JP7745882B2 - Communication pipe type circulation filtration device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a connected-pipe type circulation filtration device for multiple tanks.

Conventionally, in conventional interconnected-pipe circulating filtration systems with multiple tanks, such as multiple bathtubs or pools, filtration is performed with a single pump and a single filtration unit due to installation space and cost considerations (see Patent Document 1). In this case, the filtration unit is equipped with circulation pipes that connect the lower parts of the multiple tanks to the upper parts of the multiple tanks in a loop, and communication pipes that connect the multiple tanks to a level pipe that detects the water level, maintaining the water levels of the multiple tanks at the same level as the water level in the level pipe. This allows the water from the multiple tanks to be circulated through the circulation pipes, constantly cleaning the multiple tanks, and the communicating pipes allow the water levels between the multiple tanks to be maintained at the same level.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-137630 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-329381 JP 2015-104718 A (Patent No. 6253376 A)

However, in the conventional communicating pipe type circulating filtration device described above, the communicating pipes are isolated, so water stagnates in the communicating pipes and level pipes and cannot be purified, resulting in poor hygiene.

There are also non-communicating pipe type circulating filtration systems that do not use communicating pipes. For example, in a first non-communicating pipe type circulating filtration system, in order to eliminate the imbalance in water levels between tanks caused by differences in discharge and suction flow rates, each tank is equipped with the required number of surface water suction devices or similar surface water recovery functions, and the surface water suction piping is used as a circulating pipe (see Patent Document 2). On the other hand, in a second non-communicating pipe type circulating filtration system that does not use communicating pipes, the discharge outlet of each tank is connected to a filtration unit, and the amount of water branching from the filtration unit to the suction port of each tank is controlled according to the value of a pressure sensor in each tank (see Patent Document 3).

However, the first non-communicating pipe type circulating filtration device described above is complicated and requires tedious maintenance. Adding or removing tanks requires extensive modification of the device. Furthermore, when cleaning with chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide, each tank must be filled with water, increasing cleaning costs. On the other hand, the second non-communicating pipe type circulating filtration device described above requires pressure sensors and complex control, resulting in high manufacturing costs. Furthermore, if the pressure sensors or the control unit that controls them break down, the tanks themselves become unusable.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the communicating pipe type circulating filtration device of the present invention is a communicating pipe type circulating filtration device comprising a plurality of tanks arranged so that the water level is the same , a circulation pipe connecting the lower parts of the plurality of tanks to the upper parts of the plurality of tanks in a loop, a circulation pipe pump and a filtration unit provided in the circulation pipe loop, a level pipe for detecting the water level of the plurality of tanks, and a communicating pipe connected to the plurality of tanks and the level pipe, and a circulation branch pipe branching from the communicating pipe to the circulation pipe.

According to the present invention, the water inside the communicating pipe and the level pipe can be discharged through the circulation branch pipe or the drainage branch pipe, thereby cleaning the inside of the communicating pipe and the level pipe, making them hygienic.

1 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of a communication pipe type circulation filtration device according to the present invention; 2A and 2B are diagrams for explaining the operation of the communication pipe and the level pipe in FIG. 1 . 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the cleaning operation of the communication pipe and the level pipe in FIG. 1 by circulating water. 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the cleaning operation of the communication pipe and the level pipe of FIG. 1 by draining water. 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the cleaning operation of the communication pipe and the level pipe in FIG. 1 with make-up water . 2 is a diagram showing a modification of the communication pipe type circulation filtration device of FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of a communication pipe type circulation filtration device according to the present invention. 8A and 8B are diagrams for explaining the operation of the communication pipe and the level pipe in FIG. 7 . FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a modification of the communication pipe type circulation filtration device of FIG. 7. 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the cleaning operation of the communication pipe and the level pipe in FIG. 9 with make-up water . FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third embodiment of a communication pipe type circulation filtration device according to the present invention. 12 is a diagram showing a detailed structure of the ejector of FIG. 11. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a modification of the communication pipe type circulation filtration device of FIG. 11. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fourth embodiment of a communication pipe type circulation filtration device according to the present invention. 15 is a diagram showing a system having a plurality of communicating pipes and a single circulating pipe to which the communicating pipe type circulating filtration devices of FIGS. 1, 7, 11, and 14 are applied. FIG.

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a communication pipe type circulation filtration device according to the present invention.

In FIG. 1 , bathtubs 1 and 2 are positioned so that their water levels are the same . The lower (or bottom) portions of bathtubs 1 and 2 are connected to the upper portions of bathtubs 1 and 2 in a loop by circulation pipes 5 via filtration units 3 and heating units 4. Filtration unit 3 contains sand, porous ceramic, etc., and suppresses the growth of Legionella bacteria. It may also contain a deep ultraviolet light generator, photocatalyst, etc., and may further include a hair catcher to remove hair, etc. Heating unit 4 is an electric heater, heat pump, heat exchanger, etc. Furthermore, circulation pipe pump 5a is provided upstream of filtration unit 3. That is, circulation pipe pump 5a sucks water from the lower portions of bathtubs 1 and 2 and discharges it toward filtration unit 3. When circulation pipe pump 5a is turned on, water in bathtubs 1 and 2 circulates through circulation pipe 5, where it is filtered by one filtration unit 3 and heated by one heating unit 4.

In addition, a level pipe 6 is provided so that the water level is the same as that of bathtubs 1 and 2, and the bottoms of bathtubs 1 and 2 are connected to the bottom of level pipe 6 by a communication pipe 7. Level pipe 6 has a pressure sensor and the like whose pressure changes depending on the water level. Communication pipe flow control valves 7a, 7b, and 7c (or solenoid valves) are provided in communication pipe 7 on the sides of bathtubs 1 and 2 and level pipe 6.

In addition, a make-up water tank 8 (or water faucet) and a make-up water flow control valve 8a (or solenoid valve) are provided above the bathtubs 1 and 2. The make-up water tank 8 (or water faucet) is also referred to as the make-up water side.

