A water reuse device for reusing used water in a bathroom for use in a toilet with a flush valve

Abstract

We provide a device that can reuse wastewater generated from a washbasin or the like as flush water for a toilet with a flush valve. A small water tank is installed above the toilet flush valve, and a pressure pump, A / B water level sensors, and a human detection sensor are installed in the small water tank. The water collection tank and storage tank are connected by a conveying pipe connected to the pump, and water is supplied to the small water tank through the drain pipe by the action of the water level sensor in the storage tank, the pump, and the first solenoid valve. When the B water level sensor determines that there is no water in the small water tank, the first solenoid valve opens and the pump in the storage tank operates, and when the A water level sensor in the small water tank detects water, it stops the operation of the pump in the storage tank and closes the first solenoid valve. This device is economical, environmentally friendly, and has a large water-saving effect.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for recovering water after it has been used as clean water (hereinafter referred to as "tap water") in a bathroom equipped with a washbasin, and reusing it as water for a toilet equipped with a flush valve. More specifically, the device recovers the relatively clean water generated when taking a shower or washing one's face, stores it in a storage tank, and reuses it as toilet flush water for a toilet equipped with a flush valve, thereby not only effectively conserving water resources but also preventing environmental pollution. [Background technology]

[0002] In Korea's Waterworks Act, the term "water saver" was mentioned for the first time in the amendment of the Waterworks Act (establishment of a new clause requiring the installation of water savers) on March 28, 2001, and in May 14, 2013, the deadline for installing water savers was set for existing specific buildings, and it was time to impose fines on some citizens who did not comply with the order. This shows how important water conservation is.

[0003] Generally, to take a shower, wash your face or hands, or use tap water in the kitchen, etc., you will use a shower or washbasin in a shower room or bathroom. In this case, in case the washbasin produces severely contaminated water, a water tee and ball valve will be installed at the bottom of the washbasin, and when severely contaminated water is produced, the ball valve will be opened and the water will be discharged outside through the drain pipe. In the kitchen, a separate hole will be made at the bottom of the sink, and the washing water from the sink will be discharged into the sewer pipe as it is now. In order to produce clean and clear water for washing fruits, etc., the original sewer drain pipe of the sink will be blocked with the current cover, and the water will be stored in the collection tank through the drain of the sink connected to the newly installed collection tank, causing foreign matter such as hair to be generated at the washbasin or sink, or solid organic matter to be inhaled. A filter net will be installed at the bottom of the collection tank's water collection port.

[0004] As a result, large amounts of clean water are used for showers, washing faces and hands, and in the kitchen. This clean water is purified from river water and rainwater before being sent to homes and offices through water lines. The purification, treatment and transportation stages require a lot of equipment and costs.

[0005] Therefore, because taxes are collected in the form of a set fee per liter of drinking water, it is possible to protect drinking water sources and ensure stable water quality through taxes.

[0006] However, as mentioned above, since drinking water is made from river water and rainwater, if water resources are not abundant, it can be difficult to operate the drinking water system. In addition, the drinking water mentioned above is classified as sewage, which is a pollutant, when taken in the shower or after washing the face, and this sewage must also go through various purification processes at a sewage treatment facility, which generates corresponding costs and environmental pollution.

[0007] Additionally, according to a 2019 survey by the World Resources Institute (WRI), 17 countries around the world are facing extreme water problems, and 2 billion people are experiencing conflict and social instability due to water shortages. The issue of water shortages is related to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, which state that by 2030, the Sustainable Development Goals will increase water use efficiency in all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawal and supply of fresh water to resolve water shortage issues and significantly reduce the number of people suffering from water shortages.

[0008] It is known that a normal shower consumes about 40 to 60 liters of water, washing the face consumes 10 to 20 liters of water, and washing hands consumes 2 to 4 liters of water.

[0009] Furthermore, apart from the above-mentioned water used for showers and washing the face, the most common use of water is for regular toilets, which have a water tank of around 6-13 liters and use 6-13 liters of water each time they are used. For this reason, a family of four will use the toilet on average around 10 times a day for defecation and urination, and a considerable amount of water will be consumed by the toilets.

[0010] As a result of frequent showers, washing one's face and frequent use of the toilet, water usage is increasing. At the same time, the equipment and facilities for a stable supply of water are expanding. To reduce water usage, various systems, equipment and devices have been developed. Among these, water-saving toilets are being actively researched.

