaning, sterilization, the heat insulation, and the circulation of the bath water. In the bath water circulator, the organic chlorine compounds generated in the bath water sterilized by the chlorine addition are adsorbed and removed, and the bath water is cleaned by the cleaning filter. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

The present invention relates to a bath water device, and more particularly to a bath water sterilization device in a bath water purification device.

A device has been developed which purifies and sterilizes bath water in a bath tub, circulates it with a circulation pump, and sends the purified bath water into the bath tub again. Purification and sterilization by these devices use an ultraviolet sterilization or high-pressure discharge type ozone generator that treats in a filtration tank of activated carbon, barley stone, etc., and then passes bath water through a sterilization tank with a built-in ultraviolet lamp to sterilize. To generate ozone and mix the ozone into bath water for sterilization.

The conventional bath apparatus not only removes dirt in the bath water as described above, but also performs sterilization and heating / heating at the same time, and provides a bath apparatus that allows comfortable bathing for 24 hours.

Sterilization by chlorine is more efficient than other sterilization and is effective in a short time, so it is suitable for rapid sterilization and sterilization of a large amount of water, and is often used for sterilization of tap water and the like. . However, although chlorine is effective in removing various germs in bath water, harmful organic chlorine compounds represented by trihalomethane are generated by chlorine components. Therefore, it is dangerous if a child accidentally drinks the bath water in which these organochlorine compounds are generated. The chlorine component is easy to volatilize, so if the circulation is repeated by the device, it will be safe to some extent.However, when hot water is supplied to the bathtub again or when a chlorine-based cleaning agent for purifying the bathwater is added, the trihalomethane And the like. The conventional non-woven fabric filter can remove fine dust in the bath water, but cannot remove the organic chlorine compound. In addition, in the purification of the bath water, in addition to the physical purification (filter), a filter of microorganisms is formed inside the apparatus, thereby decomposing organic substances that are a breeding source of various bacteria in the bath water, and increasing the growth of various bacteria. Prevention purification was also performed. However, when the chlorine component in the above-mentioned bath water flows into the inside of the apparatus, there has been a problem that the produced microorganism filter is destroyed and the purification function is reduced. An object of the present invention is to improve the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art and to provide an apparatus for bathing in a comfortable environment for bathers.

The present invention relates to a bath water circulating apparatus in which bath water in a bathtub is pumped up by a circulation pump, circulated through a circulation path, subjected to cleaning treatment, heat-treated, and returned to the bathtub. And a purifying unit that adsorbs trihalomethane and the like, and circulates by the operation after the cleaning treatment sterilized by the addition of chlorine and circulates the bath water that has been purified by adsorbing chlorine and trihalomethane contained in the bath water by the purifying unit. The problem was solved by using a bath water circulation device that spouts out into the bathtub. Further, the present invention provides a bath water circulating apparatus in which bath water in a bathtub is pumped up by a circulation pump, circulated through a circulation path, subjected to a cleaning treatment, heat-treated, and returned to the bathtub. A dechlorination filter for adsorbing chlorine, trihalomethane, etc., is located upstream of the purification filter in the circulation channel, and is circulated by the operation after the cleaning treatment sterilized by adding chlorine. The problem has been solved by using a bath water circulating device that adsorbs water and the like with a dechlorination filter and blows out the purified bath water into the bathtub.

According to the present invention, the bath water after the cleaning treatment sterilized by adding chlorine is circulated by operation to adsorb and purify chlorine, trihalomethane, and the like contained in the bath water in the purification unit, The effect of easily and efficiently removing organic chlorine compounds (trihalomethane) generated in water is exhibited. In addition, by providing a purification filter after the dechlorination filter, a microbial filter can be formed inside the filter and in the piping, and it is possible to decompose organic components that are difficult to remove with ordinary filters, etc., and always provide clean bath water. it can. In addition to the bactericidal effect of adding chlorine, it was possible to supply safe bath water to the human body by absorbing and removing the generated chlorine during bathing in response to the effect of chlorine on the human body.