Furthermore, a branch pipe (hereinafter referred to as the circulation/drainage branch pipe) 9-1 is connected from the connecting pipe 7 to the downstream side of the circulation pipe 5 or to the drainage equipment. However, for example, in the claims, the circulation/drainage branch pipe 9-1 may also be referred to simply as the circulation branch pipe 9-1. In other words, the circulation/drainage branch pipe 9-1 is connected to the downstream side of the filtration unit 3 or the heating unit 4, and is also connected to the drainage equipment. Branch pipe flow control valves 9-1a, 9-1b, and 9-1c (or solenoid valves) and a branch pipe pump 9-1d are provided within the circulation/drainage branch pipe 9-1. The branch pipe pump 9-1d draws water from the connecting pipe 7 and discharges it to the circulation pipe 5 or the drainage equipment. In this case, the branch pipe flow control valve 9-1a is located upstream of the branch pipe pump 9-1d, and the branch pipe flow control valves 9-1b and 9-1c are located downstream of the branch pipe pump 9-1d. Furthermore, branch pipe flow control valve 9-1b is connected to the downstream side of filtration unit 3 (heating unit 4) of circulation pipe 5, and branch pipe flow control valve 9-1c is connected to the drainage equipment side. Therefore, when branch pipe flow control valves 9-1a and 9-1b are open, circulation/drainage branch pipe 9-1 acts as a circulation branch pipe, and branch pipe pump 9-1d sucks water from connecting pipe 7 and discharges it toward the downstream side of circulation pipe 5. On the other hand, when branch pipe flow control valves 9-1a and 9-1c are open, circulation/drainage branch pipe 9-1 acts as a drainage branch pipe, and branch pipe pump 9-1d drains water from connecting pipe 7.

The control circuit 10, e.g., a microcomputer, receives the water surface level signal 6a from the level pipe 6 and controls the circulation pipe pump 5a, the connecting pipe flow control valves (solenoid valves) 7a, 7b, and 7c, the makeup water flow control valve 8a, and the branch pipe flow control valves (solenoid valves) 9-1a, 9-1b, and 9-1c.

Furthermore, a makeup water branch pipe 11 is provided that branches off from the connecting pipe 7 toward the makeup water side. The makeup water branch pipe 11 sucks water from the makeup water side and discharges it to the connecting pipe 7 side via makeup water flow control valves 11a, 11b, and 11c controlled by the control circuit 10. The makeup water branch pipe 11 will be described later.

Figure 2 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the communication pipe 7 and level pipe 6 in Figure 1, and omits the filtration unit 3, heating unit 4, circulation pipe 5, and circulation/drain branch pipe 9-1 in Figure 1.

In Figure 2, control circuit 10 opens connecting pipe flow control valves 7a, 7b, and 7c, closes branch pipe flow control valves 9-1a, 9-1b, and 9-1c (see Figure 1) and makeup water flow control valves 11a, 11b, and 11c (see Figure 5), and turns off branch pipe pump 9-1d (see Figure 1). As a result, the water levels in bathtubs 1 and 2 are controlled to be the same as the water level in level pipe 6. In other words, when the water level in one of bathtubs 1 and 2 rises, water from that bathtub flows into the other bathtub, and conversely, when the water level in one of bathtubs 1 and 2 drops, water from the other bathtub flows into that bathtub, so that the water levels in bathtubs 1 and 2 are the same. At the same time, the water levels in bathtubs 1 and 2 are detected by level pipe 6. As a result, when the water level signal 6a from the level pipe 6 is lower than a predetermined value, the control circuit 10 opens the makeup water flow control valve 8a, water is supplied to the bathtubs 1 and 2 from the makeup water tank (or water faucet) 8, and when the water level signal 6a from the level pipe 6 reaches the predetermined value, the control circuit 10 closes the makeup water flow control valve 8a. In this way, the water levels in the bathtubs 1 and 2 are kept at the predetermined level. Furthermore, even when the water level signal 6a from the level pipe 6 is higher than the predetermined value, the control circuit 10 keeps the makeup water flow control valve 8a closed.

Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the cleaning operation of the communication pipe 7 and level pipe 6 in Figure 1 using circulating water, and omits the filtration unit 3, heating unit 4, and make-up water tank (or water tap) 8 in Figure 1.

Referring to Figure 3(A), the cleaning operation of the portion of connecting pipe 7 that communicates with bathtub 1 will be explained. In this case, control circuit 10 opens, closes, and closes connecting pipe flow control valves 7a, 7b, and 7c, opens branch pipe flow control valves 9-1a and 9-1b, closes branch pipe flow control valve 9-1c, and turns on branch pipe pump 9-1d. As a result, circulation/drain branch pipe 9-1 acts as a circulation branch pipe, and water from bathtub 1 flows downstream of circulation pipe 5 from connecting pipe flow control valve 7a through branch pipe flow control valve 9-1a, branch pipe pump 9-1d, and branch pipe flow control valve 9-1b. Therefore, the portion of connecting pipe 7 that communicates with bathtub 1 is cleaned. Note that in this case, the water used for cleaning is returned to bathtubs 1 and 2 via circulation pipe 5 and recovered.

Referring to Figure 3(B), the cleaning operation of the portion of connecting pipe 7 that communicates with bathtub 2 will be described. In this case, control circuit 10 closes, opens, and closes connecting pipe flow control valves 7a, 7b, and 7c, opens branch pipe flow control valves 9-1a and 9-1b, closes branch pipe flow control valve 9-1c, and turns on branch pipe pump 9-1d. As a result, circulation/drain branch pipe 9-1 acts as a circulation branch pipe, and water from bathtub 2 flows downstream of circulation pipe 5 from connecting pipe flow control valve 7b through branch pipe flow control valve 9-1a, branch pipe pump 9-1d, and branch pipe flow control valve 9-1b. Therefore, the portion of connecting pipe 7 that communicates with bathtub 2 is cleaned. Note that in this case, the water used for cleaning is returned to bathtubs 1 and 2 via circulation pipe 5 and recovered.

