Water-circulating toilet, toilet water-circulating water utilization system, and toilet water-circulating water utilization method

Abstract

To provide a circulating water toilet, a toilet circulating water utilization system, and a toilet circulating water utilization method that can utilize toilet circulating water more effectively. The circulating water toilet 1 comprises a toilet 10, a purification treatment unit 20 that purifies wastewater from the toilet 10, a middle water tank 30 that stores purified water, a supply pump 31 that supplies the stored water in the middle water tank 30 to the toilet 10, a surplus water storage tank 40 that can store a portion of the stored water, a detection unit 41 that can measure the concentration of one or more specified substances contained in the reserve stored water stored in the surplus water storage tank 40, a water supply pump 42 that sends the reserve stored water to the outside, a control device 50 that controls the water supply pump 42, and a judgment unit 514 that judges whether the reserve stored water can be sprayed on plants based on the concentration of the specified substance detected by the detection unit 41, and a water supply control unit 515 controls the water supply pump 42 to send water to the outside for spraying on plants when the judgment unit 514 judges that the reserve stored water can be sprayed on plants.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a circulating water toilet, a system for utilizing circulating toilet water, and a method for utilizing circulating toilet water. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a technology for purifying water used in a toilet, circulating it, and reusing it. One example of this type of technology is Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 describes a main toilet unit that has a purification treatment tank that biologically treats wastewater discharged from the toilet bowl and regenerates it as flush water, and a purification water tank that stores the regenerated flush water. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-158623 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a water-circulating toilet, the amount of circulating water increases due to human waste, etc., and surplus water is generated. Although the surplus water is utilized for purposes that do not require high water quality, such as landscaping, there is a demand for more effective utilization of the water.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a circulating water toilet, a system for utilizing circulating toilet water, and a method for utilizing circulating toilet water that can utilize circulating toilet water more effectively. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) A circulating water toilet according to the present invention comprises a toilet, a purification treatment unit that purifies wastewater from the toilet, a water storage unit that stores water purified by the purification treatment unit, a supply unit that supplies the stored water stored in the water storage unit to the toilet, a reserve water storage unit that can store a portion of the stored water, a concentration measurement unit that can measure the concentration of one or more specified substances contained in the reserve water stored in the reserve water storage unit, a water supply unit that supplies the reserve water to the outside, a water supply control unit that controls the water supply unit to supply water to the outside, and a judgment unit that judges whether the reserve water can be sprayed on plants based on the concentration of the specified substance that is the measurement result by the concentration measurement unit, and the water supply control unit controls the reserve water to be sent to the outside as water for spraying on plants when the judgment unit judges that the reserve water can be sprayed on plants.

[0007] (1) The water-circulating toilet can utilize the water circulating in the toilet more effectively.

[0008] (2) In the circulating water toilet described in (1), the specified substance includes chloride ions, the concentration measuring unit has a chloride ion concentration meter capable of measuring the concentration of chloride ions, and the judgment unit determines that the preparatory stored water can be sprayed on plants when the measurement result of the chloride ion concentration is less than a first concentration, and determines that the preparatory stored water cannot be sprayed on plants when the measurement result of the chloride ion concentration is equal to or greater than the first concentration.

[0009] (2) In the case of a recirculating water toilet, the concentration of chloride ions in the reserve water can be adjusted appropriately, so that the reserve water can be used for spraying plants, thereby making even more effective use of the toilet's recirculating water.

[0010] (3) In the circulating water toilet described in (1) or (2), the specified substance includes sulfate ions, the concentration measuring unit has a sulfate ion concentration meter capable of measuring the concentration of sulfate ions, and the judgment unit judges that the preparatory stored water can be sprayed on plants when the concentration of sulfate ions resulting from the measurement is less than a second concentration, and judges that the preparatory stored water cannot be sprayed on plants when the concentration of sulfate ions resulting from the measurement is equal to or greater than the second concentration.

[0011] (3) In the case of a recirculating water toilet, the concentration of sulfate ions in the reserve water can be adjusted appropriately, so that the reserve water can be used to spray plants, thereby making even more effective use of the toilet's recirculating water.

[0012] (4) In the circulating water toilet described in (2), the first concentration is less than 1,500 mg / L, and the judgment unit judges that the pre-stored water can be sprayed on plants when the measurement result of the chloride ion concentration is less than 1,500 mg / L, and judges that the pre-stored water cannot be sprayed on plants when the measurement result of the chloride ion concentration is 1,500 mg / L or more.

[0013] (4) In the case of a water-circulating toilet, it is easier to adjust the chloride ion concentration of the reserve water to an appropriate level, and the reserve water can be used to spray plants while minimizing the impact on plant growth, thereby making more effective use of the toilet circulating water.

[0014] (5) In the circulating water toilet described in (3), the second concentration is less than 1,000 mg / L, and the judgment unit judges that the pre-stored water can be sprayed on plants when the measurement result of the sulfate ion concentration is less than 1,000 mg / L, and judges that the pre-stored water cannot be sprayed on plants when the measurement result of the sulfate ion concentration is 1,000 mg / L or more.

[0015] (5) The recirculating water toilet can more easily adjust the concentration of sulfate ions in the reserve water to an appropriate level to prevent a drop in pH and the generation of hydrogen sulfide, while also using the reserve water to spray plants, thereby making even more effective use of the toilet's recirculating water.

[0016] (6) The circulating water toilet described in at least one of (1) to (5) is provided with a water level detection unit that detects the water level of the pre-stored water, and the judgment unit judges whether or not the pre-stored water can be sprayed on plants based on the concentration of the specified substance, which is the measurement result at the time when the water level of the pre-stored water detected by the water level detection unit exceeds a predetermined amount.

