JPH04349998A - Hot water sterilization/filtration device of home bath - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To allow circulation of sterilized and filtered hot water into a bath by sterilizing and filtering waste and some bacteria in hot water at a suction aperture using a sterilization and filtration element, then sterilizing a large amount of bacteria in incrustations at an ozone reaction tower in the downstream and removing the ozone from the hot water by separation process in the reaction tower. CONSTITUTION:A sterilization and filtration element 6 incorporating a filter such as a water-proof urethane sponge and a metal on generator 8 which can be taken out is arranged in freely detachable manner from the interior of a bath at a suction aperture in the upstream of a circulation system path 5 extending from the suction aperture 3 of the bath 2 to a discharge aperture 4. In addition, a pump 9, an ejector 10 to which an ozone generator 11, an outflow aperture 13 of hot water containing ozone at the bottom of a tower, an air vent valve 14 through which the ozone separated from the hot water by gravity difference escapes at the top of the tower and an ozone reaction tower 12 with a discharge aperture of hot water from which the ozone is removed, are arranged sequentially in the downstream of the circulation system path. Further, a bypass system path 16 connecting a part 5a to a part 5b is added.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus useful for sterilizing and filtering hot water in bathtubs in ordinary households.

0002

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Proposals have been made to make bathing at home more comfortable. One of these is a blow bath, which massages the body by jetting air bubbles and water into the bathtub with considerable force. Apart from this, there are also systems that circulate, filter, and sterilize the hot water in the bathtub so that the next bather can enjoy clean water, and there are also systems that circulate the hot water in the bathtub so that the next bather can comfortably bathe in clean water. There are also water filters that can be used multiple times. Many products of this type use a pump to circulate hot water into the bathtub, mixing air bubbles and spraying the mixture into the bathtub. Unlike the blow bath mentioned above, this type of bath uses a not-so-powerful jet of foam to flow into the bathtub, and uses the ultrasonic waves produced when the bubbles pop to stimulate the skin, aiming for a health effect.

[0003] Most of these products use natural stones such as maifan stone (quartz porphyry) to purify hot water, and utilize the trace amounts of minerals eluted from the stones, while also using the stones as filter media. It is also used to help stabilize bacteria in hot water. However, since this alone is insufficient for sterilization, there are many proposals using various sterilization methods such as metal ions, ozone, and ultraviolet rays as supplementary means.

The first problem is filtration. This type of hot water sterilization/filtration equipment installed outdoors uses filters made of natural stone, urethane, nonwoven fabric, etc. as filter media, but natural stone Because the unevenness of the filter does not lend itself to backwashing, it must be cleaned by hand after a certain period of time, and similarly, filters made of urethane or non-woven fabric must be washed by hand or thrown away. and,
Cleaning is a pain even if you only do it once or twice a year.

[0005] Therefore, there are devices that use ceramic spheres or glass beads made of kaolin or zeolite as filter media, and wash the filter media by backflowing the hot water at regular intervals or by sensing the water pressure of the hot water. This method uses hot water for backwashing, so the
Household bathtubs, which are about liters in size, often have 5 liters of water.
Since 0 to 60 liters of hot water is used as backwash water, the water level in the bathtub drops, and replenishing the water becomes difficult, so consideration must be given to automating replenishment. In addition, automatic backwashing equipment has a major problem of increased cost.

[0006] In a full-scale backwash sand filter, the valves are made of gunmetal or other material in order to avoid damage to the switching valve due to filter media leaking into the circulation system, but this type of household sterilization・In order to reduce the size and weight of filtration devices, there is a risk of failure due to the use of plastic three-way and five-way valves.

The second problem is sterilization. Natural stones such as maifan stone have the effect of eluting minerals, and bacteria in the hot water are adsorbed to the fine voids in the montmorillonite and kaolionite parts of the stone and sterilized. Furthermore, the microbial film grown on the surface of the stone can be fully evaluated in that it has the function of decomposing fat in hot water and reducing it to organic acids, but the inventor's experimental results indicate that We did not have sufficient confidence in the adsorption stability of bacteria. Perhaps for this reason, many devices use ozone sterilization as an auxiliary method.