The cleaning operation of the level pipe 6 will be explained with reference to Figure 3 (C). In this case, the control circuit 10 closes, closes, and opens the connecting pipe flow control valves 7a, 7b, and 7c, opens the branch pipe flow control valves 9-1a, 9-1b, and 9-1c, closes the branch pipe flow control valve 9-1c, and turns on the branch pipe pump 9-1d. As a result, the circulation/drain branch pipe 9-1 acts as a circulation branch pipe, and water from the level pipe 6 flows from the connecting pipe flow control valve 7c to the downstream side of the circulation pipe 5 via the branch pipe flow control valve 9-1a, the branch pipe pump 9-1d, and the branch pipe flow control valve 9-1b. Therefore, the level pipe 6 is cleaned. Note that in this case, the water used for cleaning is returned to the bathtubs 1 and 2 via the circulation pipe 5 and recovered.

Referring to Figure 3 (D), the cleaning operation of the portion of the connecting pipe 7 that connects to bathtubs 1 and 2 and the portion of the level pipe 6 will be explained. In this case, the control circuit 10 opens the connecting pipe flow control valves 7a, 7b, and 7c, opens the branch pipe flow control valves 9-1a and 9-1b, closes the branch pipe flow control valve 9-1c, and turns on the branch pipe pump 9-1d. As a result, the circulation/drain branch pipe 9-1 acts as a circulation branch pipe, and water from bathtubs 1 and 2 flows from the connecting pipe flow control valves 7a and 7b, and water from the level pipe 6 flows from the connecting pipe flow control valve 7c through the branch pipe flow control valve 9-1a, the branch pipe pump 9-1d, and the branch pipe flow control valve 9-1b to the downstream side of the circulation pipe 5. Therefore, the portion of the connecting pipe 7 that connects to bathtubs 1 and 2 and the portion of the level pipe 6 are cleaned. In this case, the water used for washing is returned to bathtubs 1 and 2 via circulation pipe 5 and collected.

When cleaning two sections of the connecting pipe 7 that connects to bathtubs 1 and 2 and the level pipe 6, open two of the connecting pipe flow control valves 7a, 7b, and 7c, close the other, open the branch pipe flow control valves 9-1a and 9-1b, close the branch pipe flow control valve 9-1c, turn on the branch pipe pump 9-1d, and use the circulation/drain branch pipe 9-1 as a circulation branch pipe.

Figure 4 is a diagram for explaining the cleaning operation by draining the communication pipe 7 and level pipe 6 in Figure 1, and omits the filtration unit 3, heating unit 4, circulation pipe 5, and make-up water tank 8 in Figure 1. In this case, the make-up water branch pipe 11 is not operated.

The following explains the cleaning operation of the portion of connecting pipe 7 that connects to bathtubs 1 and 2 and the portion of level pipe 6. In this case, control circuit 10 opens connecting pipe flow control valves 7a, 7b, and 7c, opens branch pipe flow control valves 9-1a and 9-1c, closes branch pipe flow control valve 9-1b, and turns on branch pipe pump 9-1d. As a result, circulation/drain branch pipe 9-1 becomes a drain branch pipe, and water from bathtubs 1 and 2 and water from level pipe 6 flows from connecting pipe flow control valves 7a, 7b, and 7c to the drainage system via branch pipe flow control valve 9-1a, branch pipe pump 9-1d, and branch pipe flow control valve 9-1c. Therefore, the portion of connecting pipe 7 that connects to bathtubs 1 and 2 and level pipe 6 is cleaned. Note that in this case, the water used for cleaning is drained, so the amount of water in bathtubs 1 and 2, level pipe 6, and connecting pipe 7 decreases. In this case, the makeup water flow control valve 8a is opened to directly increase the amount of water in bathtubs 1 and 2.

5 is a diagram for explaining the cleaning operation of the communication pipe 7 and the level pipe 6 in Fig. 1 with makeup water , and does not include the filtration unit 3, the heating unit 4, the circulation pipe 5, and the makeup water tank 8 in Fig. 1. In this case, the makeup water branch pipe 11 is operated.

As shown in Figure 5, the makeup water branch pipe 11 is connected to the connecting pipe 7 via makeup water flow control valves 11a, 11b, and 11c, and is located symmetrically to the circulation/drainage branch pipe 9-1 with respect to the connecting pipe 7. Therefore, makeup water sucked into the makeup water branch pipe 11 passes widely through the connecting pipe 7, where it is cleaned, before flowing into the circulation/drainage branch pipe 9-1.

The following describes the operation of flushing the portion of the connecting pipe 7 communicating with the bathtubs 1 and 2 and the portion of the level pipe 6 with makeup water . In this case, the control circuit 10 closes the connecting pipe flow control valves 7a, 7b, and 7c, opens the makeup water flow control valves 11a, 11b, and 11c, opens the branch pipe flow control valves 9-1a and 9-1c, closes the branch pipe flow control valve 9-1b (see FIG. 1), and turns on the branch pipe pump 9-1d. As a result, the circulation/drain branch pipe 9-1 becomes a drain branch pipe, and makeup water flows from the makeup water flow control valves 11a, 11b, and 11c through the branch pipe flow control valve 9-1a, the branch pipe pump 9-1d, and the branch pipe flow control valve 9-1c to the drainage equipment. Therefore, the portions of the connecting pipe 7 communicating with the bathtubs 1 and 2 and the level pipe 6 are flushed. In this case, the water used for washing is drained, but the connecting pipe 7 is replenished with make-up water, so the amount of water in the bathtubs 1 and 2, the level pipe 6 and the connecting pipe 7 does not decrease.

Figure 6 shows a modified example of the communicating pipe type circulation filtration device shown in Figure 1.

In Figure 6, the branch pipe flow control valves 9-1b and 9-1c in Figure 1 have been eliminated, and the branch pipe pump 9-1d is connected directly downstream of the circulation pipe 5. Therefore, the communicating pipe 7 is cleaned using only circulating water, so there is no decrease in water. As a result, makeup water is not required, and the makeup water branch pipe 11 is not provided.

Figure 7 shows a second embodiment of the communicating pipe type circulating filtration device according to the present invention.

