JP2015108494A - Bath adapter and water heater - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a bath adapter which enables fine bubbles to be efficiently dispersed to the whole of the inside of a bathtub.SOLUTION: The bath adapter includes: a spouting port 65j spouting hot water supplied from a bath outgoing pipe 29 to the inside of a bathtub 31; outgoing flow passages (63a, 65a) through which the hot water flows toward the spouting port 65j; and a porous body 67a disposed to the outgoing flow passages (63a, 65a) and discharging air sent under pressure into the hot water flowing through the outgoing flow passages (63a, 65a) as fine bubbles. The outgoing flow passages (63a, 65a) are each provided with a squeezed part 63n where cross-sectional areas of the outgoing flow passages (63a, 65a) are reduced, at a side more upstream than the porous body 67a, thereby the flowing ratio of the hot water flowing on the outer surface of the porous body and spouted into the inside of the bathtub 31 is increased, so that the hot water in which the fine bubbles are discharged, can be efficiently dispersed in the bathtub 31.

Description

  The present invention relates to a bath adapter and a water heater that release fine bubbles into hot water supplied to a bathtub.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a fine bubble generating device that discharges fine bubbles into water, there is a device that uses a porous bubble generating medium and a liquid ejecting apparatus that ejects liquid onto the bubble generating medium (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  This fine bubble generating device arranges a bubble generating medium and an injection hole of a liquid injection device in a liquid to generate fine bubbles. More specifically, the fine bubble generating device supplies air to the inside of the bubble generating medium, and ejects liquid onto the outer surface of the porous bubble generating medium by the liquid ejecting device. Bubbles released from the surface are released into the liquid as fine bubbles.

JP 2010-167404 A

  However, in the conventional configuration, depending on the positional relationship between the bubble generating medium arranged in the liquid and the liquid ejecting apparatus, the fine bubbles cannot be generated efficiently, and the generated fine bubbles are efficiently generated in the liquid. It had a problem that it could not be diffused well. That is, since the outer surface of the bubble generating medium is exposed in the liquid, the liquid present around the bubble generating medium may affect the flow of the liquid ejected from the ejection holes. Thereby, for example, a phenomenon occurs in which fine bubbles generated on the surface of the bubble generating body are combined and the flow of hot water containing the fine bubbles is inhibited. As a result, there has been a problem that fine bubbles cannot be efficiently generated, and even if fine bubbles are generated, they cannot be efficiently diffused in the liquid.

  The present invention is for solving the above-described conventional problems, and an object thereof is to provide a bath adapter and a water heater capable of efficiently generating fine bubbles and efficiently diffusing fine bubbles in a bathtub. And

  In order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, the bath adapter of the present invention includes a jet outlet from which hot water supplied from a pipe jets into a bathtub, an outward flow path through which the hot water flows toward the jet outlet, A porous body that is disposed in the forward flow path and discharges the pumped air as fine bubbles to the hot water flowing through the forward flow path, and the forward flow path is located upstream of the porous body. In addition, a narrowed portion in which the cross-sectional area of the forward flow path is reduced is provided.

Thereby, since the porous body is arrange | positioned in the going flow path, it can prevent that the hot water in a bathtub influences the hot water flowing on the outer surface of a porous body. In addition, the narrowed portion provided in the forward flow path upstream of the porous body increases the flow rate of the hot water that flows on the outer surface of the porous body and is ejected from the outlet into the bathtub. Air bubbles can be efficiently diffused in the bathtub.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a bath adapter capable of efficiently generating fine bubbles and efficiently diffusing into a bathtub.

Schematic configuration diagram of a bath adapter and a water heater in Embodiment 1 of the present invention (A) Cross-sectional view of the bath adapter, (b) Cross-sectional view of the base of the bath adapter, (c) Cross-sectional view of the connector of the bath adapter, (d) Cross-sectional view of the protruding portion of the bath adapter, (e ) Cross-sectional view of the bubble generating device of the bath adapter, (f) Cross-sectional view of the cover of the bath adapter (A) Sectional drawing which shows the change of the distribution area of the hot water in the upstream flow path from the porous body of the bath adapter, (b) The change of the distribution area of the hot water in the porous body storage part of the bath adapter Cross section shown (A) Partial enlarged sectional view showing a phenomenon in which fine bubbles are released from the porous body of the bath adapter, (b) Part showing a case where there is an angle between the flow of hot water and the porous outer surface in the bath adapter Enlarged sectional view Schematic configuration diagram of a hot water storage heat pump water heater equipped with the same bath adapter (A) Schematic configuration diagram of a bath adapter and a water heater in Embodiment 2 of the present invention, (b) a sectional view of a base portion of the bath adapter, (c) a sectional view of a connector of the bath adapter, (d) the same Cross-sectional view of the protrusion of the bath adapter, (e) Cross-sectional view of the bubble generating device of the bath adapter, (f) Cross-sectional view of the cover of the bath adapter Schematic configuration diagram of a bath adapter and a water heater in Embodiment 3 of the present invention

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, the hot water supplied from the pipe is jetted into the bathtub, the forward flow path through which the hot water flows toward the jet outlet, and the forward flow path. A porous body that discharges air as fine bubbles to the hot water flowing through the forward flow path, and the forward flow path has a flow passage cross-sectional area of the forward flow path upstream of the porous body. It is a bath adapter characterized by being provided with a throttle part that reduces the amount of water.

  Thereby, since the porous body is arrange | positioned in the going flow path, it can prevent that the hot water in a bathtub influences the hot water flowing on the outer surface of a porous body. In addition, since the porous body that generates fine bubbles is built into the bath adapter attached to the wall of the bathtub, the fine bubbles are ejected from the outlet toward the entire bathtub, and the fine bubbles are efficiently diffused into the bathtub. Can be made. Furthermore, since the flow area of the hot water in the forward flow path is restricted by the throttle portion provided in the upstream flow path from the porous body, the hot water that flows on the outer surface of the porous body and is ejected into the bathtub Since the flow velocity increases, the generated fine bubbles can be efficiently diffused in the bathtub.