Originally, the main purpose of this type of equipment is to purify hot water, but ultrasonic bubbles for health purposes are also requested by users. For this reason, even when using ozone, many bathtubs use a discharge nozzle to inject ozone bubbles instead of air bubbles into the bathtub. Although this method is simple, there are problems with ozone damage, such as damage to plastic bathtubs, bathroom tiles, bathtub lids, aging and discoloration, and the effects on the human body cannot be ignored. In this regard, it is not inconceivable to use a timer to inject ozone outside of bathing hours, but although the effect on the human body can be eliminated, the harm to the bathroom cannot be eliminated.

On the other hand, instead of sending ozone directly into the bathtub, ozone is mixed with hot water and sent to the reaction tower, and the bubbles containing ozone are brought into good contact with the hot water and sterilized.
There is a method of releasing ozone into the atmosphere and sending only sterilized hot water into the bathtub. According to this method, the hot water is sterilized and does not contain ozone, so there is no harm to the human body or the bathroom. However, there are problems with feeding ozone into the reaction tower. That is, if the reaction tower is placed upstream of the pump, it is difficult to release ozone after the reaction. In addition, it is not practical to send hot water mixed with ozone bubbles sucked in from the negative pressure side directly through the pump to the reaction tower on the downstream side, as this will only cause the pump to idle due to air and cause damage to the pump blades due to ozone. It is possible.

[0010] Therefore, it is common practice to place a reaction tower downstream of the pump, but since side pressure is applied to the downstream pipe, in order to send ozone, the pressure in the pipe must be exceeded. Either you have to rely on an air pump with air capacity, or you have to install an ejector with an orifice in the same line. However, since the former increases costs, the latter is more desirable in terms of cost and simplification, but there is a problem in disposing it in the circulation path. In other words, the orifice that works by sucking ozone also works by reducing the flow rate at the same location, so it is no longer able to provide a flow rate that is sufficient to suck air into the hot water that passes through the ejector for bubble growth at the outlet of the bathtub. Either the bubble bath must be given up or a separate means for bubble growth must be added.

[0011] The third problem is that various bath additives have been developed and used as lifestyles have changed to make bathing more comfortable and healthier. When used together with ozone, chlorine agents, etc., the bath additives will be decolorized and deodorized by their oxidizing power, resulting in extremely short service life of the bath additives. In addition, when natural stones such as Maihan stone or ceramic balls made of adsorbent materials such as montmorillonite or kaolionite are used as filter stones, the sodium sulfate in the bath additive reacts with the calcium in the filter medium to form a film on the surface of the filter medium. Perhaps because of this, the filtration performance deteriorates significantly in a short period of time. Also, because it does not completely absorb pigments and fragrances, it has the disadvantage that some bath additives may be bleached or remain the same color.

0012

[Problems to be solved by the invention] The problems to be solved are that cleaning the filter media requires a lot of effort and effort outdoors, requires a backwashing device, or is disposable. , sterilization is insufficient, bubble bath cannot be obtained without a special means for bubble growth, and adverse effects on bath preparations cannot be eliminated.

[0013]

[Means for solving the problem] Regarding the first problem, the main sterilization element and the filtration element with auxiliary sterilization ability are separated, the main sterilization is performed outdoors, and the auxiliary sterilization and necessary Perform adequate filtration only indoors, in bathtubs. A small filter is sufficient if the hot water in the bathtub in a general household is dirty, and it is installed at one place in the hot water circulation system, that is, at the suction port inside the bathtub, so that it can be attached and removed from inside the bathtub. so that it can be removed for washing and cleaning when taking a bath. As for the timing of cleaning, since the filter becomes clogged and the air bubbles are not ejected easily, it is easy to tell by looking at it, and it is enough to clean it once every 2 to 3 days. If the filter is, for example, a water-resistant urethane sponge (10 cm in diameter, 1 cm thick, with 30 meshes per 25 mm length), the inventor's experiments have shown that there are differences depending on the degree of dirtiness and age of the bather. However, it is sufficient to clean the bath every 10 to 20 people, and by increasing the suction surface area, the cleaning interval can be extended. In addition, the sterilization/filtration element can be attached to and removed from the suction port by mounting with a stopper or screws, but simply by inserting the connection port of the sterilization/filtration element into the suction port, the suction pressure of the pump will work and the element will fall off. do not.