In Figure 7, a circulation branch pipe 9-2 is provided in place of the circulation/drain branch pipe 9-1 in Figure 1. The circulation branch pipe 9-2 branches off from the connecting pipe 7 and is connected to the upstream side (suction side) of the circulation pipe pump 5a. A branch pipe flow control valve 9-2a (or solenoid valve) is provided in the circulation branch pipe 9-2, and a circulation pipe flow control valve 5b (or solenoid valve) is provided in the circulation pipe 5 upstream of the circulation pipe pump 5a. However, the circulation pipe flow control valve 5b can be omitted, and the circulation pipe 5 can be kept operating at all times when the circulation pipe pump 5a is turned on.

In Figure 7, when the control circuit 10 opens the connecting pipe flow control valves 7a, 7b, and 7c and closes the branch pipe flow control valve 9-2a, the water levels in bathtubs 1 and 2 are controlled to be the same as the water level in level pipe 6.

Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the cleaning operation of the communication pipe 7 and level pipe 6 in Figure 7 using circulating water, with the filtration unit 3 and heating unit 4 in Figure 7 omitted.

Referring to Figure 8 (A), the cleaning operation of the portion of connecting pipe 7 that communicates with bathtub 1 will be explained. In this case, control circuit 10 opens, closes, and closes connecting pipe flow control valves 7a, 7b, and 7c, and opens branch pipe flow control valve 9-2a. As a result, water from bathtub 1 flows from connecting pipe flow control valve 7a through branch pipe flow control valve 9-2a to the downstream side of circulation pipe 5. Therefore, the portion of connecting pipe 7 that communicates with bathtub 1 is cleaned. In this case, the water used for cleaning is returned to bathtubs 1 and 2 via circulation pipe 5 and recovered.

Referring to Figure 8 (B), the cleaning operation of the portion of connecting pipe 7 that communicates with bathtub 2 will be explained. In this case, control circuit 10 closes, opens, and closes connecting pipe flow control valves 7a, 7b, and 7c, and opens branch pipe flow control valve 9-2a. As a result, water from bathtub 2 flows from connecting pipe flow control valve 7b through branch pipe flow control valve 9-2a to the downstream side of circulation pipe 5. Therefore, the portion of connecting pipe 7 that communicates with bathtub 2 is cleaned. In this case, the water used for cleaning is returned to bathtubs 1 and 2 via circulation pipe 5 and recovered.

The cleaning operation of the level pipe 6 will be explained with reference to Figure 8 (C). In this case, the control circuit 10 closes, closes, and opens the connecting pipe flow control valves 7a, 7b, and 7c, and opens the branch pipe flow control valve 9-2a. As a result, water in the level pipe 6 flows from the connecting pipe flow control valve 7c to the downstream side of the circulation pipe 5 via the branch pipe flow control valve 9-2a. Therefore, the level pipe 6 is cleaned. In this case, the water used for cleaning is returned to the bathtubs 1 and 2 via the circulation pipe 5 and recovered.

Referring to Figure 8 (D), the cleaning operation of the portion of connecting pipe 7 that connects to bathtubs 1 and 2 and the portion of level pipe 6 will be explained. In this case, control circuit 10 opens connecting pipe flow control valves 7a, 7b, and 7c, and opens branch pipe flow control valve 9-2a. As a result, water from bathtubs 1 and 2 flows through connecting pipe flow control valves 7a and 7b, and water from level pipe 6 flows from connecting pipe flow control valve 7c to the downstream side of circulation pipe 5 via branch pipe flow control valve 9-2a. Therefore, the portion of connecting pipe 7 that connects to bathtubs 1 and 2 and the portion of level pipe 6 are cleaned. Note that in this case, the water used for cleaning is returned to bathtubs 1 and 2 via circulation pipe 5 and recovered.

When cleaning two sections of the connecting pipe 7, the section that connects to bathtubs 1 and 2, and the level pipe 6, two of the connecting pipe flow control valves 7a, 7b, and 7c should be opened, the remaining one should be closed, and the branch pipe flow control valve 9-2a should be opened.

Figure 9 shows a modified example of the communicating pipe type circulation filtration device shown in Figure 7.

In Figure 9, a drainage branch pipe 9-2' is connected to the drainage facility from the communicating pipe 7, and includes a drainage flow control valve 9-2'a and a drainage pump 9-2'b connected in series. Also, a makeup water branch pipe 11 is connected to the makeup water side from the communicating pipe 7. The makeup water branch pipe 11 includes makeup water flow control valves 11a, 11b, and 11c. Therefore, similar to the communicating pipe type circulating filtration system of Figure 1, a cleaning operation can be performed by draining the communicating pipe 7 and level pipe 6 of Figure 9.

For example, let's consider the flushing operation of the portion of connecting pipe 7 that connects to bathtubs 1 and 2 and the portion of level pipe 6 without operating makeup water branch pipe 11. In this case, control circuit 10 opens connecting pipe flow control valves 7a, 7b, and 7c, opens drain flow control valve 9-2'a, and turns on drain pump 9-2'b. As a result, water from bathtubs 1 and 2 and water from level pipe 6 flows from connecting pipe flow control valves 7a, 7b, and 7c to branch pipe flow control valve 9-1a, drain pump 9-2'b, and drain flow control valve 9-2'a and into the drainage system. Therefore, the portion of connecting pipe 7 that connects to bathtubs 1 and 2 and level pipe 6 is flushed. Note that in this case, the water used for flushing is drained, reducing the amount of water in bathtubs 1 and 2, level pipe 6, and connecting pipe 7. In this case, makeup water flow control valve 8a is opened to directly increase the amount of water in bathtubs 1 and 2.

As shown in Figure 10, the makeup water branch pipe 11 is connected to the connecting pipe 7 via makeup water flow control valves 11a, 11b, and 11c, and is located symmetrically to the drainage branch pipe 9-2' with respect to the connecting pipe 7. Therefore, makeup water sucked into the makeup water branch pipe 11 passes widely through the connecting pipe 7, where it is cleaned, before flowing into the drainage branch pipe 9-2'.