In addition to the bactericidal effect of adding chlorine, bath water circulation that circulates bath water in order to supply safe bath water by absorbing and removing generated chlorine when taking a bath in response to the effect of chlorine on the human body In the device, a purifying section for adsorbing chlorine and trihalomethane contained in the bath water after the cleaning treatment is disposed in the circulation path, and the chlorine contained in the bath water is circulated by the operation after the cleaning treatment sterilized by adding chlorine. This is realized by ejecting bath water purified by adsorbing trihalomethane or the like in the purifying section into the bathtub.

A description will be given of a basic configuration of claims 1 and 2 of the present invention with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 shows the appearance and internal mechanism of the present invention, and is a diagram showing the flow of bath water. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention.
1 and 2, the apparatus main body A circulates the bath water by sucking bath water in the bath tub and removing a hair and the like, a pre-filter 2 for purifying the bath water, and the like. Pump 4, a heater 7 for heating the bath water, a sterilizing device 10 for sterilizing the bath water, and a jet nozzle 12 serving as a discharge port for returning the purified and sterilized bath water to the bath tub again. It is configured.
The purifying unit 3 includes a dechlorination filter unit 3a and a purifying filter unit 3b. The purifying filter 3b is a pleated or cylindrical filter made of non-woven fabric or non-woven paper, and is for removing fine dust and the like in the bath water.

The dechlorination filter 3a is formed of a dechlorination material such as calcium sulfite or nickel peroxide, and adsorbs organic chlorine compounds in the bath water. Since the shape of the dechlorinated material is granular or stone-like (pellet-like), it is used as it is stored in a mesh-like bag or case, or woven into a fiber filter or the like.

Organochlorine compounds in bath water are harmful substances typified by trihalomethane, and are carcinogenic substances that affect the human body. These are usually caused by chlorine contained in tap water. In addition, since it is contained in tap water, it is said that when drinking, it is necessary to pay attention such as boiling.

Also, dichloroisocyanurate tablets are commercially available as bath water detergents in order to use the hot water of the previous day by boiling it again. This is to bleach dirt generated in bath water by chlorine, which is a main component of the tablet, and sterilize various bacteria.

However, as described above, harmful substances such as trihalomethane, which is the aforementioned organic chlorine compound, are generated by the chlorine component. When trihalomethane and the like are generated in the bath water, they are not directly absorbed from the skin, but are safe, but there is a risk of accidental drinking by infants. It can also respond to safety.

As the sterilizer 8, an ozone sterilizer using a sterilizing action by ozone, an ultraviolet sterilizer using a sterilizing action by an ultraviolet lamp, an electrolytic sterilizer using electrolysis of water, and the like are used.

The basic description of the main unit A according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. 3 and the control block diagram of FIG.

The main unit A starts its operation when first turned on by the power switch 13 of the bath water circulating unit main unit A in S1. In S2, when the power is turned on, the circulation pump control unit 5 instructs the circulation pump 4 to be driven, whereby the bath water in the bath water device is circulated.

In S3, a flow rate sensor 6 for checking whether the purifying section 3 and the piping for bath water circulation are clogged by dust or dirt is installed, and detects the flow rate. It is checked at T1 whether the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 6 is appropriate. If the flow rate is normal, the process proceeds to YES, and if the flow rate is insufficient, the process proceeds to S11 with NO.

In S11, after confirming that an abnormality has occurred, the power supply to the circulation pump is stopped, and in S12, the flow is displayed on the display device 14 constituted by a liquid crystal panel installed in the bath water circulation device, or the flow rate is controlled by a warning buzzer or the like. Alerts the user that an error has occurred.

If the flow rate is appropriate, the bath water is passed to the purification unit 3. The purifying section 3 is constituted by a case or a tank containing a dechlorination filter 3a at an upper portion and a purifying filter 3b at a lower portion.

In FIG. 5, the outside of the filter is constituted by a dechlorination filter 3a, and the inside is constituted by a purification filter 3b. These are stored for the purpose of first removing chlorine components when purifying bath water.

In S4, the bath water is passed through a dechlorination filter unit 3a built in the bath water purification unit 3, and the chlorine component contained in the bath water is removed and adsorbed. In the bath water from which the chlorine component has been removed, fine dust and substances other than the chlorine component are removed by the purification filter unit 3b in S5.

Next, in S6, the filter of the purifying filter section 3b decomposes and removes organic components, such as proteins, in the bath water, which serve as a breeding source of various germs, by the action of microorganisms in the microorganism filter.

