Circulation type toilet unit

Abstract

To provide a circulation type toilet unit capable of resolving a shortage of treatment water.SOLUTION: A circulation type toilet unit 1 according to the present disclosure comprises a circulation type toilet 2 and a structure 4 in which the circulation type toilet 2 is housed. The circulation type toilet 2 includes a toilet bowl 5 and purification equipment 6 that purifies discharge water discharged from the toilet bowl 5 to generate wash water for use in the toilet bowl 5. The circulation type toilet unit 1 comprises a detector 38 that detects an inflow amount of water into the purification equipment 6 and an evaporation amount of water from the purification equipment 6, a determination unit 40 that determines a water quantity in the purification equipment 6 based on an output of the detector 38, and an adjustment unit 42 that adjusts the water quantity in the purification equipment 6 based on an output of the determination unit 40. The adjustment unit 42 includes water replenishment means 60 capable of supplying water to the purification equipment 6 when the determination unit 40 determines that the water quantity in the purification equipment 6 is insufficient.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a circulation-type toilet unit that treats wastewater generated in a toilet using biological filtration or physical filtration and reuses it as flush water. [Background technology]

[0002] In a circulating toilet, a certain amount of water is stored in a treatment tank, and is treated by biological filtration or the like together with wastewater generated in toilets and the like, and is reused as flush water (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7042081 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, if the water in the treatment tank decreases due to the operation of the blower required for biological filtration or natural evaporation, there is a possibility that there will be a shortage of flush water. Although it varies depending on the season, the water in the treatment tank is constantly decreasing due to the blower and natural evaporation, making it essential to replenish it by supplying wastewater. If there is a shortage of flush water, not only will treatment not be possible, but there is also a risk that the recycling toilet will stop working.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a circulation-type toilet unit that can eliminate the shortage of treated water. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The circulating toilet unit of the present invention comprises a circulating toilet and a structure for housing the circulating toilet. The circulating toilet comprises a toilet bowl and a purification facility that purifies wastewater discharged from the toilet bowl and produces flush water for use in the toilet bowl. The circulating toilet unit comprises a detection unit that detects at least one of the amount of water flowing into the purification facility and the amount of water evaporating from the purification facility, a determination unit that determines the amount of water in the purification facility from the output of the detection unit, and an adjustment unit that adjusts the amount of water in the purification facility from the output of the determination unit. The adjustment unit has a water supply means that can supply water to the purification facility when the determination unit determines that the amount of water in the purification facility is insufficient.

[0007] According to this configuration, the water supply means can eliminate water shortages in the purification equipment, allowing stable use of the circulation toilet in the circulation toilet unit.

[0008] In the present invention, at least one of a solar power generation device that converts solar energy into electrical energy and a wind power generation device that converts wind energy into rotational energy may be mounted on the structure as a power supply source.

[0009] According to this configuration, power is supplied to the load of the purification equipment using a natural energy power generation device such as a wind power generation device or a solar power generation device. This allows the circulating toilet unit to be operated cleanly even in places where a grid power supply is not available. This increases the versatility of installation locations for the circulating toilet unit. Furthermore, this natural energy power generation device is provided in the structure that houses the circulating toilet. Therefore, the circulating toilet and the natural energy power generation device can be transported and installed by transporting and installing the structure, and then attaching the natural energy power generation device to the structure, thereby facilitating transportation and installation of the circulating toilet unit.

[0010] The present invention may further include a hand wash basin from which wastewater is supplied to the purification equipment, and a hand wash basin tank for storing water to be supplied to the hand wash basin, and the water supply means may include a switching mechanism that allows the water in the hand wash basin tank to be supplied directly to the purification equipment. With this configuration, for example, by supplying water from the hand wash basin tank directly to the purification equipment when the hand wash basin is not in use, it is possible to solve the problem of a water shortage in the purification equipment with a simple structure.

[0011] In the present invention, the adjustment unit may have a water volume reduction means that reduces the water volume of the purification equipment when the determination unit determines that the water volume of the purification equipment is excessive. Because the system filters wastewater to produce flush water, when the circulating toilet is used frequently, the amount of wastewater inflow increases, and there is a risk of an excessive increase in treated water. With this configuration, the water volume reduction means prevents an excessive increase in treated water, enabling stable use of the circulating toilet unit.

[0012] In this case, the water volume reduction means may include a blower air volume increase mechanism that increases the air volume of the blower. With this configuration, the amount of water in the purification facility can be reduced by increasing the air volume of the blower and increasing the amount of natural evaporation.

[0013] Alternatively, the water volume reduction means may include a water temperature increasing mechanism that uses the heater to increase the water temperature in the treatment tank. With this configuration, the amount of water in the purification facility can be reduced by increasing the temperature with the heater and increasing the amount of natural evaporation.

