Floating matter removal device

Abstract

To suppress reduction in removal performance of a floating matter even when a movable body of a floating matter removal device sinks more than assumption relative to a water level of a bathtub.SOLUTION: A movable body is connected to an underwater body so as to be movable in a vertical direction, buoyance that makes a height of an on-water portion of the movable body protruding from a bathtub water level a standard height is generated by a buoyance part, a water intake port that takes hot water in the bathtub into a connection passage on an inner side of the movable body is formed of a first water intake port 32a that is opened to the outer peripheral surface of the movable body and a second water intake port 32b on the connection passage side relative to the first water intake port, the hot water in the connection passage is filtrated by a filter while transferring it toward an outlet by a pump, underwater opening areas located on a lower side relative to the bathtub water level are compared between the first water intake port and the second water intake port, the areas vary according to the height H of the on-water portion of the movable body, the underwater opening area in a case of being higher than a lower limit height Hmin (<standard height Hst) is the first water intake port<the second water intake port, and the underwater opening area in a case of being lower than the lower limit height is the first water intake port>the second water intake port.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a floating matter removal device for removing floating matter from the surface of water in a bathtub. [Background technology]

[0002] When bathing, dirt, hair, and other debris floating on the surface of the bathtub water are unhygienic and uncomfortable. Therefore, technologies for removing such floating debris have been proposed. For example, in a device described in Patent Document 1, a movable body (floating tube) is connected to a submersible body (cylindrical body) located underwater in the bathtub so that it can move up and down. The upper part of this movable body protrudes above the water surface due to the buoyancy of the float, following fluctuations in the water surface, and multiple notches are formed on the upper end of its periphery. A pump and filter are also provided on the submersible body. When the pump is driven, hot and cold water in a connecting passage formed inside the movable body passes through the filter and is released into the bathtub, lowering the water level in the connecting passage. The resulting water level difference causes hot and cold water near the water surface to flow down through the notches into the connecting passage, along with the floating debris, and is filtered by the filter, removing the floating debris. At this time, by appropriately setting the buoyancy of the float, the lower end of the notch of the movable body is submerged at a predetermined depth relative to the water surface. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-346991 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in a device such as that described in Patent Document 1, in which the buoyancy of a float causes the upper part of the movable body to protrude above the water surface, the movable body can sink more than expected (the lower end of the notch sinks below the specified depth) due to the adhesion of water droplets or the effect of suction by the pump. In such cases, there is a problem in that the performance of removing floating matter is reduced for the following reasons. First, when the lower end of the notch sinks below the specified depth, the flow rate of hot water flowing from the bathtub through the notch into the connecting passage increases, causing the water level in the connecting passage to rise and reducing the difference in water level with the bathtub (outside the movable body). Then, when the water level difference becomes small, the flow of hot water flowing into the connecting passage through the notch becomes mainly underwater rather than at the water surface, making it difficult for floating matter near the water surface to be captured by the connecting passage.

[0005] This invention has been made in response to the above-mentioned problems in conventional technology, and aims to provide technology that can suppress a decrease in floating matter removal performance even when the movable body of the floating matter removal device sinks further below the water surface of the bathtub than expected. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the floating matter removal device of the present invention employs the following configuration. A floating matter removal device for removing floating matter from the surface of bathtub water, a submersible body positioned underwater in the bathtub; a movable body connected to the underwater body so as to be movable in the up and down direction; a buoyancy unit that causes an upper portion of the movable body to protrude above the water surface of the bathtub and generates buoyancy so that the height of the above-water portion protruding from the water surface becomes a predetermined standard height; A first water intake that opens to the outer peripheral surface of the movable body and takes in hot and cold water from the bathtub into the movable body; a connecting passage formed inside the movable body and communicating with the underwater body; A second water intake port that passes hot and cold water taken in from the first water intake port to the connecting passage; a pump that transfers hot and cold water in the connecting passage toward a water outlet that opens into the bathtub; a filter that filters the hot and cold water flowing from the connecting passage toward the water outlet; Equipped with A first underwater opening area of ​​the first water intake located below the water surface of the bathtub, and a second underwater opening area of ​​the second water intake located below the water surface of the bathtub, each vary depending on the height of the above-water portion of the movable body, and the amount of variation of the second underwater opening area is smaller than the amount of variation of the first underwater opening area, When the height of the above-water portion of the movable body is higher than a predetermined lower limit height that is lower than the standard height, the second underwater opening area is larger than the first underwater opening area, When the height of the above-water portion of the movable body is lower than the lower limit height, the second underwater opening area is smaller than the first underwater opening area. It is characterized by:

[0007] In this floating matter removal device of the present invention, if the height of the above-water portion of the movable body is at a standard height, higher than the lower limit height, the first water intake port limits the amount of water taken from the bathtub to the connecting passage. By appropriately setting the first submerged opening area (water intake volume) relative to the pump's transfer capacity (water discharge volume), the water level in the connecting passage can be lowered to maintain a water level difference with the bathtub. This allows hot and cold water near the bathtub's water surface to flow down into the connecting passage along with the floating matter, allowing the floating matter to be removed by the filter. On the other hand, if the movable body sinks lower than expected for some reason and the above-water portion falls below the lower limit height, the increased first submerged opening area allows hot and cold water to flow more easily through the first intake port. However, the relationship between the first submerged opening area and the second submerged opening area is reversed, and the water intake volume is limited by the second water intake. This prevents the water level in the connecting passage from rising and maintains a water level difference with the bathtub. As a result, a decrease in floating matter removal performance is suppressed.

[0008] In the floating matter removal device of the present invention described above, the width of the second water intake may be narrower than the width of the first water intake, and the lower end of the second water intake may be positioned lower than the lower end of the first water intake.