[0017] (6) The recirculating water toilet can control the amount of excess water, allowing for more effective use of the recirculating toilet water.

[0018] (7) In the circulating water toilet described in at least one of (1) to (6), the judgment unit determines, at a predetermined time interval, whether or not the pre-stored water can be sprayed on plants based on the concentration of the specified substance, which is the measurement result.

[0019] (7) The water-circulating toilet can determine the amount of reserve water with simpler control, allowing for more effective use of the toilet's circulating water.

[0020] (8) In the circulating water toilet described in at least one of (1) to (7), the purification treatment unit has an anaerobic tank, a contact oxidation tank, a sedimentation tank, a first contact filtration tank chamber, a second contact filtration tank chamber, and a sedimentation filtration tank.

[0021] (8) The water-circulating toilet can utilize the water circulating in the toilet more effectively.

[0022] (9) In the circulating water toilet described in at least one of (1) to (8), the pre-stored water contains a growth-promoting substance that promotes plant growth, which is at least one of phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium, the concentration measurement unit has a concentration meter capable of measuring the concentration of the growth-promoting substance, and the judgment unit judges whether or not the pre-stored water can be sprayed on plants based on the concentration of the specified substance and the concentration of the growth-promoting substance.

[0023] (9) The water-circulating toilet can be sprayed onto plants as liquid fertilizer to promote plant growth, allowing for even more effective use of the toilet's water-circulating system.

[0024] (10) In the circulating water toilet described in (9), the concentration measurement unit has a pH meter capable of measuring pH and a turbidity meter capable of measuring turbidity, and the judgment unit judges whether or not the pre-stored water can be sprayed on plants based on the concentration of the specified substance, the concentration of the growth-promoting substance, the pH, and the turbidity of the pre-stored water.

[0025] (10) The water-circulating toilet of the present invention can be sprayed onto plants as liquid fertilizer to promote plant growth, thereby enabling more effective use of the toilet water.

[0026] (11) The toilet circulating water utilization system of the present invention comprises a circulating water toilet described in at least any one of (1) to (10) and a sprinkler device outside the circulating water toilet capable of spraying pre-stored water supplied from the water supply section onto plants.

[0027] The toilet circulating water utilization system (11) can be used to water plants, allowing for even more effective use of the toilet circulating water.

[0028] (12) The method of utilizing circulating water according to the present invention is a method of utilizing circulating water in a circulating water toilet as described in (1), and includes a water storage process for storing a portion of the stored water in the water storage section in the reserve water storage section, a measurement process for measuring the concentration of the specified substance using the concentration measurement section, a determination process for determining whether or not the reserve water can be sprayed on plants based on the concentration of the specified substance that is the measurement result in the measurement process, and a water supply process for controlling the reserve water to be supplied to the outside as water for spraying on plants when it is determined in the determination process that the reserve water can be sprayed on plants.

[0029] The method of utilizing circulating water (12) enables more effective use of circulating toilet water. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a toilet circulating water utilization system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart for explaining a toilet circulating water utilization method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a graph showing the results of confirming the effect of excess water on plant growth, based on the number of flower buds. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a graph showing the results of confirming the effect of excess water on plant growth based on plant height. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a graph showing the results of confirming the effect of excess water on plant growth in terms of plant weight (wet weight). [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a graph showing the results of confirming the effect of excess water on plant growth based on plant width. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 shows the results of confirming the effect of excess water on plant growth, based on leaf color (SPAD value). [Figure 10] FIG. 1 shows the EC and pH of the soil at the end of the experiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] <Toilet Circulating Water Utilization System> A toilet circulating water utilization system S according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figs. 1 to 3. The toilet circulating water utilization system S is a system that utilizes surplus water generated in the circulating water circulating in a circulating water toilet 1 described below. The circulating water in the circulating water toilet 1 increases as the toilet is used and moisture contained in human waste and the like is added. For this reason, in the circulating water toilet 1, surplus circulating water occurs and surplus water is generated. The toilet circulating water utilization system S according to this embodiment utilizes the surplus water as water for spraying plants.

[0032] The excess water preferably contains a growth-promoting substance that promotes plant growth. The growth-promoting substance is, for example, at least one of phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium. In the toilet circulating water utilization system S according to this embodiment, the excess water can be sprayed on plants as liquid fertilizer that can promote plant growth. On the other hand, the excess water can also contain substances such as salt that cause salt damage to plants. For this reason, the circulating water toilet is configured to determine whether the excess water can be sprayed on plants and to utilize it, as described below. The toilet circulating water utilization system S has a circulating water toilet 1, a sprinkler device 2, and an external water supply flow path L4.

[0033] The circulating water toilet 1 is a toilet that purifies and circulates used water so that it can be reused in the toilet. The sprinkler 2 is a device for sprinkling surplus water circulating in the circulating water toilet 1 to plants. The external water supply flow path L4 connects the sprinkler 2 to a water supply pump 42 (described below) that sends surplus water to the outside, and is a flow path through which the surplus water sent by the water supply pump 42 flows to the sprinkler 2.

[0034] <Recirculating water toilet> An example of a water-circulating toilet will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The water-circulating toilet 1 includes a toilet 10, a purification treatment unit 20, a gray water tank 30 as a water storage unit, an excess water tank 40 as a reserve water storage unit, a control device 50, a circulation flow path L1, a disinfectant injection flow path L2, and an excess water flow path L3.

[0035] The toilet 10 is a known flush toilet that uses circulating water circulating through a flow path L17, which will be described later. The toilet 10 may receive water from a water supply or the like in addition to the circulating water.