[0014] In the present invention, the water volume reduction means may include an alarm mechanism that indicates that the recycling toilet cannot be used. The alarm mechanism may, for example, lock the toilet or turn on an indicator that indicates that the recycling toilet cannot be used. With this configuration, the alarm mechanism suppresses or prevents use of the recycling toilet. As a result, the amount of wastewater flowing from the toilet bowl into the purification equipment can be reduced, preventing an increase in the amount of water in the purification equipment. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the circulating toilet unit of the present invention, the water supply means can eliminate water shortages in the purification equipment, allowing stable use of the circulating toilet in the circulating toilet unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the inside of the structure of a circulation-type toilet unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front side. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the inside of the structure of the circulation-type toilet unit from the rear side. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the circulation toilet unit with the opening and closing door closed. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the circulation-type toilet unit with the opening and closing door open. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram conceptually showing the configuration of a control system of the circulation-type toilet unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control device of the circulation type toilet unit. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing the water volume adjustment control of the purification equipment of the circulation type toilet unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a water supply means of the circulation-type toilet unit. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing another example of the water supply means. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing yet another example of the water supply means. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a water volume reducing means of the circulation type toilet unit. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing another example of the water amount reducing means. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing yet another example of the water amount reducing means. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 13. Figures 1 to 4 show schematic diagrams of a circulating toilet unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the circulating toilet unit 1 comprises a circulating toilet 2, a power generation unit 3, and a structure 4 on which the circulating toilet 2 and the power generation unit 3 are mounted.

[0018] The circulating toilet 2 has a toilet bowl 5 and a purification system 6 that purifies wastewater discharged from the toilet bowl 5 and produces flush water to be used in the toilet bowl 5. In other words, the circulating toilet 2 circulates the wastewater discharged from the toilet bowl 5 through the purification system 6.

[0019] 2, the power generation unit 3 has a wind power generation device 7 and a solar power generation device 8, which are natural energy power generation devices, a control device 10 that controls the purification equipment 6 using the power generated by the power generation devices 7 and 8, and a battery (storage battery) 11 that stores the power generated by the wind power generation device 7 and the solar power generation device 8. The control device 10 supplies the power generated by the power generation devices 7 and 8 or the power stored in the battery 11 to the purification equipment 6.

[0020] The wind power generation device 7 converts wind energy into rotational energy. The solar power generation device 8 converts solar energy into electrical energy. In this embodiment, the wind power generation device 7 and the solar power generation device 8 are mounted on the structure 4 as power supply sources. However, one or both of the wind power generation device 7 and the solar power generation device 8 may be provided separately from the structure 4.

[0021] In this embodiment, both a wind power generation system 7 and a solar power generation system 8 are installed, but only one of the power generation systems 7, 8 may be installed. Furthermore, as a power supply source, in addition to or instead of the natural energy power generation systems 7, 8, a generator such as a gasoline generator or a diesel generator, or a commercial power source may be installed.

[0022] <Structure 4> The structure 4 houses the recycling toilet 2 and purification equipment 6 shown in Figure 1, as well as the control device 10 and battery 11 of the power generation unit 3 shown in Figure 2. The structure 4 is movable and sturdy, being box-shaped with double doors 12 and 13 through which the toilet bowl 5 (Figure 4), purification equipment 6, and power generation unit 3 can be carried in and out.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 3, the structure 4 of this embodiment is a rectangular box having a substantially rectangular top wall 4a, a bottom wall 4b, and four peripheral walls 4c. Specifically, the structure 4 of this embodiment is a shipping container. In this embodiment, the doors 12 and 13 in Fig. 2 form part of the peripheral walls 4c. Also, Fig. 1 shows a state in which one of the peripheral walls 4c has been removed to show the internal equipment.

[0024] In this specification, a "transport container" refers to a container with standard dimensions for transporting cargo, such as a container with dimensions that meet a domestic standard for transporting containers. The "standard" here may be, for example, a standard established by a domestic government agency or an international organization such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), or it may be a JR container, which is the de facto standard for containers used in rail freight transport in Japan.

[0025] When the structure 4 is made of a shipping container, the structure 4 can be moved using various means of transportation such as automobiles, trains, ships, and airplanes. In addition, since shipping containers are highly robust, it is possible to prevent internal devices and the like from being adversely affected by vibrations and shocks during transportation.