[0009] In this way, by positioning the lower end of the first water intake shallower relative to the water surface of the bathtub, hot and cold water near the water surface, along with floating objects, can be preferentially taken in, while the width is wider, ensuring a predetermined water intake volume (first underwater opening area). However, because the width is wider, it is more susceptible to the effects of the vertical movement of the movable body, and if the movable body sinks, the first underwater opening area increases significantly. On the other hand, by positioning the lower end of the second water intake deeper relative to the water surface of the bathtub, the second underwater opening area is larger than the first underwater opening area when the height of the above-water part of the movable body is at the standard height, while the width is narrower, making it less susceptible to the effects of the vertical movement of the movable body. This makes it possible to reverse the second underwater opening area and the first underwater opening area when the height of the above-water part of the movable body falls below the lower limit height.

[0010] The floating matter removal device of the present invention may be provided with a covering portion that covers the upper part of the connecting passage in the movable body.

[0011] Even if the height of the above-water portion of the movable body is maintained at the expected standard height, if the water level in the connecting passage rises and the difference in water level with the bathtub becomes small, the flow of hot and cold water flowing from the bathtub into the connecting passage will be mainly underwater rather than on the surface, which can reduce the efficiency of capturing floating objects on the water surface. Possible causes of this rise in the water level in the connecting passage include direct water intrusion into the connecting passage without passing through the first and second water intakes, such as when hot water from a shower splashes onto the connecting passage or when a child intentionally pours hot water into the connecting passage, or when foreign objects are thrown into the connecting passage. Therefore, by covering the upper part of the connecting passage with a covering, it is possible to prevent the direct intrusion of hot and cold water into the connecting passage and the throwing of foreign objects, thereby suppressing the rise in the water level in the connecting passage, stabilizing the difference in water level with the bathtub, and maintaining the floating object removal performance.

[0012] The underside of the covering portion in the floating matter removal device of the present invention may be provided with a reducing portion for reducing the surface tension acting when it comes into contact with the water surface in the bathtub.

[0013] When a movable body with a covering covering the upper part of the connecting passage is submerged in a bathtub by, for example, pressing down with a hand from above, surface tension (intermolecular forces) causes the hot and cold water on the surface of the water to stick to the underside of the covering, and the movable body may remain submerged and not float up even when the hand is released. As a result, there is no difference in water level between the bathtub and the connecting passage, and the flow of hot and cold water flowing from the bathtub into the connecting passage is mainly underwater rather than on the surface, making it difficult to capture floating objects on the water surface. Therefore, by providing a surface tension reducing part on the underside of the covering, it is possible to prevent the underside of the covering from sticking to the water surface.

[0014] In the above-described floating matter removal device of the present invention, the reduction section may be subjected to a water-repellent surface treatment.

[0015] In this way, even if the underside of the covering part comes into contact with the water surface, the water repellency of the reducing part will repel hot and cold water, thereby reducing the surface tension and preventing the underside of the covering part from sticking to the water surface.

[0016] Furthermore, the reduction section of the floating matter removal device of the present invention may be provided with a recess that allows air to accumulate between it and the water surface of the bathtub.

[0017] In this way, an air layer is created between the underside of the covering part and the water surface of the bathtub due to the depression in the reduction part, and the contact area with the water surface is reduced compared to when there is no air layer, so by reducing the area where surface tension acts, it is possible to prevent the underside of the covering part from sticking to the water surface.

[0018] Furthermore, the underside of the covering portion in the floating matter removal device of the present invention described above may be provided with an inclined portion having a cross-sectional shape that narrows downward and a downward surface that is inclined relative to the water surface of the bathtub.

[0019] In this way, even if hot water on the surface of the water sticks to the underside of the covering part due to surface tension, when the covering part tries to float up due to the buoyancy of the buoyancy part, the stuck hot water (the part on which surface tension acts) moves downward along the inclined surface of the inclined part, making it easier to release the sticking between the underside of the covering part and the water surface than when the underside of the covering part is horizontal.

[0020] In the above-described floating matter removal device of the present invention, the inclined portion may be formed of a plurality of protrusions that are tapered downward.

[0021] In this way, even if the hot and cold water on the water surface adheres to the underside of the covering due to surface tension, when the covering tries to float due to the buoyancy of the buoyancy part, the adhered hot and cold water (the part on which surface tension acts) moves downward along the slope of the tapered shape of the protrusions, making it easier to release the adhesion between the underside of the covering and the water surface compared to when there are no protrusions. Also, by increasing the number of protrusions, the height of the protrusions can be reduced while the slope of the tapered shape is made steeper, thereby improving the effect of moving the adhered hot and cold water downward. Furthermore, air tends to accumulate in the gaps between the protrusions, and the air layer reduces the contact area with the water surface, which has the effect of suppressing adhesion between the underside of the covering and the water surface by reducing the part on which surface tension acts. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the floating matter removal device 1 of the present embodiment is disassembled. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a movable body 30 of the present embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the floating matter removal device 1 of this embodiment is installed in a bathtub 40. FIG. [Figure 4] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing how hot and cold water is taken into the movable body 30 from the bathtub 40. FIG. [Figure 5] 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a water intake 32 in a movable body 30 of this embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6]10 is an explanatory diagram comparing the underwater opening areas of the first water intake 32a and the second water intake 32b, which are located below the water surface of the bathtub 40. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the movable body 30 remains submerged in water and does not float due to the cover plate 36. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing the configuration of a cover plate 36 of a first modified example. [Figure 9] 10 is an explanatory view showing the configuration of a cover plate 36 of a second modified example. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is an explanatory view showing the configuration of a cover plate 36 of a third modified example. FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is an enlarged perspective view of a movable body 30 in a floating matter removal device 1 of a first modified example. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is an explanatory diagram comparing the underwater opening areas of the first water intake 32a and the second water intake 32b in the movable body 30 of the floating matter removal device 1 of the second modified example. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an exploded state of a floating matter removing device 1 of a third modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of a movable body 30 of a third modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a disassembled state of the floating matter removal device 1 of this embodiment. The floating matter removal device 1 of this embodiment, which is used in a bathtub, includes a submersible body 10 that is positioned underwater in the bathtub, and a movable body 30 that is connected to the submersible body 10 so that it can move up and down. The submersible body 10 is made up of a drive unit 11 that incorporates a pump 12, and a power supply unit 15 that is located below the drive unit 11 and incorporates a battery 16 that supplies power to the pump 12. The power supply unit 15 can be removed from the drive unit 11 to charge the battery 16. Note that a dry cell may be used as the power source instead of the battery 16.