[0036] The purification treatment unit 20 is configured to purify wastewater from the toilet 10. The purification treatment unit 20 has an anaerobic tank 21, a contact oxidation tank 22, a sedimentation tank 23, a first contact filtration tank chamber 24, a second contact filtration tank chamber 25, a sedimentation filtration tank 26, and a disinfection tank 27.

[0037] The anaerobic tank 21 is a known storage tank. The circulating water that has flowed into the anaerobic tank 21 contains a large amount of organic matter, and therefore oxygen is consumed and the water is in an anaerobic state. The contact oxidation tank 22 is a known tank for decomposing contaminants contained in the purified treated water by aerobic microorganisms. The contact oxidation tank 22 is also called a contact aeration tank. The sedimentation tank 23 is a known tank for separating and settling sludge contained in the purified treated water that has been biologically treated in the contact oxidation tank 22.

[0038] The first contact filtration tank chamber 24 is a tank for further removing remaining organic matter and suspended solids remaining in the purified water. In addition, the first contact filtration tank chamber 24 according to this embodiment uses oyster shells as a contact material, and can maintain the pH, which has decreased due to biodegradation in the contact oxidation tank 22, at neutral. The second contact filtration tank chamber 25 is a tank of the same configuration as the first contact filtration tank chamber 24.

[0039] The settling filtration tank 26 is a tank for settling and filtering sludge remaining in the purified water. The disinfection tank 27 is a tank for storing a disinfectant to be injected into the purified water after settling and filtering in the settling filtration tank 26.

[0040] The middle tank 30 is configured to store water purified by the purification treatment unit 20. The middle tank 30 has activated carbon (not shown) and a supply pump 31 as a supply unit. The activated carbon makes the water stored in the middle tank 30 colorless and odorless. The supply pump 31 supplies the water stored in the middle tank 30 to the toilet 10.

[0041] The middle water tank 30 is configured so that overflowing water flows into the surplus water tank 40. For example, a pipe is provided that communicates with an opening formed at a predetermined height in the tank, and when the water level rises to the predetermined height, the water that reaches the opening flows and flows into the surplus water tank 40. The method of sending water from the middle water tank 30 to the surplus water tank 40 is not limited to this. For example, a water level gauge and a pump that sends water from the middle water tank 30 to the surplus water tank 40 may be provided in the middle water tank 30, and the pump may be caused to send water based on the detection result of the water level gauge.

[0042] The surplus water tank 40 is configured to store a part of the water stored in the middle water tank 30 as reserve water. The surplus water tank 40 according to this embodiment stores a part of the water stored in the middle water tank 30 as reserve water. The surplus water tank 40 may store a part of the water stored in the middle water tank 30 as reserve water even when there is no surplus water in the middle water tank 30. For example, there is a case where there is sufficient water in the middle water tank 30 and reserve water is needed for watering plants. The surplus water tank 40 has a detection unit 41 as a concentration measurement unit and a water supply pump 42 as a water supply unit.

[0043] The detection unit 41 is configured to measure the concentration of one or more predetermined substances contained in the surplus water stored in the surplus water storage tank 40. The predetermined substances are used when determining whether the surplus water can be sprayed on plants. The predetermined substances include, for example, at least one of chloride ions and sulfate ions.

[0044] For example, the detection unit 41 measures the concentration of chloride ions to estimate the salt content in the excess water and confirms and judges whether or not the salt content causes salt damage to plants. For example, the detection unit 41 measures the concentration of sulfate ions to confirm and judge whether or not the excess water contains an appropriate amount of sulfate ions that can be effectively used as a liquid fertilizer without acidifying the soil and does not cause the generation of hydrogen sulfide.

[0045] In this embodiment, the predetermined substance includes chloride ions and sulfate ions. The predetermined substance is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 2, the detection unit 41 has a chloride ion concentration meter 41a, a sulfate ion concentration meter 41b, and a water level meter 41c as a water level detection unit.

[0046] The chloride ion concentration meter 41a is a known ion concentration meter for measuring the chloride ion concentration of the surplus water. The chloride ion concentration of the surplus water is measured by the chloride ion concentration meter 41a in a measurement step (step S11) described below. The sulfate ion concentration meter 41b is a known ion concentration meter for measuring the sulfate ion concentration of the surplus water. The sulfate ion concentration of the surplus water is measured by the sulfate ion concentration meter 41b in a measurement step (step S11) described below.

[0047] The water level gauge 41c is a known water level gauge for measuring the water level of the surplus water in the surplus water storage tank 40. The water level gauge 41c is also used to detect a predetermined amount of water level. For example, the timing of a measurement step (step S11) described below is determined based on information on the water level of the surplus water measured by the water level gauge 41c of the detection unit 41. Specifically, the measurement step (step S11) is started when the water level of the surplus water measured by the water level gauge 41c of the detection unit 41 exceeds a predetermined amount.

[0048] The water level gauge 41c may be capable of detecting only a predetermined amount of water level. For example, the water level gauge 41c may be a float type or an electrode type, and may detect the water level when the water level of the surplus water exceeds a predetermined amount. The timing of the measurement step (step S11) is not limited to this.

[0049] The water pump 42 is a known pump for sending surplus water to the outside. For example, the water pump 42 according to this embodiment sends surplus water to the sprinkler device 2 via the external water supply passage L4.

[0050] The circulation flow path L1 is a flow path for purifying and circulating water used in the toilet 10. The circulation flow path L1 has a flow path L10, a flow path L11, a flow path L12, a flow path L13, a flow path L14, a flow path L15, a flow path L16, and a flow path L17.

