JPH1128473A - Device for reusing used bath water - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device for reusing used bath water in which the lowering of water quality and the soiling of a tank due to activity of bacteria or the like can be effectively prevented. SOLUTION: Used water in a bathtub 31 is introduced into a sterilizing part 12 through a remaining water introducing pipe 13. In the sterilizing part 12, antibacterial metal ions are electrolyzed and eluted into water from electrode plates 12a, 12b consisting of antibacterial metal (silver, copper). The antibacterial metal ions containing water thus formed is stored in a washing tank 33 of a toilet 32. Since the sterilizing action of the antibacterial metal ions has durability, the propagation of bacteria or the like is restrained in the washing tank 33 over a long time.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for reusing remaining hot water in a bathtub and a bathroom facility provided with the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A method of reusing wastewater generated by activities such as bathing, washing, washing and the like in general households and various apparatuses for the same have been known. In particular, the hot water remaining in the bathtub after bathing (hereinafter referred to as “remaining hot water”) is relatively less contaminated, and even if a simple filtration treatment (eg, filtration with a filter cloth) is performed, for example, washing water or toilet bowl It can be reused as washing water. In addition, while the wastewater generated by the washing surface and the washing is immediately washed away, the remaining hot water is stored in the bathtub after use, so that it can be easily reused. Therefore, there have been proposed many apparatuses aiming at reusing the remaining hot water.

[0003]

The most common form of reusing remaining hot water is washing water. However, washing is not always performed every day, and depending on weather conditions and seasons, days when washing is not performed may continue for several days. If the remaining hot water is generated during this time, the hot water is eventually discarded without being reused. Further, since the amount of water used for washing is usually smaller than the amount of remaining hot water, the remaining hot water is still discarded.

[0004] The remaining hot water contains many organic components such as sweat and red ash, which are nutrient sources of bacteria and microorganisms (hereinafter referred to as "bacteria").
If left unattended, bacteria and the like will rapidly grow during that time, which is not desirable for hygiene. Therefore, when reusing the remaining hot water, it is desirable to shorten the storage time as much as possible and to consume it quickly. However, when the remaining hot water is reused as toilet flush water, the remaining hot water is stored and left in several stages as described below. (1) Usually, a tank for storing a fixed amount of washing water in a toilet flushing system (hereinafter, referred to as “washing water tank”)
Is provided, and the remaining hot water transferred from the bathtub is
Next, the toilet is stored in the washing water tank until it is used. (2) When a tank for storing remaining hot water (hereinafter referred to as “remaining hot water tank”) is provided between the bathtub and the washing water tank (see, for example, JP-A-6-257197).
The remaining hot water is stored in the remaining hot water tank before being transferred to the washing water tank. (3) Part of the flush water (that is, remaining hot water) that has flowed from the flush water tank to the toilet bowl is stored in the trap section of the toilet bowl and stays there until the toilet bowl is used again.

[0005] When the remaining hot water is stored and left for a long time as described above, organic components in the hot water may be decomposed by the vital activity of bacteria and the like, and an odor may be generated. In addition, sticky substances produced by bacteria and the like adhere to the inner walls of the tank and the toilet trap, forming slimy stains, and require troublesome operations such as cleaning. In addition, the stagnant water in the toilet trap contains some urea even after washing, and when this urea is decomposed by urease, which is an enzyme contained in bacteria and the like, ammonia is generated and odors are generated. Occurs. In addition, the pH of the retained water
And the solubility of calcium phosphate generated by the reaction of calcium ions and phosphate ions contained in urine decreases, and calcium phosphate precipitates together with organic components in toilet bowls and the like (this is so-called urine stone). As described above, various problems have occurred when the remaining hot water is reused as toilet flush water.

The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and an object of the present invention is to effectively prevent water quality deterioration and tank contamination caused by the activity of bacteria and the like. An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for reusing a bath remaining hot water.