[0014] The sterilization/filtration element is preferably a flat type that has a large inlet area for hot water and a large contact area for both the filter and the metal ion generator, and the filter is similarly easy to clean. For example, this filter can be made by combining two waterproof urethane sponges with different meshes, one coarse on the inlet side and one fine on the back side, or a micro-sponge-like waterproof urethane sponge on the inlet side and ultra-superfine fibers on the back side. A mode in which non-woven fabric is combined,
Examples of metal ion generators include amorphous copper,
Examples include embodiments in which it is supported on a water-permeable net-like body such as high-purity ultrafine copper fibers or ceramic silver carriers, and embodiments in which it is supported on a water-resistant urethane sponge or nonwoven fabric of a filter. The assembled structure of the filter and the metal ion generator is, for example, one in which the filter is held on the suction port side, and the metal ion generator is held in a net-like body that allows water to pass through on the opposite side, leaving an inflow space for hot water in between. A mode in which the metal ion generator is placed facing each other in a state facing each other, a mode in which the metal ion generator is held in a water-permeable net-like body and polymerized on the rear side of the filter, and a mode in which the metal ion generator is placed facing each other in a water circulation system downstream of the filter. Examples include an embodiment in which a metal ion generator is disposed between the suction port and the pump so that it can be drawn out from the suction port of the bathtub.

Regarding the second problem, an ejector is provided upstream of the ozone sterilization reaction tower, an ozone generator is connected to the orifice of the ejector, and ozone is sucked in without power. Although this flow rate is sufficient for filtration, it is insufficient for use in a bubble bath, so a bypass line that is opened and closed by a solenoid valve is provided upstream of the ejector, and this line is opened and circulated during the bubble bath. This solenoid valve can be operated from inside the bathroom when taking a bubble bath. Additionally, the power to the ozone generator can be turned on and off from within the bathroom. Further, the solenoid valve is not limited to one made of gunmetal, but may be made of plastic, which is selected as appropriate.

Regarding the third problem, an ozone sterilization element and a metal ion sterilization element are used in combination in order to sterilize the hot water without adversely affecting the bath preparation. Conventionally, ion sterilization has been performed by eluting copper ions into water from ultrafine fibers of high-purity copper, or by eluting silver ions into water from silver supported on fibers or solid materials. However, recently it has become possible to take advantage of the property of amorphous copper and silver, which do not form an oxide film on their surfaces, to immerse the same metals in water and emit ions for a long period of time.

[0017] When this metal ion sterilization method was applied to hot water in a bathtub and tested, although it did not have as strong a sterilizing power as ozone or chlorine, the inventor repeated the experiment every week for three months. So, general bacteria is 8 per 1 mg of hot water.
The temperature was between 0 and 1600, and the water was clear and could withstand continuous use. However, although metal ion sterilization can suppress the growth of bacteria, it does not have the oxidizing power of ozone, so its ability to decolorize and deodorize hot water is inferior, and after long-term use, hot water may become slightly colored and It gave off a smell. Therefore, in the present invention, this point is used conversely when using bath additives, and the ozone generator is stopped while bath additives are being used. Leave it to me. After one day of bathing using the bath additive in this manner, the bath agent may be switched to ozone sterilization and a new bath agent may be added the next day, or it is also possible to use metal ion sterilization continuously for several days. Of course, the filtration is done continuously during that time, so the hot water is transparent.