The following describes the operation of flushing the portion of the connecting pipe 7 that communicates with the bathtubs 1 and 2 and the portion of the level pipe 6 with makeup water by operating the makeup water branch pipe 11. In this case, the control circuit 10 closes the connecting pipe flow control valves 7a, 7b, and 7c, opens the makeup water flow control valves 11a, 11b, and 11c, opens the drainage flow control valve 9-2'a, and turns on the drainage pump 9-2'b. As a result, makeup water flows from the makeup water flow control valves 11a, 11b, and 11c to the drainage system via the drainage pump 9-2'b and the drainage flow control valve 9-2'a. Therefore, the portion of the connecting pipe 7 that communicates with the bathtubs 1 and 2 and the level pipe 6 is flushed. Note that, although the water used for flushing is drained, the connecting pipe 7 is replenished with makeup water, so the amount of water in the bathtubs 1 and 2, the level pipe 6, and the connecting pipe 7 does not decrease.

Figure 11 shows a third embodiment of the communicating pipe type circulation filtration device according to the present invention.

In Figure 11, instead of the circulation branch pipe 9-2 and branch pipe flow control valve 9-2a in Figure 7, a circulation branch pipe 9-3 and branch pipe flow control valve 9-3a are provided, and the circulation branch pipe 9-3 is connected between the circulation pump 5a of the circulation pipe 5 and the filtration unit 3 via an ejector 12.

Figure 12 shows the detailed structure of the ejector 12 in Figure 11.

12A, the ejector 12 is composed of a nozzle 122 having a driving fluid inlet 121 for drawing in a driving fluid F1, a body 124 that houses the nozzle 122 and has a suction fluid inlet 123 for drawing in a suction fluid F2 into a low-pressure region LR downstream of the nozzle 122 caused by the driving fluid F1, and a diffuser (mixing section) 126 having a discharge fluid outlet 125 for drawing in and mixing the driving fluid F1 and suction fluid F2 as a high-speed jet fluid F3 and discharging the resulting jet fluid F4. The nozzle 122 converts the pressure energy of the driving fluid F1 into kinetic energy (decompression, acceleration), while the diffuser (mixing section) 126 consists of a suction section 1261 with a gradually decreasing diameter and a compression/pressurization section 1262 with a gradually increasing diameter, and recovers the kinetic energy into pressure energy (deceleration, pressure increase). Here, water from the circulation pump 5a is used as the driving fluid F1, water from the circulation branch pipe 9-3 is used as the suction fluid F2, and water is sent to the filtration unit 3 as the discharge fluid F4.

In Figure 11, an auxiliary valve may be provided upstream or downstream of the circulation pump 5a. The suction speed of water in the circulation branch pipe 9-3 as the suction fluid F2 is determined by the design of the nozzle 122 and diffuser 126 of the ejector 12 and the design of the circulation pump 5a, and the flow rate of water in the circulation branch pipe 9-3 can be adjusted to be much slower than the flow rate of water in the circulation pump 5a.

In Figure 11, the water levels in bathtubs 1 and 2 and level pipe 6 can be adjusted by opening communicating pipe flow control valves 7a, 7b, and 7c and closing branch pipe flow control valve 9-3a. On the other hand, by opening at least one of communicating pipe flow control valves 7a, 7b, and 7c and branch pipe flow control valve 9-3a, communicating pipe 7 and level pipe 6 can be cleaned with circulating water.

Figure 12(B) is a modified example of Figure 12(A).

As shown in Figure 12 (B), the body 124 is provided with an air fluid inlet 127 for drawing in air fluid F5. The air fluid F5 is ambient air. This allows microbubbles and/or ultrafine bubbles to be mixed into the discharge fluid F4, thereby enhancing the cleaning effect of the circulation pipe 5 and the connecting pipe 7. The air fluid F5 can also be an air fluid containing clusters of water molecules gathered around ions, which are generated by plasma discharges such as arc discharge and corona discharge. The air fluid F5 can also be an air fluid containing ozone. This also makes it possible to sterilize the circulation pipe 5 and the connecting pipe 7.

Figure 13 shows a modified example of the communicating pipe type circulation filtration device shown in Figure 11.

In Figure 13, a drainage branch pipe 9-3' is connected to the drainage equipment from the communicating pipe 7, and includes a drainage flow control valve 9-3'a and a drainage pump 9-3'b connected in series. Also connected to the communicating pipe 7 is a makeup water branch pipe 11 that branches off to the makeup water side. The makeup water branch pipe 11 includes makeup water flow control valves 11a, 11b, and 11c. Therefore, similar to the communicating pipe type circulating filtration system of Figure 1, the communicating pipe 7 and level pipe 6 of Figure 9 can be cleaned with drainage/makeup water.

For example, let's consider a flushing operation by draining the portion of connecting pipe 7 that connects to bathtubs 1 and 2 and the portion of level pipe 6 without operating makeup water branch pipe 11. In this case, control circuit 10 opens connecting pipe flow control valves 7a, 7b, and 7c, opens drain flow control valve 9-3'a, and turns on drain pump 9-3'b. As a result, water from bathtubs 1 and 2 and water from level pipe 6 flows from connecting pipe flow control valves 7a, 7b, and 7c to the drain pump 9-3'b and drain flow control valve 9-3'a and into the drainage system. Therefore, the portion of connecting pipe 7 that connects to bathtubs 1 and 2 and level pipe 6 is flushed. Note that in this case, the water used for flushing is drained, reducing the amount of water in bathtubs 1 and 2, level pipe 6, and connecting pipe 7. In this case, makeup water flow control valve 8a is opened to directly increase the amount of water in bathtubs 1 and 2.

The following describes the operation of flushing the portion of the connecting pipe 7 that communicates with the bathtubs 1 and 2 and the portion of the level pipe 6 with makeup water by operating the makeup water branch pipe 11. In this case, the control circuit 10 closes the connecting pipe flow control valves 7a, 7b, and 7c, opens the makeup water flow control valves 11a, 11b, and 11c, opens the drainage flow control valve 9-3'a, and turns on the drainage pump 9-3'b. As a result, makeup water flows from the makeup water flow control valves 11a, 11b, and 11c to the drainage system via the drainage pump 9-3'b and the drainage flow control valve 9-3'a. Therefore, the portion of the connecting pipe 7 that communicates with the bathtubs 1 and 2 and the level pipe 6 is flushed. Note that, although the water used for flushing is drained, the connecting pipe 7 is replenished with makeup water, so the amount of water in the bathtubs 1 and 2, the level pipe 6, and the connecting pipe 7 does not decrease.