[0007]

Means for Solving the Problems A bath remaining hot water recycling apparatus according to the present invention which has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems is a bath remaining hot water recycling apparatus for reusing water remaining in a bathtub. The remaining hot water introducing means for introducing the water remaining in the bath to the sterilizing means described below, sterilizing means for sterilizing water from the remaining hot water introducing means, and water sterilized by the sterilizing means, washing water Transfer means for transferring to a toilet flushing system having a tank.

[0008]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The apparatus for reusing bath residual hot water according to the present invention is characterized in that residual water is sterilized by sterilizing means and then used as toilet flush water. This not only has the effect of reducing the number of bacteria and the like and is hygienic, but also has the effect of effectively preventing the generation of offensive odors and dirt due to the activities of bacteria and the like in the washing water tank. can get.

[0009] The above apparatus may further include a filtering means for filtering water remaining in the bathtub. This not only improves the water quality, but also has the effect of making it difficult for the flow path in the sterilizing means and the transfer means to be clogged.

[0010] In the above apparatus, the remaining hot water introduction means may have a storage section for storing water from the bathtub, and the sterilization means may sterilize the water stored in the storage section. . Here, the capacity of the storage section (remaining hot water tank) is preferably substantially the same as or slightly larger than the capacity of the bathtub. With this configuration, the remaining hot water in the bathtub can be transferred to the storage unit at a time, so that there is no need to store the remaining hot water in the bathtub until the hot water is reused. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a problem that a new bath or cleaning of the bathtub is hindered due to remaining water to be reused in the bathtub.

The above sterilizing means is a method of heating water, a method of irradiating water with ultraviolet rays, and mixing a substance or ion having a sterilizing property (eg, hypochlorous acid, ozone, various metal ions) into water. Although it can be constituted using a generally known method such as the method described above, in the present invention, it is preferable to use a method of mixing antibacterial metal ions such as copper ions and silver ions into water. The reason is as follows.

As described above, while the remaining hot water (or reused water) is stored in the washing water tank or the remaining hot water tank, bacteria and the like easily grow in the tank. Therefore, the water stored in the tank is sterilized. However, if the sterilizing action does not continue while the water is stored, the bacteria and foreign bacteria remaining in the water after the action is lost. Will proliferate. Comparing each of the above methods while focusing on this point, first of all, in sterilization by heat or ultraviolet rays, heat or ultraviolet rays must be constantly supplied to maintain the sterilization action,
That much energy is needed. Next, in substances or ions that have bactericidal properties, hypochlorous acid and ozone are
Although good in terms of immediate action, their bactericidal action is not long lasting. On the other hand, metal ions are inferior in the point of quick action, but are most excellent in terms of the persistence of the bactericidal action. Therefore, in order to effectively sterilize the stored water for a long time, it is preferable to use antibacterial metal ions.

In the case where water is sterilized by mixing antibacterial metal ions, the sterilizing means includes the step of dissolving the antibacterial metal into water by means of an electrolytic cell having a pair of electrodes made of a metal serving as an ion source of the antibacterial metal ions. It is preferable that the ions be electrolytically eluted. For example, when silver ions are used as antibacterial metal ions, a flow path is formed between the two electrode plates by disposing a pair of electrode plates formed of silver so as to face each other,
When a voltage is applied between the two electrode plates while flowing water (remaining hot water) through the flow path, silver ions elute from the anode into the water. In this manner, (1) the timing of mixing silver ions can be easily controlled, and (2) the concentration of the eluted silver ions is stable, as compared with a method in which a silver nitrate aqueous solution is separately prepared and injected into water as appropriate. (3) The aqueous solution of silver nitrate requires a lot of space for storage, and it is necessary to pay sufficient attention to its handling. However, if an electrode plate is made of silver, the space for storage is required. Becomes unnecessary,
An effect is obtained that maintenance work such as replenishment of silver or silver ions is greatly simplified.