[0026] <Wind power generation device 7> As shown in FIG. 2, the wind turbine generator 7 includes a wind turbine 14 and a generator 15 that generates electricity when driven by the wind turbine 14. The wind turbine 14 in this embodiment is a vertical axis wind turbine. Specifically, the wind turbine 14 has a plurality of blades 14a (two in this example) and blade supports 14b that support the blades 14a. Each blade 14a extends vertically, and the blade supports 14b are supported at the upper end of a support 16 via bearings (not shown) so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis. The two blades 14a are provided at positions that are 180 degrees out of phase with each other around the axis of the support 16. The support 16 is fixed to one of the peripheral walls 4c of the structure 4.

[0027] A generator casing 17 is attached to the upper end of the support 16, and a generator 15 is provided inside the generator casing 17. A fixed ring of the bearing is attached to the generator casing 17, and a rotating ring of the bearing is connected to the blade support 14b. As the wind turbine 14 rotates, the rotating ring rotates and the rotor of the generator 15 rotates, causing the generator 15 to generate electricity. The generator 15 is, for example, an induction generator or a synchronous generator.

[0028] A vertical axis wind turbine can generate electricity by catching wind even if it is relatively small. Therefore, a vertical axis wind turbine is suitable as the wind turbine 14 of the wind power generation device 7 to be installed on the transportable structure 4. However, the wind turbine 14 may also be a horizontal axis wind turbine.

[0029] <Solar power generation equipment 8> The solar power generation device 8 has a solar panel 8a that receives sunlight and performs photoelectric conversion, and a panel mount 8b that mounts the solar panel 8a on the structure 4. In this embodiment, the solar panel 8a is mounted on the top wall 4a of the structure 4 via the panel mount 8b. The solar panel 8a may be installed on the peripheral wall 4c of the structure 4, or may be deployed around the structure 4, depending on the direction of sunlight or the installation environment. The panel mount 8b may be equipped with a mechanism that can tilt the solar panel 8a to match the direction of the sun.

[0030] <Circulating Toilet 2> As shown in Figure 1, the recycling toilet 2 has a toilet bowl 5 (hereinafter simply referred to as "toilet 5") equipped with a tank 5a for storing water, and a purification equipment 6. The interior of the structure 4 is divided into a toilet room R1 and an equipment room R2 by a partition wall 9. The toilet 5 is located in the toilet room R1, and the purification equipment 6, a control device 10, and a battery 11 are located in the equipment room R2.

[0031] A door 27 is provided on the peripheral wall 4c that forms the toilet room R1. Opening this door 27 allows entry to and exit from the toilet room R1. Figure 3 shows the door 27 in a closed state, and Figure 4 shows the door 27 in an open state.

[0032] The circulating toilet unit 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a usage counter 48 for counting the number of people using the toilet 5. The usage counter 48 is, for example, a magnetic sensor that detects the opening and closing of the door 27 of the toilet 5. However, the usage counter 48 is not limited to a magnetic sensor and may be any of a variety of sensors.

[0033] In this embodiment, the door 27 is provided with a key 27a that can be manually operated from the inside (toilet room R1 side), as well as an electronic lock 18 that is automatically locked when a predetermined condition is met. The electronic lock 18 is locked, for example, when the toilet 5 cannot be used. As shown in FIG. 3, an indicator 19 that lights up when a predetermined condition is met is provided on the outer surface of the peripheral wall 4c on which the door 27 is provided. The indicator 19 lights up, for example, when the toilet 5 cannot be used.

[0034] In this embodiment, both the electronic lock 18 and the indicator 19 are provided, but only one of them may be provided. Also, the electronic lock 18 and the indicator 19 may be omitted.

[0035] As shown in Figure 5, the recycling toilet unit 1 of this embodiment includes a hand wash basin 20 and a rainwater tank 22. The hand wash basin 20 is, for example, a facility where users of the toilet 5 wash their hands, and wastewater is supplied from the hand wash basin 20 to the purification facility 6. The hand wash basin 20 of this embodiment is an automatic hand wash basin, and normally water is supplied only when the user washes their hands, but by sending an open command to the flush valve 20a of the hand wash basin 20, water can be allowed to flow even when the user is not washing their hands.

[0036] Rainwater is stored in the rainwater tank 22. By sloping the roof (top wall 4a) or, if solar panels 8a are installed, angling the solar panels 8a, rainwater is supplied to the rainwater tank 22 through a rain gutter. Water in the rainwater tank 22 is supplied to the hand basin 20. In other words, in this embodiment, the rainwater tank 22 constitutes a hand basin tank that stores water to be supplied to the hand basin 20.

[0037] If there is no hand washing basin 20, a water supply line 24 shown by a two-dot chain line in Fig. 5 may be provided to supply rainwater directly from the roof (top wall 4a) to the purification equipment 6. In this case, a solenoid valve 25 may be provided in the water supply line 24 to enable switching between supplying and stopping rainwater.

