GB2380666A

GB2380666A - Water temperature control system

Info

Publication number: GB2380666A
Application number: GB0124189A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Bolton
Original assignee: BRONTE WHIRLPOOLS Ltd
Current assignee: BRONTE WHIRLPOOLS Ltd
Priority date: 2001-10-09
Filing date: 2001-10-09
Publication date: 2003-04-16
Also published as: GB0124189D0

Abstract

A temperature control system for a whirlpool bath is disclosed, comprising whirlpool jets 14, pipes 16,17 linking the jets and providing conduits for water and air, and a circulation pump 18, characterised in that controllable hot and cold water valves 22,24 are placed in the whirlpool circulation system such that the temperature of water leaving the jets into the bulk of the bath water can be higher or lower than that of the bulk of the bath water. Preferably, the valves 22,24 are electronically controlled and a thermo-couple downstream of the water inlet valve may be connected to an electronic control box so as to adjust the water to the desired temperature. A further valve is connected to the system whereby excess water can be vented to waste, thereby maintaining a constant bath water level.

Description

TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEM This invention relates to a temperature control system and in particular relates to a water temperature control system for whirlpool baths.

Whirlpool baths are usually filled with water from a tap or mixer arrangement over the bath.

Occasionally whirlpool baths can be filled directly from the whirlpool pipework using valves.

However, the water is recirculated through the whirlpool pipework and is at the temperature of the bath water. It is simply another method of getting bath water of the desired temperature into the bath.

The invention seeks to provide a temperature control system wherein water entering the bath from the whirlpool jets can be, at the user s discretion, different from the temperature of the bulk of the bath water.

According to the present invention there is provided a water temperature control system for a whirlpool bath, comprising whirlpool jets, pipes linking the jets and providing conduits for water and air, and a circulation pump, characterised in that controllable hot and cold water valves are placed in the whirlpool circulation system such that the temperature of water leaving the jets into the bulk of the bath water can be higher or lower than that of the bulk of the bath water.

Preferably, the valves are electronically controlled and a thermo-couple located downstream of the water inlet valve may be connected to an electronic control box so as to adjust the water to the desired temperature.

Conveniently, a further valve is connected to the system whereby excess water can be vented to waste, thereby maintaining a constant bath water level.

By the use of the valves in accordance with the invention, water can be inducted directly into the whirlpool system. This allows the temperature of the jets of water entering the bath to be increased or decreased as required. The bath occupant can operate the whirlpool as a"sauna",

i. e. having a \ ery hot bath and adding cool water from the jets. Adding hot and cold water at

various stages in the bathing cycle offers very stimulating and relaxing hydro-massage effects I not available with a conventional whirlpool system.

When desired, the bather's body temperature can be increased by using hot water causing opening of the blood capillaries, skin pores, and generally having a relaxing effect. However, this causes the body to perspire and on exiting the bath the bather can feel uncomfortable and have difficulty in drying themselves. In accordance with the system of the invention, the bath water and the bather can be rapidly cooled, making the bather perspire less and feel more comfortable when exiting the bath.

In addition, the system can also be used to maintain a constant bath water temperature, countering heat loss experienced when taking the bath. This is achieved without the need of heating elements in the bath pipe work, which is an additional complication and can be potentially a source of danger from electrocution or overheating should it be accidentally operated when the bath is empty.

The invention will now be described further, by way of example, with reference to the sole figure of the accompanying drawings, which is a diagrammatic side elevational view of a bath fitted with the water temperature control system of the invention.

Referring to the drawing, a bath generally designated 10 is provided with whirlpool jets 14 of a type known ; ? se. The jets are connected, as is known in the art, with water pipes 16 which also connect to a circulation pump 18 having a return pipe 20 to the lower portion of the bath 10. Air pipes 17 are also provided to give the airbath effect.

In accordance v. ith the invention, cold 22 and hot 24 water valves are located in the return pipe 20 close to the inlet of the pump 18. A temperature sensor (not shown in the drawing) is located downstream of the pump 18 and controls the valves via a programmed or programmable electronic control unit (also not shown). By this means, the temperature of the water in the pipes 16 entering the bath via the jets 14 can be controlled precisely and can be made higher or lower than the bulk of the bath water within the bath 10.

The user may control the temperature of incoming water in accordance with a keypad or the like on the top of the bath or located adjacent thereto. Excess water can be passed to waste via a valve 26. thereby maintaining a constant water level in the bath.

The system of the invention provides a simple and economical way of allowing the user to control the temperature of the water coming from the jets of a whirlpool bath to provide a variety of effects as discussed above.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A water temperature control system for a whirlpool bath. comprising whirlpool jets, pipes

linking the jets and providing conduits for water and air, and a circulation pump, characterised z : l in that controllable hot and cold water valves are placed in the whirlpool circulation system such that the temperature of water leaving the jets into the bulk of the bath water can be higher or lower than that of the bulk of the bath water.
2. A system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the valves are electronically controlled and a temperature sensor is located downstream of the water inlet valve is connected to an electronic control box so as to adjust the water to the desired temperature.
3. A system as claimed in claim 2 wherein the temperature sensor is a thermo-couple.
4. A system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 wherein a further valve is connected to the system whereby excess water can be vented to waste, thereby maintaining a constant bath water level.
5. A water temperature control system for a whirlpool bath substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.