Figure 14 shows a fourth embodiment of the communicating pipe type circulating filtration device according to the present invention.

In Figure 14, there is no circulation branch pipe, but rather a drainage branch pipe 9-4 and a make-up water branch pipe 11 that branch off from the connecting pipe 7 to the drainage equipment. The drainage branch pipe 9-4 includes a drainage flow control valve 9-4a and a drainage pump 9-4b connected in series. The make-up water branch pipe 11 includes make-up water flow control valves 11a, 11b, and 11c.

In Figure 14, the communication pipe 7 and level pipe 6 can be cleaned by draining or replenishing water.

The following describes the flushing operation of the portion of connecting pipe 7 that connects to bathtubs 1 and 2 and the portion of level pipe 6 when replenishment water branch pipe 11 is not operating. In this case, control circuit 10 opens connecting pipe flow control valves 7a, 7b, and 7c, opens drain flow control valve 9-4a, and turns on drain pump 9-4b. As a result, water from bathtubs 1 and 2 and water from level pipe 6 flows from connecting pipe flow control valves 7a, 7b, and 7c to the drainage system via branch pipe flow control valve 9-1a, drain pump 9-4b, and drain flow control valve 9-4a. Therefore, the portion of connecting pipe 7 that connects to bathtubs 1 and 2 and level pipe 6 is flushed. Note that in this case, the water used for flushing is drained, reducing the amount of water in bathtubs 1 and 2, level pipe 6, and connecting pipe 7. In this case, the amount of water in bathtubs 1 and 2 is directly increased.

Next, we will explain the cleaning operation of the portion of connecting pipe 7 that communicates with bathtubs 1 and 2 and the portion of level pipe 6, which operates makeup water branch pipe 11. In this case, control circuit 10 closes connecting pipe flow control valves 7a, 7b, and 7c, opens makeup water flow control valves 11a, 11b, and 11c, opens drain flow control valve 9-4a, and turns on drain pump 9-4b. As a result, makeup water flows from makeup water flow control valves 11a, 11b, and 11c to the drainage system via drain pump 9-4b and drain flow control valve 9-4a. Therefore, the portion of connecting pipe 7 that communicates with bathtubs 1 and 2 and level pipe 6 is cleaned. Note that in this case, the water used for cleaning is drained, but since connecting pipe 7 is replenished with makeup water, the amount of water in bathtubs 1 and 2, level pipe 6, and connecting pipe 7 does not decrease.

The communicating pipe type circulating filtration devices shown in Figures 1, 7, 11, and 14 can be applied to systems with a single circulation pipe and multiple communicating pipes, as shown in Figure 15. In all of Figures 15(A), (B), (C), and (D), each communicating pipe 7-1 (7-2, 7-3) is connected to bathtubs 1-1 (1-2, 1-3), bathtubs 2-1 (2-2, 2-3), and level pipes 3-1 (3-2, 3-3), which are arranged so that the water level is the same . A circulation pipe 5 connects the lower and upper parts of each of the bathtubs 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3 in a loop, and the loop contains a circulation pipe pump and a filtration unit. For example, a system is envisioned in which connecting pipe 7-1 connects to multiple bathtubs and level pipes in the men's bathroom, connecting pipe 7-2 connects to multiple bathtubs and level pipes in the women's bathroom, and connecting pipe 7-3 connects to multiple bathtubs and level pipes in the children's bathroom, all of which are located on the same floor and filtered by a common circulation pipe 5.

As shown in Figure 15(A), when the communicating pipe type circulation filtration device of Figure 1 is expanded and applied to a system with multiple communicating pipes, one circulation/drainage branch pipe 9-1 branches off from communicating pipes 7-1, 7-2, and 7-3 to the circulation pipe 5 and drainage equipment, and is selectively connected to the circulation pipe 5 or drainage equipment via branch pipe pump 9-1d and further via branch pipe flow control valve 9-1b or 9-1c.

As shown in Figure 15(B), when the communicating pipe type circulation filtration device of Figure 7 is expanded to a system with multiple communicating pipes, one circulation branch pipe 9-2 branching off from communicating pipes 7-1, 7-2, and 7-3 to circulation pipe 5 is connected to the upstream side of circulation pump 5a of circulation pipe 5.

As shown in Figure 15(C), when the communicating pipe type circulation filtration device of Figure 11 is expanded and applied to a system with multiple communicating pipes, one circulation branch pipe 9-3 branching off from the communicating pipes 7-1, 7-2, and 7-3 to the circulation pipe 5 is connected to the suction fluid inlet 123 of the ejector 12 provided in the circulation pipe 5.

As shown in Figure 15(D), when the communicating pipe type circulating filtration device of Figure 14 is expanded and applied to a system having multiple communicating pipes, one drainage branch pipe 9-4 branching off from the communicating pipes 7-1, 7-2, and 7-3 to the drainage facility is connected to the drainage facility. Also, one make-up water branch pipe 11 branching off from the communicating pipes 7-1, 7-2, and 7-3 to the make-up water side is connected. This allows the communicating pipes 7-1, 7-2, and 7-3 to be washed with make-up water .

In the above-described embodiment, three or more bathtubs can be provided. Furthermore, if a pool is provided instead of a bathtub, the heating unit can be omitted.

In addition, in the above-described embodiments, the flow control valve or solenoid valve may be a manual valve.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the circulation pump 5a, filtration unit 3, and heating unit 4 are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream within the circulation pipe 5, but this is not limited to this.

Furthermore, the present invention is applicable to any modifications within the obvious scope of the above-described embodiments.

The interconnected pipe type circulating filtration device of the present invention can be used in water treatment devices equipped with multiple bathtubs, pools, etc.