In S7, the heating of the bath water by the heater 7 is performed. In S8, the temperature of the bath water is detected by the temperature sensor 9 provided in the pipe, and when the temperature is lower than the temperature set by the temperature setting key in T2, a signal is sent by the heating control relay switch 8 and the heating heater 7 is turned on. The switch is turned on and the bath water is heated.

When the temperature of the bath water is high, the switch of the heater 7 is turned off and the temperature is adjusted. When the temperature of the bath water exceeds the set range, it is confirmed that an abnormality has occurred in S11 due to abnormal heating of the heater 7, etc., and the energization is stopped in S11 as in the case of the abnormality in the flow rate. Then, a warning of an abnormality is issued by the display device 14 in S12.

Next, in S9, at the start of the sterilization process by the sterilization apparatus 10, the current value is detected. In the case of ultraviolet sterilization, damage to the ultraviolet lamp and the like may occur, leading to an electric leakage accident. Therefore, it is necessary to confirm whether the current value is appropriate as a safety measure.

At T3, it is determined whether the value is an appropriate value. If the value is normal, the process proceeds to S10, and sterilization by the sterilizer 10 is started. The bath water is sterilized by the sterilizer 10 for 24 hours, and sterilization treatment of various bacteria generated in the bath water is performed.

When an abnormality occurs in T3, in S11, it is confirmed that the abnormality has occurred, the power supply to the sterilizing device 8 is stopped, and in S12, a display device including a liquid crystal panel installed in the bath water circulation device. 14 or a warning buzzer or the like warns the user that an abnormality has occurred in the flow rate.

At T5, it is checked whether the abnormality has been cleared, and if it has been cleared, the program returns to S2. If the abnormality is not cleared, an abnormality warning is continuously performed in S12. The bath water circulation device A is continuously operated until the shutdown of the device is selected at T4.

Next, an embodiment of the second aspect will be described. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram thereof. An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the power of the main unit A is first turned on by the power switch 13 of the bath water circulation device main unit A in S13, the operation is started. In S14, when the power is turned on, the circulation pump control unit 5 instructs the circulation pump 4 to be driven, whereby the bath water of the bath water device is circulated.

In S15, a flow rate sensor 6 for checking whether the purification section 3 or the piping for bath water circulation is clogged by dust or dirt is installed, and detects the flow rate. It is confirmed at T6 whether the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 6 is appropriate. If the flow rate is normal, the process proceeds to YES, and if the flow rate is insufficient, the process proceeds to S22 with NO.

In S22, after confirming that an abnormality has occurred, the power supply to the circulating pump 4 is stopped, and in S23, the current is displayed on the display device 14 composed of a liquid crystal panel installed in the bath water circulating device, or a warning buzzer is used. Warns the user that an abnormality has occurred in the flow rate.

If the flow rate is appropriate, whether to remove the chlorine component of the bath water at T7 is selected. If the dechlorination process is to be performed (YES), the timer 22 is operated in S24 by operating the dechlorination process start key 20 at T7. The timer 22 is for returning the flow direction of the bath water by a timer OFF signal after a predetermined time has elapsed for performing the dechlorination treatment.

In S25, time is measured. In S26, the flow control valve C is opened in accordance with the operation of the timer 22, and in S27, the flow control valve D is closed. This changes the flow of the bath water from the direction of the purification filter 3b to the direction of the dechlorination filter 3a.

The bath water is passed through the dechlorination filter 3a in S28, and the chlorine component in the bath water is adsorbed and removed by the filter.

At T12, it is checked whether or not the time measured at S25 has reached the timer end time. If the time has reached the end time (YES), the OFF signal is received, and at S29, the flow control valve C is closed, and at S30, The flow control valve D is opened. Thereby, the flow direction of the bath water is changed to the purification filter 3b.

The bath water from which the chlorine component has been adsorbed and removed in S28 is passed through the purification filter 3b in S16, to remove extraneous components such as fine dust and dirt in the bath water. In S17, the purification filter 3b and the microbial filter formed inside the pipe decompose the organic component that becomes a breeding source of various bacteria that could not be removed by the filter, and purify the bath water.

