JPH079100B2 - Bath equipment - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Use and Outline of the Invention] The present invention provides a bath device, and more particularly, a bath device that can be filled with hot water by keeping the amount of hot water in the bathtub always or almost full. As a result, the whole body is warmed up when taking a bath, and useless use of hot water in this case is prevented.

[Prior Art and Problems Thereof] In a normal bath device, the hot water is supplied from the water heater to the bathtub, and when the water level in the bathtub becomes a certain level, the hot water filling operation is stopped. In addition, recently, there is one that has an automatic water retention function, and in this one, the water level in the bathtub is always maintained at a constant water level.

In this way, with the automatic water retention function, even if the hot water in the bathtub is used, the hot water for that amount is automatically replenished, so there is always sufficient hot water when bathing. It is stored in and can be used conveniently.

However, in this conventional one, the set water level in the bathtub is set significantly lower than the top surface of the bathtub, and even when the bather enters the bathtub, the bathtub surface is below the bathtub top surface, and The upper part of the body, such as the shoulders, is exposed from the bath surface. Therefore,
In the winter, etc., the amount of hot water could not be said to be sufficient when trying to get sufficiently warm.

The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and the amount of hot water in the bathtub is always in a full state or almost full state,
It is an object to ensure that the bather is fully immersed in the hot water and that the hot water overflowing from the bathtub is not wasted.

* Regarding the invention of claim 1 [Technical means] The technical means of the invention of claim 1 taken to solve the above technical problem is "a sub-tank (2) communicating from the upper part to the atmosphere side is a bathtub (1)". And a sub-tank (2) of the overflow pipe (15), the sub-tank (2) and the bathtub (1) being circulatively connected by two circuits of a supply pipe (12) and an overflow pipe (15). The open end on the side is set lower than the top surface of the bath (1) by a slight drop Δl, and a pump (P) having a discharge port on the side of the bath (1) and constantly operating is inserted in the supply pipe. In addition, a detection means (4) for detecting that the amount of hot water stored in the sub tank (2) has become less than or equal to a set amount is provided, and a certain amount of hot water is supplied to the sub tank (2) side or the bathtub (1) by the output of the detection means. ) Side is equipped with replenishing means (3) That's it.

[Operation] The above technical means of the present invention operates as follows.

To bathe using this bathtub, fill the bathtub with the top surface of the bathtub (1). Incidentally, it is also possible to once set the temperature of the hot water in the bath to the set temperature by reheating after the water is once stored in the bath as described above.

During bathing, the bathing water overflows from the open end of the overflow pipe (15) on the side of the sub tank (2) depending on the volume of the person. Even in this state, the bath water surface is lower than the bath top surface by the drop Δl. This overflow water is stored in the circuit of the supply pipe (12) from the sub-tank (2) and is supplied to the bath (1) side by the pump (P) which is always operating. Therefore, the hot water in the bathtub (1) always overflows from the open end of the overflow pipe (15) to the subtank (2) in a state of substantially matching the top surface.

Next, when the bather leaves the bathtub, the water level drops, but at the same time, the hot water stored in the circuit of the supply pipe (12) from the subtank (2) is returned to the bathtub (1) by the pump (P). , The bathing water level in the bathtub (1) is restored to match the bathtub top surface.

When the amount of hot water stored in the bathtub (1) is reduced and the hot water stored in the sub tank (2) and the supply pipe (12) does not fill the bathtub (1) with full water, at this time, When the hot water in the sub tank (2) is pumped to the bathtub side by the pump (P), the water level in the sub tank (2) becomes equal to or lower than the set water level. At this point, the supply means operates by the output of the detection means (4), and a certain amount of hot water is supplied to the bathtub from the circuit from the sub tank (2) to the supply pipe (12) via the pump (P). Alternatively, the water is supplied directly to the bathtub (1), the water level in the bathtub (1) is substantially in agreement with the top surface of the bathtub, and excess water overflows from the overplow pipe (15) to the subtank (2).

[Effects] The present invention having the above-described configuration has the following unique effects.

The amount of hot water in the bathtub (1) is almost the same as the top surface of the bathtub only with a slight difference Δl with respect to the top surface of the bathtub, and therefore, the bather can deeply use the bathtub, and in winter and the like. Can warm the body sufficiently.

Further, in comparison with the above-mentioned prior art and the inventions of claims 2 and 3 described later, since the bathtub (1) is simply provided with a connecting portion of the supply pipe (12) and the overflow pipe (15), An inexpensive bathtub can be used without the need for a bathtub of any shape or configuration.

Further, since the overflowed hot water is returned to the bathtub, the disadvantage that the overflowed hot water is wastefully consumed can be eliminated.

Furthermore, since the water surface in the bathtub is always substantially aligned with the top surface of the bathtub, it is difficult for the scale to adhere to the side wall of the bathtub.

* Regarding the invention of claim 2 The invention of claim 2 solves the same problem as that of the invention of claim 1 and also allows hot water overflowing from the top surface of the bathtub (1) to pass through the subtank (2). It is an object of the present invention to more reliably prevent adhesion of scale and the like to the wall surface of the bathtub by returning to (1).

