Reserve water tank

The integrated water storage tank system with a washing machine ensures a continuous, cost-effective supply of fresh water for emergencies by connecting to the water pipe and preventing air exposure, addressing the inefficiencies of conventional methods.

JP2026003552APending Publication Date: 2026-01-13YSK株式会社
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024110587
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-06-24
Publication Date
2026-01-13

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing methods for storing emergency drinking water are inconvenient, requiring significant effort, time, and expense, and do not effectively maintain water quality over long periods.

Method used

A water storage tank system integrated with a fully automatic washing machine, utilizing a hose, backflow prevention valve, and funnel, ensures fresh water supply by connecting to the water pipe, allowing continuous water renewal and storage without air exposure, with the tank installed in a non-obstructive manner.

Benefits of technology

Provides a cost-effective, continuous supply of fresh water for extended periods, suitable for emergencies, without maintenance costs, and ensures water quality by preventing air contact, allowing use as drinking water after boiling.

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Abstract

To provide a device for inexpensively securing a large quantity of fresh water such as drinking water and cooking water in preparation for a disaster.SOLUTION: In a sealable water storage tank having several openings in the middle of a hose directly connected to equipment such as a fully automatic washing machine from a faucet of a water pipe, the water storage tank or the like having an inflow port with a joint and a backflow prevention plug on one side and an outflow port with a joint mechanism on the other side of the water storage tank is installed. This stock water storage tank is characterized in that a funnel for stirring stored water is arranged in the water storage tank, the water storage tank is arranged so as to be arranged in a clearance by using the clearance between the fully automatic washing machine and a wall of a building so that the water storage tank does not become an obstacle, and an outflow port of the water storage tank and an apparatus such as the fully automatic washing machine are connected by a hose.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a thin or ordinary water storage tank device that can be installed in the gap between the fully automatic washing machine or other appliance and the wall of the building so that the water storage tank does not get in the way. The water storage tank is a water storage tank such as a polyethylene tank connected with a detachable hose to the middle of the appliance such as a fully automatic washing machine that is used directly connected to the water pipes in a home or workplace, and is equipped with a cap for storing water for daily use such as emergency drinking water, a backflow prevention valve, and a funnel for stirring the water. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, the main methods for storing emergency drinking water have been to store water in plastic containers or small amounts of water in plastic bottles, but these have had issues with expiration dates on water quality and the amount of water needed, and storage and management required a lot of effort, time, and money, making them inconvenient. There has been no effective method for stockpiling water over a long period of time without the hassle, time, and expense. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-284213 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Today, we live a convenient life where water is available at any time by simply turning on the faucet, but a water outage can be a major disaster. We immediately run into problems with drinking water, water for cooking, and water for the toilet. Securing the water we need in times of water outage and emergencies is extremely important for human survival. Therefore, the question arises as to how to store large amounts of fresh water without incurring time, effort, or expense. This invention was made to solve the above problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In appliances such as fully automatic washing machines, which are commonly used in daily life, a hose is connected directly to a water pipe. The hose has an inlet with a joint and backflow prevention stopper, a funnel for stirring the water inside the water storage tank, and an outlet with a joint or faucet at the other end. The hose is connected to a water storage tank such as a polyethylene tank with a funnel for stirring the water. The storage tank is equipped with a funnel for stirring the water, and a thin storage tank is installed in the gap between the fully automatic washing machine or other appliance and the building wall so that the storage tank's installation location does not become an obstacle. For example, if the device is 10 cm wide, 60 cm high, and 80 cm deep, its capacity is 48,000 cc, or 48 liters. Assuming each person needs 3 liters of water per day, this would provide enough water for a family of two for eight days, or about five days for a family of three. When using a fully automatic washing machine or other appliance, water flows from the faucet on the water pipe through the hose, enters the storage tank through the inlet, fills the storage tank, exits the outlet, and flows through the hose into the fully automatic washing machine or other appliance, thereby fulfilling its intended function. The pressure of the tap water is transmitted directly to the appliance, so there are no problems with water volume or pressure, and the water in the storage tank is stirred and renewed with a funnel every time the appliance is used, ensuring fresh water. Connecting multiple storage tanks in series will provide a large amount of water, solving the problem. Furthermore, since the water is not exposed to air, it remains in the same condition as if it were stored in a water pipe, so it can be stored and used in the same state for up to about four days. After that, if the water is boiled, it can be used as drinking water without any problems. This allows for a large amount of fresh water to be stored for a long period of time.