[0051] Flow path L10 connects the toilet 10 and the anaerobic tank 21, and is a flow path through which water used in the toilet 10 flows to the anaerobic tank 21. Flow path L11 connects the anaerobic tank 21 and the contact oxidation tank 22, and is a flow path through which water stored in the anaerobic tank 21 flows to the contact oxidation tank 22. Flow path L12 connects the contact oxidation tank 22 and the settling tank 23, and is a flow path through which water treated in the contact oxidation tank 22 flows to the settling tank 23.

[0052] The flow path L13 connects the settling tank 23 and the contact filtration tank first chamber 24, and is a flow path through which the water treated in the settling tank 23 flows to the contact filtration tank first chamber 24. The flow path L14 connects the contact filtration tank first chamber 24 and the contact filtration tank second chamber 25, and is a flow path through which the water treated in the contact filtration tank first chamber 24 flows to the contact filtration tank second chamber 25. The flow path L15 connects the contact filtration tank second chamber 25 and the settling filtration tank 26, and is a flow path through which the water treated in the contact filtration tank second chamber 25 flows to the settling filtration tank 26.

[0053] The flow path L16 connects the sedimentation filtration tank 26 and the middle water tank 30, and is a flow path through which the water treated in the sedimentation filtration tank 26 flows to the middle water tank 30. The flow path L17 connects the supply pump 31 in the middle water tank 30 and the toilet 10, and is a flow path through which the stored water in the middle water tank 30, supplied from the supply pump 31, flows to the toilet 10.

[0054] The disinfectant injection flow path L2 is a flow path for injecting a disinfectant into the water flowing from the settling filtration tank 26 to the middle water tank 30. The disinfectant injection flow path L2 connects a disinfection tank 27 described later to a part of the flow path L16, and is a flow path through which the disinfectant in the disinfection tank 27 flows to the flow path L16. The disinfectant injection flow path L2 has a valve (not shown) and is configured to be able to adjust the amount of disinfectant injected.

[0055] The surplus water flow path L3 connects the middle water tank 30 and the surplus water storage tank 40, and is a flow path through which water overflowing from the middle water tank 30 flows to the surplus water storage tank 40. The external water supply flow path L4 is a flow path for supplying surplus water stored in the surplus water storage tank 40 to the outside. Each flow path of the circulation flow path L1, the disinfectant injection flow path L2, the surplus water flow path L3, and the external water supply flow path L4 are formed in piping such as a hose or a pipe.

[0056] The control device 50 is a device for controlling various operations of the toilet circulating water utilization system S. An example of a hardware configuration of the control device 50 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 2, the control device 50 includes a processor 500, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 501, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 502, a bus 503, an input / output interface 504, an input unit 505, an output unit 506, a storage unit 507, and a power supply 508.

[0057] The processor 500 is the central part of a computer that performs calculations, control, and other processes required for the operation of the control device 50, and performs various calculations, processes, and the like.

[0058] The processor 500 controls each unit to realize various functions of the control device 50 based on programs such as firmware, system software, and application software stored in the ROM 501 or the RAM 502. The processor 500 executes processing based on the programs.

[0059] The processor 500, the ROM 501, and the RAM 502 are connected to one another via a bus 503. An input / output interface 504 is also connected to this bus 503. An input unit 505, an output unit 506, a storage unit 507, a power supply 508, the supply pump 31, the water pump 42, and the chloride ion concentration meter 41a, the sulfate ion concentration meter 41b, and the water level meter 41c of the detection unit 41 are connected to the input / output interface 504. The above configuration is an example, and the supply pump 31 and the like may be connected to the control device 50 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0060] The input unit 505 and the output unit 506 are user interfaces electrically connected to the input / output interface 504 by wire or wirelessly. The input unit 505 is composed of, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, etc., and inputs various information in response to user's instruction operations. The output unit 506 is composed of a display for displaying images, a speaker for amplifying audio, a printer, etc., and outputs images, audio, and printed matter.

[0061] The storage unit 507 is an auxiliary storage device composed of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), etc. The storage unit 507 stores various information such as programs related to various processes and a judgment reference value for judging whether or not to spray on a plant.

[0062] The program stored in the memory unit 507 may be, for example, a program for a toilet circulating water utilization method to be executed by the processor 500 of the toilet circulating water utilization system S, and may be a program for executing a measurement result acquisition step, a judgment step, and a water supply step.

[0063] In this case, the measurement result acquisition step is a step of having the processor 500 execute a process of acquiring information on the concentration of the predetermined substance measured by the detection unit. The determination step is a step of having the processor 500 execute a process of determining whether or not the water in the surplus water storage tank 40 can be sprayed on plants based on the concentration of the predetermined substance measured by the detection unit 41. The water supply step is a step of having the processor 500 execute a process of controlling the water supply pump 42 to supply the water in the surplus water storage tank 40 to the outside as water for supplying plants, when it is determined in the determination step that the water in the surplus water storage tank 40 can be sprayed on plants.

[0064] The functional configuration of the control device 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The control unit 51, which is a functional configuration for performing various controls of the control device 50, is realized by a processor 500 that executes arithmetic processing, executing programs stored in the ROM 501, the RAM 502, the storage unit 507, etc. The control unit 51 in this embodiment has a supply control unit (supply control function) 511, a measurement result acquisition unit (measurement result acquisition function) 512, a memory management unit (memory management function) 513, a judgment unit (judgment function) 514, and a water supply control unit (water supply control function) 515.

[0065] The supply control unit 511 controls the water supply operation of the supply pump 31. For example, the supply control unit 511 controls the supply pump 31 to supply the stored water in the waste water tank 30 to the toilet 10 via the flow path L17.