[0024] When pump 12 built into drive unit 11 is driven, hot water is drawn in through inlet 12a on the top surface and discharged from outlet 12b on the side, and a water outlet 13 opens on the side of drive unit 11 at a position opposite outlet 12b. Also, above pump 12 in drive unit 11, storage space 14 is provided to store upper unit 20, which can be attached or detached.

[0025] The upper unit 20 has a circular insertion hole 22 opening approximately at the center of an upper plate 21 that closes the upper opening of the storage space 14, and a cylindrical insertion tube portion 23 that extends downward and communicates with the insertion hole 22. A filter 24 is detachably installed at the lower end of the insertion tube portion 23. In the illustrated example, a pair of clamping portions 25 extend downward with the insertion tube portion 23 between them, and the filter 24 is clamped between the pair of clamping portions 25. In this embodiment, a sponge is used for the filter 24, but it may also be made of mesh, felt, or the like as long as it can filter the hot and cold water passing through.

[0026] The movable body 30 of this embodiment is formed in a roughly rectangular shape when viewed from above, and has float sections 31 provided at its four corners to generate buoyancy that causes the movable body 30 to float on the water surface of the bathtub, and a water intake 32 that takes in hot and cold water from the bathtub into the movable body 30 is provided between the float sections 31. The float section 31 of this embodiment corresponds to the "buoyancy section" of the present invention.

[0027] A cylindrical connecting tube portion 35 is suspended below the movable body 30, communicating with the inside of the movable body 30. The outer diameter of this connecting tube portion 35 is smaller than the hole diameter of the insertion hole 22 of the upper unit 20 and the inner diameter of the insertion tube portion 23, and when the connecting tube portion 35 is inserted into the insertion tube portion 23 from the insertion hole 22, the inside of the connecting tube portion 35 becomes a connecting passage 35a that communicates with the underwater main body 10 (drive unit 11).

[0028] A plurality of (four in this embodiment) notches 22a are formed at equal intervals around the periphery of the insertion hole 22, and vertical ridges 35b are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the connecting tube portion 35 at locations corresponding to each of the notches 22a. The ridges 35b are guided by the notches 22a, allowing the connecting tube portion 35 to slide vertically relative to the insertion hole 22 and the insertion tube portion 23 while being prevented from rotating. Furthermore, a cover plate 36 is attached to the movable body 30, covering the upper side of the connecting passage 35a. As will be described in detail later, the cover plate 36 in this embodiment has a water-repellent surface treatment on its underside, making it repelling hot and cold water. The cover plate 36 in this embodiment corresponds to the "covering portion" of the present invention.

[0029] 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the movable body 30 of this embodiment. The figure shows the movable body 30 cut along a vertical plane passing through the float portion 31. The movable body 30 of this embodiment is manufactured by resin molding, and the bottom surface of the float portion 31 is open, and the movable body 30 has an air reservoir 31a that opens downward. When the bottom surface of the float portion 31 (air reservoir 31a) of the movable body 30 is blocked by the water surface of the bathtub, the air in the air reservoir 31a generates buoyancy, causing the upper part of the movable body 30 to protrude above the water surface of the bathtub.

[0030] Additionally, an engagement recess 31b is formed on the surface of the float portion 31 facing the connecting passage 35a. Meanwhile, protrusions 37 corresponding to each float portion 31 are provided from the underside of the cover plate 36 toward the inside of the connecting passage 35a, and engagement projections 38 are formed at the bottom of the protrusions 37 facing radially outward. When attaching the cover plate 36 to the movable body 30, the cover plate 36 is placed on the float portion 31 with the protrusions 37 facing the water intake 32. Then, by rotating the cover plate 36 clockwise relative to the movable body 30, the engagement projections 38 engage with the upper ends of the engagement recesses 31b, preventing the cover plate 36 from being removed upward. Conversely, by rotating the cover plate 36 counterclockwise, the engagement projections 38 and the engagement recesses 31b are disengaged, allowing the cover plate 36 to be removed. The cover plate 36 may be fixed to the movable body 30 with an adhesive or the like.

[0031] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the floating matter removal device 1 of this embodiment is installed in a bathtub 40. As shown in the figure, the submersible body 10 of the floating matter removal device 1 is fixed to the bathtub 40 by a flexible stand 41, and is positioned underwater in the bathtub 40, which is filled with hot and cold water. One end of the flexible stand 41 is fixed to the side of the submersible body 10 (drive unit 11), and the other end is fixed to the inner wall surface of the bathtub 40. A suction cup, magnet, or the like can be used for fixing.

[0032] The free-standing stand 41 also has a joint 41b that can change the angle of the arm 41a, and by adjusting the angle at the joint 41b, it is possible to adjust the posture of the submersible body 10 in the water of the bathtub 40 to be approximately vertical. The movable body 30 is connected to the submersible body 10 so as to be movable in the up and down directions.

[0033] As described above, the connecting tube portion 35 of the movable body 30 is inserted into the insertion tube portion 23 through the insertion hole 22 of the upper panel 21 of the submersible body 10 (drive unit 11) and is slidable in the vertical direction. The movable body 30, which is provided with the water intake 32, is equipped with a float portion 31 that generates buoyancy, and its upper portion protrudes above the water surface of the bathtub 40. Therefore, even if the water surface of the bathtub 40 fluctuates, the movable body 30 can follow the fluctuations in the water surface by changing the insertion amount of the connecting tube portion 35 into the submersible body 10 (insertion tube portion 23). This allows the upper portion of the movable body 30 to protrude above the water surface while maintaining the connection between the movable body 30 and the submersible body 10. This allows hot and cold water near the water surface of the bathtub 40 to be drawn into the movable body 30 by driving the pump 12 built into the submersible body 10.