When the apparatus for recycling remaining hot water according to the present invention is incorporated into a bathroom unit as a part thereof, the main body and pipes of the apparatus may be arranged behind a wall of the bathroom or under the floor. This improves the appearance of the bathroom and its surroundings,
Effective use of space is possible.

[0015]

FIG. 1 is a view showing a schematic configuration of a bath remaining hot water recycling apparatus 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The bath remaining hot water reuse device 10 is for sterilizing remaining hot water in the bathtub 31 installed in the bathroom 30 and supplying the remaining hot water to the washing water tank 33 of the toilet 32, the range of which is indicated by a broken line in the figure. It is on the street. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the bath remaining hot water reuse device 10 will be described.

In FIG. 1, the sterilizing section 12 has a pair of electrode plates 12a and 12b disposed opposite to each other, and a flow path is formed therebetween. The electrode plates 12a and 12b are made of an antibacterial metal such as silver or copper. In addition, the sterilizing section 12 is provided with a water inlet 12c and a water outlet 12d communicating with the flow path. The water inlet 12c is connected to the drain port 31 of the bathtub 31 by the remaining hot water introduction pipe 13.
a. On the remaining hot water introduction pipe 13, the bathtub 3
The switching valve 14, the pump 15, and the flowing water switch 16 are arranged in the order close to 1. The first branch pipe 17 is provided with the switching valve 1
4 and a point P <b> 1 on a drain pipe 34 connected to a drain port 30 a provided on the floor of the bathroom 30. The second branch pipe 18 is provided at a point between the running water switch 16 and the sterilization unit 12 on the remaining hot water introduction pipe 13 and a drain pipe 34.
It is arranged so as to connect the upper point P2. Second
A first solenoid valve 19 is provided on the branch pipe 18.
On the other hand, a water outlet 12d of the sterilizing section 12 is connected to a reused water supply pipe 20.
To the washing water tank 33 of the toilet 32. A second solenoid valve 21 is provided on the reuse water supply pipe 20. The cleaning water tank 33 includes a reuse water supply pipe 20.
In addition, a water supply pipe 35 for supplying general tap water is also connected. The third solenoid valve 22 is arranged on the water supply pipe 35. The water level sensor 23 is provided in the washing water tank 33.
Is provided.

The control unit 24 includes a switching valve 14, a pump 15,
Running water switch 16, three solenoid valves 19, 21 and 22,
Operation unit 2 installed on water level sensor 23 and wall of bathroom 30
5 is connected. Although not shown, the control unit 24
Includes a power supply unit for supplying a DC voltage to the sterilizing unit 12. The control unit 24 as described above responds to the operation signal from the operation unit 25 and the detection signals from the flowing water switch 16 and the water level sensor 23 to control the switching valve 14, the pump 15, and the three solenoid valves 19, 21, and 22. The operation is controlled appropriately. The opening and closing of a water tap 36 for storing hot water or water in the bathtub 31 is also controlled by the control unit 24.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the operation unit 25. The operation unit 25 includes a water pool switch 25 a and a reuse switch 2.
5b and a drain switch 25c. The following describes how the control unit 24 performs control when these switches are operated.

The hot water switch 25a is a switch for executing a step of storing hot water in the bathtub 31. When this switch is pressed, the control unit 24 sets the switching valve 14 in a direction in which a flow path is formed from the drain port 31a of the bathtub 31 to the water inlet port 12c of the sterilizing unit 12 (hereinafter, referred to as “right direction”). After setting and closing the solenoid valve 19, the hydrant 3
6 is opened. Thereafter, when a predetermined amount of hot water or water is stored in the bathtub 31, the control unit 24 closes the water tap 36.

The reuse switch 25b controls the control unit 24 in a state where the remaining hot water in the bathtub 31 can be sterilized by the sterilization unit 12 and transferred to the washing water tank 33 in the toilet 32.
Is a switch for waiting for. When this switch is pressed and the control unit 24 is in the standby state and the toilet flushing is performed, the following steps are performed. In the next step, it is assumed that the switching valve 14 is set to the right in advance, and the solenoid valve 19 is closed.