[Technical Means] The technical means of the present invention taken to solve the above problems is to provide a sub-tank (2) separately from the bath (1) and supply the sub-tank (2) and the bath (1). A pipe (12) and an overflow pipe (15) connected in a circulatory manner, in which a pump (P) having a discharge port on the side of the bath (1) and constantly operating is inserted into the supply pipe. In addition, a detection means (4) for detecting that the amount of hot water stored in the sub-tank (2) has become less than or equal to a set amount is provided, and a certain amount of hot water is generated by the output of the detection means
Side or bathtub (1) side is equipped with a replenishing means (3) for replenishing, and a receiving groove (16) opened upward below the outer periphery of the bathtub top surface.
Is provided, and the receiving groove (16) and the sub-tank (2) are communicated with each other by the overflow pipe (15).

With this technical means, the hot water in the bathtub (1) overflows directly from the top surface of the bathtub into the receiving groove (16) and reaches the subtank (2). Then, the hot water stored in the sub-tank (2) is returned to the bathtub (1) by the pump (P), and operates in the same manner as the invention of claim 1.

Especially, in the case of adopting this technical means, the bathtub (1)
Since the water overflows from the top surface of the bathtub, no water dripping will occur on the wall surface of the bathtub, and it is possible to reliably prevent the adhesion of scale or the like to the water brewing portion.

Further, the hot water storage level in the bathtub (1) coincides with the top surface of the bathtub.

* Regarding the invention of claim 3, the invention of claim 3 is the same as the invention of claim 2,
"The sub-tank (2) was equipped directly in the receiving groove (16)"
In this case, the overflow pipe (15) is unnecessary.

[Embodiment] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

The first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to the invention of claim 1, and includes a bath (1) and a sub tank (2) built in a water heater (K), a supply pipe (12) and an overflow. The pump (P) is inserted into the supply pipe (12) by communicating with the pipe (15), and the check valve is provided on the side of the bath (1) which is the discharge side of the pump (P) in the supply pipe (12). (14) has been inserted. Here, the open end of the overflow pipe (15) on the sub-tank (2) side is opened upward, and the height of this open end is made to coincide with the top surface of the bath (1). Regarding this height, a slight drop Δl may be provided between it and the bathtub top surface as shown in the figure.

Further, a hot water supply pipe (32) from the heat exchanger for hot water supply (31) is made to communicate with the sub tank (2), and this hot water supply pipe (32)
An electromagnetic valve (33) controlled by the detection means (4) is inserted in the. Then, the combination of the electromagnetic valve (33) and the heat exchanger (31) functions as a replenishing means (3).

The pump (P) is always in operation when the entire apparatus is in operation. Further, when the amount of hot water in the bathtub (1) and the amount of hot water in the sub tank (2) and the supply pipe (12) are insufficient, hot water supply is performed by operating the water heater (K) under predetermined conditions.

Therefore, in this embodiment, a control device as shown in FIG. 2 is adopted, which is equipped with a control circuit for the solenoid valve (33) in addition to a drive circuit for the pump (P). . The normally open output contact of the water level switch (41) as the detection means (4) arranged at the bottom of the sub tank (2) is connected in series with the solenoid valve (33).

In this embodiment, prior to bathing, hot water is stored in the bathtub (1) to the extent that it overflows from the open end of the overflow pipe (15), and the operation switch (D) is closed. Then, the circuit to the pump (P) is brought into conduction, the pump is brought into an operating state, overflows from the open end of the overflow pipe (15) into the sub tank (2), and the storage state is maintained.

Since the water level in the bathtub (1) is at a predetermined level even during bathing, the same state as described above is obtained, but the hot water on the side of the sub tank (2) and the supply pipe (12) depends on the volume of the bather. The amount of

When a bather leaves the bathtub (1), the water level drops according to the volume of the bathtub, but since the pump (P) is constantly operating, hot water on the subtank (2) and supply pipe (12) side is on the bathtub side. After that, the bathtub is returned to the full state. Therefore, even after the bather exits, the water level in the bathtub (1) will be maintained to the extent that the bathwater overflows from the open end of the overflow pipe (15), and the draining line will be at the top of the bathtub (1). It will match the face.

In this embodiment, since the filter (F) is inserted in the supply pipe (12), the hot water supplied to the bathtub (1) by the pump (P) is purified.

It goes without saying that the filter (F) may be provided at another location in the circulation circuit, such as the bottom of the sub tank (2).

Further, in this embodiment, the case of implementing the method in a normal bathtub has been described, but it is also possible to implement the method in a bathtub for a bubble bath, a bathtub with a water filling device, or the like.

Next, the second embodiment shown in FIG.
Corresponding to the invention of claim 1, the receiving groove (16) is provided below the outer periphery of the top surface of the bathtub (1), instead of directly connecting the bathtub (1) and the subtank (2) by the overflow pipe (15). The central region of the opening of the receiving groove (16) is substantially aligned with the peripheral edge of the top surface, and the receiving groove (16) and the sub tank (2) housed in the water heater (K) are connected to the overflow pipe (15). ) Is communicated by. And
As the electric circuit, the same circuit as that of the first embodiment is adopted.