[0034] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing how hot and cold water is taken into the movable body 30 from the bathtub 40. The figure shows an enlarged cross section of the movable body 30 cut along a vertical plane passing through the water intake 32. As described above, when the pump 12 of the submersible body 10 is driven, hot and cold water drawn in through the inlet 12a is discharged from the outlet 12b (see FIG. 1). As a result, the hot and cold water in the connecting passage 35a passes through the filter 24 and is discharged from the water outlet 13 into the bathtub 40, causing the water level in the connecting passage 35a to drop. This creates a water level difference Δh between the bathtub 40 and the connecting passage 35a, causing the hot and cold water near the water surface of the bathtub 40 to flow down through the water intake 32 into the connecting passage 35a together with floating matter, and is filtered by the filter 24, removing the floating matter.

[0035] Furthermore, by appropriately setting the buoyancy of float portion 31 of movable body 30, the depth D at which water intake 32 sinks relative to the water surface of bathtub 40 is adjusted so that the amount of water taken in at water intake 32 is less than the amount of water discharged by pump 12 in order to maintain the water level difference Δh. In particular, in water intake 32 of this embodiment, as shown in the figure, ribs 30a are erected on the outer periphery of movable body 30, and by making the position of the lower end of water intake 32 (depth D) shallower relative to the water surface of bathtub 40, it becomes possible to efficiently take in floating objects on the water surface.

[0036] However, the movable body 30 of the floating matter removal device 1 may sink deeper than expected due to the adhesion of water droplets or the influence of the suction of the pump 12. As a result, the position (depth D) of the lower end of the water intake 32 becomes deeper relative to the water surface of the bathtub 40, and the amount of water intake at the water intake 32 increases, causing the water level in the connecting passage 35a to rise. If the water level difference Δh between the bathtub 40 and the connecting passage 35a becomes small, the flow of hot and cold water from the bathtub 40 through the water intake 32 and into the connecting passage 35a becomes predominantly submerged rather than at the water surface, making it difficult to remove floating matter that floats on the water surface. Therefore, in the floating matter removal device 1 of this embodiment, the following configuration is adopted for the water intake 32 of the movable body 30 to ensure the water level difference Δh between the bathtub 40 and the connecting passage.

[0037] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the water intake 32 in the movable body 30 of this embodiment. First, Figure 5(a) shows a top view of the movable body 30 of this embodiment. The approximately rectangular movable body 30 has water intakes 32 on both the short side and the long side, and each water intake 32 is composed of a first water intake 32a that opens onto the outer peripheral surface of the movable body 30 and a second water intake 32b that is provided closer to the connecting passage 35a than the first water intake 32a, and the second water intake 32b has a narrower width than the first water intake 32a.

[0038] That is, the width Wbs of the second water intake 32b is narrower than the width Was of the first water intake 32a on the short side. Similarly, the width Wbl of the second water intake 32b is narrower than the width Wal of the first water intake 32a on the long side. Note that in the illustrated example, when comparing the first water intakes 32a, the width Wal on the long side is wider than the width Was on the short side, but when comparing the second water intakes 32b, the width Wbs on the short side and the width Wbl on the long side are the same.

[0039] 5(b) is a perspective view showing the movable body 30 cut along a vertical plane passing through the water intakes 32 on the short sides. As described above, the ribs 30a are provided on the outer periphery of the movable body 30, so that the lower end of the second water intake 32b is positioned lower than the lower end of the first water intake 32a on the short sides (the upper end of the ribs 30a). Similarly, the lower end of the second water intake 32b is positioned lower than the lower end of the first water intake 32a on the long sides.

[0040] 6 is an explanatory diagram comparing the underwater opening areas of the first water intake 32a and the second water intake 32b, which are located below the water surface of the bathtub 40. Here, the water intake 32 on the short side is used as an example, but the same is basically true for the water intake 32 on the long side. In addition, the buoyancy of the float portion 31 of the movable body 30 of this embodiment is set so that the height H of the above-water portion protruding from the water surface of the bathtub 40 is a predetermined standard height Hst.

[0041] First, Figure 6(a) shows a state in which the height H of the above-water portion of the movable body 30 is at the assumed standard height Hst. As mentioned above, although the second water intake 32b is narrower than the first water intake 32a, the lower end of the second water intake 32b is located lower than the lower end of the first water intake 32a. Therefore, the underwater opening area (second underwater opening area) of the second water intake 32b, shown by hatching, is larger than the underwater opening area (first underwater opening area) of the first water intake 32a. Therefore, the amount of water intake from the bathtub 40 to the connecting passage 35a is limited by the first water intake 32a. If the first underwater opening area (water intake amount) is appropriately set with respect to the transfer capacity (water discharge amount) of the pump 12, the water level in the connecting passage 35a will drop and the water level difference Δh with the bathtub 40 will be maintained.

[0042] Next, if the movable body 30 sinks more than expected due to the adhesion of water droplets or the influence of suction by the pump 12 (the height H of the above-water portion becomes lower than the standard height Hst), both the first and second underwater opening areas will increase. At this time, because the width of the second water intake 32b is narrower than the width of the first water intake 32a, the amount of fluctuation in the second underwater opening area is smaller than the amount of fluctuation in the first underwater opening area. When the height H of the above-water portion of the movable body 30 reaches a predetermined lower limit height Hmin lower than the standard height Hst, the first and second underwater opening areas become equal, and if it becomes even lower, the first and second underwater opening areas will be reversed.