When toilet flushing is performed and the water level in the flush water tank 33 drops to a first predetermined height, the water level sensor 2
3 sends a detection signal corresponding to the position to the control unit 24.
Upon receiving the signal, the control unit 24 opens the solenoid valve 21 and starts the pump 15. Then, the remaining hot water in the bathtub 31 flows into the sterilizing section 12 through the remaining hot water introducing pipe 13. When the remaining hot water flows, the running water switch 16
Becomes conductive, but after confirming this, the control unit 24
Applies a voltage to the electrode plates 12a and 12b of the sterilizing section 12. This allows the metal (copper or silver) to be removed from the electrode plate on the anode side.
Becomes electrolytically eluted in flowing water. The remaining hot water mixed with the metal ions flows into the washing water tank 33 through the reused water supply pipe 20. When the water level in the washing water tank 33 reaches a second predetermined height (set higher than the first predetermined height), the control unit 24 stops the pump 15 and applies a voltage to the electrode plates 12a and 12b. Stop applying
The solenoid valve 21 is closed.

In the above process, if there is no remaining hot water in the bathtub 31 from the beginning, the running water switch 16 does not become conductive even if the pump 15 is started. Therefore, the control unit 2
4 indicates that the running water switch 1
In the case where 6 does not become conductive, the pump 15 is stopped, the electromagnetic valve 21 is closed, and the electromagnetic valve 22 on the water supply pipe 35 is opened. Thereby, the washing water tank 33
Tap water is supplied through the water supply pipe 35. Thereafter, when the water level in the washing water tank 33 reaches the second predetermined height, the control unit 24 closes the electromagnetic valve 22. In the step of supplying tap water as described above, there is no remaining hot water in the bathtub 31 during the process of reusing the remaining hot water,
The same operation is performed when the flowing water switch 16 is turned off.

The drain switch 25c is a switch for executing a step of draining the remaining hot water in the bathtub 31 through the drain pipe 34. When this switch is pressed, the control unit 24
Opens the solenoid valve 19. Then, the remaining hot water in the bathtub 31 flows into the drain pipe 34 through the remaining hot water introduction pipe 13 and the second branch pipe 18. At this time, the pump 15
May be activated to promote drainage. During drainage, the water flow switch 16 is conductive, but when drainage is completed, the water flow switch 16 is turned off. When detecting this, the control unit 24 closes the solenoid valve 19 and if the pump 15
Is started, the pump 15 is stopped.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a bath remaining hot water recycling apparatus 40 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, among the components of the bath remaining hot water reuse device 40, those that are deemed structurally and functionally the same as the components described above with reference to FIG. The description is omitted as appropriate.

The bath remaining hot water recycling device 40 has an inlet 4
1a, a remaining hot water tank 41 having a water outlet 41b and a return port 41c is provided. The water inlet 41a of the remaining hot water tank 41 is connected to the drain port 31 of the bathtub 31 by the remaining hot water introduction pipe 13.
a. On the remaining hot water introduction pipe 13, a first solenoid valve 42 is provided. Further, a point P on the remaining hot water introduction pipe 13 between the drain port 31a of the bathtub 31 and the solenoid valve 42.
3 and a point P4 on the drain pipe 34 are connected by a branch pipe 43, and a second solenoid valve 44 is provided on the branch pipe 43.
Are arranged. On the other hand, the outlet 4 of the remaining hot water tank 41
1b is connected to the washing water tank 33 in the toilet 32 by the reuse water supply pipe 20. A pump 15 is provided in the middle of the reused water supply pipe 20, and a point P5 downstream of the pump 15 and a return port 41c of the remaining hot water tank 41 are provided.
Are connected by a reflux water pipe 45. The sterilization unit 12 is disposed on the return water pipe 45 such that the water inlet 12c is located on the side closer to the point P5. Further, a third solenoid valve 46 is provided downstream of the point P5 of the reuse water supply pipe 20. The remaining hot water tank 41
Is provided with a ball tap 41d, to which a water supply pipe 47 is connected. Further, one end of an overflow pipe 48 is connected to the remaining hot water tank 41, and the other end is connected to a point P6 on the drain pipe 34.