In addition, at T7, when the bath water is sufficiently circulated and stirred, the chlorine component is volatilized, and when there is no residual chlorine or when there is no need to perform a dechlorination treatment, the flow direction of the bath water is not changed (NO). , The flow control valve C is closed and the flow control valve D is open. As a result, the bath water is not passed through the dechlorination filter 3a, but is passed through only the purification filter 3b in S16, so that miscellaneous components are removed.

In S18, the heating of the bath water by the heater 7 is performed. In S19, the temperature of the bath water is detected by the temperature sensor 9 provided in the pipe. If the temperature is lower than the temperature set by the temperature setting key at T8, a signal is transmitted by the relay switch 8 for heating control, The switch is turned on and the bath water is heated.

When the temperature of the bath water is high, the switch of the heater 7 is turned off and the temperature is adjusted. Further, when the temperature of the bath water exceeds the set range, the energization is stopped in S22 in the same manner as in the case of the occurrence of the flow rate abnormality due to abnormal heating of the heater 7, etc., until the abnormality is cleared in T11. , S23, the display device 14 gives a warning of an abnormality.

Next, in S20, when the sterilization process is started by the sterilization apparatus 10, the current value is detected. At T9, it is determined whether the value is an appropriate value. If the value is normal, the process proceeds to S21, and sterilization by the sterilizer 10 is started. The bath water is sterilized by the sterilizer 10 for 24 hours, and sterilization treatment of various bacteria generated in the bath water is performed.

When an abnormality occurs in T9, in S22, it is confirmed that the abnormality has occurred, the power supply to the sterilizing apparatus 10 is stopped, and in S23, the display device including the liquid crystal panel installed in the bath water circulation device. 14 or a warning buzzer or the like warns the user that an abnormality has occurred in the flow rate.

At T11, it is checked whether the abnormality has been cleared, and if it has been cleared, the program returns to S14. If the abnormality is not cleared, the abnormality warning is continuously performed in S23. The bath water circulation device A is continuously operated until the shutdown of the device is selected at T10.

FIG. 9 shows an outline, FIG. 10 shows a functional block diagram, and FIG. 4 shows a control block diagram of the basic configuration of the fourth, fifth and sixth aspects of the present invention. An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the power of the main body device A is first turned on by the power switch 13 of the bath water circulation device main body A in S31, the operation is started. In S32, when the power is turned on, the circulation pump control unit 5 instructs the circulation pump 4 to be driven, whereby the bath water in the bath water device is circulated.

In S33, the flow rate of the bath water is detected by the flow rate sensor 6. It is checked at T13 whether the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 6 is appropriate. If the flow rate is normal, the process proceeds to YES, and if the flow rate is insufficient, the process proceeds to S39 with NO.

In S39, it is confirmed that an abnormality has occurred, the power supply to the circulation pump is stopped, and in S40, the flow is displayed on the display device 14 composed of a liquid crystal panel installed in the bath water circulation device, or the flow rate is controlled by a warning buzzer or the like. Alerts the user that an error has occurred.

If the flow rate is appropriate, the purifying filter 3b removes miscellaneous components of the bath water in S34. Next, in S35, the organic components are removed by filtering the microorganisms in the bath water, and the process proceeds to the electrolytic sterilization routine in S36.

The electrolytic sterilization routine will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. At T18, it is determined whether electrolytic sterilization is to be performed. This is performed by operating the electrolytic sterilization start command switch 20. When the switch 20 is operated (YES), the process goes to S35, and the operation timer 22 for electrolytic sterilization is operated.

If the electrolytic sterilization start command switch 20 of the electrolytic sterilizer 18 is not operated at T18, the program returns to the routine of FIG. When the timer operates in S35, the measurement of time by the timer 22 is started in S36. The timer used here is the one used for changing the flow direction to the dechlorination filter 3a.

In S37, energization for electrolysis of bath water to the electrolytic sterilizer 18 is started. At the start of energization, in order to increase the efficiency of chlorine generation by the electrolytic sterilizer 18, a salt addition section for supplying salt such as salt is provided in the electrolytic sterilizer 18, and an appropriate amount of salt is supplied. To supply the salt, the solenoid valve of the salt adding section is opened for a certain period of time in accordance with the operation of the electrolytic sterilization start command switch 20, and the salt is added.