[0011] As water use increases, and more water is dumped into sewer systems, the desire to reuse it increases.

[0012] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a more fundamental method of water conservation than the institutional or physical restriction of water usage, which is gradually increasing.

[0013] Meanwhile, the applicant of the present invention is considering the following provisions of the "Law Concerning Promotion and Support of Water Reuse" while researching this case. There seem to be too many restrictive factors and major problems in business. In October 2017, he made an inquiry and received a reply from the Ministry of Environment (Living and Sewage Division-3300) on October 25, 2017. He received an official document stating that the following provisions are laws that apply when a large amount of sewage is reused in large buildings, etc., and therefore have no relation to the contents of the patent. Therefore, he is putting more effort into research and development of recycled water.

[0014] Law Concerning Promotion and Support of Water Reuse

[0015] Article 9 (Installation and management of recycled water supply)

[0016] Article 18 (Registration of design and construction businesses for sewage and wastewater treatment facilities, etc.)

[0017] Enforcement Order of the Law Concerning Promotion and Support of Water Reuse

[0018] Article 11 (Installation and management of recycled water supply)

[0019] Article 18 (Registration of design and construction businesses for sewage and wastewater treatment facilities, etc.)

[0020] Enforcement Regulations of the Law Concerning Promotion and Support of Water Reuse

[0021] Article 5 (Declaration and confirmation of installation of recycled water supply)

[0022] Article 7 (Recycled Water Facilities and Management Standards)

[0023] Article 8 (Water Quality Standards for Recycled Water Supply)

[0024] Article 9 (Safety of recycled water and water quality testing, etc.)

[0025] Among the terms used in this text, the definition of a toilet is as follows:

[0026] The Water Supply Act was amended on November 14, 2011 (expanding the scope of the obligation to install water-saving devices and strengthening standards) and was enforced on May 14, 2013. According to the explanation document on the mandatory installation of water-saving equipment provided by the Water Policy Division of the Environment Department, a national agency, in August 2013, the types of toilets for both toilets are as follows:

[0027]

[0028]

[0029] Prior art documents Patent Literature (Patent Document 0001) Republic of Korea Registered Patent No. 10-0929478 (Registered 2009.11.24) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0030] The present invention is directed to a water recycling device that stores used water generated from showers, washbasins, and kitchens in a water collection tank embedded in or exposed to the floor of a room, and is equipped with a storage tank that is connected to the water collection tank to store used water, and is configured so that the used water in the storage tank is connected to a small water tank through a discharge pipe, and stores used water in the storage tank through the function of a water level sensor inside the water collection tank and a conveying pipe connected to a pump, and reuses the used water in the storage tank as flush water for a toilet with a flush valve, which is equipped with a toilet flush valve to which a small water tank is attached, through the function of the water level sensor inside the storage tank and the operation of a pump and a solenoid valve. [Means for solving the problem]

[0031] The applicant of the present invention has invented and registered a water collection device as shown in Patent No. 10-0929478, which comprises a water collection tank embedded in the floor of a room, a storage tank connected to the water collection tank and capable of storing used water, and the used water in the storage tank is configured to be connected to the water tank of the left toilet bowl. By operating a water level sensor in these tanks and a pump and solenoid valve installed on the pipe connecting these tanks, the used water generated from the shower or washbasin can be reused as flushing water, and by collecting the used water generated during showering, washing the face and washing hands, which is relatively less polluting, the applicant has invented and registered a water collection device which not only achieves economic benefits but also greatly reduces environmental pollution through rational water saving.

[0032] However, some of the various types of toilets installed in the world have toilets with flush valves that cannot be solved by the applicant's Patent No. 10-0929478, and in order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, a small water tank is newly installed above the toilet flush valve, and a pressure pump, A and B water level sensors, and a human detection sensor are installed in the small water tank, and the water collection tank and storage tank are connected by a conveying pipe connected to the pump. The structure supplies water to the small water tank through the discharge pipe by the function of the water level sensor in the storage tank, the pump, and the first solenoid valve, and when the B water level sensor confirms that there is no water in the small water tank, the first solenoid valve is opened and the storage tank pump is operated, and when the A water level sensor in the small water tank detects it, the operation of the pump in the storage tank is stopped and the first solenoid valve is also closed.