[0043] 6(b) shows a state in which the height H of the above-water portion of the movable body 30 is lower than the lower limit height Hmin. As the first underwater opening area increases, hot and cold water flows more easily into the first water intake 32a. However, since the second underwater opening area, which is less affected by fluctuations in the height H of the above-water portion of the movable body 30 than the first underwater opening area, is smaller than the first underwater opening area, the amount of water intake is limited by the second water intake 32b. As a result, the rise in the water level in the connecting passage 35a is suppressed, ensuring the water level difference Δh with the bathtub 40.

[0044] As described above, in the floating matter removal device 1 of this embodiment, the buoyancy of the float portion 31 is set so that the height H of the above-water portion of the movable body 30 protruding from the water surface of the bathtub 40 is a predetermined standard height Hst, and the water intake 32 that takes in hot and cold water from the bathtub 40 into the connecting passage 35a inside the movable body 30 is composed of a first water intake 32a that opens on the outer surface of the movable body 30 and a second water intake 32b that is located closer to the connecting passage 35a than the first water intake 32a. The underwater opening areas of the first water intake 32a and the second water intake 32b, located below the water surface of the bathtub 40 (the first underwater opening area and the second underwater opening area), each vary depending on the height H of the above-water portion of the movable body 30, with the amount of variation in the second underwater opening area being smaller than the amount of variation in the first underwater opening area. When the height H of the above-water portion of the movable body 30 is higher than a predetermined lower limit height Hmin which is lower than the standard height Hst, the second underwater opening area is larger than the first underwater opening area, whereas when the height H of the above-water portion of the movable body 30 is lower than the lower limit height Hmin, the second underwater opening area is smaller than the first underwater opening area.

[0045] With this configuration, when the height H of the above-water part of the movable body 30 is the standard height Hst and is higher than the lower limit height Hmin, the amount of water taken from the bathtub 40 to the connecting passage 35a is limited by the first water intake 32a, and by appropriately setting the first underwater opening area (water intake amount) relative to the transfer capacity (water discharge amount) of the pump 12, the water level in the connecting passage 35a can be lowered and the water level difference Δh with the bathtub 40 can be maintained, so that the hot water near the water surface of the bathtub 40 flows down into the connecting passage 35a together with floating matter, and the floating matter can be removed by the filter 24. On the other hand, if for some reason the movable body 30 sinks more than expected and the height H of the above-water portion becomes lower than the lower limit height Hmin, the increase in the first underwater opening area makes it easier for hot and cold water to flow in through the first water intake 32a, but the first and second underwater opening areas are reversed and the amount of water intake is limited by the second water intake 32b, making it possible to suppress the rise in the water level in the connecting passage 35a and ensure the water level difference Δh with the bathtub 40. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the performance of removing floating matter.

[0046] In particular, in the floating matter removal device 1 of this embodiment, the width of the second water intake 32b is narrower than the width of the first water intake 32a, and the lower end of the second water intake 32b is located lower than the lower end of the first water intake 32a. As a result, the lower end of the first water intake 32a is positioned shallower relative to the water surface of the bathtub 40, so that hot and cold water near the water surface of the bathtub 40, along with floating matter, is preferentially taken in, while the wide width ensures a predetermined water intake volume (first underwater opening area). On the other hand, because the width is wide, it is easily affected by the up and down movement of the movable body 30, and when the movable body 30 sinks, the first underwater opening area increases significantly. On the other hand, by making the position of the lower end of the second water intake 32b deeper than the water surface of the bathtub 40, the second underwater opening area is ensured to be larger than the first underwater opening area when the height H of the above-water part of the movable body 30 is the standard height Hst, while by narrowing the width, it is less affected by the up and down movements of the movable body 30, and when the height H of the above-water part of the movable body 30 becomes lower than the lower limit height Hmin, it is possible to achieve a reversal of the second underwater opening area and the first underwater opening area.

[0047] Furthermore, even if the height H of the above-water portion of the movable body 30 is maintained at the assumed standard height Hst, the water level in the connecting passage 35a may rise, reducing the water level difference Δh with the bathtub 40, thereby reducing the efficiency of removing floating matter floating on the water surface. Possible causes of this rise in the water level in the connecting passage 35a include, for example, hot water from a shower splashing onto the connecting passage 35a or a child intentionally pouring hot water into the connecting passage 35a, which directly infiltrates the connecting passage 35a without passing through the water intake 32, or foreign matter being thrown into the connecting passage 35a. Therefore, the floating matter removal device 1 of this embodiment is provided with a cover plate 36 attached to the movable body 30, covering the upper part of the connecting passage 35a. This cover plate 36 prevents the direct infiltration of hot water and the throwing of foreign matter into the connecting passage 35a, thereby suppressing the rise in the water level in the connecting passage 35a and stabilizing the water level difference Δh with the bathtub 40, thereby maintaining floating matter removal performance.

[0048] However, when the movable body 30 with the cover plate 36 attached is submerged in the bathtub 40 by, for example, pressing down with a hand from above, it may remain submerged and not float up even when the hand is released. Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the movable body 30 remains submerged and does not float up due to the cover plate 36. Since the focus in the figure is on the cover plate 36, the movable body 30 is not shown, and a cross section of the cover plate 36 cut along a vertical plane is shown.

[0049] Once the cover plate 36 is submerged, hot water adheres to the underside of the cover plate 36 due to surface tension (intermolecular forces) at the water surface, as shown in the figure. Therefore, even if the buoyancy of the float portion 31 of the movable body 30 attempts to lift the cover plate 36 upward, as shown by the hollow arrow in the figure, the weight of the hot water adhering to the underside of the cover plate 36 acts downward, as shown by the solid arrow in the figure. Furthermore, as the hot water adhering to the underside of the cover plate 36 is slightly lifted and negative pressure is created, the outer periphery of the lifted hot water contracts and the adhesion becomes stronger. Furthermore, as shown by the dashed arrow in the figure, atmospheric pressure acts downward on the upper surface of the cover plate 36. When the load of the hot water and atmospheric pressure due to surface tension exceed the buoyancy of the float portion 31, the cover plate 36 and the movable body 30 no longer float. As a result, there is no water level difference Δh between the bathtub 40 and the connecting passage 35a, so the flow of hot water flowing from the bathtub 40 through the water intake 32 into the connecting passage 35a is mainly underwater rather than on the surface of the water, making it difficult to capture floating objects on the surface of the water.