[0066] The measurement result acquisition unit 512 acquires information on the measurement results measured by the detection unit 41. The chloride ion concentration meter 41a, the sulfate ion concentration meter 41b, and the water level meter 41c of the detection unit 41 are connected to the input / output interface 504 of the control device 50 according to this embodiment, and the measurement result acquisition unit 512 can automatically acquire information on the measurement results measured by the detection unit 41.

[0067] For example, the measurement result acquisition unit 512 executes a process of acquiring information on the concentrations of one or more predetermined substances in the surplus water measured by the detection unit 41. More specifically, the measurement result acquisition unit 512 acquires information on the chloride ion concentration in the surplus water measured by the chloride ion concentration meter 41a of the detection unit 41. The measurement result acquisition unit 512 acquires information on the sulfate ion concentration in the surplus water measured by the sulfate ion concentration meter 41b of the detection unit 41.

[0068] For example, the measurement result acquisition unit 512 acquires information on the level of excess water measured by the water level gauge 41c of the detection unit 41. As described above, in this embodiment, the timing of the measurement step (step S11) described below is determined based on the information on the level of excess water measured by the water level gauge 41c of the detection unit 41. However, the method of determining the timing of the measurement step (step S11) is not limited to this. For example, the measurement step (step S11) may determine whether or not the excess water can be sprayed on the plants at a predetermined time interval. That is, the measurement step (step S11) may be performed periodically. The predetermined time may be, for example, one month.

[0069] The memory management unit 513 executes processes for reading and storing programs, judgment values, and the like from the memory unit 507 for various controls of the processor 500 .

[0070] The determination unit 514 executes a process of determining whether or not the surplus water can be sprayed on the plant based on the concentration of a predetermined substance in the measurement result by the detection unit 41. For example, when the determination value of the chloride ion concentration is a first concentration, the determination unit 514 according to the present embodiment determines that the surplus water can be sprayed on the plant when the chloride ion concentration in the measurement result by the detection unit 41 is less than the first concentration. Moreover, the determination unit 514 according to the present embodiment determines that the surplus water cannot be sprayed on the plant when the chloride ion concentration measured by the detection unit 41 is equal to or greater than the first concentration.

[0071] The first concentration may be, for example, 1,500 mg / L. In this case, the determination unit 514 may determine that the surplus water can be sprayed on the plant when the chloride ion concentration measured by the detection unit 41 is less than 1,500 mg / L. The determination unit 514 may also determine that the surplus water cannot be sprayed on the plant when the chloride ion concentration measured by the detection unit 41 is 1,500 mg / L or more.

[0072] The first concentration is more preferably less than 600 mg / L. In this case, the determination unit 514 may determine that the surplus water can be sprayed on the plant when the chloride ion concentration measured by the detection unit 41 is less than 600 mg / L. The determination unit 514 may also determine that the surplus water cannot be sprayed on the plant when the chloride ion concentration measured by the detection unit 41 is 600 mg / L or more.

[0073] For example, when the judgement value of the sulfate ion concentration is the second concentration, the judgement unit 514 according to the present embodiment judges that the excess water can be sprayed on the plant when the sulfate ion concentration measured by the detection unit 41 is less than the second concentration. Moreover, the judgement unit 514 according to the present embodiment judges that the excess water cannot be sprayed on the plant when the sulfate ion concentration measured by the detection unit 41 is equal to or greater than the second concentration. The second concentration may be, for example, less than 1,000 mg / L. In this case, the judgement unit 514 may judge that the excess water can be sprayed on the plant when the sulfate ion concentration measured by the detection unit 41 is less than 1,000 mg / L. Moreover, the judgement unit 514 may judge that the excess water cannot be sprayed on the plant when the sulfate ion concentration measured by the detection unit 41 is equal to or greater than 1,000 mg / L.

[0074] The water supply control unit 515 executes a process of controlling the water supply operation of the water supply pump 42. For example, when the determination unit 514 determines that the surplus water can be sprayed on plants, the water supply control unit 515 executes a process of controlling the surplus water to be sent to the outside as water to be sprayed on plants.

[0075] The sprinkler device 2 is provided outside the water-circulating toilet 1 and is a device capable of sprinkling excess water sent from the water pump 42 to plants. The sprinkler device 2 is an example of an external device to which the water pump 42 sends excess water as water to be sprinkled on plants.

[0076] <How to use circulating toilet water> Next, a method for utilizing circulating toilet water according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The method for utilizing circulating toilet water according to this embodiment is a method executed in the above-mentioned circulating water toilet 1. The method for utilizing circulating toilet water includes a water storage step (step S10), a measurement step (step S11), a determination step (step S13), and a water delivery step (step S14). The method for utilizing circulating toilet water may also include a measurement result acquisition step (step S12) and a disposal step (step S15).

[0077] The water storage step (step S10) is a step of storing a part of the stored water in the middle water tank 30 in the surplus water storage tank 40. In this embodiment, a part of the water overflowing from the stored water in the middle water tank 30 is configured to flow to the surplus water storage tank 40. As described above, when there is sufficient water to be stored in the middle water tank 30 and it is desired to water plants, a part of the stored water in the middle water tank 30 may be circulated to the surplus water storage tank 40 as necessary. In this case, a water pump may be provided in the middle water tank 30 to circulate the water to the surplus water storage tank 40, or a part of the stored water may be moved to the surplus water storage tank 40 manually.

[0078] The measurement process (step S11) is a process in which the detection unit 41 measures the surplus water in the surplus water storage tank 40. The measurement process (step S11) is performed at a predetermined timing. As described above, the predetermined timing is the timing when the water level of the stored water in the middle water tank 30 exceeds a predetermined amount. As described above, the predetermined timing is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a timing at a predetermined time interval.