[0033] When the small water tank is full and a person enters the toilet, the human detection sensor activates the booster pump, and when the person finishes their business and presses the flushing handle attached to the toilet bowl with a flush valve, the booster pump discharges the water from the small water tank into the toilet bowl with a flush valve, and when the water is discharged and the B water level sensor is detected, the booster pump is stopped and the pump in the storage tank is operated to replenish the small water tank with water until the A water level sensor is detected. When the water level sensor in the storage tank confirms that there is water at the top, the clean water shutoff valve is kept constantly closed, and when the water level sensor in the storage tank confirms that there is no water at the bottom, the clean water shutoff valve is kept constantly open.

[0034] Based on the water level sensor B, it is confirmed that there is no water in the small water tank, and when the water level sensor in the storage tank at the bottom confirms that there is no water, the human detection sensor will not operate the booster pump even if a person enters the toilet, and the tap water shutoff valve connected to the tap water is open, so when the person presses the flush handle after finishing their business, tap water is supplied to the toilet with flush valve. At this time, the backflow prevention valve prevents the tap water from flowing back into the small water tank through the booster pump piping. Effect of the Invention

[0035] The present invention recovers water used during showers and washing the face and hands, which is relatively less polluting, and reuses it as flush water in a toilet with a flush valve, so it is very effective in greatly reducing environmental pollution as well as economic benefits through rational water conservation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a water reuse device for reusing used water according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the water collecting tank (10) of the water collecting device according to the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the process of transferring water to a flush-valve-equipped toilet (30) via a toilet flush valve in a small water tank (32) for reuse as used water according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] The terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings. They should be expressed in terms and concepts that are consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the term in order to best describe his / her invention.

[0038] The device according to the present invention comprises a water collection tank (10) embedded or exposed in the floor of a room such as a bathroom, a storage tank (20) that constantly receives water from the water collection tank (10), a small water tank (32) that can supply and receive water from the storage tank (20), and a toilet (30) equipped with a flush valve and a toilet flush valve.

[0039] The water collection tank (10) described above functions as a reservoir for effectively collecting used water generated from showers, washbasins, kitchens, etc., and is formed internally with a water level sensor (11), a drain pipe (12), and a filter net (12-1). The water level sensor (11) detects the water level of the used water inside the water collection tank (10) and may be any of various generalized water level sensors, and the drain pipe (12) serves to automatically drain excess inflowing used water other than the used water sent to the storage tank (20) through the sewer line when the amount of used water collected in the water collection tank (10) increases rapidly, and the tip, i.e., the upper end, of the drain pipe (12) is positioned slightly higher than the water level sensor (11) so that the used water flowing into the water collection tank (10) can be stably collected and stored. In other words, the excess inflowing used water can be quickly and effectively drained.

[0040] The storage tank (20) can be fixed to the ceiling of a bathroom or washroom, or if there is free space in the bathroom or washroom, it can be placed horizontally or vertically on a pedestal. A water level sensor (21) is installed inside, and a pump (23) can be installed in case water needs to be supplied to both a public toilet and multiple toilets at the same time. The reason for fixing the storage tank (20) to the ceiling of a room is that the storage tank (20) is a small space such as a bathroom. In addition to the purpose of effectively installing it in a shower room, the storage tank (20) is located higher than the small water tank (32). This is to allow the water used in the storage tank (20) to be naturally provided to the small water tank (32) due to the water pressure difference between them.

[0041] At this time, the water collection tank (10) and the storage tank (20) are connected to each other via another conveying pipe (14), and a pump (13) is attached to the conveying pipe (14). By driving the pump (13), the used water in the water collection tank (10), which is at a lower position, is forcibly transported to the inside of the storage tank (20), which is at a higher position.

[0042] In addition, in order to more effectively collect water used during showering, the water collection tank (10) is provided with a separate perforated mesh (15) attached to the upper surface. If the water collection tank (10) is buried in a room so that the perforated mesh (15) is exposed to the floor surface, the water used during showering can be automatically collected through the perforated mesh (15), which is more effective.