The control unit 49 includes a sterilizing unit 12, a water level sensor 2
3, connected to the operation unit 25, the three electromagnetic valves 42, 44 and 46, and the pump 15, and further provided with a power supply unit (not shown) for supplying a DC voltage to the sterilization unit 12. The control unit 49 includes an operation signal from the operation unit 25 and the water level sensor 2.
3, the sterilizing unit 12, the solenoid valves 42 and 4
4 and the operation of the pump 15 are appropriately controlled. The opening and closing of the water tap 36 in the bathroom 30 is also controlled by the control unit 49. The operation switches provided on the operation unit 25 are the same as those shown in FIG.

Bath remaining hot water recycling apparatus 4 having the above configuration
The effect of 0 is as follows.

First, the function of the ball tap 41d provided in the remaining hot water tank 41 will be described. The ball tap 41 d functions as a valve that opens when the water level in the remaining hot water tank 41 falls below a predetermined height. When the ball tap 41 d opens, tap water is supplied to the remaining hot water tank 41 through the water supply pipe 47. By the operation of the ball tap 41d, water is always stored in the remaining hot water tank 41 at least to the predetermined height.

When the water pool switch 25a of the operation section 25 is pressed, the control section 49 closes the two solenoid valves 42 and 44 and opens the water tap 36. Thereafter, when a predetermined amount of hot water or water is stored in the bathtub 31, the control unit 49 closes the water tap 36.

When the reuse switch 25b of the operation unit 25 is pressed, the control unit 49 closes the solenoid valve 44 on the branch pipe 43 and opens the solenoid valve 42 on the remaining hot water introduction pipe 13. Then, the remaining hot water in the bathtub 31 flows into the remaining hot water tank 41 through the remaining hot water introduction pipe 13. Here, if the capacity of the remaining hot water tank 41 is made sufficiently large, all the remaining hot water can be stored in the remaining hot water tank 41, but if not, the remaining water will flow due to the inflow of new water from the bathtub 31. The water in the hot water tank 41 may exceed the capacity. In such a case, the excess water is discharged out of the bathroom through the overflow pipe 48 and the drain pipe 34.

When water is stored in the remaining hot water tank 41, the control unit 49 closes the solenoid valve 46 on the reuse water supply pipe 20, activates the pump 15, and activates the electrode plates 12a and 12b of the sterilization unit 12. Voltage. Then, the water stored in the remaining hot water tank 41 flows out of the water outlet 41b, passes through the upstream portion of the reusable water supply pipe 20 from the point P5, and the return water pipe 45, and flows from the return port 41c to the remaining hot water tank. It returns to 41. While the water is circulating in this manner, metal ions are electrolytically eluted into the water in the sterilizing section 12. By such a process, metal ions are mixed into the stored water.

The control when the toilet is washed in the toilet 32 is as follows. When the water level in the washing water tank 33 falls to the first predetermined height with the flushing of the toilet, the water level sensor 23 sends a detection signal corresponding to the position to the control unit 49. Upon receiving the signal, the control unit 49 opens the solenoid valve 46 and starts the pump 15. Then, the water stored in the remaining hot water tank 41 flows into the washing water tank 33 through the reused water supply pipe 20. Thus, the water containing the metal ions is stored in the washing water tank 33. Thereafter, when the water level in the washing water tank 33 reaches a second predetermined height (set higher than the first predetermined height), the control unit 49 stops the pump 15 and closes the electromagnetic valve 46. I do.

