JP3154442U - Ball-shaped container for water saving and energy saving in bathtub - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a container for water saving and energy saving in a bathtub that does not require a heat insulating structure. SOLUTION: Sand etc. 2 can be used as a heavy object to be put in a container. By utilizing the difference in specific heat that is a characteristic of the material, such as the specific heat of sand being as small as 1/5 of water, a sufficient effect can be obtained even if the hollow container body 1 does not have a heat insulating structure. did. In addition, in order to increase the internal pressure of the container after adjusting the weight, the air inlet 4 is provided in the lid 1 to increase the internal pressure of the container, thereby improving the appearance and feel during use. Helps save water in the bathtub, saves energy, and reduces carbon dioxide. [Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a container for water saving and energy saving in a bathtub.

  The amount of hot water in the bathtub requires constant water level at all times, making it difficult to save water and save energy. Also, depending on the bathing conditions, hot water may overflow from the bathtub and may be added again later. In order to eliminate these problems, conventionally devised containers include those that use salt water, or those that are simply marked as heavy objects, in the specific gravity adjustment weights that are placed in the container. . However, the common feature is that the spherical container itself has a heat insulating structure.

  JP-A-8-206027   JP 2004-187893

  Conventionally devised spherical containers for the purpose of saving water in the bathtub and saving energy include heavy objects for adjusting the specific gravity put in them, such as those using salt water. However, since the specific heat of saline is as high as that of water, the effect is weak unless the container itself has a complete heat insulating structure. Each of the other devices is characterized in that the spherical container itself has a heat insulating structure. It is technically difficult to make the spherical container itself a heat insulating structure, and the manufacturing cost is high. Also, it is technically impossible to make a complete heat insulating structure. Therefore, in order to achieve widespread effects, it has a major drawback.

  If the internal pressure of the remaining space in the container cannot be increased even if a heavy object is put in the container and the specific gravity is adjusted, the container is made of a flexible material. Not good. When the container itself is made of a hard material, the dent due to water pressure is eliminated, but it is not preferable in terms of impact when dropped and physical distribution. The present invention aims to solve these drawbacks, save water in the bathtub, save energy, and help reduce carbon dioxide.

  The present invention has a structure in which dry sand and pebbles can be used as a heavy object for adjusting the specific gravity in a hollow container made of an appropriate material that is flexible and heat resistant to some extent. Sand, pebbles, etc. have a higher specific gravity than water, but have a lower specific heat and thermal conductivity. By making use of the characteristics of these substances such as sand and pebbles, a sufficient effect can be obtained for energy saving in the bathtub without the need to make the hollow spherical container itself a heat insulating structure.

  In order to make it easy to put a heavy object in the container and to facilitate the work in the container, the lid of the container was provided with the mouth of the container having a wide opening enough for a hand to enter. In addition, an air inlet with a check valve was provided in the lid.

  As described above, the present invention has a structure in which dry sand and pebbles can be used for heavy objects for adjusting the specific gravity, and the material characteristics of sand and pebbles have been devised in the past. Even if the container itself does not have a heat insulating structure, a sufficient energy saving effect can be obtained. The specific heat of the dried sand is about 0.8, which is as low as 1/5 compared to the specific heat of water, 4.2. Even if the temperature of the sand rises to the same as the temperature of the hot water, the amount of heat energy taken away by the sand in the container at this time is one fifth that of water, only 20%. is there. Therefore, at least 80% of the heat energy can be saved by simply replacing the container with sand. Also, since the dry sand has a low thermal conductivity, the sand near the center does not rise until it reaches the same temperature as the hot water after several hours of use. Therefore, even if the container itself does not have a heat insulating structure, it is possible to save about 90% of the necessary thermal energy for the amount of water having the same volume as the number of containers placed in the bathtub.

  As for the water used, the same amount of water as the number of containers in the bathtub can be saved. Moreover, it leads to shortening of hot water supply time and boiling time. In addition, when hot water overflows during bathing due to differences in bathing conditions and re-addition occurs, it is possible to save water and heat energy by removing the container.