[0038] In the toilet 5 shown in Figure 1, for example, a user operates an operating lever or the like to drain water from the tank 5a. This causes flush water containing waste (hereinafter referred to as "discharge water") to flow into the purification equipment 6. The circulating toilet unit 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a discharge water flow meter 50 that detects the amount of discharge water flowing from the toilet 5 to the purification equipment 6. The discharge water flow meter 50 is, for example, an electromagnetic flow meter, but is not limited to this and various flow meters can be applied.

[0039] Furthermore, if a hand wash basin 20 is installed, wastewater after use in the hand wash basin 20 also flows into the purification equipment 6. The effluent water and wastewater (hereinafter referred to as "effluent water, etc.") that flow into the purification equipment 6 is purified by the purification equipment 6 and then reused as flush water in the toilet 5. The circulating toilet unit 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a hand wash flow meter 52 that detects the amount of wastewater flowing from the hand wash basin 20 to the purification equipment 6. The hand wash flow meter 52 is, for example, an electromagnetic flow meter, but is not limited to this and various flow meters can be applied.

[0040] The purification equipment 6 of this embodiment treats discharge etc. by biological filtration to produce flush water, and has a treatment tank 26 and a flush water tank 28. The treatment tank 26 treats discharge etc. to produce flush water. The produced flush water is stored in the flush water tank 28. The flush water stored in the flush water tank 28 is pumped by a pump 35 and returned to the toilet 5. In this embodiment, a flush water tank water level sensor 69 is provided in the flush water tank 28.

[0041] In "biological filtration," microorganisms (bacteria) are propagated on the filtering material inside the filter 30, and harmful substances in the discharge are decomposed as they pass through the filter 30. Such a filter 30 is installed in the treatment tank 26.

[0042] In this embodiment, aerobic bacteria are used as the microorganisms that grow inside the filter 30. Biological filtration using aerobic bacteria requires oxygen. The purification equipment 6 of this embodiment has a blower 32 that supplies oxygen to the treatment tank 26. In this embodiment, a flow rate adjustment valve 34 is provided between the blower 32 and the treatment tank 26, and is configured to be able to adjust the flow rate (oxygen amount) based on an electrical signal. The flow rate adjustment valve 34 is, for example, an electric ball valve, but is not limited to this.

[0043] 5, in this embodiment, treatment tank 26 is provided with various sensors, including a treatment tank water level sensor 54, a temperature sensor 56, and a humidity sensor 58. Treatment tank water level sensor 54 detects the water level of treatment tank 26. Temperature sensor 56 detects the water temperature of treatment tank 26. Humidity sensor 58 detects the humidity inside treatment tank 26.

[0044] Furthermore, as shown by the two-dot chain line in Figure 5, a heater 36 may be provided in the treatment tank 26. By operating the heater 36, the water temperature in the treatment tank 26 increases. For example, if the water temperature falls below 10°C in winter, the ability of the microorganisms may decrease. By providing the heater 36 and preventing the water temperature in the treatment tank 26 from decreasing, it is possible to activate the microbial treatment even in winter.

[0045] Furthermore, as shown by the two-dot chain line in Fig. 5, a water supply line 37 may be provided to supply rainwater from the rainwater tank 22 to the treatment tank 26. In this case, a switching valve 39 may be provided in the water supply line 37 to enable switching between supplying and stopping the rainwater. The switching valve may be an electromagnetic valve 39 or a mechanical valve such as a ball tap.

[0046] Such a water supply line 37 may be provided, for example, when there is no hand wash basin 20. In this case, by supplying rainwater from the rainwater tank 22 to the treatment tank 26 as needed, the amount of water in the treatment tank 26 can be adjusted even when the toilet 5 is not in use. Also, the water supply line 37 may be provided when there is a hand wash basin 20 but no flush valve 20a. In this case, rainwater from the rainwater tank 22 can be supplied to the treatment tank 26 even when the hand wash basin 20 is not in use, and the amount of water in the treatment tank 26 can be adjusted. The treatment method, such as discharge, is not limited to that of this embodiment.

[0047] <Control systems, etc.> The battery 11 stores the power generated by the wind power generation device 7 and the solar power generation device 8, and this stored power is supplied to the blower 32, the pump 35, etc. The power generation unit 3 of this embodiment is equipped with the battery 11 that can supply power for several days, so that even if there is a power shortage from the power generation devices 7 and 8 due to the influence of the season, weather, etc., non-steady operation in an emergency is possible.

[0048] The control device 10 is composed of a central processing unit (CPU), programs executed by the CPU, various electronic circuits, etc. The control device 10 controls the input of power generated by the power generation devices 7 and 8 to the battery 11 and the output of the power input to the battery 11 to the blower 32, the pump 35, etc. The control device 10 has, for example, an AC / DC converter, an inverter, etc. The AC / DC converter converts the AC power generated by the power generation devices 7 and 8 into a DC voltage that can be stored in the battery 11. The inverter converts the power stored in the battery 11 into a sine wave AC or square wave AC similar to commercial AC power.