[0018]

[Function] The hot water sterilization element is separated outdoors, the sterilization/filtration element is separated indoors at the suction port inside the bathtub, and the bypass path upstream of the ejector in the hot water circulation system can be opened and closed by a solenoid valve. While hot water is sucked in from the suction port, passed through the circulation system, and returned to the bathtub from the discharge port for sterilization and filtration, the removed substances and some bacteria in the hot water are sterilized and filtered at the suction port. Most of the bacteria in the hot water are sterilized in the downstream ozone reaction tower, and ozone is separated and removed from the hot water in the same reaction tower.
Sterilized and filtered hot water is returned to the bathtub. As a result, the hot water in the bathtub is almost sterilized, clear and free of dirt.
You can always maintain the same bathing condition as the first bath.

Then, the solenoid valve is opened to open the bypass system, and the hot water is sucked in through the suction port, detoured to the bypass system on the way to the ejector in the circulation system, and then returned to the bathtub from the discharge port for sterilization.・During filtration, the removed substances and some bacteria in the hot water are sterilized at the suction port. ・After being sterilized and filtered by the filtration element, most of the hot water is passed through the bypass system at the same flow rate as it was sucked in from the suction port. On the other hand, the remaining hot water passes through the ejector and flows into the ozone reaction tower, where it is sterilized and then merges with the hot water on the side of the bypass system to reach the discharge port. Sterilized and filtered hot water is vigorously refluxed with air bubbles. As a result, the hot water in the bathtub is almost sterilized, transparent, and free of dirt, allowing the user to maintain a bubble bathing condition.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned normal bathing or bubble bathing state, when the bathing agent is added to the hot water, the ozone generator is stopped, and the hot water is being circulated, the removed substances and some of the hot water are removed. Bacteria are sterilized and filtered by the sterilization/filtration element at the inlet, and then reach the outlet, and bacteriostatic and filtered hot water containing bath additives is returned to the bathtub. This results in
Even if you add bath additives, there is no effect from ozone.
The bathing condition using the bathing agent can be maintained in either a normal bathing state or a bubble bathing state.

[0021] Therefore, the filter can be easily washed when cleaning the bathtub, the hot water can be sterilized and filtered within an acceptable range without any trouble, and the user can also select between a normal bathing state, a bubble bathing state, and a bathing agent bathing state. You can take a bath.

[0022]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An example of implementing the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The hot water sterilization/filtration device 1 for a general household bathtub according to the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. A sterilization/filtration element 6 in which a filter 7 and a metal ion generator 8 are removably housed is disposed at the suction port 3 on the upstream side of the bathtub so as to be detachable from the inside of the bathtub. On the downstream side of the circulation system path 5, there is a pump 9, an ejector 10 connected to an ozone generator 11, an outlet 13 for hot water mixed with ozone in the lower part of the tower, and a specific gravity difference between the hot water and the hot water in the upper part of the tower. An air vent valve 14 through which ozone separated by the ozone escapes and an ozone reaction tower 12 having an outlet 15 for hot water from which ozone is removed are sequentially arranged, and an upstream portion 5a of the circulation system between the pump 9 and the ejector 10 is provided. A downstream portion 5b of the circulation system branched from the ozone reaction tower 12.
A bypass line 16 connected to is provided. Further, a water heater 17 is connected to the upstream portion 5a of the circulation system and the downstream portion 5b of the circulation system so that heated hot water can be circulated and heated by flowing back into the bathtub 2 through the circulation path 5. I have to.

The sterilization/filtration element 6 has an opening 19 at the bottom of a flat storage case portion 18 with a round front face, and a connection port 20 on the back side of the storage case portion 18. A filter 7 made of water-resistant urethane sponge 21 is formed in communication with the suction port 3 in a removable manner, and is housed on the side of the connection port 20 in the housing case 18, and inside the opposite side of the case. A metal ion generator 8 is placed between the filter 7 and the hot water inflow space 2 communicating with the opening 19.
2 are placed facing each other, and are held and housed in the same position by a net-like body 23 through which water can pass. Further, the storage case part 18 has a combined structure with front and rear containers 24 and 25, and the front container 24 can be removed and the filter 7 can be taken out from the rear container 25 for cleaning.
The mesh body 23 of the metal ion generator 8 can also be removed and replaced.