[0043] Inside the small water tank (32) is a pressure pump (38) for discharging water from the toilet bowl, which is connected to the storage tank (20) and the small water tank (32). A first solenoid valve (40) is provided at the end of the discharge pipe (22), an A water level sensor (36) is provided at the top of the small water tank (32) to check whether it is full of water, a B water level sensor (35) is provided at the bottom of the small water tank (32) to check whether there is any water after the water is drained from the toilet bowl, and a human detection sensor (37) is provided in front of the small water tank (32) to check whether a person is entering the toilet. A backflow prevention valve (34) is connected to the end of the discharge port (33-3) of the booster pump (38), and a hole is drilled halfway between the water pressure adjustment valve (41-1) and the flush valve piston (33-1) to connect the backflow prevention valve (34) attached to the booster pump. A clean water shutoff valve (41) is installed halfway between the clean water supply pipe (31) and the water pressure adjustment valve (41-1).

[0044] When the B water level sensor (35) confirms that there is no water in the small water tank (32), the first solenoid valve (40) is opened and the pump in the storage tank (20) is operated to replenish water until the A water level sensor (36) detects that the tank is full. When the tank is full, the pump (23) is turned off and the first solenoid valve (40) is closed.

[0045] When the small water tank (32) is full and a person enters the toilet, the human detection sensor (37) activates the pressure pump (38). When the person finishes their business and presses the water release handle (33) attached to the flushing toilet (30), the water in the small water tank (32) is discharged into the flushing toilet (30). If the B water level sensor (35) detects that there is no water after the water has been discharged, the pressure pump (38) is stopped and the pump (23) is operated to replenish water until the A water level sensor (36) detects that the tank is full. A drain pipe (57) is provided to prevent the small water tank (32) from overflowing due to a malfunction of the pump (23). The upper part of the drain pipe (57) is positioned slightly higher than the position of the A water level sensor (36), and the ends of the drain pipe are connected to the two toilet water discharge pipes, so that the used water flowing into the small water tank (32) can be stably collected and stored, while the excessive inflowing used water can be quickly and effectively discharged.

[0046] When it is confirmed that the pull-lot ball of the water level sensor (21) in the storage tank (20) is at the bottom and there is no water, the clean water shutoff valve (41) is always open.

[0047] When the water level sensor (35) confirms that there is no water in the small water tank (32), and the water level sensor (21) in the storage tank (20) confirms that there is no water, the human detection sensor (37) does not operate the booster pump (38) even if a person enters the toilet, and the water shutoff valve (41) connected to the water supply opens based on the water level sensor (21). When the person has finished using the toilet, and presses the downflow handle (33), water is supplied to the toilet bowl with flush valve (30), and at this time the backflow prevention valve prevents the water supply from flowing back into the small water tank (32) via the booster pump (38).

[0048] This not only allows for effective recovery of water used during showers, but also allows such used water to be sufficiently stored in the storage tank (20), which has a relatively large internal space. Also, in cases where the amount of water stored in the storage tank (20) is insufficient for multiple flush valve toilets (30), multiple storage tanks (20) can be provided and the water can be reused as flush water for the flush valve toilets (30), thereby significantly reducing the amount of water used for drinking water, contributing to economic savings and prevention of environmental pollution.

[0049] The water collecting device of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, collects flush water generated from a wash basin (50) installed in a bathroom, toilet, etc., and makes it possible to use this water as flush water for a toilet with a flush valve. By connecting a drain pipe (51) installed in an existing wash basin (50) to a water collecting tank (10), various types of water used in the wash basin (50) for washing the face, face, hands, etc. can be collected in the water collecting tank (10). This used water can be transferred from the water collecting tank (10) to the inside of the storage tank (20) and stored therein. In this case, in case of severely polluted water being generated from the washbasin, a water tee (52) and a ball valve (53) are installed on the washbasin drain pipe, and when severely polluted water is generated, the ball valve (53) is opened and the water is discharged to the outside via the sewer pipe (54). In the kitchen, a separate hole is drilled in the floor of the sink (55) and the contaminated water from the sink is discharged to the sewer pipe (54) as is the case now. In order to produce clean, clear water, the original drain pipe of the sink (55) is closed with the current cover and the water is stored in the water collection tank (10) through the reuse water pipe (56) connected to the newly installed water collection tank. During the storage process, foreign matter such as hair and solid organic matter may be generated and may be sucked in, so a filter net (12-1) is installed at the water collection port of the water collection tank.