  In a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, in particular, the porous body is a cone having a cross-sectional area on the downstream side larger than the cross-sectional area on the upstream side with respect to the flow direction of the hot water flowing through the forward flow path. Or a truncated cone shape.

Thereby, the hot water spouted from a spout diffuses radially in the bathtub. As a result, since the fine bubbles released into the hot water are also diffused radially in the bathtub, the fine bubbles can be diffused throughout the bathtub. Moreover, by making the porous body into a conical shape or a truncated cone shape, the outer surface of the porous body and the flow of hot water flowing through the forward flow path come into contact with each other at a predetermined angle. Therefore, the growth of the velocity boundary layer on the outer surface of the porous body is suppressed. As a result, the flow rate of hot water on the surface of the porous body is increased, and fine bubbles can be efficiently released into the hot water.

  In a third aspect of the invention, particularly in the first or second aspect of the invention, the hot water distribution area in the forward flow path in which the porous body is disposed is the hot water in the forward flow path upstream of the porous body. The distribution area is smaller than that.

  Thereby, since the flow velocity of the hot water flowing on the outer surface of the porous body is increased, fine bubbles can be generated efficiently.

  The fourth invention is a water heater provided with the pipe for supplying hot water to the bath adapter according to any one of the first to third.

  Thereby, hot water in which fine bubbles are mixed in the bathtub can be supplied. The fine bubbles increase the thermal effect and maintain the thermal insulation effect for a long time. Therefore, a hot water heater with high usability can be realized.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a bath adapter and a water heater in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 2 (a) to 2 (f) are respectively a cross-sectional view of the bath adapter, a cross-sectional view of the base of the bath adapter, a cross-sectional view of the connector of the bath adapter, a cross-sectional view of the protruding portion of the bath adapter, It is sectional drawing of a bubble generation device, and sectional drawing of the cover of a bath adapter.

  The present invention relates to a bath adapter that discharges fine bubbles together with hot water into a bathtub and a hot water supply device that supplies hot water and air to the bath adapter. As shown in FIG. 1, the water heater 100 of the present invention includes a bath circulation circuit 60. The bath circulation circuit 60 includes a bath adapter 61 attached to the wall surface of the bathtub 31, a bath circulation pump 23 that circulates hot water, and a heating device 24 that heats hot water flowing through the bath circulation circuit 60, which are sequentially connected in an annular shape by piping. It is configured. Here, the bath adapter 61 and the bath circulation pump 23 are connected to each other by a bath return pipe 30, and the bath circulation pump 23 and the bath adapter 61 are connected to each other by a bath outlet pipe 29. The heating device 24 is provided in the bath outlet tube 29. Thereby, the water heater 100 can perform the reheating operation which heats the hot water stored in the bathtub 31.

  The bath circulation circuit 60 is connected to a bath pouring pipe (not shown). The bath pouring pipe is a pipe for supplying hot water to the bath circulation circuit 60 from the outside. Thereby, the water heater 100 can perform the hot water operation which supplies hot water to the bathtub 31.

  The water heater 100 also includes an air pump 68 that pumps air to the bath adapter 61, and an air pipe 69 that connects the air pump 68 and the bath adapter 61.

  Next, the configuration of the bath adapter 61 will be described in detail. The bath adapter 61 includes a main body 62 that forms a flow path of air and hot water, and a bubble generating device 67 that discharges fine bubbles to hot water that is jetted into the bathtub 31. The bubble generating device 67 has a porous body 67a that generates fine bubbles. Air is pumped into the porous body 67 a to generate fine bubbles, and the generated fine bubbles are discharged into the hot water flowing inside the main body 62. Thereby, hot water in which fine bubbles are mixed in the bathtub 31 can be ejected.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the bath adapter 61 is provided with a spout 65j from which hot water is spouted into the bathtub 31, and a forward flow in which the hot water flows toward the spout 65j in the bath adapter 61. A path (63a, 65a) is formed. The bath adapter 61 is provided with a suction port 66j for sucking hot water in the bathtub 31, and a return flow path (63b) in which the hot water sucked from the suction port 66j flows into the bath return pipe 30 is provided inside the bath adapter 61. , 65b). Further, the air flow path (63 c, 65 c) for supplying the air that is pumped by the air pump 68 and flows into the bath adapter 61 through the air pipe 69 to the bubble generating device 67 is provided inside the bath adapter 61. ) Is provided.

  The main body 62 constituting the bath adapter 61 has a cross section perpendicular to the axis C formed in a circular shape centered on the axis C. The forward flow path (63a, 65a), the air flow path (63c, 65c), and the return flow path (63b, 65b) are arranged concentrically with the axis C as the center and different radii. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 (a), forward channels (63a, 65a) are provided on the axis C. In addition, air flow paths (63c, 65c) are provided outside the forward flow paths (63a, 65a). Furthermore, return flow paths (63b, 65b) are arranged outward from the air flow paths (63c, 65c). The forward flow path (63a, 65a) has a circular cross section perpendicular to the axis C.

  As described above, a plurality of bath adapters 61 are provided by arranging the forward flow paths (63a, 65a), the air flow paths (63c, 65c), and the return flow paths (63b, 65b) in concentric circles having different radii. Even if comprised by this member, at the time of the operation | work which attaches the bath adapter 61 to the bathtub 31, each flow path can be connected reliably. In addition, by arranging the return flow paths (63b, 65b) out of the three flow paths, the hot water in the bathtub 31 can be easily discharged via a suction port 66j formed in the cover 66 described later. Can be inhaled.

  Moreover, since the air flow path (63c, 65c) is disposed between the forward flow path (63a, 65a) and the return flow path (63b, 65b), the hot water flowing through the forward flow path (63a, 65a) Heat exchange with hot water flowing through the return flow path (63b, 65b) can be suppressed.