[0079] For example, the measurement step (step S11) is a step of measuring the concentration of a predetermined substance by the detection unit 41. For example, the measurement step (step S11) measures the concentration of at least one of chloride ions and sulfate ions by the detection unit 41. In the measurement step (step S11) of this embodiment, the detection unit 41 measures the concentrations of both chloride ions and sulfate ions. More specifically, in the measurement step (step S11), the chloride ion concentration is measured by the chloride ion concentration meter 41a of the detection unit 41. Also, in the measurement step (step S11) of this embodiment, the sulfate ion concentration is measured by the sulfate ion concentration meter 41b of the detection unit 41.

[0080] The measurement result acquisition step (step S12) is a step in which the measurement result acquisition unit 512 of the control device 50 acquires the measurement results obtained by the detection unit 41. In the measurement result acquisition step (step S12) according to this embodiment, the measurement result acquisition unit 512 of the control device 50 acquires the measurement results obtained by both the chloride ion concentration meter 41a and the sulfate ion concentration meter 41b. In the measurement result acquisition step (step S12), the measurement result acquisition unit 512 may acquire the measurement results obtained by the chloride ion concentration meter 41a and the measurement results obtained by the sulfate ion concentration meter 41b that have been manually input to the input unit 505 of the control device 50.

[0081] The determination step (step S13) is a step in which the determination unit 514 of the control device 50 determines whether or not the surplus water in the surplus water storage tank 40 can be sprayed on plants based on the measurement results of the detection unit 41. Specifically, the determination step (step S13) is a step in which the determination unit 514 of the control device 50 compares both the measurement results by the chloride ion concentration meter 41a and the measurement results by the sulfate ion concentration meter 41b acquired by the measurement result acquisition unit 512 with the above-mentioned determination values, respectively, to determine whether or not the surplus water can be sprayed on plants.

[0082] The water supply process (step S14) is a process in which, when the judgment unit 514 judges that the excess water can be sprayed on plants (step S13: YES), the water supply control unit 515 of the control device 50 causes the water supply pump 42 to supply the excess water in the excess water storage tank 40 to the sprinkler device 2 via the external water supply flow path L4.

[0083] The disposal step (step S15) is a step of disposing of the excess water that is determined by the determination unit 514 as being unable to be sprayed on plants. Examples of disposal methods include pumping the water out, sending the water to an external device other than the sprinkler device 2 as landscaping water or water for recreational use, etc.

[0084] For example, in the disposal process (step S15), if the judgment unit 514 judges that the excess water cannot be sprayed on the plants (step S13: NO), a warning may be output on the display or speaker of the output unit 506 to the effect that disposal of the excess water is necessary, and the user may be prompted to pump it out.

[0085] Also, a flow path connected to an external landscaping water sprinkler device and a water supply pump may be separately provided in the surplus water storage tank 40. In this case, in the disposal step (step S15), when the determination unit 514 determines that the surplus water cannot be sprayed on plants, the water supply pump may supply the water to the external landscaping water sprinkler device through the flow path.

[0086] <Experimental Example> Here, an experiment was conducted in which the surplus water determined to be suitable for spraying on plants in the determination step was given to plants to confirm the effect on plant growth. The results of the confirmation will be described below with reference to Figures 5 to 10. The surplus water used had the following water quality: Potassium: 240mg / L Sodium: 590mg / L Chloride ions: 730 mg / L Sulfate ion: 200mg / L Bicarbonate ion: 91mg / L Phosphate ion: 2.0mg / L pH: 7.8

[0087] As described above, the surplus water used in the experiment satisfied the first concentration of chloride ions, less than 1500 mg / L, and the second concentration of sulfate ions, less than 1000 mg / L. For the plant seeds, "Hibikusa Equator Mix, manufactured by Sakata Seed Corporation" was used. For the plant soil, "Seedling soil (with base fertilizer), manufactured by Takii Seed Co., Ltd." was used. Irrigation was performed automatically with tap water once a day under timer control. The growth period was 65 days.

[0088] In addition to the above conditions, the amount of excess water given to the plants was changed to grow them. Specifically, five plants were grown under four conditions: one with excess water given once a week, one with excess water given twice a week, one with excess water given three times a week, and one with no excess water given as a control. The amount of excess water given to the plants each time was 100 ml per 300 ml of soil.

[0089] Under all conditions, the seeds germinated one week after planting and flowered two months later. In addition, as shown in Figures 5 to 9, the number of flower buds, plant height, plant weight (wet weight), plant width, and leaf color (SPAD value) of the plants under each condition at the end of the growth period were confirmed. Leaf color was measured using a chlorophyll meter, and the SPAD value is an index that represents chlorophyll content. The confirmation results are shown in Figures 5 to 9.

[0090] In each graph shown in Figures 5 to 9, the bar graphs show, from the left, the control, the one given excess water once a week, the one given excess water twice a week, and the one given excess water three times a week. Figure 5 is a diagram comparing the average number of flower buds of five plants at the end of the growing period under four conditions. Figure 6 is a diagram comparing the average plant height of five plants at the end of the growing period under four conditions. Figure 7 is a diagram comparing the average plant weight (wet weight) (g) of five plants at the end of the growing period under four conditions. Figure 8 is a diagram comparing the average plant width (cm) of five plants at the end of the growing period under four conditions. Figure 9 is a diagram comparing the average leaf color (SPAD value) of five plants at the end of the growing period under four conditions.

[0091] The number of flower buds produced in the plants where excess water was sprayed exceeded the number of flower buds produced in the plants where excess water was not sprayed (8.8 flower buds).

[0092] The plant height in all cases where surplus water was sprayed was shorter than that in cases where surplus water was not sprayed, but the maximum difference between the three conditions where surplus water was sprayed and the condition where surplus water was not sprayed was about 0.7 cm.