[0050] Therefore, various types of used water generated during showering, washing, kitchen cleaning, etc. can be effectively collected and reused as flush water for the flush valve-equipped toilet (30), which is very economical and environmentally friendly.

[0051] The embodiment described in the present specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, but it should be understood that they do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention and instead provide alternative materials. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 10: Water collection tank (storage capacity 20 liters) 11: Water level sensor 12: Drain pipe 12-1: Filter screen 13: Pump 14: Transport pipe 15: Hollow net 20: Storage tank (storage capacity 80 liters) 21: Water level sensor 22: Discharge pipe 23: Pump 30: Toilet with flush valve 31: Water supply pipe 32: Small water tank (12cm x 30cm x 25cm, capacity 9 liters) 33: Precipitation handle 33-1: Piston for cleaning valve 34: Backflow prevention valve 35: B water level sensor 36: A water level sensor 37: Human detection sensor 38: Pressure pump 39: Both toilet bowl water drain pipes 40: First solenoid valve 41: Clean water shutoff valve 41-1: Water pressure adjustment valve 50: Wash basin 51: Drain pipe 52: Water Tee 53: Ball Valve 54: Sewer pipe 55: Sink stand 56: Reused water piping 57: Drain pipe

Claims

[Claim 1] A water reuse device for reusing used water used in a bathroom or kitchen as flush water for a toilet bowl with a flush valve, comprising: A collection tank (10) for collecting used water for reuse in flushing both toilet bowls; A storage tank (20) to which the water stored in the water collection tank (10) is supplied and which has a water level sensor (21); a small water tank (32) located at a lower position than the storage tank (20) and having an A water level sensor (36) capable of checking the full water level of the water used and a B water level sensor (35) capable of checking the depletion of the water used; a discharge pipe (22) connecting the storage tank (20) and a small water tank (32); a pump (23) installed in the storage tank (20) for supplying used water in the storage tank (20) to the small water tank through the discharge pipe (22); A human detection sensor (37) installed in front of the small water tank (32) to check whether a person is entering the toilet; a first solenoid valve (40) installed in the discharge pipe (22) for starting or cutting off the supply of used water from the storage tank (20) to the small water tank (32); A pressure pump (38) installed in the small water tank (32); a backflow prevention valve (34) provided at the outlet end of a pressure pump (38) communicating with a pipeline between the flush valve piston (33-1) and the water pressure control valve (41-1); The flush valve is configured to include a clean water shutoff valve (41) that is provided between the clean water supply pipe (31) and the water pressure regulating valve (41-1) to start or cut off the supply of clean water to both toilet bowls, When the small water tank (32) is full of water and a person enters the toilet, the human detection sensor (37) operates the booster pump (38), and when the person finishes their business and presses the flushing handle (33) attached to the flushing toilet (30), the used water in the small water tank (32) is discharged into the flushing toilet (30). After the water is discharged, if the B water level sensor (35) in the small water tank (32) detects that the used water is depleted, the booster pump (38) is stopped, and the pump (23) in the storage tank is operated while the first solenoid valve (40) is opened, so that the used water is supplied to the small water tank (32). If the A water level sensor (36) in the small water tank (32) detects that the water level is full, the operation of the pump (23) is stopped and the first solenoid valve (40) is shut off. The B water level sensor (35) confirms that there is no water in the small water tank (32), and when the water level sensor (21) in the storage tank (20) confirms that there is no water, the human detection sensor (37) does not operate the booster pump (38) even if a person enters the toilet, and the water level sensor (21) opens the water supply shutoff valve (41) connected to the water supply, so that when the person has finished using the toilet, the person can turn the water lowering handle (33) to When pressed, clean water is discharged into a toilet bowl (30) with a flush valve, and a backflow prevention valve (34) prevents the clean water from flowing back into the small water tank (32) via the pressure pump (38). In order to prevent water from overflowing into the small water tank (32) due to a malfunction of the pump (23), a drain pipe (57) is provided in the small water tank (32), and the upper end of the drain pipe (57) is configured to be higher than the position of the A water level sensor (36), and the lower end of the drain pipe (57) is connected to a toilet water discharge pipe (39), so that excess used water flowing into the small water tank (32) can be quickly and effectively discharged.

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