  As shown in FIGS. 2A to 2F, the main body 62 constituting the bath adapter 61 includes a base portion 63 to which the bath outlet pipe 29, the bath return pipe 30 and the air pipe 69 are connected, and a jet outlet 65j. The cover 65 which covers the part which protruded inward of the bathtub 31 among the protrusions 65 which have, the connector 64 which connects the base 63 and the protrusions 65, and the protrusions 65, and has the inlet 66j is provided. The protruding portion 65 may be configured as a top portion that is molded integrally with the connector 64.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (b), the base 63 is connected to an outlet pipe connection port 63d to which the bath outlet pipe 29 is connected, a return pipe connection port 63e to which the bath return pipe 30 is connected, and an air pipe 69. Is provided with an air pipe connection port 63f. Further, the base portion 63 is provided with an outward flow path 63a, a return flow path 63b, and an air flow path 63c. The forward flow path 63a and the forward pipe connection port 63d, the return flow path 63b and the return pipe connection port 63e, and the air pipe connection port 63f and the air flow path 63c communicate with each other.

The forward flow path 63a is provided with a throttle portion 63n having a reduced cross-sectional area of the flow path. The restricting portion 63n decreases the flow passage cross-sectional area of the forward flow path 63a on the upstream side of the restricting portion 63n, and increases the flow rate of hot water flowing through the forward flow path 63a. Thereby, since the shearing force of the air discharged | emitted from the outer surface of the porous body 67a mentioned later increases, it can discharge | release to a hot water with a fine bubble efficiently. Moreover, since the flow rate of the hot water jetted from the jet outlet 65j increases, fine bubbles can be efficiently diffused into the bathtub 31. Note that the position of the throttle portion 63n is not particularly limited as long as it is provided in the forward flow path (63a, 65a) on the upstream side of the porous body 67a. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, the throttle part 63 n is not limited to the base part 63, and the throttle part may be provided in the projecting part 65, for example.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (d), the projecting portion 65 is provided with an outward flow path 65 a through which hot water supplied from the bath outlet pipe 29 flows. One end of the forward flow path 65 a is connected to the forward flow path 63 a formed in the base portion 63. In the bath adapter 61 of the present embodiment, the forward flow path 63a of the base portion 63 is inserted inside the forward flow path 65a of the protruding portion 65 so that they are connected to and communicate with each other. The forward flow path 65a of the protruding portion 65 may be inserted inside the forward flow path 63a of the base portion 63. A jet outlet 65j is formed at the other end of the forward flow path 65a.

  At least a part of the forward flow path 65a constitutes a porous body storage portion 65i in which the porous body 67a is disposed. The porous body storage portion 65i has a capacity sufficient to completely store the porous body 67a. Thereby, the circumference | surroundings of the porous body 67a are covered with the porous body accommodating part 65i except for the jet outlet 65j and the outward flow path 63a side. That is, the porous body 67a does not protrude outward from the forward flow path 65a. Thereby, the hot water existing in the bathtub 31 does not affect the flow of the hot water flowing around the bubble generating device 67, and the fine bubbles are stably discharged to the hot water flowing in the forward flow path 65a. Can do.

  The flow passage cross-sectional area S of the porous body storage portion 65i is such that the flow passage cross-sectional area S2 on the downstream side (jet port 65j side) is greater than or equal to the flow passage cross-sectional area S1 on the upstream side (base portion 63 side). It is formed. More preferably, the channel cross-sectional area is gradually increased toward the jet port 65j. In the present embodiment, the porous body storage portion 65i is formed in a substantially conical shape in which the flow path cross-sectional area continuously increases toward the downstream side. Further, as shown in FIG. 2 (d), the porous body accommodating portion 65i is formed such that the flow passage cross-sectional area S1 of the jet outlet 65j is the largest flow passage cross-sectional area of the forward flow passage 65a.

  In this way, by increasing the flow passage cross-sectional area S on the downstream side (the jet outlet 65j side), the hot water jetted into the bathtub 31 is diffused radially, and as a result, the fine bubbles released into the hot water Furthermore, since it diffuses radially in the bathtub 31, fine bubbles can be diffused throughout the bathtub 31.

  Further, the flow passage cross-sectional area S2 on the downstream side (jet port 65j side) is larger than the flow passage cross-sectional area S1 on the upstream side (base portion 63 side), so that it can be freely attached to and detached from the main body 62 as will be described later. The provided bubble generating device 67 can be easily attached and detached.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 2B and FIG. 3A, the inner diameter d of the porous body storage portion 65i in the forward flow path 65a is the upstream flow path (63a on the upstream side of the porous body 67a. , 65a) is larger than the inner diameter d ′. The inner diameter of the forward flow path (63a, 65a) on the upstream side of the porous body 67a is determined mainly by the pipe diameter of the bath outlet pipe 29 and the like. Therefore, the volume of the porous body storage section 65i is increased by setting the inner diameter d of the porous body storage section 65i to be larger than the inner diameter of the forward flow path (63a, 65a) upstream of the porous body 67a. be able to. Thereby, since the surface area of the porous body 67a can be increased, the generation amount of fine bubbles can be increased.

  Furthermore, an air flow path 65c is formed in the protrusion 65 on the outer side of the forward flow path 65a with respect to the axis C. One end of the air flow path 65 c is connected to the air flow path 63 c formed in the base portion 63. The other end of the air flow path 65 c is connected to the bubble generating device 67.

The base portion 63 and the protruding portion 65 are connected to each other via the connector 64. That is, the engaging portion 63g of the base portion 63 and the engaging portion 64g of the connector 64 are engaged, and the connecting portion 64h of the connector 64 and the connecting portion 65h of the protruding portion 65 are connected. The connector 64 and the protrusion 65 are integrated.

  The connection part 64h of the connector 64 and the connection part 65h of the protrusion 65 are fastened by, for example, bolts and connected to each other. At this time, the connecting portion 65h of the protruding portion 65 is provided with a through hole for fastening and fixing with a bolt, and the connecting portion 64h of the connector 64 is provided with a hole in which a female screw is cut. Thereby, the connector 64 and the protrusion part 65 can be fastened and fixed by tightening a bolt from the jet nozzle 65j side. In addition, it is preferable that the through-hole provided in the connection part 65h is provided with the fixed width dimension in the circumferential direction. Thereby, it is possible to fasten and fix the connector 65 to the connector 64 while rotating the protrusion 65 by a certain amount around the axis C. That is, the through hole provided in the connecting portion 65 h functions as a backlash when the protruding portion 65 is fixed to the connector 64. Thereby, the operation | work at the time of attaching the bath adapter 61 to the bathtub 31 becomes easy. In addition, the connection method of the connector 64 and the protrusion part 65 is not limited to the fastening fixation with a volt | bolt.