[0049] As shown in Figure 6, the control device 10 of the circulating toilet unit 1 includes a detection unit 38, a determination unit 40, and an adjustment unit 42. The detection unit 38 detects at least one of the amount of water flowing into the purification equipment 6 and the amount of water evaporating from the purification equipment 6. The detection unit 38 of this embodiment detects both the amount of water flowing into the purification equipment 6 and the amount of water evaporating from the purification equipment 6. The determination unit 40 determines the amount of water in the purification equipment 6 from the output of the detection unit 38. The adjustment unit 42 adjusts the amount of water in the purification equipment 6 from the output of the determination unit 40.

[0050] In detail, the detection unit 38 of this embodiment has a first detection unit 44 that detects the amount of water flowing into the purification equipment 6, and a second detection unit 46 that detects the amount of water evaporating from the purification equipment 6. The first detection unit 44 of this embodiment includes a discharge water flow meter 50, a hand wash flow meter 52, a usage frequency counter 48, and a treatment tank water level sensor 54. However, the first detection unit 44 is not limited to these.

[0051] The second detection unit 46 of this embodiment includes a treatment tank water level sensor 54, a cleaning tank water level sensor 69, a temperature sensor 56, and a humidity sensor 58. However, the second detection unit 46 is not limited to these, and may include, for example, a barometer that detects the air pressure inside the treatment tank 26. In this embodiment, the treatment tank water level sensor 54 is used in both the first detection unit 44 and the second detection unit 46.

[0052] As described above, the determination unit 40 determines the amount of water in the purification facility 6 from the output of the detection unit 38. Specifically, the determination unit 40 determines whether "the amount of water in the purification facility 6 is insufficient," "the amount of water in the purification facility 6 is excessive," or "the amount of water in the purification facility 6 is within a specified value" from the output of the detection unit 38. This determination is made, for example, by calculating the amount of water supplied to the purification facility 6 and the amount of water decreased from the purification facility 6 from the output of the detection unit 38, and based on the calculation results.

[0053] If the determination unit 40 determines that the amount of water in the purification facility 6 is insufficient or excessive, it calculates a target range for the amount of water in the purification facility 6 from the output of the detection unit 38. These calculation processes may be performed based on one or more of the various sensors and meters included in the detection unit 38.

[0054] The adjustment unit 42 adjusts the amount of water in the purification equipment 6 based on the output of the determination unit 40, i.e., the determination made by the determination unit 40, so that it falls within a target range (within a specified value). Specifically, if the determination unit 40 determines that "the amount of water in the purification equipment 6 is insufficient," the adjustment unit 42 performs control to increase the amount of water in the purification equipment 6. Also, if the determination unit 40 determines that "the amount of water in the purification equipment 6 is excessive," the adjustment unit 42 performs control to decrease the amount of water in the purification equipment 6. Furthermore, if the determination unit 40 determines that "the amount of water in the purification equipment 6 is within a specified value," the adjustment unit 42 does not perform control.

[0055] In detail, the adjustment unit 42 has a water supply means 60 and a water amount reduction means 62. The water supply means 60 increases the amount of water in the purification equipment 6 when the determination unit 40 determines that "the amount of water in the purification equipment 6 is insufficient." The water amount reduction means 62 reduces the amount of water in the purification equipment 6 when the determination unit 40 determines that "the amount of water in the purification equipment 6 is excessive."

[0056] An example of the water supply means 60 is the supply of rainwater. Specifically, the water supply means 60 may include a switching mechanism that allows water from the rainwater tank (hand wash basin tank) 22 to be directly supplied to the treatment tank 26. In this embodiment, the flush valve 20a shown in FIG. 5 constitutes the switching mechanism. Also, when a water supply line 37 is provided, the switching valve 39 constitutes the switching mechanism. If rainwater cannot be expected, tap water (clean water), river water, etc. may be supplied. In this case, a tap water tank, river water tank, etc. is provided as the hand wash basin tank 22 instead of a rainwater tank.

[0057] Examples of the water volume reduction means 62 shown in Fig. 6 include increasing the air volume of a blower or using a heater. Specifically, the water volume reduction means 62 may include a blower air volume increase mechanism 64 that increases the air volume of the blower 32. In this embodiment, the flow rate adjustment valve 34 shown in Fig. 5 constitutes the blower air volume increase mechanism 64. By controlling the aperture of the flow rate adjustment valve 34 to adjust the amount of oxygen supplied to the treatment tank 26, the amount of water evaporation from the treatment tank 26 can be adjusted.