[0050] Therefore, in the floating matter removal device 1 of this embodiment, a water-repellent surface treatment is applied to the underside of the cover plate 36. The water-repellent surface treatment may be, for example, a coating using a fluorine-based paint or a mechanical treatment such as lotus processing. This water-repellent surface treatment repels hot and cold water even when the underside of the cover plate 36 comes into contact with the water surface of the bathtub 40, thereby reducing the surface tension itself and preventing the underside of the cover plate 36 from sticking to the water surface. The portion of the underside of the cover plate 36 of this embodiment that has been subjected to the water-repellent surface treatment corresponds to the "reducing portion" of the present invention.

[0051] In the above-described cover plate 36, a water-repellent surface treatment is applied to the underside, but the configuration for preventing the movable body 30 from remaining submerged and not floating by the cover plate 36 is not limited to this, and various other examples can be given as follows. Below, the other examples will be described, focusing on the points that differ from the above-described cover plate 36.

[0052] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a cover plate 36 of a first modified example. First, FIG. 8(a) shows a perspective view of the cover plate 36 of the first modified example cut along a vertical plane. As shown in the figure, the cover plate 36 of the first modified example is provided with a frame portion 36a that protrudes downward along the outer edge. As a result, the underside of the cover plate 36 is recessed on the inside of the frame portion 36a. Note that the recess on the inside of the frame portion 36a in this embodiment corresponds to the "reducing portion" of the present invention.

[0053] 8(b) shows the underside of the cover plate 36 of the first modified example in contact with the water surface of the bathtub 40. As shown in the figure, the lower end of the frame portion 36a of the underside of the cover plate 36 comes into contact with the water surface, trapping air in the recess inside the frame portion 36a and creating an air layer. That is, only the lower end of the frame portion 36a of the underside of the cover plate 36 adheres to the water surface due to surface tension, and the contact area with the water surface is reduced compared to when there is no air layer. Therefore, by reducing the area where surface tension acts, it is possible to prevent the underside of the cover plate 36 from adhering to the water surface.

[0054] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a second modified cover plate 36. First, FIG. 9(a) is a perspective view showing the second modified cover plate 36 cut along a vertical plane. As shown in the figure, the underside of the second modified cover plate 36 is provided with an inclined portion 36b whose cross section narrows downward and has a downward surface inclined relative to the water surface of the bathtub 40. The inclined portion 36b shown in the figure has a surface that slopes downward from the outer edge of the cover plate 36 toward the center. Note that the inclined surface of the inclined portion 36b is not limited to this as long as it is inclined relative to the water surface of the bathtub 40. For example, it may be inclined downward from one end of the short side of the cover plate 36 to the other end.

[0055] Figure 9(b) shows the state in which the underside of cover plate 36 of the second modified example is in contact with the water surface of bathtub 40. As shown in the figure, hot and cold water on the water surface adheres to the underside of cover plate 36 (inclined portion 36b) due to surface tension, but when cover plate 36 tries to float upward due to the buoyancy of float portion 31 of movable body 30, the adhered hot and cold water (the portion on which surface tension acts) moves downward along the inclined surface of inclined portion 36b, as shown by the thick arrow in the figure, making it easier to release the adhesion between the underside of cover plate 36 and the water surface compared to when the underside of cover plate 36 is horizontal (see Figure 7).

[0056] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing the configuration of a cover plate 36 according to a third modified example. First, FIG. 10A shows a perspective view of the cover plate 36 according to the third modified example cut along a vertical plane. As shown in the figure, a plurality of protrusions 36c are provided on the underside of the cover plate 36 according to the third modified example, each of which has a tapered shape that narrows downward. The tapered shape of the protrusions 36c shown in the figure is a cone shape, but is not limited to this and may be a pyramidal shape such as a square pyramid.

[0057] FIG. 10(b) shows the underside of the cover plate 36 of the third modified example in contact with the water surface of the bathtub 40, with one of the protrusions 36c shown enlarged. As shown in the figure, hot and cold water on the water surface adheres to the underside of the cover plate 36 (protrusions 36c) due to surface tension. However, when the cover plate 36 attempts to float upward due to the buoyancy of the float portion 31 of the movable body 30, the adhered hot and cold water (the portion on which surface tension acts) moves downward along the slope of the tapered shape of the protrusions 36c, as indicated by the bold arrows in the figure. This makes it easier to release the adhesion between the underside of the cover plate 36 and the water surface compared to when the protrusions 36c are not present (see FIG. 7). Furthermore, by increasing the number of protrusions 36c, the height of the protrusions 36c can be reduced while the slope of the tapered shape is made steeper, thereby enhancing the effect of moving the adhered hot and cold water downward.

[0058] Furthermore, air tends to accumulate in the gaps between the protrusions 36c, and the air layer reduces the contact area with the water surface, which reduces the area on which surface tension acts, thereby preventing the underside of the lid plate 36 from sticking to the water surface. Although the spacing between the protrusions 36c is optional, if the spacing is too narrow, hot or cold water may enter due to capillary action, causing the underside of the lid plate 36 to stick tightly to the water surface, so it is sufficient to ensure that the spacing is sufficient to prevent capillary action from occurring.

[0059] The floating matter removal device 1 of the present embodiment described above also has the following modified examples. The following describes the modified examples, focusing on the differences from the above embodiment. In the description of the modified examples, the same components as those in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0060] FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the movable body 30 in the floating matter removal device 1 of the first modified example. The figure shows the movable body 30 cut along a vertical plane passing through the float portion 31. The movable body 30 of the above-described embodiment was manufactured by resin molding, and the bottom surface of the float portion 31 was open (see FIG. 2). In contrast, the movable body 30 of the first modified example is also manufactured by resin molding, but the top surface of the float portion 31 is open, and it has a space 31c that opens upward. The bottom surface of this space 31c is closed by a bottom plate 31d, so the bottom surface of the movable body 30 of the first modified example is flat.