  The engaging portion 63g of the base portion 63 and the engaging portion 64g of the connector 64 are threaded. The connector 64 and the base part 63 can be engaged and fixed by screwing the other engaging part (63g, 64g) into one engaging part (63g, 64g). In the present embodiment, an engagement portion 63g in which a female thread is cut is provided on the inner surface of the return channel 63b inside the base portion 63. Further, an engaging portion 64g having a male screw cut is provided on the outer surface of the connector 64g. Further, the connector 64 is provided with a protrusion 64m that comes into contact with the inner wall surface of the bathtub 31.

  When attaching the main body 62 of the bath adapter 61 to the bathtub 31, first, the engaging portion 63 g of the base portion 63 and the engaging portion 64 g of the connector 64 are screwed and engaged so as to sandwich the wall surface of the bathtub 31. The connector 64 and the base portion 63 are fixed to the wall surface of the bathtub 31. Next, the protrusion 65 is connected and fixed to the connector 64. Finally, the cover 66 and the protrusion 65 are connected and fixed. The bubble generating device 67 is detachably attached to the main body 62 as will be described later. Therefore, the bubble generating device 67 can be attached to the main body 62 by any procedure after the protrusion 65 is connected and fixed to the connector 64, for example. Further, the protruding portion 65 may be attached to the connector 64 in a state where the bubble generating device 67 is attached to the protruding portion 65.

  As described above, the flow path is provided concentrically around the axis C in the main body 62 constituting the bath adapter 61, and the base 63 to which each pipe (29, 30, 68) is connected. And the protrusion part 65 in which the jet nozzle 65j is provided is comprised so that it may connect and be fixed via the connector 64. FIG. As a result, the connection between the flow paths of the respective members can be facilitated, and the attachment work of the bath adapter 61 can be facilitated.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, a portion of the protruding portion 65 that protrudes inward of the bathtub 31 is covered with a cover 66. In addition, the cover 66 should just be comprised so that the part which protruded to the inner side of the bathtub 31 among the forward flow paths 65a provided in the protrusion part 65 may be covered. Moreover, in the bath adapter 61 of this Embodiment, as shown to Fig.2 (a), although the cover 66 does not cover the jet nozzle 65j, it is comprised so that the cover 66 may cover the jet nozzle 65j. Also good. In this case, the portion of the cover 66 that covers the spout 65j is processed so as not to obstruct the flow of hot water sprayed into the bathtub 31 (for example, a plurality of small holes are provided). ) Is preferred.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2F, the cover 66 is provided with a suction port 66j for sucking hot water in the bathtub 31. A plurality of suction ports 66j are provided around the cover 66. The suction port 66j is preferably provided above the jet port 65j in a state where the bath adapter 61 is attached to the bathtub 31. As a result, the fine bubbles released to the bathtub 31 are caused to flow into the return flow path (63b, 65b) and the bath circulation circuit 60, and the inside of the bath adapter 61 and the bath circulation circuit 60 are washed by the washing action of the fine bubbles. can do.

  The suction port 66j is provided with a filter 66k. This prevents dust such as hair present in the bathtub 31 from flowing into the bath adapter 61. The filter 66k may be configured by providing a plurality of small holes, or a nonwoven fabric or the like may be provided in the suction port 66j, and is not particularly limited.

  A return channel 65 b is formed inside the cover 66. That is, a space constituted by the inner surface of the cover 66 and the outer surface of the protrusion 65 forms the return channel 65b. The return channel 65b is connected to the return channel 63b.

  The cover 66 is provided with an engaging portion 66l, and the engaging portion 66l and the engaging portion 65l of the protruding portion 65 engage with each other.

  The bubble generating device 67 includes a porous body 67a that generates fine bubbles and an air flow path 67c connected to the air flow path 65c of the protrusion 65. The bubble generating device 67 is configured to be detachable from the main body 62. In the present embodiment, the bubble generating device 67 is configured to be detachable from the protrusion 65. For example, the bubble generating device 67 and the protruding portion 65 are connected and fixed to each other by bolts.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the porous body 67 a is disposed in a porous body storage portion 65 i formed in the protruding portion 65. The porous body 67a is formed in a hollow shape, and a hollow space 67n is provided inside. Thereby, air can be supplied over the whole porous body 67a, and a fine bubble can be generated efficiently. The porous body 67a may be formed by integrally molding a material that forms micropores, or may be formed by winding a porous film that forms micropores around a member. Good.

  The cross-sectional area perpendicular to the axis C of the porous body 67a is formed so that the downstream side is larger than the upstream side with respect to the flowing direction of the hot water flowing through the forward flow path 65a. Here, the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the axis C of the porous body 67a is a cross-sectional area including the hollow space 67n formed inside the porous body 67a. In the present embodiment, the porous body 67a is formed in a conical shape, and is disposed in the porous body accommodating portion 65i so that the conical apex is on the upstream side of the forward flow path 65a. Furthermore, the porous body 67a is formed to a size that can be completely stored in the porous body storage portion 65i. That is, the porous body 67a is formed in a capacity that does not protrude from the forward flow path 65a.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the porous body 67a has a plurality of micropores communicating the hollow space 67n and the outside of the porous body 67a (the forward flow path 65a). The micropore has a plurality of cross-sectional areas (for example, D1 and D2). The air supplied to the hollow space 67n circulates through these fine holes and is discharged into hot water flowing through the forward flow path 65a as fine bubbles.

The air flow path 67c connects the air flow path 65c of the protrusion 65 and the hollow space 67n of the porous body 67a. As shown in FIG. 2 (e), the air flow path 67c is connected to the hollow space 67n in the region L on the jet outlet 65j side from the center in the length dimension L in the axis C direction of the porous body 67a. Is preferred. Furthermore, it is more preferable that the air flow path 67c is connected to the hollow space 67n from the outlet 65j side of the porous body 67a. Thereby, the pressure difference of the air pressure concerning each fine hole formed in the porous body 67a can be reduced. Hereinafter, the operation of making the air pressure applied to each minute hole uniform will be described.