In the above steps, part of the water pumped by the pump 15 through the reuse water supply pipe 20 also flows into the sterilizing section 12. Therefore, during the operation of the pump 15, voltage may be applied to the electrode plates 12a and 12b of the sterilizing unit 12. In this way, a part of the water pumped through the reuse water supply pipe 20 by the pump 15 flows into the sterilization section 12, where the metal ions are newly supplied, and then the metal ions are returned to the remaining hot water tank 41. Therefore, water containing a sufficient concentration of metal ions is always stored in the remaining hot water tank 41.

When the drain switch 25c of the operation unit 25 is pressed, the control unit 24 closes the solenoid valve 42 on the remaining hot water introduction pipe 13 and opens the solenoid valve 44 on the branch pipe 43.
As a result, the remaining hot water in the bath tub 31 is
3. The water is discharged out of the bathroom through the branch pipe 43 and the drain pipe 34.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a bath remaining hot water recycling apparatus 50 according to still another embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, among the constituent elements of the bath remaining hot water reuse device 50, those that are regarded as structurally and functionally the same as those described above with reference to FIG. The description is omitted as appropriate.

The bath remaining hot water recycling device 50 has an inlet 5
A filtering section 51 having a la and a water outlet 51b is provided. The water inlet 51 a of the filtration unit 51 is connected to the drain 31 a of the bathtub 31 by the remaining hot water introduction pipe 13. A first solenoid valve 52, a first switching valve 54, a pump 15, a flowing water switch 16, and a second switching valve 56 are arranged in the middle of the remaining hot water introduction pipe 13 in the order close to the bathtub 31. The switching valve 54 and the point P7 on the drain pipe 34 are connected by a branch pipe 53. One end of the first bypass pipe 57 is connected to a point P8 on the remaining hot water introduction pipe 13 between the switching valve 56 and the water inlet 51a of the filtration unit 51, and the other end is connected to the drain pipe 34.
It is connected to the upper point P9. Further, a second solenoid valve 58 of the bypass pipe 57 is provided. On the other hand, the filtering unit 51
The water outlet 51b of the tube and the water inlet 12c of the sterilizing section 12 are connected to a pipe 59.
And a third switching valve 60 is provided on the pipe 59.
Are arranged. The switching valve 56 and the switching valve 60 are connected by a second bypass pipe 61.

The control unit 62 includes a sterilizing unit 12, a pump 15,
Running water switch 16, water level sensor 23, four solenoid valves 2
1, 22, 52, and 58, three switching valves 54, 56, and 60, and an operation unit 63 installed in the bathroom 30. (However, connection lines between the running water switch 16 and the control unit 62 are shown in FIG. And a power supply unit (not shown) for supplying a DC voltage to the sterilizing unit 12. Control unit 62
The sterilizer 12, the solenoid valves 21, 22, 52 and 58, and the switching valves 54, 56 and 6 are operated in accordance with an operation signal from the operation unit 63 or an output signal from the flowing water switch 16 or the water level sensor 23.
0 and the operation of the pump 15 are appropriately controlled. Further, the opening and closing of the water tap 36 in the bathroom 30 is also controlled by the control unit 62.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the operation unit 63. The operation unit 63 of this embodiment includes a hot water switch 63a, a reuse switch 63b, a drain switch 63c, and a washing switch 63d. The following describes how the control unit 62 performs control when these switches are operated.

When the hot water storage switch 63a is pressed, the control unit 62 closes the solenoid valve 52 on the remaining hot water introduction pipe 13 and opens the water tap 36. Thereafter, when a predetermined amount of hot water or water is stored in the bathtub 31, the control unit 62 closes the water tap 36.

When the reuse switch 63b is pressed, the control unit 62 opens the solenoid valve 52 on the remaining hot water introduction pipe 13, closes the solenoid valve 58 on the first bypass pipe 57, and further closes the bathtub 31. The flow path from the drain port 31a of the filter section 51 to the water inlet port 51a of the filter section 51 and the water outlet port 51b of the filter section 51 to the sterilization section 12
So that the flow paths up to the water inlet 12c are respectively opened,
The three switching valves 54, 56 and 60 are set. When the setting of the solenoid valve and the switching valve as described above is completed, the control unit 62
Enters a standby state.