[0006] When using water, you can remove the hose from the water tank and use it as a standalone water tank, which is also portable. Water can be used by turning the faucet that serves as the joint downwards. Also, when you are not using equipment such as a fully automatic washing machine, you can fix the water storage tank next to the faucet of the water pipe from which you take water, or in any other location, and open the faucet that serves as a joint, and you can use it as tap water without any problems. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The drinking water storage device of the present invention can be used as a local drinking water storage device by enlarging the tank. Many of them can also be used for home use as a portable water storage tank when the water supply is cut off during a disaster or other emergency by removing the hose. The water in the storage tank is refreshed every time the device is used, ensuring fresh water at all times, achieving the objective of the present invention without the need for maintenance. Once the hose and storage tank are installed, no other costs are incurred, making it possible to prepare drinking water and other disaster supplies at an extremely low cost. Even if the water supply dries up, the backflow prevention valve protects the water in the storage tank, ensuring fresh, up-to-date water, so there is no need for immediate drinking water or water for daily use. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] Layout of the storage tank [Figure 2] Water tank diagram [Figure 3] Disconnection diagram of the water tank inlet [Figure 4] Diagram of a mixing funnel [Figure 5] Connection diagram of water tank outlet [Figure 6] Cross-section of a backflow prevention valve using a waterproof valve [Figure 7] Cross-section of a waterproof ball valve used as a backflow prevention stopper [Figure 8] Diagram of water tanks connected in series [Figure 9] A diagram placed anywhere [Figure 10] A thin tank is installed in the gap between the wall and a fully automatic washing machine or other equipment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The device of the present invention is a water storage tank (4) with a hose (2) attached to a faucet (1) attached to a water pipe, an inlet (10) formed at the top of the water storage tank (4) that can be sealed with a backflow prevention plug (3) and a joint (11), and a stirring funnel (5) installed inside the water storage tank (4) to a depth of about halfway down, so that when water is passed through, the water in the water storage tank (4) is automatically stirred by water pressure. The water storage tank is a water storage tank (4) with an inlet connected to a hose (2) equipped with a joint (11) and a backflow prevention plug (3), and an outlet (10) connected to the hose (2) and joint (11) that form an airtight seal. This water storage tank has two openings (inlet 9, outlet 10), one of which is connected to the inlet (9) with a joint (11) and a backflow prevention plug (3) attached via a detachable hose (2). When water flows from the water pipe faucet (1) into the inlet (9), the water storage tank (4) passes through the agitating funnel (5) until it becomes full. The water then passes through the joint (11) attached to the outlet (10), the other opening attached to the top of the water storage tank (4), and from there, via the hose (2), flows into a device (6) such as a fully automatic washing machine. This water storage tank (4) device is characterized by having a backflow prevention plug (3) and an agitating funnel (5). Backflow prevention valves (3) must be used to prevent backflow because a water supply cutoff can cause a drop in water pressure within the pipe, leading to backflow. As shown in Figure (7), a backflow prevention sphere (14) that moves freely within the backflow prevention valve is supported on a backflow prevention valve support plate (15) and allows water to flow through. When water backflows, the sphere (14) closes the opening of the hose (2), preventing backflow. This backflow prevention valve, installed internally, is designed to open and close with water flow. Flowing water from the water pipe opens the sphere (14), while backflow from the water storage tank (4) closes it. Its shape is either straight or L-shaped and can be directly attached to the inlet (9). The joint (11) is used to connect a detachable hose (2) from a fully automatic washing machine or other appliance (6). Its L-shaped or straight shape allows for easy connection and allows direct attachment to the outlet (10).