  The porous body 67a is formed so that the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the axis C is larger on the downstream side with respect to the flow direction of the hot water flowing through the forward flow path 65a. Here, when the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the axis C increases, the outer surface area per unit length of the axis C in the porous body 67a also increases. The number of micropores increases with an increase in the outer surface area, whereby the flow area of the air flowing out from the outer surface of the porous body 67a per unit length of the axis C is downstream of the forward flow path 65a. The larger the side. Air flows into the hollow space 67n from the jet outlet 65j side of the center of the porous body 67a in the axis C direction. At least a part of the air that has flowed into the hollow space 67n flows through the hollow space 67n from the jet port 65j side to the upstream side of the forward flow path 65a. Thereby, a part of the air flowing through the hollow space 67n and the hot water flowing through the forward flow path 65a are opposed to each other. Normally, the air pressure decreases toward the downstream side of the air flow, but as the air pressure decreases, the air flow area also decreases. That is, as the air pressure decreases, the air flow area decreases, so that the pressure difference between the air pressures applied to the micro holes can be made uniform. As a result, fine bubbles can be efficiently discharged into hot water.

  The flow area W of water formed between the inner surface of the protrusion 65 forming the forward flow path 65a and the outer surface of the porous body 67a is as shown in FIG. The water distribution area W2 on the downstream side is configured to be larger than the water distribution area W1 on the upstream side. In the present embodiment, the water distribution area W is configured to gradually increase from the upstream side toward the downstream side.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, the distance h1 between the inner surface of the protrusion 65 forming the forward flow path 65a and the outer surface of the porous body 67a is the distance h2 on the downstream side of the forward flow path 65a. , The distance h is smaller than the distance h on the upstream side.

  Thereby, since the downstream side of the forward flow path 65a is narrowed, the flow rate of hot water can be increased as compared with the case where the inner surface of the protrusion 65 and the outer surface of the porous body 67a are parallel. Therefore, the flow rate of the hot water sprayed into the bathtub 31 can be maintained high, and the hot water and fine bubbles can be jetted into the bathtub 31 vigorously.

  Next, the operation and action when the porous body 67a discharges fine bubbles to the outgoing flow path 65a will be described in detail below.

  When the fine bubbles are discharged into the hot water circulating in the bath circulation circuit 60 and the hot water mixed with the fine bubbles is supplied into the bathtub 31, the bath circulation pump 23 and the air pump 68 are activated. As a result, hot water flows in the bath circulation circuit 60 and air flows into the air pipe 69.

  The hot water flowing through the bath outlet pipe 29 flows into the bath adapter 61 from the outlet pipe connection port 63d. Hot water that has flowed into the bath adapter 61 from the forward pipe connection port 63d flows through the forward flow path (63a, 65a) toward the jet outlet 65j.

  On the other hand, the air that is pumped by the air pump 68 and flows through the air pipe 69 flows into the bath adapter 61 from the air pipe connection port 63f. The air that has flowed into the bath adapter 61 flows through the air flow path (63c, 65c, 67c) and flows into the hollow space 67n formed inside the porous body 67a. The air that has flowed into the hollow space 67n flows out into the hot water flowing through the forward flow path 65a through a plurality of fine holes formed in the porous body 67a.

In the forward flow path 65a, the air that has flowed out from the outer surface of the porous body 67a is released into the hot water as fine bubbles. The hot water mixed with fine bubbles is ejected into the bathtub 31 from the ejection port 65j.

  Moreover, the hot water in the bathtub 31 flows into the bath adapter 61 from the suction inlet 66j. The hot water flowing in from the suction port 66j flows through the return circuit (65b, 63b) toward the return pipe connection port 63e and flows out to the bath return pipe 30. In this way, hot water flows through the inside of the bath circulation circuit 60.

  Next, the action of generating fine bubbles on the outer surface of the porous body 67a will be described. 4A and 4B are partially enlarged cross-sectional views showing a phenomenon in which fine bubbles are released from the outer surface of the porous body 67a. In particular, FIG. 4B shows a case where hot and cold water contacts with the outer surface of the porous body 67a at an angle. 4 (a) and 4 (b), the upper surface of the paper from the porous body 67a is an outward flow path 65a through which hot water flows, and the lower surface of the paper from the porous body 67a is a hollow space 67n through which air flows.

  Here, the pressure (air pressure) of the air supplied to the hollow space 67n by the air pump 68 is set higher than the water pressure of the hot water ejected from the ejection port 65j. Thereby, air flows out from the outer surface of the porous body 67a due to the surface tension of the hot water flowing on the outer surface of the porous body 67a and the pressure difference between the air pressure and the water pressure.

  The hot water flowing on the outer surface of the porous body 67a is viscous. Therefore, the shearing force by the hot water flowing on the outer surface of the porous body 67a is generated in the air flowing out from the outer surface of the porous body 67a. When a certain or higher shearing force acts on the air, the air is cut off from the outer surface of the porous body 67a and released into the hot water as fine bubbles. In this way, fine bubbles are generated on the outer surface of the porous body 67a.

  Further, by forming the porous body 67a in a conical shape or a truncated cone shape, as shown in FIG. 4B, an angle is generated between the hot water flow in the forward flow path 65a and the surface of the porous body 67a. As compared with the case where the flow of hot water and the porous body 67a are parallel, the growth of the velocity boundary layer of hot water is suppressed. That is, since the flow rate of the hot water on the outer surface of the porous body 67a is increased, the shear force by the hot water flowing on the outer surface of the porous body 67a is increased, and fine bubbles can be generated efficiently.

  The bubble diameter of the fine bubbles released into the hot water flowing through the forward flow path 65a is determined by the shear rate due to the flow rate of hot water, the pressure difference between the air pressure and the water pressure, and the cross-sectional area of the micropores formed in the porous body 67a. . Here, as described above, since the porous body 67a has micropores having a plurality of cross-sectional areas, the bubbles released into the hot water flowing through the forward flow path 65a have a plurality of bubble diameters.