[0093] The plant weight did not depend on the frequency of spraying excess water. The maximum difference in plant weight between the three conditions with and without spraying excess water was about 1.2 cm.

[0094] The results showed that the plant width did not depend on the frequency of spraying surplus water. The maximum difference in plant width between the three conditions where surplus water was sprayed and the condition where surplus water was not sprayed was about 1.2 cm.

[0095] Leaf color (SPAD value) was not affected by the frequency of surplus water application. The maximum difference in leaf color between the three conditions with surplus water application and the condition without surplus water application was about 1.3.

[0096] In addition, the condition of the soil after the growth period was confirmed by measuring EC (electrical conductivity) and pH, as shown in Figure 10. The soil to which surplus water was applied had a higher EC and was presumed to have more salts such as Na than the control soil to which surplus water was not applied, and the pH was also higher, but no growth impairment occurred.

[0097] As described above, the surplus water used in the experiment satisfied the first concentration requirement of less than 1,500 mg / L for chloride ions and the second concentration requirement of less than 1,000 mg / L for sulfate ions, and therefore it was believed that salt damage, a decrease in pH, the generation of hydrogen sulfide, etc. were suppressed, and it was confirmed that there are no problems with using the water for sprinkling.

[0098] The water-circulating toilet according to the present embodiment described above provides the following effects. In a water-circulating toilet, surplus water is generated in the circulating water in the water-circulating toilet due to hand-washing water and human waste from the water supply. Under the Sustainable Development Goals, it is required that the generated surplus water be utilized effectively. While the surplus water contains phosphorus, nitrogen, and the like and can be utilized as liquid fertilizer, it also contains chloride ions, sulfate ions, and the like that are undesirable for planting, making it difficult to utilize the generated surplus water as liquid fertilizer as it is.

[0099] In the water-circulating toilet 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, when the determination unit 514 determines that the sparely stored water can be sprayed on plants, the water supply control unit 515 controls the water supply pump 42 to supply water to the outside for spraying on plants. This makes it possible to provide a water-circulating toilet, a system for utilizing toilet circulating water, and a method for utilizing toilet circulating water that can utilize toilet circulating water more effectively.

[0100] <Other Modifications> The detection unit 41 may have a concentration meter capable of measuring the concentration of the growth-promoting substance, a pH meter, and a turbidity meter. For example, the detection unit 41 may have a concentration meter capable of measuring the concentration of at least one of phosphorus, total nitrogen, and potassium as the growth-promoting substance. In this case, the determination unit 514 may determine whether or not the surplus water can be sprayed on the plant based on at least one of the chloride ion concentration and the sulfate ion concentration, as well as the concentration of a predetermined substance and the concentration of at least one of the growth-promoting substances phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium.

[0101] For example, the detection unit 41 may have a pH meter. In this case, whether or not the surplus water can be sprayed on plants may be determined based on the pH of the surplus water in the surplus water storage tank 40 in addition to at least one of the chloride ion concentration and the sulfate ion concentration.

[0102] For example, the allowable pH range may be set to 5.8 to 8.6. In this case, the determination unit 514 may determine that the surplus water cannot be sprayed on plants when the measurement result of the pH of the surplus water by the detection unit 41 is outside the range of 5.8 to 8.6, and may determine that the surplus water can be sprayed on plants when the measurement result of the pH of the surplus water by the detection unit 41 is within the range of 5.8 to 8.6.

[0103] For example, the detection unit 41 may have a turbidity meter. In this case, the determination unit 514 may determine whether or not the surplus water can be sprayed on plants based on the turbidity of the surplus water in the surplus water storage tank 40 in addition to at least one of the chloride ion concentration and the sulfate ion concentration.

[0104] For example, the judgment value for the turbidity of the excess water may be set to 2. In this case, when the measurement result of the turbidity of the excess water by the detection unit 41 is 2 degrees or more, the judgment unit 514 may judge that the excess water cannot be sprayed on plants, and when the measurement result of the turbidity of the excess water by the detection unit 41 is less than 2 degrees, the judgment unit 514 may judge that the excess water can be sprayed on plants.

[0105] The detection unit 41 may have a configuration capable of detecting E. coli, appearance, residual chlorine, etc., and in that case, the determination unit 514 may determine whether or not the excess water can be sprayed on the plant based on them. For example, the detection unit 41 may have a known sensor capable of detecting the free residual chlorine concentration. In this case, the determination unit 514 may determine whether or not the excess water can be sprayed on the plant based on, for example, the free residual chlorine concentration or the combined residual chlorine concentration. The combined residual chlorine concentration is calculated based on the free residual chlorine concentration detected by the detection unit 41. Specifically, the combined residual chlorine concentration is calculated by the control unit 51 by subtracting the free residual chlorine concentration detected by the detection unit 41 from the total residual chlorine concentration.

[0106] The determination unit 514 may determine whether the free residual chlorine concentration is 0.1 mg / L or the combined residual chlorine concentration is 0.4 mg / L or more. In this case, it may determine that the surplus water cannot be sprayed on plants when the free residual chlorine concentration is less than 0.1 mg / L or the combined residual chlorine concentration is less than 0.4 mg / L, and may determine that the surplus water can be sprayed on plants when the free residual chlorine concentration is 0.1 mg / L or the combined residual chlorine concentration is 0.4 mg / L or more. This ensures that the necessary residual chlorine is secured in the surplus water in the septic tank, suppressing an increase in the coliform bacteria count and preventing it from exceeding a specified number.