1, 2, 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 2-1, 2-2, 2-3: Bathtub 3, 3-1, 3-2, 3-3: Filtration unit 4: Heating unit 5: Circulation pipe 5a: Circulation pipe pump 5b: Circulation pipe flow control valve 6: Level pipe 6a: Water level signal 7: Connecting pipe 7a, 7b, 7c: Connecting pipe flow control valve (solenoid valve)
8: Make-up water tank (water tap) (make-up water side)
8a: Make-up water flow control valve (solenoid valve)
9-1: Circulation/drainage branch pipe (circulation branch pipe)
9-1a, 9-1b, 9-1c: Branch pipe flow control valves (solenoid valves)
9-1d: Branch pipe pump 9-2: Circulation branch pipe 9-2a, 9-2b: Branch pipe flow control valve (solenoid valve)
9-2': Drainage branch pipe
9-2'a: Drainage flow control valve (solenoid valve)
9-2'b: Drainage pump
9-3: Circulation branch pipe 9-3': Drain branch pipe 9-3'a: Drain flow control valve (solenoid valve)
9-3'b: Drainage pump 9-4: Drainage branch pipe 9-4a: Drainage flow control valve (solenoid valve)
9-4b: Drainage pump 10: Control circuit 11: Make-up water branch pipe 11a, 11b, 11c: Make-up water flow control valve (solenoid valve)
12: Ejector 121: Driving fluid inlet 122: Nozzle 123: Suction fluid inlet 124: Body 125: Discharge fluid outlet 126: Diffuser (mixing section)
1261: Suction section 1262: Compression/boosting section 127: Air fluid inlet F1: Driving fluid F2: Suction fluid F3: High-speed jet fluid F4: Discharge fluid F5: Air fluid

Claims (25)