  In this manner, the hot water is clouded and discharged into the bathtub 31 by releasing the fine bubbles in the hot water. The degree of cloudiness of the hot water in the bathtub 31 is determined by the bubble diameter of the fine bubbles contained in the hot water and the distribution density of the fine bubbles in the bathtub 31.

  The distribution density of the fine bubbles in the bathtub 31 is determined by the supply amount of the fine bubbles into the bathtub 31 and the diffusibility of the fine bubbles in the bathtub 31.

The supply amount of fine bubbles is determined by the shear rate due to the flow rate of hot water flowing on the outer surface of the porous body 67a and the density of fine holes formed on the outer surface of the porous body 67a. According to the present invention, the supply amount of microbubbles can be increased by increasing the density of micropores formed on the outer surface of the porous body 67a. That is, since the supply amount of fine bubbles can be increased without increasing the flow rate of hot water by increasing the rating of the bath circulation pump 23, the bathtub 31 can be used without increasing the energy saving performance of the hot water supply device 100. Fine bubbles can be supplied inside.

  Further, the diffusibility of the fine bubbles in the bathtub 31 is determined by the bubble diameter of the fine bubbles and the flow rate of the hot water ejected from the jet outlet 65j. The fine bubbles having a relatively large bubble diameter have large buoyancy in water, and move upward in the bathtub 31 after being ejected from the ejection port 65j. On the other hand, the fine bubbles having a relatively small bubble diameter have small buoyancy in water and move relatively far from the jet port 65j together with the hot water jetted from the jet port 65j.

  That is, the fine bubbles having a relatively large bubble diameter are distributed in the vicinity of the jet outlet 65j and in the upper layer of the hot water in the bathtub 31, and the fine bubbles having a relatively small bubble diameter are compared from the jet outlet 65j. It is far from the target and is often distributed in the lower layer of the hot water in the bathtub 31.

  Thus, according to the present invention, the supply amount of fine bubbles supplied into the bathtub 31 can be increased, and the diffusibility of the fine bubbles in the bathtub 31 can be improved. Therefore, the bath adapter 61 capable of efficiently supplying fine bubbles into the bathtub 31 can be provided.

  Moreover, hot water mixed with fine bubbles has an effect of increasing the thermal effect on the human body and maintaining the thermal insulation effect for a long time. Therefore, according to the present invention, the hot water heater 100 with high usability can be realized.

  Further, when fine bubbles are discharged into the hot water and the hot water mixed with the fine bubbles is ejected into the bathtub 31, the fine bubbles flow into the bath adapter 61 from the suction port 66j. The fine bubbles that flow into the bath adapter 61 flow in the bath circulation circuit 60 along the flow of hot water. The fine bubbles have a cleaning function. Therefore, according to the present invention, dirt such as sebum adhering to the inside of the bath circulation circuit 60 can be removed, and the growth of bacteria in the bath circulation circuit 60 can be suppressed. Moreover, since the stain | pollution | contamination adhering inside the bath circulation circuit 60 can be removed, the capability of the heating apparatus 24 can be exhibited to the maximum. As a result, a water heater excellent in cleanliness and energy saving can be realized.

  The bath adapter 61 may be applied to a hot water storage type water heater. FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a case where the bath adapter 61 is applied to the hot water storage type hot water heater 100.

  The hot water storage type water heater shown in FIG. 5 includes a heat pump device that boils hot water and a hot water storage tank 3 that stores the hot water generated by the heat pump device. This hot water storage type heat pump water heater includes a hot water storage unit 1 and a heat pump unit 2.

  The heat pump unit 2 includes a compressor 4, a water / refrigerant heat exchanger 5, a decompression means 6 composed of an electromagnetic expansion valve, a capillary tube, an expander and the like, and an evaporator 7 which is an air heat exchanger annularly formed by a refrigerant pipe. A heat pump cycle 2a that is connected and in which the refrigerant circulates is provided. As the refrigerant, a single refrigerant such as carbon dioxide, or an HFC refrigerant such as R410A or R407C can be used. When carbon dioxide is used as the refrigerant, the pressure on the high pressure side when the heat pump cycle 2a is operating is equal to or higher than the critical pressure. As a result, the heat pump cycle 2a operates as a supercritical cycle. A fan 8 for sending air to the evaporator 7 is provided in the vicinity of the evaporator 7.

The hot water storage unit 1 is provided with a hot water storage tank 3. The hot water storage unit 1 is formed by connecting a lower part (bottom) of the hot water tank 3, a boiling forward pipe 32, a water refrigerant heat exchanger 5, a boiling return pipe 33, a three-way switching valve 18 a, and the hot water tank 3 in this order. An annular boiling circuit is provided. In the middle of the boiling forward pipe 32, a boiling pump 21 that conveys water in the lower part of the hot water tank 3 to the water-refrigerant heat exchanger 5 is provided.

  A boiling return pipe 33 is connected to the inlet side of the three-way switching valve 18a. A boiling bypass pipe 34 and a boiling pipe 35 are connected to the outlet side of the three-way switching valve 18a. The other end of the boiling bypass pipe 34 is connected to the bottom of the hot water tank 3. The other end of the boiling pipe 35 is connected to the upper part of the hot water tank 3. In addition, the other end of the boiling pipe 35 may be connected to the 1st hot water pipe 9 mentioned later.

  Thereby, the flow path of the hot water which is conveyed by the boiling pump 21 and flows through the boiling return pipe 33 is switched by the three-way switching valve 18a. That is, the hot water flowing through the boiling return pipe 33 returns to the lower part of the hot water tank 3 through the boiling bypass pipe 34 and returns to the upper part of the hot water tank 3 through the boiling pipe 35.

  Further, an incoming water temperature detecting means 41 for detecting the water temperature at the inlet of the water refrigerant heat exchanger 5 and a hot water temperature detecting means 42 which is a hot water temperature sensor for detecting the water temperature at the outlet of the water refrigerant heat exchanger 5 are provided. .

  A plurality of remaining hot water thermistors (temperature sensors) 40a to 40e as hot water storage temperature detecting means are installed in this order from the upper side on the wall surface of the hot water storage tank 3, and the heat storage in the hot water storage tank 3 is caused by the temperature of the remaining hot water thermistors 40a to 40e. The amount of heat can be grasped.