Here, the current value is detected by the current sensor 21 for safety in S38, and it is confirmed whether or not a leakage has occurred. If the current value is normal at T17 (YES), the electrode plate of the electrolytic sterilizer 18 is energized, and electrolytic sterilization by electrolysis of bath water is started.

In S39, in response to the operation of the start command switch 20 to the electrolytic sterilizer 18, the flow control valve E is opened to change the flow direction of the bath water, and in S40, the flow control valve F is closed. Thereby, the flow direction of the bath water is changed to the dechlorination filter 3a, and the chlorine component is removed by the dechlorination filter 3a in S41.

At T18, it is determined whether the time associated with the timer operation has elapsed. If the timer does not reach the end time at T18 (NO), the process returns to S36 as it is, and the operation is repeated until the predetermined time has elapsed.

If an abnormality has occurred in T17 (NO), the flow proceeds to S45, where the occurrence of the abnormality is confirmed, and in S46, the power supply to the electrolytic sterilizer 18 is stopped. In S47, the display device 14 issues an abnormality warning when an abnormality occurs. If the abnormality is not cleared at T21 (NO), the abnormality warning is continued at S47.

When the timer reaches the predetermined time at T18 (YES), the power supply to the electrolytic sterilizer 18 is stopped in S42, and the electrolytic sterilization ends. With the end of the electrolytic sterilization, the flow control valve E is closed in S42, and the flow control valve F is opened in S44. As a result, the flow of the bath water to the dechlorination filter 3a ends.

When the electrolytic sterilization is completed, the program returns to the routine shown in FIG. When the electrolytic sterilization routine ends, the bath water is heated in S37. In S38, the temperature of the bath water is detected by the temperature sensor 6 built in the pipe of the apparatus main body A.

If an abnormality such as a heating abnormality occurs at T14 (NO), the process proceeds to S39, and if normal, the process proceeds to T15. The bath water circulation device A is continuously operated until the operation stop of the device is selected at T15.

Mechanism schematic diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention Functional block diagram of one embodiment of the present invention Flow chart diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention Control block diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention Mechanism schematic diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention Mechanism schematic diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention Functional block diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention Flow chart diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention Mechanism schematic diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention Functional block diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention Flow chart diagram showing one embodiment of the present invention Flow chart showing an electrolytic sterilization process according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of reference numerals

A: bath water circulation device, B: control unit (CPU), 1: bathtub, 2: prefilter, 3: purification unit, 3a: dechlorination filter unit, 3b: normal filter unit, 4: circulation pump, 5: circulation pump Control means, 6: flow rate sensor, 7: heating heater, 8: heating heater control means, 9: temperature sensor, 10: bath water sterilizer, 11: sterilizer control means, 12: water outlet (jet nozzle), 13: Bath water circulation device power switch, 14: display device, 15: bath water direction change control means, 16: flow control valve C or E, 17: flow control valve D or F, 18: electrolytic sterilizer, 19: electrolytic sterilizer control means , 20: electrolytic sterilization start command means (switch) or dechlorination start key, 21: current sensor, 22: timer, 23: salt addition section

Claims (2)

  In a bath water circulating apparatus in which the bath water in the bath tub is pumped up by a circulation pump and circulated through a circulation path to perform a cleaning treatment, a heat insulation treatment, and a return to the bath tub, the circulation path contains chlorine, trihalomethane, and the like contained in the bath water after the cleaning treatment. A purifying section to be adsorbed is disposed, and circulated by the operation after the cleaning treatment sterilized by addition of chlorine to circulate the chlorine, trihalomethane, etc. contained in the bath water and eject the purified bath water to the bath tub by the purifying section. A bath water circulation device characterized in that:   In a bath water circulating apparatus in which the bath water in the bath tub is pumped up by a circulation pump and circulated through a circulation path to perform a cleaning treatment, a heat insulation treatment, and a return to the bath tub, the circulation path contains chlorine, trihalomethane, and the like contained in the bath water after the cleaning treatment. A dechlorination filter for adsorption is placed upstream of the circulation channel from the purification filter, and circulated by the operation after the cleaning treatment sterilized by the addition of chlorine to circulate chlorine and trihalomethane etc. in the bath water with the dechlorination filter. A bath water circulation device characterized in that the absorbed and cleaned bath water is jetted into a bath tub.

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