[0058] As shown in Figure 6, the water amount reducing means 62 may include a water temperature increasing mechanism 66 that increases the water temperature in the treatment tank. For example, if a heater 36, shown by a two-dot chain line in Figure 5, is provided, the heater 36 constitutes the water temperature increasing mechanism 66. By driving the heater 36 to adjust the water temperature in the treatment tank 26, the amount of water evaporation from the treatment tank 26 can be adjusted.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 6, the water volume reducing means 62 may include an alarm mechanism 68 that indicates that the toilet is unavailable. In this embodiment, the alarm mechanism 68 is made up of the electric lock 18 and the indicator 19 shown in Fig. 5.

[0060] There is a risk that the amount of water in the treatment tank 26 will decrease due to airflow from the blower 32 or natural evaporation caused by factors such as temperature, humidity, and air pressure. The amount of water in the treatment tank 26 is maintained primarily by the inflow of wastewater. However, the risk of water volume decreasing is also due to many factors that depend on the season and time of year, such as temperature, humidity, and air pressure, in addition to airflow from the blower 32. On the other hand, in the recycling toilet unit 1, water is supplied based on a defined number of users, regardless of the season or time of year. This inevitably results in a discrepancy between the amount of water lost and the amount of water supplied.

[0061] If the water supply is insufficient only through the inflow of wastewater, it is possible to supply drainage water from the hand washing basin 20 or rainwater, but it tends to be difficult to control the appropriate amount of water supply, so appropriate control is required.

[0062] Figure 7 shows an example of the control flow for adjusting the water volume of the treatment tank 26 in the circulating toilet unit 1 of this embodiment. In this example, the water volume of the purification equipment is determined by changes in the water level of the flush tank 28 in Figure 5, that is, changes in the output value of the flush tank water level sensor 69, and the value of the flush tank water level sensor 69 is controlled to be a specified value.

[0063] In step S1 of Fig. 7, it is determined whether the water level in the wash tub has dropped. If it is determined that the water level in the wash tub has dropped, then in step S2, water supply means 60 is executed. Details of water supply means 60 will be described later with reference to Figs. 8 to 10. In step S3 of Fig. 7, it is determined whether the water level in the wash tub is at a specified value, and the operation of water supply means 60 continues until it reaches the specified value. If it is determined in step S3 that the water level in the wash tub is at the specified value, the operation of water supply means 60 stops (step S4), and the process returns to step S1.

[0064] If it is determined in step S1 that the water level in the wash tank has not dropped, it is further determined in step S5 whether the water level in the wash tank has risen. If it is determined that the water level in the wash tank has not risen, it is determined that the water level in the wash tank is at the specified value, and the process returns to step S1.

[0065] If it is determined in step S5 that the water level in the wash tub has risen, it is determined in step S6 whether the water level in the wash tub is at a specified value. If it is determined that the water level in the wash tub is at a specified value, the process returns to step S1.

[0066] If it is determined in step S6 that the water level in the wash tub is not the specified value, then in step S7 water volume reduction means 62 is executed. The operation of water volume reduction means 62 continues, for example, until the water level in the wash tub reaches the specified value. Details of water volume reduction means 62 will be described later with reference to Figures 11 to 13. If it is determined that the water level in the wash tub is the specified value, then the process returns to step S1 in Figure 7.

[0067] Figure 8 shows the configuration of the water supply means 60 of this embodiment. In the example of Figure 8, wastewater from the hand wash basin 20 is supplied to the treatment tank 26 every time the hand wash basin 20 is used. The hand wash basin 20 of this embodiment is an automatic hand wash basin 20 equipped with a flush valve 20a. In a normal hand wash basin without a flush valve 20a, water is supplied to the treatment tank 26 only when the hand wash basin is in use, but in the case of an automatic hand wash basin 20, by sending an open signal to the flush valve 20a of the hand wash basin 20, water can be supplied to the treatment tank 26 when needed even when the hand wash basin 20 is not in use.

[0068] FIG. 9 shows another example of the water supply means 60 of this embodiment. FIG. 9 shows an example in which the water supply means 60 is applied to a circulation-type toilet unit with a simple configuration, without the hand wash basin 20. Specifically, the hand wash basin 20 is omitted from FIG. 5, and a water supply line 37 and a switching valve 39, shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 5, are provided. In the example of FIG. 9, water can be supplied to the treatment tank 26 when needed by sending an open signal to the switching valve 39. The switching valve may be a solenoid valve 39 or a mechanical valve such as a ball tap. In the case of a mechanical valve, the water level in the treatment tank 26 may be maintained at a specified value using a ball tap or the like.