[0061] The movable body 30 of this first modified example has a flat bottom surface, which makes it less susceptible to the effects of swaying on the water surface of the bathtub 40. In other words, even if the water surface of the bathtub 40 sways, the air inside the float part 31 does not escape from the bottom surface, so buoyancy can be maintained and the movable body 30 can be stabilized.

[0062] In the movable body 30 of this first modified example, when hot water from a shower is splashed on it, hot water accumulates in the space 31c of the float portion 31, and the movable body 30 may sink lower than expected relative to the water surface of the bathtub 40. Therefore, as in the above-described embodiment, by attaching a cover plate 36 that covers the upper part of the movable body 30, not only can hot water be prevented from directly entering the connecting passage 35a or from being introduced into the connecting passage 35a, but hot water can also be prevented from accumulating in the space 31c. Note that the cover plate 36 can adopt the configurations of the above-described embodiment and various other examples.

[0063] 12 is an explanatory diagram comparing the underwater opening areas of the first water intake 32a and the second water intake 32b in the movable body 30 of the floating matter removal device 1 of the second modified example. In the movable body 30 of the previously described embodiment, the width of the second water intake 32b is narrower than the width of the first water intake 32a, and the lower end of the second water intake 32b is located lower than the lower end of the first water intake 32a. In contrast, in the movable body 30 of the second modified example, the width of the first water intake 32a increases toward the top, while the width of the second water intake 32b decreases toward the top, and the lower end of the second water intake 32b is wider than the lower end of the first water intake 32a. Furthermore, the lower end of the second water intake 32b is located at the same height as the lower end of the first water intake 32a.

[0064] First, Figure 12(a) shows a state in which the height H of the above-water portion of the movable body 30 is at the assumed standard height Hst. Because the width of the lower end of the second water intake 32b is wider than the width of the lower end of the first water intake 32a, the underwater opening area (shown by hatching) of the second water intake 32b (second underwater opening area) is larger than the underwater opening area (first underwater opening area) of the first water intake 32a. Therefore, the amount of water intake from the bathtub 40 to the connecting passage 35a is limited by the first water intake 32a. By appropriately setting the first underwater opening area (intake amount) relative to the transfer capacity (discharge amount) of the pump 12, the water level in the connecting passage 35a can be lowered to maintain the water level difference Δh with the bathtub 40. This allows hot and cold water near the water surface of the bathtub 40 to flow down into the connecting passage 35a together with floating matter, allowing the floating matter to be removed by the filter 24.

[0065] Next, if the movable body 30 sinks more than expected due to the adhesion of water droplets or the influence of suction by the pump 12 (the height H of the above-water portion becomes lower than the standard height Hst), both the first and second underwater opening areas will increase. At this time, the width of the first water intake 32a increases toward the top, and the width of the second water intake 32b decreases toward the top, so the amount of fluctuation in the second underwater opening area is smaller than the amount of fluctuation in the first underwater opening area. When the height H of the above-water portion of the movable body 30 reaches a predetermined lower limit height Hmin lower than the standard height Hst, the first and second underwater opening areas become equal, and if it becomes even lower, the first and second underwater opening areas will be reversed.

[0066] 12(b) shows a state in which the height H of the above-water portion of the movable body 30 is lower than the lower limit height Hmin. As the first underwater opening area increases, hot and cold water flows more easily into the first water intake 32a. However, the second underwater opening area, which is less affected by fluctuations in the height H of the above-water portion of the movable body 30 than the first underwater opening area, is smaller than the first underwater opening area (the underwater opening areas are reversed). Therefore, the amount of water intake is limited by the second water intake 32b. This makes it possible to prevent the water level in the connecting passage 35a from rising and to ensure the water level difference Δh with the bathtub 40. As a result, the performance of removing floating matter can be prevented from deteriorating.

[0067] Figure 13 is a perspective view showing a disassembled state of the floating matter removal device 1 of the third modified example. In the submersible body 10 of the floating matter removal device 1 of the embodiment described above, the power supply unit 15 with a built-in battery 16 was arranged below the drive unit 11 with a built-in pump 12 (see Figure 1). In contrast, in the floating matter removal device 1 of the third modified example, the drive unit 11 of the submersible body 10 and the power supply unit 15 are arranged side by side. In the floating matter removal device 1 of the third modified example, the vertical dimension can be reduced, so it can be installed even in cases where it is difficult to secure installation space in the vertical direction within the bathtub 40.

[0068] An upper unit 20 is attached to the top of the submersible body 10, and a connecting tube portion 35 attached vertically to the underside of the movable body 30 is inserted into an insertion hole 22 opening on the drive unit 11 side of the upper panel 21 of the upper unit 20 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction. The movable body 30 of the third modified example is formed in a substantially circular shape when viewed from above, and four float portions 31 that generate buoyancy are evenly spaced along the outer periphery, and a water intake 32 that takes in hot and cold water from the bathtub 40 into a connecting passage 35a inside the movable body 30 is provided between the float portions 31. The illustrated float portion 31 is open at the bottom, but may also be open at the top. Furthermore, a circular cover plate 36 is attached to the movable body 30 to cover the top.

[0069] 14 is an enlarged perspective view of the movable body 30 of the third modified example. The figure shows the movable body 30 cut along a vertical plane passing through the water intake 32. As in the previously described embodiment, the water intake 32 of the movable body 30 of the third modified example also comprises a first water intake 32a that opens on the outer peripheral surface of the movable body 30 and a second water intake 32b that is provided closer to the connecting passage 35a than the first water intake 32a, and the width of the second water intake 32b is narrower than that of the first water intake 32a.