A plurality of tanks arranged so that the water level is the same ;
a circulation pipe that connects each lower part of the plurality of tanks to each upper part of the plurality of tanks in a loop;
a circulation pipe pump and filtration unit provided in the circulation pipe loop;
a level tube for detecting the water level of the plurality of tanks;
a communication pipe communicating with the plurality of tanks and the level pipe,
a communication pipe type circulation filtration device provided with a circulation branch pipe branching from the communication pipe to the circulation pipe; the filtration unit is provided downstream of the circulation pipe pump;
2. The communication pipe type circulation filtration device according to claim 1, wherein the circulation branch pipe is connected to the circulation pipe downstream of the filtration unit. moreover,
a plurality of communicating pipe flow control valves provided on the side of the plurality of tanks and the level pipe in the communicating pipe;
a first branch flow control valve and a branch pump connected in series within the circulation branch ;
the communicating pipe flow control valve is opened and the first branch pipe flow control valve is closed to operate the communicating pipe and the level pipe;
3. The communicating pipe type circulation filtration device according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the communicating pipe flow control valves and the first branch pipe flow control valve are opened, and the branch pipe pump is turned on to clean the communicating pipe and the level pipe.
moreover,
a second branch flow control valve connected between the downstream side of the series connection of the first branch flow control valve and the branch pump and the downstream side of the filtration unit;
a third branch pipe flow control valve connected between a downstream side of the series connection of the first branch pipe flow control valve and the branch pipe pump and a drainage facility;
opening at least one of the communicating pipe flow control valves and the first and second branch pipe flow control valves, closing the third branch pipe flow control valve , and turning on the branch pipe pump to flush the communicating pipe and the level pipe;
4. The communicating pipe type circulation filtration device according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the communicating pipe flow control valves, the first branch pipe flow control valve, and the third branch pipe flow control valve are opened, the second branch pipe flow control valve is closed, and the branch pipe pump is turned on to drain water from the communicating pipe and the level pipe. a makeup water branch pipe that branches off from the communicating pipe toward the makeup water side, is connected to the communicating pipe, and includes a plurality of makeup water flow control valves corresponding to the plurality of communicating pipe flow control valves;
5. The communication pipe type circulation filtration device according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the makeup water flow control valves and the first branch pipe flow control valve are opened, and the branch pipe pump is turned on to flush the communication pipe and the level pipe with makeup water. The interconnected pipe type circulation filtration device described in claim 1, wherein the circulation branch pipe is connected upstream of the circulation pipe pump. moreover,
a plurality of communicating pipe flow control valves provided on the side of the plurality of tanks and the level pipe in the communicating pipe;
a third branch flow control valve provided in the circulation branch,
operating the communicating pipe and the level pipe by opening at least one of the communicating pipe flow control valves and closing the third branch pipe flow control valve;
7. The communication pipe type circulation filtration device according to claim 6, wherein at least one of the communication pipe flow control valves and the third branch pipe flow control valve are opened, and the circulation pipe pump is turned on to clean the communication pipe and the level pipe. Further, a drainage branch pipe is provided which branches off from the communication pipe to a drainage facility and includes a drainage pump and a drainage flow control valve connected in series,
opening at least one of the communicating pipe flow control valves and the third branch pipe flow control valve and closing the drain flow control valve to flush the communicating pipe and the level pipe;
8. The communicating pipe type circulation filtration device according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the communicating pipe flow control valves and the drainage flow control valve are opened, the third branch pipe flow control valve is closed, and the drainage pump is turned on to drain the water in the communicating pipe and the level pipe. a makeup water branch pipe that branches off from the communicating pipe toward the makeup water side, is connected to the communicating pipe, and includes a plurality of makeup water flow control valves corresponding to the plurality of communicating pipe flow control valves;
9. The communication pipe type circulation filtration device according to claim 8 , wherein at least one of the makeup water flow control valves is opened, the third branch pipe flow control valve is closed, the drain pump is turned on, and the drain flow control valve is opened to flush the communication pipe and the level pipe with makeup water. the filtration unit is provided downstream of the circulation pipe pump;
The apparatus further includes an ejector provided between the downstream side of the circulation pipe pump and the filtration unit and connected to the circulation branch pipe,
The ejector is
a nozzle having a driving fluid inlet for drawing water from the circulation pipe pump as a driving fluid;
a body that houses the nozzle and has a suction fluid inlet for drawing water from the circulation branch pipe as a suction fluid into a low-pressure region caused by the driving fluid downstream of the nozzle;
2. The communication pipe type circulation filtration device according to claim 1, further comprising: a diffuser having a discharge fluid outlet for mixing the driving fluid and the suction fluid and discharging the mixture as a discharge fluid to the filtration unit. The communicating pipe type circulation filtration device described in claim 10, wherein the body is provided with an air fluid inlet for drawing in air fluid, and the discharged fluid contains bubbles. The interconnected pipe type circulation filtration device described in claim 11, wherein the air fluid contains clusters of water molecules gathered around ions generated by plasma discharge. The interconnected pipe type circulation filtration device described in claim 11, wherein the air fluid is an air fluid containing ozone. a plurality of communicating pipe flow control valves provided on the side of the plurality of tanks and the level pipe in the communicating pipe;
a fourth branch pipe flow control valve provided in the circulation branch pipe;
operating the communicating pipe and the level pipe by opening at least one of the communicating pipe flow control valves and closing the fourth branch pipe flow control valve;
11. The communication pipe type circulation filtration device according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the communication pipe flow control valves and the fourth branch pipe flow control valve are opened, and the circulation pipe pump is turned on to clean the communication pipe and the level pipe. Further, a drainage branch pipe is provided which branches off from the communication pipe to a drainage facility and includes a drainage pump and a drainage flow control valve connected in series,
opening at least one of the communicating pipe flow control valves and the fourth branch pipe flow control valve and closing the drain flow control valve to flush the communicating pipe and the level pipe;
15. The communicating pipe type circulation filtration device of claim 14, wherein at least one of the communicating pipe flow control valves and the drainage flow control valve is opened, the fourth branch pipe flow control valve is closed, and the drainage pump is turned on to drain water from the communicating pipe and the level pipe. a makeup water branch pipe that branches off from the communicating pipe toward the makeup water side, is connected to the communicating pipe, and includes a plurality of makeup water flow control valves corresponding to the plurality of communicating pipe flow control valves;
16. The communication pipe type circulation filtration device according to claim 15, wherein at least one of the makeup water flow control valves and the fourth branch pipe flow control valve are closed, and the drain pump is turned on to flush the communication pipe and the level pipe with makeup water. A plurality of tanks arranged so that the water level is the same;
a circulation pipe that connects each lower part of the plurality of tanks to each upper part of the plurality of tanks in a loop;
a circulation pipe pump and filtration unit provided in the circulation pipe loop;
a level tube for detecting the water level of the plurality of tanks;
a communication pipe communicating with the plurality of tanks and the level pipe;
A communication pipe type circulation filtration device comprising:
a drainage branch pipe branching from the communication pipe to a drainage facility;
moreover,
a plurality of communicating pipe flow control valves provided on the side of the plurality of tanks and the level pipe in the communicating pipe;
a drainage branch pipe branching from the communication pipe to a drainage facility, the drainage branch pipe including a drainage pump and a drainage flow control valve connected in series;
operating the communicating pipe and the level pipe by opening at least one of the communicating pipe flow control valves, closing the drain flow control valve, and turning off the drain pump;
Opening at least one of the communication pipe flow control valves and the drain flow control valve, and turning on the drain pump to flush the communication pipe and the level pipe;
A communicating pipe type circulation filtration device that opens at least one of the communicating pipe flow control valves and the drainage flow control valve and turns on the drainage pump to drain water from the communicating pipe and the level pipe. a makeup water branch pipe that branches off from the communicating pipe toward the makeup water side, is connected to the communicating pipe, and includes a plurality of makeup water flow control valves corresponding to the plurality of communicating pipe flow control valves;
18. The communication pipe type circulation filtration device according to claim 17 , wherein at least one of the makeup water flow control valves and the drainage flow control valve is opened, and the drainage pump is turned on to flush the communication pipe and the level pipe with makeup water. A communication pipe type circulation filtration device having a plurality of communication pipes and a single circulation pipe, wherein each of the communication pipes is connected to a plurality of tanks arranged to have the same water level and a level pipe for detecting the water level of the plurality of tanks;
the circulation pipes each have a filtration unit and a circulation pipe pump, and connect each lower part of the tank to each upper part of the tank in a loop;
Each of the communicating pipes and the circulation pipe is connected by a single circulation branch pipe, and the water in each of the communicating pipes and each of the level pipes is circulated into the circulation pipe, thereby cleaning the inside of each of the communicating pipes and the level pipe. 20. The communication pipe type circulation filtration device according to claim 19 , wherein the circulation branch pipe is connected to the circulation pipe downstream of the filtration unit. 20. The communication pipe type circulation filtration device according to claim 19 , wherein the circulation branch pipe is connected to the circulation pipe upstream of the circulation pipe pump. the filtration unit is provided downstream of the circulation pipe pump;
The apparatus further includes an ejector provided between the downstream side of the circulation pipe pump and the filtration unit and connected to the circulation branch pipe,
The ejector is
a nozzle having a driving fluid inlet for drawing water from the circulation pipe pump as a driving fluid;
a body that houses the nozzle and has an opening for drawing water from the circulation branch pipe as a suction fluid into a low-pressure region downstream of the nozzle caused by the driving fluid;
a diffuser having a discharge fluid outlet for mixing the driving fluid and the suction fluid and discharging the mixed fluid to the filtration unit as a discharge fluid, wherein the circulation branch pipe is connected to the suction fluid inlet . A communication pipe type circulation filtration device having a plurality of communication pipes and a single circulation pipe, wherein each of the communication pipes is connected to a plurality of tanks arranged to have the same water level and a level pipe for detecting the water level of the plurality of tanks;
the circulation pipes each have a filtration unit and a circulation pipe pump, and connect each lower part of the tank to each upper part of the tank in a loop;
Each of the communicating pipes and the drainage equipment is connected by a single drainage branch pipe, and a drainage pump is provided in the drainage branch pipe, which cleans the inside of each of the communicating pipes and the level pipes by draining the water from each of the communicating pipes and the level pipes. 24. The communication pipe type circulating filtration device according to claim 23, further comprising a communication pipe and a makeup water side connected by a makeup water branch pipe, and the inside of each communication pipe and each level pipe is cleaned by draining the water from each communication pipe and each level pipe. 19. A communication pipe type circulation filtration device according to claim 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17 or 18, wherein the flow control valve is replaced by an electromagnetic valve or a manual valve.