  Even if there is a temperature difference between the temperature of sand and hot water in the container, the sand has low thermal conductivity, and convection like liquid does not occur, so the rate of heat taken away from the surface of the container is slow. Therefore, even if the container does not have a heat insulating structure, the container does not touch the body and feels cold during bathing.

  Since the container itself does not need to have a heat insulating structure, the manufacturing process is simple. Since the manufacturing cost can be reduced, it can be widely used, and it is easy to save water and save energy.

  It is inexpensive because it requires only sand and pebbles to be placed in the container, and it is relatively easy to obtain anywhere. There is no environmental problem when it is discarded. Moreover, it is not necessarily limited to sand and pebbles, and any material having a specific gravity heavier than water and a small specific heat can be used. It is possible to use earth and stone, gravel, concrete pieces, etc. as long as they are dry, the specific heat is the same as sand.

  By providing the air inlet in the container, it is possible to blow air into the remaining space in the container, and by increasing the internal pressure of the container, the dent of the container due to the water pressure of the bathtub can be prevented. Therefore, the appearance and feel are improved and the volume of the container can be utilized to the maximum.

  By making the mouth of the container wide enough for a hand, it is possible to put gravel, pebbles, concrete pieces, iron pieces, etc. as heavy items in a form that is wrapped with a cushioning material. Easy to craft in the container. In addition, by making the lid so that it protrudes outside the container, the lid can be gripped in the bathtub even if the volume of a ball-shaped container is increased, compared to a perfect sphere. Easy to hold.

  The number of containers used in one bathtub is easy to use because it can be freely adjusted according to the conditions of the bathtub and the like.

It is sectional drawing of the container of this invention. It is a front view of the container of the present invention.

  In order to make it easy to put heavy objects for adjusting specific gravity in a heat-resistant ball-shaped container made of an appropriate material, a wide opening is provided to allow easy access, and air with a check valve is provided on the lid. Provide an inlet.

  Place a specified amount of heavy material such as dry sand in a hollow container. Air is blown into the remaining space after the heavy object is put into the tank so as not to be recessed by the water pressure of the bathtub, thereby increasing the internal pressure of the container.

  The heavy article put in the container is not necessarily limited to sand, and may be put in a form in which dry gravel, earth and stone, concrete pieces, and the like are wrapped with a cushioning material such as newspaper. Also, river sand, earth and sand, pebbles, concrete pieces, etc. may be mixed and placed in the container.

  The size of one ball-shaped container may be arbitrary, but about 4 to 5 liters is desirable, and the effect is easily achieved. In addition, the lid is shaped so as to protrude out of the sphere so as to increase stability when held.

  An embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. A predetermined amount of a heavy object 2 such as dry sand or pebbles is placed in a container body 1 made of a suitable material having some degree of flexibility and heat resistance. Cover and tighten the lid 3. Air is injected from the air injection port 4 into the remaining space in the container with a dedicated air supply to the extent that the water pressure of the bathtub does not dent. After increasing the internal pressure of the container, the stopper 5 is tightened so that air does not leak from the container.

  The number to be used varies depending on the difference in individual environmental awareness, but in the case of a bathtub with a water consumption of about 200 liters, about 40 liters can be replaced with hot water from the bathtub. Therefore, in the case of a bathtub that effectively uses this container, it is considered possible to reduce the amount of water used, thermal energy, and carbon dioxide emissions by about 15% compared to the conventional case. The proportion of heat energy consumed in home bathtubs is relatively large. If this can be reduced as much as possible, it will lead not only to economic benefits, but also to reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. Using this container also helps raise awareness of global warming prevention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Container body 2 Heavy objects such as sand and pebbles 3 Lid 4 Air inlet 5 Stopper 6 Check valve

Claims (2)

  A container designed to save water and save energy in a bathtub. As a heavy object to be placed in the container, use a substance with a specific gravity heavier than water and low specific heat, such as dry sand. With features. By using the characteristics of a material with low specific heat, such as sand, the container is characterized in that the energy-saving effect of the bathtub can be obtained without the hollow container itself having a heat insulating structure.   The container according to claim 1, wherein after the specific gravity is adjusted, the lid is provided with an air inlet with a reverse valve in order to increase the internal pressure of the container.

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