When the toilet is washed while the control unit 62 is in the standby state and the water level in the washing water tank 33 drops to a first predetermined height, the water level sensor 23 controls a detection signal corresponding to the position. Send to section 62. Upon receiving the signal, the control unit 62 opens the electromagnetic valve 21, activates the pump 15, and applies a voltage to the electrode plates 12 a and 12 b of the sterilization unit 12. Then, the remaining hot water in the bathtub 31 becomes the remaining hot water introduction pipe 1
3, and flows into the filtration unit 51, where dust and the like are filtered. The water that has passed through the filtration unit 51 flows into the sterilization unit 12 through the pipe 59, where the metal ions are mixed with the water. The water containing the metal ions thus generated flows into the washing water tank 33 in the toilet 32 through the reuse water supply pipe 20. The presence / absence of remaining hot water in the bathtub 31 is determined according to the output signal of the flowing water switch 16, and the start / stop of the pump 15, the application of voltage to the electrode plates 12 a and 12 b, and the solenoid valve 21 and The procedure for appropriately controlling the opening and closing of the bath 22 may be the same as that described in the description of the bath remaining hot water recycling apparatus 10 in FIG.

When the drain switch 63c is pressed, the control unit 62 opens the solenoid valve 52 and sets the switching valve 54 so that the flow path from the drain port 31a of the bathtub 31 to the point P7 on the drain pipe 34 is opened. Set. Thereby, the bathtub 31
The remaining hot water inside is discharged out of the bathroom through the remaining hot water introduction pipe 13, the branch pipe 53 and the drain pipe.

The washing switch 63d is a switch for executing a step of washing the filtering section 51. When the washing switch 63d is pressed, the control unit 62 sets the remaining hot water introduction pipe 13
Solenoid valve 52 on the top and solenoid valve 5 on the first bypass pipe 57
8 is further opened, and further discharged from the drain port 31a of the bathtub 31, and the remaining hot water introduction pipe 13, the second bypass pipe 61 and the pipe 5
The switching valves 54, 56, and 60 are set so that the flow path to the water outlet 51b of the filtration unit 51 via the opening 9 is opened. When such setting of the solenoid valve and the switching valve is completed,
The control unit 62 starts the pump 15. Then, bathtub 31
The remaining hot water in the inside is the remaining hot water introduction pipe 13, the second bypass pipe 6
1 and the pipe 59, the water flows into the filtration unit 51 from the water outlet 51b of the filtration unit 51, flows through the inside thereof in a direction opposite to the normal direction, flows out of the water inlet 51a of the filtration unit 51, Flows into the drain pipe 34 through the bypass pipe 57. In this way, the dirt accumulated in the filtration unit 51 is washed away by a water flow in a direction opposite to the normal direction (so-called backwashing).

Next, a preferred embodiment of the sterilizing section 12 will be described.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between the current efficiency and the distance between electrode plates (distance between electrodes) in an electrolytic cell in which a pair of copper electrode plates are arranged to face each other. Here, the current efficiency is a value indicating a ratio of a current consumed for elution of copper ions to a current supplied to the electrode plate. ^Two cases are shown, in which the value of the current flowing between the electrodes is 0.01 A / m ² and 0.03 A / m ² . As can be seen from FIG. 6, in the range of 0 mm to 1 mm, the current efficiency increases as the distance between the poles increases. On the other hand, in the range of 1 mm or more, the current efficiency increases substantially regardless of the distance between the poles. It is constant. From this, it can be said that the maximum current efficiency is guaranteed if at least the distance between the electrodes is set to 1 mm or more.