[0069] Figure 10 shows another example of the water supply means 60 of this embodiment. Figure 10 shows an example in which a route for supplying rainwater directly from the rainwater tank 22 to the treatment tank 26 is provided, separate from the route for supplying rainwater to the treatment tank 26 via the hand wash basin 20. Specifically, in addition to the hand wash basin 20 in Figure 5, a water supply line 37 and a switching valve 39 shown by the two-dot chain line in Figure 5 are provided.

[0070] In the example of Figure 10, water can be supplied to the treatment tank 26 when needed by sending an open signal to the switching valve 39. This allows water from the rainwater tank 22 to be supplied to the treatment tank 26 even when the hand washing basin 20 is not in use. In this example, the switching valve may be a solenoid valve 39 or a mechanical valve such as a ball tap.

[0071] 8 to 10, if it is difficult to secure rainwater, tap water (tap water) or river water may be supplied to treatment tank 26 instead of rainwater.

[0072] Figure 11 shows the configuration of the water volume reduction means 62 of this embodiment. In the example of Figure 11, a flow rate adjustment valve 34 is provided between the blower 32 and the treatment tank 26, and the flow rate of oxygen sent to the treatment tank 26 can be adjusted based on an electrical signal. Specifically, when it is determined that the amount of water in the treatment tank 26 is excessive, the flow rate adjustment valve 34 is controlled to increase the air volume, thereby adjusting the amount of evaporation from the treatment tank 26 to increase. The flow rate adjustment valve 34 is, for example, an electric ball valve.

[0073] Figure 12 shows another example of the water volume reduction means 62 of this embodiment. In the example of Figure 12, in addition to blower 32, an additional blower 70 and solenoid valve 72 are provided, making it possible to adjust the flow rate of oxygen sent to treatment tank 26 based on an electrical signal. Specifically, when it is determined that the amount of water in treatment tank 26 is excessive, solenoid valve 72 opens to increase the air volume, thereby increasing the amount of evaporation from treatment tank 26. That is, while in the example of Figure 11 the air volume of blower 32 is adjusted by flow rate adjustment valve 34, in the example of Figure 12 the air volume of blower 32 is adjusted by controlling the time (number of operating blowers) of blowers 32.

[0074] Figure 13 shows another example of the water volume reduction means 62 of this embodiment. In the example of Figure 13, the heater 36 is driven to increase the water temperature in the treatment tank 26. Specifically, the heater 36 shown by the two-dot chain line in Figure 5 is provided in the treatment tank 26. In the example of Figure 13, when it is determined that the amount of water in the treatment tank 26 is excessive, the heater 36 is driven to increase the water temperature in the treatment tank 26, thereby adjusting the amount of evaporation from the treatment tank 26 to increase. In addition to reducing water due to evaporation, the increase in water temperature caused by the heater 36 also has the effect of suppressing a decrease in the treatment capacity of microorganisms due to a drop in water temperature, for example, in winter.

[0075] <Action and effect> According to the circulating toilet unit described above, the water level in the treatment tank 26 shown in Figure 5 is maintained at a reference value by the determination unit 40 and adjustment unit 42 shown in Figure 6. In addition, the water supply means 60 resolves any water shortage in the treatment tank 26, allowing stable use of the toilet in the circulating toilet unit 1.

[0076] The water supply means 60 may include a switching mechanism that allows water from the rainwater tank (hand wash tank) 22 to be supplied directly to the treatment tank 26. With this configuration, water from the rainwater tank 22 can be supplied to the treatment tank 26 even when the hand wash basin 20 is not in use, so that a simple structure can be used to prevent a shortage of water in the treatment tank 26. Such a switching mechanism is the flush valve 20a shown in FIG. 8 or the switching valve 39 shown in FIG. 9.

[0077] As shown in Figure 6, the adjustment unit 42 has a water volume reduction means 62 that reduces the amount of water in the treatment tank 26 if the determination unit 40 determines that the amount of water in the treatment tank 26 is excessive. Because the system filters wastewater to produce flush water, there is a risk that when the toilet is used frequently, the amount of wastewater inflow will increase and the amount of treated water will increase too much. With this configuration, the water volume reduction means 62 prevents the amount of treated water from increasing too much, allowing for stable use of the toilet in the recycling toilet unit 1.

[0078] The water volume reduction means 62 includes, for example, a blower air volume increase mechanism 64 that increases the air volume of the blower 32. With this configuration, the amount of water in the treatment tank 32 can be reduced by increasing the air volume of the blower 32 and increasing the amount of natural evaporation.

[0079] Alternatively, the water volume reduction means 62 may be a water temperature raising mechanism 66 that uses a heater 36 to raise the water temperature in the treatment tank 26. With this configuration, the amount of water in the treatment tank 26 can be reduced by increasing the temperature using the heater 36 and increasing the amount of natural evaporation.