The pump 9 is a normal type, but it may also be a self-priming type with the same capacity. The ejector 10 uses a built-in orifice to suck in ozone and mix it into the hot water. The ozone generator 11 is short-circuited with the ozone power supply section 26 to grow ozone, and the ozone is supplied to the check valve 2.
7 to be sucked into the ejector 10. The ozone reaction tower 12 is a vertically cylindrical structure whose top and bottom are closed. Hot water mixed with ozone is passed from an inlet 28 at the top end of the tower through an inlet pipe 29 inside the tower to a divided water flow chamber 30 at the bottom of the tower.
The reaction chamber 3 above each porous outlet 13
1, the hot water is sterilized with ozone in the reaction chamber 31, the sterilized hot water is circulated from the outlet 15 to the discharge port 4 side, and the ozone that accumulates in the upper part of the reaction chamber 31 due to the difference in specific gravity is removed from the air in the upper part of the chamber. The water is discharged outdoors from a valve 14. The bypass system 16 has a solenoid valve 32 in the middle, and this solenoid valve 32 is opened during the bubble bath so that the bypass system 16 can be opened.

In the hot water sterilization/filtration apparatus 1 for a general domestic bathtub according to the second embodiment illustrated in FIG. Its structure is basically the same as that of the first embodiment, except that it is disposed and built in the downstream portion 5b of the circulation system between the reaction tower 12 and the discharge port 4. Detailed explanation will be omitted.

The hot water sterilization/filtration device 1 for a general household bathtub according to the third embodiment illustrated in FIG. The explanation will be omitted and the different configurations will be explained in detail.

The sterilization/filtration element 6 has an opening 19 at the bottom of a flat housing case part 18 with a round front face, and a connection port 20 on the back side of the housing case part 18. The metal ion generating body 8 is communicated with and removably protrudes from the suction port 3, and is held on the side of the connection port 20 in the storage case 18 by a water-permeable mesh body 23. At the same time, on the front side of the metal ion generator 8, a filter 7 consisting of a non-woven fabric 34 made of ultra-superfine fibers shaped like a micro-sponge and a water-resistant urethane sponge 21 is housed in a tri-polymerized state where the non-woven fabric 34 is in contact with the metal ion generator 8. A hot water inflow space 22 communicating with the opening 19 is formed between the filter 7 and the inner side of the housing case portion facing each other.

The hot water sterilization/filtration device 1 for a general household bathtub according to the fourth embodiment illustrated in FIG. The explanation will be omitted and the different configurations will be explained in detail.

The sterilization/filtration element 6 has an opening 19 at the bottom of a flat housing case part 18 with a round front face, and a connection port 20 on the back side of the housing case part 18. A filter 7 made of a water-resistant urethane sponge 21 is disposed in communication with the suction port 3 and removably protrudes from the suction port 3, and is housed on the connection port 20 side in the housing case portion 18.
A hot water inflow space 22 communicating with the opening 19 is formed between the filter 7 and the inner side of the housing case portion facing each other. A metal ion generator 8 supported by a water-permeable mesh body 23 is housed in the upstream portion 5a of the circulation system immediately after the connection port 20, and the metal ion generator 8 is carried in a housing case. The part 18 can be replaced by being pulled out separately from the suction port 3 where it was taken out. Therefore, a knob 35 is attached to the metal ion generator 8 to make it easier to pull it out, and a stopper 36 is provided immediately after the metal ion generator 8 in the upstream portion 5a of the circulation system so that the metal ion generator 8 can be pulled out from the back. I'm trying not to get sucked into it.

The hot water sterilization/filtration apparatus 1 for a general household bathtub according to the fifth embodiment illustrated in FIG. The explanation will be omitted and the different configurations will be explained in detail.