[0070] In addition, in the movable body 30 of the above-described embodiment, ribs 30a are provided on the outer periphery. In contrast to this, in the movable body 30 of the third modified example, the lower surface of the water intake 32 is an inclined surface 30b that slopes downward from the outside to the inside in the radial direction of the movable body 30, so that the lower end of the second water intake 32b is located lower than the lower end of the first water intake 32a.

[0071] Even in this third variant of the floating matter removal device 1, when the height H of the above-water portion of the movable body 30 is higher than the lower limit height Hmin, the second underwater opening area is larger than the first underwater opening area, whereas when the height H of the above-water portion of the movable body 30 is lower than the lower limit height Hmin, the second underwater opening area is smaller than the first underwater opening area, thereby achieving the same effect as in the previously described embodiment.

[0072] The above describes the present embodiment and modified example of the floating matter removal device 1, as well as other examples of the cover plate 36. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, modified examples, and other examples, and can be implemented in various forms within the scope of the present invention.

[0073] For example, in the floating matter removal device 1 of the above-described embodiment, the submersible body 10 is fixed to the inner wall surface of the bathtub 40 by the flexible stand 41. However, the submersible body 10 does not have to be fixed, and may be configured to maintain a predetermined depth in water by adjusting the buoyancy of the submersible body 10 independently of the movable body 30 using a float provided independently.

[0074] Furthermore, in the floating matter removal device 1 of the above-described embodiment and modified example, the pump 12, water outlet 13, and filter 24 were all installed in the submersible main body 10. However, the installation locations of the pump 12, water outlet 13, and filter 24 are not limited to the submersible main body 10. For example, the submersible main body 10 may be connected to a circulation fitting that opens at the bottom of the wall of the bathtub 40 to circulate hot and cold water between the water heater and the bathtub 40, and the pump 12 may be installed in the water heater (using the water heater's pump), while the water outlet 13 and filter 24 may be installed in the circulation fitting. This allows the floating matter removal device 1 to be made more compact.

[0075] Furthermore, in the floating matter removal device 1 of the above-described embodiment and modified example, in order to connect the movable body 30 to the submersible body 10 so that it can move up and down, the connecting tube portion 35 is inserted into the insertion hole 22 and the insertion tube portion 23 to enable it to slide up and down. However, the manner in which the submersible body 10 and the movable body 30 are connected is not limited to this, and for example, the submersible body 10 and the movable body 30 may be connected by a connecting tube that is expandable and contractible using bellows. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1...floating matter removal device, 10...underwater main body, 11...driving unit, 12...pump, 12a...inlet, 12b...outlet, 13...water outlet, 14...accommodation space, 15...power supply unit, 16...battery, 20...upper unit, 21...upper panel, 22...insertion hole, 22a...notch, 23...insertion tube portion, 24...filter, 25...clamping portion, 30...movable body, 30a... rib, 30b... inclined surface, 31... float portion, 31a...air reservoir, 31b...engagement recess, 31c...space, 31d...bottom plate, 32...water intake, 32a...first water intake, 32b...second water intake port, 35...connecting tubular portion, 35a...connecting passage, 35b...projection, 36...cover plate, 36a...frame, 36b...slanted part, 36c...protrusion, 37...protrusion, 38...engagement protrusion, 40...bathtub, 41...free stand, 41a...Arm portion, 41b...Joint portion.

Claims

1. A floating matter removal device for removing floating matter from the surface of bathtub water, a submersible body positioned underwater in the bathtub; a movable body connected to the underwater body so as to be movable in the up and down direction; a buoyancy unit that causes an upper portion of the movable body to protrude above the water surface of the bathtub and generates buoyancy so that the height of the above-water portion protruding from the water surface becomes a predetermined standard height; A first water intake opening is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the movable body and takes in hot and cold water from the bathtub into the movable body. a connecting passage formed inside the movable body and communicating with the underwater body; a second water intake port through which hot and cold water taken in from the first water intake port passes to the connecting passage; a pump that transfers hot and cold water in the connecting passage toward a water outlet that opens into the bathtub; a filter that filters the hot and cold water flowing from the connecting passage toward the water outlet; Equipped with a first underwater opening area of ​​the first water intake located below the water surface of the bathtub, and a second underwater opening area of ​​the second water intake located below the water surface of the bathtub, each fluctuate according to the height of the above-water portion of the movable body, and the amount of fluctuation of the second underwater opening area is smaller than the amount of fluctuation of the first underwater opening area; When the height of the above-water portion of the movable body is higher than a predetermined lower limit height that is lower than the standard height, the second underwater opening area is larger than the first underwater opening area, When the height of the above-water portion of the movable body is lower than the lower limit height, the second underwater opening area is smaller than the first underwater opening area. A floating matter removal device characterized by:

2. The floating matter removal device according to claim 1, The width of the second water intake is narrower than the width of the first water intake, The lower end of the second water intake is located lower than the lower end of the first water intake. A floating matter removal device characterized by:

3. The floating matter removal device according to claim 1 or 2, a covering portion that covers the upper portion of the connecting passage in the movable body; A floating matter removal device characterized by:

4. The floating matter removal device according to claim 3, The underside of the covering portion is provided with a reducing portion that reduces the surface tension that acts when the covering portion comes into contact with the water surface of the bathtub. A floating matter removal device characterized by:

5. The floating matter removal device according to claim 4, The reduction portion is subjected to a water-repellent surface treatment. A floating matter removal device characterized by:

6. The floating matter removal device according to claim 4, The reduction portion has a recess that can trap air between itself and the water surface of the bathtub. A floating matter removal device characterized by:

7. The floating matter removal device according to claim 3, The underside of the covering portion is provided with an inclined portion having a cross section that narrows downward and a downward surface that is inclined relative to the water surface of the bathtub. A floating matter removal device characterized by:

8. The floating matter removal device according to claim 7, The inclined portion is composed of a plurality of protrusions that are tapered downward. A floating matter removal device characterized by:

Images