FIG. 7 is a view showing the relationship between current density and current efficiency in an electrolytic cell in which a pair of copper electrode plates are arranged to face each other. In this figure, the plotted points form a mountain having a height near the center, and the current density is 50 to 200.
It can be seen that good current efficiency is obtained in the range of A / m ² . Next, the relationship between current density and current efficiency when a silver electrode plate is used is shown in FIG. In this case, the current density is 40 to
Good current efficiency is obtained in the range of 100 A / m ² .

Next, how the sterilization rate changes according to the concentration of metal ions and the duration of action will be described.
As described above, since the bactericidal action of metal ions lasts for a long time, it is considered that even if the concentration is low, if the action time is lengthened, the bactericidal rate can be increased. Based on such considerations, an experiment was conducted in which two different concentrations (2 ppm and 5 ppm) of copper ion-containing water were prepared, each was brought into contact with general bacteria, and the time change of the number of bacteria was examined. FIG. 9 is a graph showing the result. The ordinate represents the survival rate (= 1-sterilization rate), and the abscissa represents the product of the copper ion concentration and the action time (mg · sec / L), all of which are expressed in logarithms. FIG. 9 shows that even if the copper ion concentration is different, the bacterial count can be reduced to the same degree if the product of the copper ion concentration and the action time is the same. FIG. 10 shows the result of the same experiment as described above using two different concentrations (0.05 ppm and 0.1 ppm) of silver ion-containing water.

Although the embodiment of the apparatus for reusing the remaining bath water according to the present invention has been described above, the embodiment is not limited to the above, and it is needless to say that the embodiment can be modified within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Nor.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a bath remaining hot water recycling apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an operation unit of the apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a bath remaining hot water recycling apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a bath remaining hot water recycling apparatus according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an operation unit of the apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between the distance between electrode plates and current efficiency.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a relationship between current density and current efficiency when a copper electrode is used.

FIG. 8 is a graph showing a relationship between current density and current efficiency when a silver electrode is used.

FIG. 9 is a graph showing the relationship between the survival rate of bacteria and the product of copper ion concentration and action time.

FIG. 10 is a graph showing the relationship between the survival rate of bacteria and the product of silver ion concentration and action time.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 ... Sterilization part 13 ... Remaining hot water introduction pipe 20 ... Reuse water supply pipe 24, 49, 62 ... Control part 25, 63 ... Operation part 31 ... Bathtub 32 ... Toilet 33 ... Wash water tank 41 ... Remaining hot water tank 51 ... Filtration Department

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code FI C02F 1/50 560 C02F 1/50 560F 560Z B01D 35/027 1/46 Z C02F 1/46 B01D 35/02 J

Claims (8)

[Claims] An apparatus for reusing bath remaining hot water for reusing water remaining in a bath tub, comprising: a remaining hot water introducing means for introducing water remaining in the bath tub to a sterilizing means to be described later; And a transfer means for transferring the water sterilized by the sterilizing means to a toilet flushing system having a flush water tank. Utilization device. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a filter for filtering water remaining in the bathtub. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the remaining hot water introducing means has a storage part for storing water from the bathtub, and the sterilizing means sterilizes the water stored in the storage part. Or the apparatus for reusing bath remaining hot water according to 2. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said sterilizing means sterilizes the water by mixing antibacterial metal ions into the water. 5. The sterilizing means is characterized in that the antibacterial metal ions are electrolytically eluted into water by an electrolytic bath having a pair of electrodes made of a metal serving as an ion source of the antibacterial metal ions. The bath remaining hot water recycling device according to claim 4, wherein: 6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a distance between the pair of electrodes is 1 mm or more. 7. The bath rest according to claim 6, wherein the pair of electrodes are made of copper, and a value of a density of a current supplied to the electrodes is in a range of 50 to 200 A / m ^2. Hot water reuse equipment. 8. The bath rest according to claim 6, wherein the pair of electrodes are made of silver, and a value of a density of a current supplied to the electrodes is in a range of 40 to 100 A / m ^2. Hot water reuse equipment.