The sterilization/filtration element 6 has an opening 19 at the bottom of a flat housing case part 18 with a round front face, and a connection port 20 on the back side of the housing case part 18. A waterproof urethane sponge 21 is connected to the suction port 3 and is removably formed on the connection port 20 side in the housing case 18 and carries the metal ion generator 8.
A hot water inlet space 22 communicating with the opening 19 is formed between the filter 7 and the inner side of the housing case portion facing each other. Further, the filter 7 may be a nonwoven fabric supporting the metal ion generator 8 and having a desired filtration ability.

[0032]

[Effect of the invention] a. While hot water is sucked in through the suction port, passed through the circulation system, and returned to the bathtub from the discharge port for sterilization and filtration, the removed substances and some bacteria in the hot water are sterilized and filtered by the filtration element at the suction port. Most of the bacteria in the hot water are sterilized in the downstream ozone reaction tower, and ozone is separated and removed from the hot water in the same reaction tower, so that the bathtub contains sterilized and filtered hot water. can be refluxed. Therefore, the hot water in the bathtub is almost sterilized, transparent, and free of dirt, and there is no fear that people or objects will be affected by the oxidizing power of ozone.

B. Open the solenoid valve to open the bypass line,
While the hot water is diverted to the bypass system on the way to the ejector in the circulation system and returned to the bathtub from the discharge port for sterilization and filtration, the removed substances and some bacteria in the hot water are removed from the inlet. Most of the hot water is filtered and sterilized by the sterilization/filtration element, and most of the hot water passes through the bypass system and flows to the discharge port at the same flow rate as it was sucked in from the suction port, while the remaining hot water passes through the ejector and flows into the ozone reaction tower. After flowing in and sterilizing most of the bacteria, it joins the hot water on the side of the bypass system and reaches the discharge port, where the water force is strong and the sterilized and filtered hot water can be vigorously refluxed with air bubbles into the bathtub. Therefore, the hot water in the bathtub is almost sterilized, transparent and free of dirt, and moreover, the user can enjoy the bathing experience of a bubble bath.

C. During normal bathing or bubble bathing as described above, when bathing agents are added to the hot water, the ozone generator is stopped, and the hot water is being circulated, the removed substances and some bacteria in the hot water will be removed from the inlet. After being sterilized and filtered by the sterilization/filtration element, it reaches the discharge port, and the bacteriostatic and filtered hot water containing the bath agent can be returned to the bathtub. Therefore, since there is no effect of ozone even if the bath additive is added, the user can enjoy bathing with the bath additive in either a normal bath or a bubble bath.

D. Unlike conventional devices, there is no filter or filter stone placed inside the filtration tank, so there is no need to open and clean the filtration tank, and the ozone generating element only needs to be replaced once every few years, requiring almost no maintenance. Furthermore, since there is no need to backwash the filter media, there is less worry about the device breaking down.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a hot water sterilization/filtration device for a general household bathtub according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged longitudinal cross-sectional view of the sterilization/filtration element in the same device.

[Figure 3] A side view of the sterilization/filtration element.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second embodiment of the hot water sterilization/filtration device for a general household bathtub of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing, in particular, the sterilization and filtration elements of the third embodiment of the hot water sterilization and filtration device for general household bathtubs of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view showing, in particular, the sterilization and filtration elements of the fourth embodiment of the hot water sterilization and filtration device for a general household bathtub of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a vertical sectional view showing, in particular, the sterilization and filtration elements of the fifth embodiment of the hot water sterilization and filtration device for a general household bathtub of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

2 Bathtub
3 Suction port 4 Discharge port
5 Circulation system path 5a Upstream portion of the circulation system
5b Circulation system downstream section 6 Sterilization/filtration element
7 Filter 8 Metal ion generator
9 Pump 10 Ejector
11
Ozone generator 12 Ozone reaction tower
13 Ozone reaction tower outlet 14 Ozone reaction tower air vent valve
15 Ozone reaction tower outlet 16 Bypass line
18 Storage case part 19 Opening of storage case part
20 Connection port of storage case part 21 Water-resistant urethane sponge of filter 22
Hot water inflow space in storage case part 23
Net 34 Nonwoven fabric of filter