In this case, the top surface of the bathtub (1) directly overflows into the receiving groove (16), and the situation where the water-draining line on the surface of the bathtub stops on the side wall of the bathtub does not occur.

In any of the above embodiments, it is necessary to properly adjust the position of the open end of the sub tank (2) in relation to the installation position of the water heater (K). In the first embodiment, the height of the casing legs is adjustable, and the portions near the casing of the overflow pipe (15) and the supply pipe (12) are accordion-shaped flexible pipes (J) ( Since it is J), the external force does not act on each part of the overflow pipe (15) and the supply pipe even by the above adjustment.

Further, in the second embodiment, the overflow pipe (15) has the same structure as that of the first embodiment, and the casing penetrating portion of the overprobe pipe (15) has a long hole (upward and downward allowance). 17), the flexible pipe (J) is inserted into the vertical pipe portion which continues below the sub-tank (2) for the supply pipe (12), and the sub-tank (2) is adjusted by a screwing mechanism between the casing and the casing. The height can be adjusted with (T). Therefore, the height of the sub tank (2) can be optimized without adjusting the height of the entire water heater (K). The sub tank (2) may be attached to the water heater (K).

Next, in a third embodiment shown in FIG. 4, an overflow water storage portion corresponding to the sub tank (2) is formed in a receiving groove (16) arranged below the peripheral edge of the top surface of the bath (1). The cross sectional size of the receiving groove (16) is set larger than that of the receiving groove (16) of the second embodiment. Also in this case,
It functions similarly to the first and second embodiments.

In particular, in the case of this embodiment, the water heater (K) side (2)
Since it does not have a built-in water heater, the water heater can be downsized accordingly. Further, since the pump (P) and the water level switch are provided on the water heater side, it is safe because the bathtub (1) is not equipped with electrical components. Further, as shown in the figure, the cross-section upper end of the receiving groove (16) corresponding to the upper end of the bathtub (1) is closed by a closing plate having a large number of openings (11) (11). There is no need to worry about dropping things in the receiving groove (16) that also functions as.

As shown in FIG. 5, if the outlet of the supply pipe (12) is provided above the bathtub (1) and hot water returned or supplied by the pump (P) is dropped into the bathtub (1), The check valve (14) in the embodiment becomes unnecessary.

Further, in the above embodiment, the operating state of the pump (P) is not taken into consideration, but at the point where the water level in the bathtub (1) drops, the discharge force of the pump (P) is increased so as to increase. You may make it switch to driving. In this case, the water level return speed becomes faster.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view of a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an explanatory view of a control device used therein, FIG. 3 is an explanatory view of a second embodiment, and FIG. 4 is an explanation of a third embodiment. FIGS. 5 and 5 are explanatory views of another embodiment, in which (1) ... tub (2) ... subtank (12) ... supply pipe (15) ... overflow pipe (P) ... Pump (14) …… Check valve (4) …… Detecting means (3) …… Replenishing means

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A sub-tank (2), which is opened upward separately from the bath (1), is provided, and the sub-tank (2) and the bath (1) are provided.
And a supply pipe (12) and an overflow pipe (15) so that they can be circulated, and the open end of the overflow pipe (15) on the sub tank (2) side is slightly smaller than the top surface of the bath (1). A low drop Δl is set, a pump (P) having a discharge port on the side of the bath (1) and constantly operating is inserted in the supply pipe, and the amount of hot water stored in the sub-tank (2) is less than a set amount. A bath provided with a detecting means (4) for detecting that the temperature has become low, and a replenishing means (3) for supplying a fixed amount of hot water to the sub tank (2) side or the bathtub (1) side by the output of the detecting means. apparatus. 2. A sub tank (2) is provided separately from the bath (1), and the sub tank (2) and the bath (1) are connected to a supply pipe (1).
2) and an overflow pipe (15) connected in a circulatory manner, in which a pump (P) having a discharge port on the side of the bath (1) and always operating is inserted into the supply pipe. , A detection means (4) for detecting that the amount of hot water stored in the sub-tank (2) has dropped below a set amount
And a replenishing means (3) for replenishing the sub-tank (2) side or the bathtub (1) side with a fixed amount of hot water according to the output of the detecting means, and the receiving groove opening upward below the outer circumference of the bathtub top surface. A bath device in which (16) is provided, and the receiving groove (16) and the sub tank (2) are communicated with each other by an overflow pipe (15). 3. A receiving groove (16) that opens upward is provided below the outer periphery of the top surface of the bathtub (1), and the lower section of this receiving groove (16) serves as a sub tank (2). A bath (1) is circulatively connected by a supply pipe (12), and a pump (P) having a discharge port on the bath (1) side and constantly operating is inserted into the supply pipe and a sub-tank ( 2) A detection means (4) is provided for detecting that the amount of hot water stored in the storage tank has fallen below a set amount, and a certain amount of hot water is supplied to the sub tank (2) side or the bathtub (1) side by the output of the detection means. A bath device equipped with replenishing means (3).