  Water from the water supply is supplied to the hot water tank 3, the second mixing valve 14, and the third mixing valve 15, which will be described later, via the water supply pipe 11 to which the pressure reducing valve 20 is connected. The water supply pipe 11 branches into a first water supply branch pipe 12 a, a second water supply branch pipe 12 b, and a third water supply branch pipe 12 c at the water supply branch section 12, and the first water supply branch pipe 12 a is formed at the bottom of the hot water tank 3. The second water supply branch pipe 12b is connected to the second mixing valve 14, and the third water supply branch pipe 12c is connected to the third mixing valve 15.

  A first hot water discharge pipe 9 is connected to the top of the hot water storage tank 3, and the other end of the first hot water discharge pipe 9 branches into a hot water branch pipe 16 and a follow-up pipe 25, and the hot water branch pipe 16 is a first mixing pipe. A follower tube 25 is connected to the valve 13 to a bath heat exchanger 24. A second hot water discharge pipe 10 is connected between a position where the hot water boiling pipe 36 is connected in the vertical direction of the hot water tank 3 and the bottom of the hot water tank 3.

  The hot water storage unit 1 is provided with a hot water supply circuit. The hot water supply circuit mixes the hot water in the hot water tank 3 and the water supplied from the water with the first mixing valve 13, the second mixing valve 14, and the third mixing valve 15 to obtain hot water at a predetermined temperature, It is a circuit for supplying hot water to a hot water supply terminal (not shown) such as a shower or a bathtub.

  The first mixing valve 13 mixes the hot water supplied from the first hot water discharge pipe 9 and the hot water supplied from the second hot water discharge pipe 10 and causes the hot water to flow out from the hot water joining pipe 17. The outgoing hot water junction pipe 17 branches into a first outgoing hot water joint pipe branch pipe 17a and a second outgoing hot water joint pipe branch pipe 17b. The first outgoing hot water joint pipe branch pipe 17a is connected to the second mixing valve 14 and the second outgoing hot water joint pipe. The branch pipes 17b are connected to the third mixing valve 15, respectively.

  The second mixing valve 14 mixes hot water supplied from the first outlet hot water merging pipe branch pipe 17a and water supplied from the second hot water supply branch pipe 12b and causes the hot water to flow out of the hot water pipe 28 to supply hot water such as a currant or shower. Hot water of a predetermined temperature is supplied from a terminal (not shown).

  The hot water supply pipe 28 connected to the outlet side of the second mixing valve 14 is provided with a hot water supply temperature sensor 43a as a first hot water supply temperature detection means. When hot water is supplied from a hot water supply terminal, the hot water supply temperature sensor 43a detects the hot water supply temperature sensor 43a. The control unit 51 controls the mixing ratio of the second mixing valve 14 so that the temperature becomes the target set temperature (set by the user from the remote controller 50).

  The third mixing valve 15 mixes the hot water supplied from the second outlet hot water merging pipe branch pipe 17b and the water supplied from the first water supply branch pipe 12c, and causes the water to flow out from the bath pouring pipe 27. Then, hot water having a predetermined temperature is poured into the bathtub 31 through the bath outlet pipe 29 and the bath return pipe 30.

  The bath pouring pipe 27 connected to the outlet side of the third mixing valve 15 is provided with a bath hot water temperature sensor 43b serving as a second hot water temperature detecting means. The control unit 51 controls the mixing ratio of the third mixing valve 15 so that the detected temperature of the sensor 43b becomes the target set temperature (set by the user using the remote controller 50).

  The hot water storage unit 1 is provided with a bath chase circuit. The bath reheating circuit can heat the hot water in the bathtub 31 to a predetermined temperature by exchanging heat between the hot water in the hot water tank 3 and the hot water in the bathtub 31 by the bath heat exchanger (heating device) 24.

  The bath reheating circuit is configured by connecting the hot water tank 3, the first hot water discharge pipe 9, the discharge pipe 25, the bath heat exchanger 24, the discharge pump 22, the discharge return pipe 26, and the hot water storage tank 3 in an annular shape. The secondary side flow path is connected to the bathtub 31, the bath return pipe 30, the bath circulation pump 23, the bath heat exchanger (heating device) 24, the bath outlet pipe 29, and the bath adapter 61 attached to the bathtub 31 with an annular pipe. The secondary side flow path (bath circulation circuit) 60 is configured. In the bath circulation circuit 60, a part of the bath outlet pipe 29 (bath outlet pipe 29 a), a part of the bath return pipe 30 (bath return pipe 30 a), and the bath adapter 61 are arranged outside the hot water storage unit 1. In the middle of the bath return pipe 30, a bath temperature sensor 45 serving as a bath temperature detecting means for detecting the hot water temperature in the bathtub 31 and a water level sensor 46 serving as a bath water level detecting means are installed.

  Further, a hot water storage type heat pump water heater 100 shown in FIG. 5 includes an air pump 68 that pumps air into the bath adapter 61 inside the hot water storage unit 1 and a part of an air pipe 69 through which the air pumped by the air pump 68 flows. And. Among these, a part of the air pipe 69 (air pipe 69 a) is disposed outside the hot water storage unit 1. Note that the air pump 68 and the air pipe 69 may be provided separately from the hot water storage unit 1.

  The bath outlet pipe 29a, the bath return pipe 30a, and the air pipe 69a function as connection pipes between the hot water storage unit 1 and the bath adapter 61.