Claims (5)

[Claims] [Claim 1] A bathtub has a circulation system path leading from a suction port to a discharge port, and a filter such as a water-resistant urethane sponge and a metal ion generator are removably built into the suction port on the upstream side of the circulation system path. The sterilization and filtration elements are removably installed from inside the bathtub, and on the downstream side of the same circulation system, there is a pump and an ejector connected to an ozone generator, and an outlet for hot water containing ozone is installed at the bottom of the tower. At the top of the tower, an air vent valve through which ozone separated from hot water due to the difference in specific gravity escapes, and an ozone reaction tower having an outlet for hot water from which ozone has been removed are installed in sequence, and an ozone reaction tower is installed in the upper part of the circulation system between the pump and the ejector. A hot water sterilization/filtration device for a general household bathtub, characterized in that a bypass line is provided that branches from a side part and connects to a downstream part of the circulation line downstream of the ozone reaction tower. 2. The sterilization/filtration element includes a flat storage case portion having an opening at the bottom, and a projecting portion on the back side of the storage case portion so as to communicate with the inside of the storage case portion. A configuration in which a connection port is removably formed in the mouth, and a water-resistant urethane sponge with different meshes is housed on the connection port side in the housing case, with the entrance side being coarse and the back side being fine. Alternatively, a filter combining a water-resistant urethane sponge on the inlet side and a non-woven fabric made of micro-sponge-like ultra-superfine fibers on the back side faces each other while maintaining a hot water inflow space communicating with the opening between the filter and this filter. 2. The hot water sterilization/filtration device for a general household bathtub according to claim 1, further comprising: a metal ion generator held inside the housing case by a water-permeable mesh body. 3. The sterilization/filtration element includes a flat storage case portion having an opening at the bottom, and a projecting portion on the back side of the storage case portion so as to communicate with the inside of the storage case portion. A hot water inflow space communicating with the opening is maintained between a connecting port removably formed in the opening and an inner side of the facing housing case that is housed on the side of the connecting port in the housing case,
A combination of multiple waterproof urethane sponges with different meshes, coarse on the entrance side and fine on the back side, or a combination of a water-resistant urethane sponge on the entrance side and a non-woven fabric made of micro-sponge-like ultra-superfine fibers on the back side. 2. The household appliance according to claim 1, comprising: a filter according to the aspect of the present invention; and a metal ion generator which is positioned in a polymeric manner on the back side of the filter and supported by a water-permeable mesh body. Water sterilization and filtration equipment for bathtubs. 4. The sterilization/filtration element includes a flat storage case portion having an opening at the bottom, and a projecting portion on the back side of the storage case portion so as to communicate with the inside of the storage case portion. A hot water inflow space communicating with the opening is maintained between a connecting port removably formed in the opening and an inner side of the facing housing case that is housed on the side of the connecting port in the housing case,
A combination of multiple waterproof urethane sponges with different meshes, coarse on the entrance side and fine on the back side, or a combination of a water-resistant urethane sponge on the entrance side and a non-woven fabric made of micro-sponge-like ultra-superfine fibers on the back side. and a metal ion generator, which is housed in an upstream portion of the circulation system immediately after the connection port and can be taken out separately from the suction port, and is supported by a water-permeable net-like body. 2. The hot water sterilization/filtration device for a general household bathtub according to claim 1. 5. The sterilization/filtration element includes a flat storage case portion having an opening at the bottom, and a projecting portion on the back side of the storage case portion so as to communicate with the inside of the storage case portion. A hot water inflow space communicating with the opening is maintained between a connecting port removably formed in the opening and an inner side of the facing housing case that is housed on the side of the connecting port in the housing case,
2. The hot water sterilization/filtration device for a general household bathtub according to claim 1, comprising a water-resistant urethane sponge or nonwoven fabric carrying a metal ion generator.