[0080] Furthermore, the water volume reduction means 62 may be an alarm mechanism 68 that indicates that the toilet cannot be used. The alarm mechanism 68 may be, for example, locking the electronic lock 18 of the toilet 5 shown in FIG. 5 or lighting the indicator 18 that indicates that the toilet 5 cannot be used. With this configuration, the alarm mechanism 68 restricts or prevents use of the toilet 5. As a result, the amount of wastewater flowing from the toilet 5 into the treatment tank 26 can be reduced, and an increase in the amount of water in the treatment tank 26 can be prevented.

[0081] Furthermore, with the above configuration, power is supplied to the purification equipment 6 using a natural energy power generation device such as a wind power generation device 7 or a solar power generation device 8. This allows the circulating toilet unit 1 to be operated cleanly even in places where commercial power is not available. This increases the versatility of locations where the circulating toilet unit 1 can be installed. Furthermore, this natural energy power generation device is provided in the structure 4 that houses the toilet 5 and purification equipment 6. Therefore, by installing the structure 4 and attaching the natural energy power generation devices 7 and 8 to it, the circulating toilet unit 1 can be easily transported and installed.

[0082] Specifically, the structure 4 housing the circulating toilet 2, power generation unit 3, etc. is transported to the desired installation location by, for example, a loading truck crane (a truck with a crane), and then the structure 4 is unloaded from the crane truck. The structure 4 may be unloaded from various transportation means by a forklift, a gantry crane, etc. Furthermore, at least one of the wind power generation device 7, the solar power generation device 8, the control device 10, and the battery 11 may be transported separately from the structure 4.

[0083] Next, the wind power generation device 7 and the solar power generation device 8 housed in the structure 4 are deployed outside the structure 4, and these power generation devices 7, 8 are attached to predetermined positions on the structure 4. After that, each power generation device 7, 8 starts generating electricity, and the circulating toilet unit 1 can be operated.

[0084] The present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and various additions, modifications, and deletions are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Therefore, such additions, modifications, and deletions are also included in the scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1. Circulating toilet unit 2. Recycling toilets 4 Structure 5 Toilet bowl 6 Purification equipment 7. Wind power generation equipment 8. Solar power generation equipment 18 Electric Lock 19 Indicators 20 Hand wash basin 20a Cleaning valve (switching mechanism) 22 Rainwater tank (hand wash basin tank) 26 Treatment tank 32 Blower 36 Heater 38 Detector 39 Switching valve (switching mechanism) 40 Judgment section 42 Adjustment section 60 Water supply means 62 Water volume reduction means 64 Blower air volume increase mechanism 66 Water temperature rise mechanism 68 Notification Mechanism

Claims

1. a circulation toilet having a toilet bowl and a purification facility for purifying wastewater discharged from the toilet bowl to generate flush water for use in the toilet bowl; A circulating toilet unit comprising: a structure in which the circulating toilet is housed; a detection unit that detects at least one of an amount of water flowing into the purification equipment and an amount of water evaporating from the purification equipment; a determination unit that determines the amount of water in the purification facility from the output of the detection unit; an adjusting unit that adjusts the amount of water in the purification facility based on the output of the determining unit; The adjustment unit has a water supply means capable of supplying water to the purification equipment when the determination unit determines that the amount of water in the purification equipment is insufficient.

2. A circulating toilet unit as described in claim 1, wherein at least one of a solar power generation device that converts solar energy into electrical energy and a wind power generation device that converts wind energy into rotational energy is mounted on the structure as a power supply source.

3. The circulation type toilet unit according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a hand basin through which wastewater is supplied to the purification facility; a hand basin tank for storing water to be supplied to the hand basin; The water supply means is a circulating toilet unit that includes a switching mechanism that allows water from the hand wash basin tank to be directly supplied to the purification equipment.

4. In the circulating toilet unit described in claim 1 or claim 2, the adjustment unit has a water volume reduction means for reducing the water volume of the purification equipment when the judgment unit determines that the water volume of the purification equipment is excessive.

5. 5. The circulation-type toilet unit according to claim 4, wherein the purification equipment has a blower that supplies oxygen to the treatment tank of the purification equipment, The water volume reducing means includes a blower air volume increasing mechanism that increases the air volume of the blower.

6. 5. The circulation-type toilet unit according to claim 4, wherein the purification equipment has a heater that adjusts the water temperature of the treatment tank of the purification equipment, The water volume reducing means is a circulation-type toilet unit including a water temperature increasing mechanism that increases the water temperature of the treatment tank using the heater.

7. 5. The circulating toilet unit according to claim 4, wherein the water volume reducing means includes an alarm mechanism that indicates that the circulating toilet is unavailable.

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