[0010] There is no problem with the water pressure, as it passes through the hose (2) and water storage tank (4) as it is in the water pipes, and reaches the automatic washing machine or other appliances (6). Therefore, every time the fully automatic washing machine or other appliances (6) are used, the water in the water storage tank (4) is constantly renewed and is always filled with fresh water. Since it does not come into contact with air along the way, it can be stored in the same condition as if it were stored in the water pipes, and can be kept for up to about four days. Connecting the emergency water storage tanks (4) in series with the hoses (2) can significantly increase the amount of water, making it ideal for dealing with water outages in the event of a disaster. When using water, the hose (2) can be removed from the inlet (9) and outlet (10) to create a separate water tank (4), which can be easily carried around. By attaching a new faucet (16) and turning the tap with the water tank facing downwards, water can be used for drinking, cooking, washing hands, and flushing the toilet.

[0011] The water storage tank for the device of this invention is ideally made of polyethylene plastic. While the capacity and shape vary, a thin tank is installed in the gap between the building wall and the equipment, such as a fully automatic washing machine, to avoid obstruction. The capacity should be sized to match the equipment, such as a fully automatic washing machine. For example, a 10cm wide, 60cm high, and 80cm deep machine would provide 48,000cc (48 liters) of water. Assuming each person requires 3 liters per day, this would provide water for approximately five days for a family of three and eight days for a family of two. The storage tank has a handle for portability, and when placed on its side, the backflow prevention valve is at the top, allowing water to be used with the faucet facing downwards. The storage tank capacity ranges from 36 to 48 liters or more, depending on the size of the equipment, such as a fully automatic washing machine. Connecting the tanks in series maximizes water storage. Since each tank uses water, preventing air contact with the tank using a cap poses no problem, making the water suitable for drinking and other purposes.

[0012] When the device of the present invention is not in use for an appliance (6) such as a fully automatic washing machine, water is introduced into the water storage tank (4) through the inlet (9) with the backflow prevention valve (3) attached to the water pipe faucet (1), and the hose (2) is then routed from the outlet (10) with the joint (11) to a desired location. The hose (2) is then secured to the fixture (18) using an L-shaped pipe or other suitable fitting as needed, and a new faucet (16) is attached. The fixture (18) can be secured to the water pipe (A), the fixture (12) is secured to the appliance, the hose (2) is secured thereto, and a new faucet (16) is attached (B), or the fixture (18) is attached to a support (17) or similar support, the hose (2) is secured thereto, and a new faucet (16) is attached (C). Three scenarios are conceivable: (A), (B), and (C). Specifically, the device can be used in a variety of situations, including bathrooms, toilets, washrooms, gardens, and car washes in the garage. [Explanation of symbols]

[0013] 1 water pipe faucet, 2 hose, 3 backflow prevention valve, 4 water storage tank, 5 mixing funnel, 6 automatic washing machine and other equipment, 7 inlet of fully automatic washing machine and other equipment, 8 outlet of fully automatic washing machine and other equipment, 9 inlet, 10 outlet, 11 joint, 12 hose clamp, 13 gasket, 14 backflow prevention valve sphere, 15 backflow prevention valve sphere support, 16 new faucet, 17 support, 18 fixing device, 19 building wall

Claims

[Claim 1] A water storage tank is a device characterized by a sealable water storage tank with multiple openings, installed in the middle of a hose directly connected from a water pipe faucet to a fully automatic washing machine or other equipment, with an inlet with a joint and a backflow prevention plug on one side and an outlet with a joint mechanism on the other side of the water storage tank, a water stirring funnel is installed inside the water storage tank, and the water storage tank is installed in a gap between the fully automatic washing machine or other equipment and the wall of a building so that the water storage tank does not get in the way, and the outlet of the water storage tank is connected to the fully automatic washing machine or other equipment with a hose.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Water tank and emergency water storage cap

    JP1996284213A