  The hot water storage type heat pump water heater 100 shown in FIG. 5 performs hot water storage operation in which hot water heated in the heat pump cycle 2a is stored in the hot water storage tank 3, and hot water for bath automatic hot water in which a predetermined amount of hot water is applied to the bathtub 31. The beam operation and the reheating operation in which hot water in the bathtub 31 is caused to flow into the bath circulation circuit 60 and the hot water in the bathtub 31 is replenished by the bath heat exchanger 24 can be executed. The fine bubbles can be supplied into the bathtub 31 in the hot water operation and the reheating operation.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a bath adapter and a water heater provided with the same in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the same portions as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

The bath adapter 61 includes a main body 62 that forms a flow path of air and hot water, and a bubble generating device 67 that discharges fine bubbles to hot water that is jetted into the bathtub 31. The bubble generating device 67 has a porous body 67a that generates fine bubbles. Air is pumped into the porous body 67 a to generate fine bubbles, and the generated fine bubbles are discharged into the hot water flowing inside the main body 62. Thereby, hot water in which fine bubbles are mixed in the bathtub 31 can be ejected.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the bath adapter 61 is provided with a spout 65j through which hot water is spouted into the bathtub 31. Inside the bath adapter 61, a forward flow path (63a) through which hot water flows toward the spout 65j. , 65a). The bath adapter 61 is provided with a suction port 66j for sucking hot water in the bathtub 31, and a return flow path (63b) in which the hot water sucked from the suction port 66j flows into the bath return pipe 30 is provided inside the bath adapter 61. , 65b). Further, the air flow path (63 c, 65 c) for supplying the air that is pumped by the air pump 68 and flows into the bath adapter 61 through the air pipe 69 to the bubble generating device 67 is provided inside the bath adapter 61. ) Is formed.

  The main body 62 constituting the bath adapter 61 has a cross section perpendicular to the axis C formed in a circular shape centered on the axis C. The forward flow path (63a, 65a), the air flow path (63c, 65c), and the return flow path (63b, 65b) are arranged concentrically with the axis C as the center and different radii. In the present embodiment, air flow paths (63c, 67c) are provided on the axis C as shown in FIG. Further, outward flow paths (63a, 65a) are provided outside the air flow paths (63c, 67c). Furthermore, return channels (63b, 65b) are provided outward from the forward channels (63a, 65a).

  The main body 62 constituting the bath adapter 61 includes a base part 63 to which the bath outlet pipe 29, the bath return pipe 30 and the air pipe 69 are connected, a protruding part 65 having a jet outlet 65j, and a base part 63 and a protruding part 65. A cover 66 having a suction port 66j is provided that covers a portion of the connector 64 and the protrusion 65 to be connected that protrudes inward of the bathtub 31. The protruding portion 65 may be configured as a top portion that is molded integrally with the connector 64. The air channel (63c, 67c) has a circular cross section perpendicular to the axis C.

  The forward flow path 63 a provided in the base portion 63 communicates with the forward flow path 65 a provided in the protruding portion 65. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6A, the forward flow path 65a is inserted inside the forward flow path 63a, so that both the flow paths are connected to and communicate with each other. In addition, the restricting portion 63n is formed by inserting the forward flow path 65a inside the forward flow path 63a.

  The bubble generating device 67 includes a porous body 67a that generates fine bubbles and an air flow path 67c connected to the air flow path 63c of the base portion 63. The bubble generating device 67 is configured to be detachable from the main body 62. In the present embodiment, the bubble generating device 67 is configured to be detachable from the base portion 63. For example, the bubble generating device 67 and the base portion 63 are connected and fixed to each other by bolts. Further, the bubble generating device 67 and the base portion 63 are internally threaded on the inner surface of the air flow path 63 c of the base portion 63, and are externally threaded on the outer surface of the bubble generating device 67. The male screws provided are screwed into female screws provided on the inner surface of the air flow path 63c so that they are connected and fixed to each other. Thus, if both are connected and fixed by the relationship between the male screw and the female screw, the bubble generating device 67 can be attached and detached more easily.

  As a result, the air pumped by the air pump 68 and flowing into the bath adapter 61 flows into the hollow space 67n of the porous body 67a while maintaining the high air pressure. Therefore, the air pressure applied to each micropore of the porous body 67a can be increased, and the supply amount of microbubbles generated on the outer surface of the porous body 67a can be increased.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a bath adapter and a water heater provided with the same in Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In this embodiment, the same portions as those in the other embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  This embodiment is different from the other embodiments in that the porous body 67a and the porous body storage portion 65i are formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. Thereby, the distribution area W of water formed between the inner surface of the protrusion 65 forming the forward flow path 65a and the outer surface of the porous body 67a becomes the same from the upstream side toward the downstream side.

  In addition, this embodiment is different from the other embodiments in that the flow area W of water formed between the inner surface of the protruding portion 65 that forms the forward flow path 65a and the outer surface of the porous body 67a is It is a point smaller than the cross-sectional area of the forward flow path (63a, 65a) on the upstream side of the porous body 67a. Thereby, since the flow rate of the hot water flowing on the outer surface of the porous body 67a is increased and the shearing force of the air released from the surface of the porous body 67a is increased, fine bubbles can be generated efficiently. Moreover, the flow rate of the hot water spouted in the bathtub 31 can be maintained high, and hot water and fine bubbles can be spouted into the bathtub 31 and diffused.

  As described above, the bath adapter according to the present invention can efficiently supply fine bubbles into the bathtub, and therefore can be applied to a water heater configured to supply hot water to the bathtub.

23 Bath Circulation Pump 29, 29a Bath Outlet Pipe 30, 30a Bath Return Pipe 31 Bathtub 60 Bath Circulation Circuit 61 Bath Adapter 62 Main Body 63 Base Part 63n Restriction Part 63a Outward Channel 65 Protruding Part 65a Outward Channel 65j Spout 66 Cover 66j Suction port 67 Bubble generating device 67a Porous material

Claims (4)

A spout from which hot water supplied from the piping spouts into the bathtub;
An outward flow path through which the hot water flows toward the jet port;
A porous body that is disposed in the forward flow path and discharges the pressurized air as fine bubbles to the hot water flowing through the forward flow path,
The bath adapter according to claim 1, wherein the forward flow path is provided with a constricted portion with a reduced flow passage cross-sectional area of the forward flow path upstream of the porous body. The porous body is formed in a conical shape or a truncated cone shape in which the cross-sectional area on the downstream side is larger than the cross-sectional area on the upstream side with respect to the flow direction of the hot water flowing through the forward flow path. The bath adapter according to claim 1. The flowing area of hot water in the forward flow path in which the porous body is disposed is smaller than the distribution area of hot water in the forward flow path on the upstream side of the porous body. The bath adapter as described in. The water heater provided with the said piping which supplies hot water to the bath adapter of any one of Claim 1 to 3.

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