[0107] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are merely illustrative and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention. The present invention can take various other embodiments, and further, various modifications such as omissions and substitutions can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention described in this specification, etc., and are included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1. Recirculating water toilet 10. Toilets 20 Purification Processing Section 30 Middle water tank (storage section) 40 Surplus water storage tank (reserve water storage section) 41 Detection unit (concentration measurement unit) 42 Water pump (water supply section) 514 Judgment section 515 Water supply control unit

Claims

1. Toilet, A purification treatment unit that purifies wastewater from the toilet; A water storage unit that stores the water purified by the purification processing unit; A supply unit that supplies the stored water in the water storage unit to the toilet; A reserve water storage section that stores a part of the stored water in the water storage section as reserve stored water; a concentration measuring unit capable of measuring the concentration of one or more predetermined substances contained in the reserve water stored in the reserve water storage unit; A water supply unit that supplies the pre-stored water to the outside; A water supply control unit that controls the water supply unit to supply water to the outside; a determination unit that determines whether or not the pre-stored water can be sprayed on plants based on the concentration of the predetermined substance that is a measurement result by the concentration measurement unit; a water level detection unit for detecting the water level of the reserve water; the determination unit determines whether or not the pre-stored water can be sprayed on plants based on a concentration of the predetermined substance, which is the measurement result at a timing when the water level of the pre-stored water, which is a detection result by the water level detection unit, exceeds a predetermined amount; In the water circulation toilet, when the determination unit determines that the pre-stored water can be sprayed on plants, the water supply control unit controls the pre-stored water to be sent to the outside as water for spraying on plants.

2. Toilet, A purification treatment unit that purifies wastewater from the toilet; A water storage unit that stores the water purified by the purification processing unit; A supply unit that supplies the stored water in the water storage unit to the toilet; A reserve water storage section that stores a part of the stored water in the water storage section as reserve stored water; a concentration measuring unit capable of measuring the concentration of one or more predetermined substances contained in the reserve water stored in the reserve water storage unit; A water supply unit that supplies the pre-stored water to the outside; A water supply control unit that controls the water supply unit to supply water to the outside; a determination unit that determines whether or not the pre-stored water can be sprayed on plants based on the concentration of the predetermined substance that is a measurement result by the concentration measurement unit, the determination unit determines, at predetermined time intervals, whether or not the pre-stored water can be sprayed on plants based on the concentration of the predetermined substance that is the measurement result; In the water circulation toilet, when the determination unit determines that the pre-stored water can be sprayed on plants, the water supply control unit controls the pre-stored water to be sent to the outside as water for spraying on plants.

3. the predetermined substance includes chloride ions, the concentration measuring unit has a chloride ion concentration meter capable of measuring a concentration of chloride ions, The water-circulating toilet of claim 1 or 2, wherein the judgment unit judges that the pre-stored water can be sprayed on plants when the concentration of chloride ions in the measurement result is less than a first concentration, and judges that the pre-stored water cannot be sprayed on plants when the concentration of chloride ions in the measurement result is equal to or greater than the first concentration.

4. the predetermined substance includes sulfate ions, the concentration measuring unit has a sulfate ion concentration meter capable of measuring a concentration of sulfate ions, The circulating water toilet of claim 1 or 2, wherein the judgment unit judges that the pre-stored water can be sprayed on plants when the concentration of sulfate ions in the measurement result is less than a second concentration, and judges that the pre-stored water cannot be sprayed on plants when the concentration of sulfate ions in the measurement result is equal to or greater than the second concentration.

5. the first concentration is less than 1,500 mg / L; The circulating water toilet of claim 3, wherein the judgment unit judges that the pre-stored water can be sprayed on plants when the measurement result of the chloride ion concentration is less than 1,500 mg / L, and judges that the pre-stored water cannot be sprayed on plants when the measurement result of the chloride ion concentration is 1,500 mg / L or more.

6. the second concentration is less than 1,000 mg / L; The circulating water toilet of claim 4, wherein the determination unit determines that the pre-stored water can be sprayed on plants when the measurement result of the concentration of sulfate ions is less than 1,000 mg / L, and determines that the pre-stored water cannot be sprayed on plants when the measurement result of the concentration of sulfate ions is 1,000 mg / L or more.

7. 3. The water-circulating toilet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the purification treatment section includes an anaerobic tank, a contact oxidation tank, a sedimentation tank, a first contact filtration tank chamber, a second contact filtration tank chamber, and a sedimentation filtration tank.

8. The reserve water contains at least one of phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium, which is a growth promoter for promoting plant growth; The concentration measuring unit has a concentration meter capable of measuring the concentration of the growth-promoting substance, The water-circulating toilet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not the pre-stored water can be sprayed on plants based on the concentration of the predetermined substance and the concentration of the growth-promoting substance.

9. the concentration measuring unit has a pH meter capable of measuring pH and a turbidity meter capable of measuring turbidity, The water-circulating toilet according to claim 8 , wherein the determination unit determines whether the pre-stored water can be sprayed onto plants based on the concentration of the predetermined substance, the concentration of the growth-promoting substance, pH, and turbidity of the pre-stored water.

10. The water-circulating toilet according to claim 1 or 2, A toilet circulating water utilization system comprising: a water sprinkler device disposed outside the circulating water toilet and capable of spraying the pre-stored water delivered from the water delivery section onto plants.

11. A method for utilizing circulating water in a water-circulating toilet according to claim 1 or 2, a water storing step of storing a part of the stored water in the water storage section in the auxiliary water storage section; a measuring step of measuring the concentration of the predetermined substance by the concentration measuring unit; a determination step of determining whether or not the pre-stored water can be sprayed on plants based on the concentration of the predetermined substance that is the measurement result in the measurement step; A method for utilizing toilet circulating water, comprising: a water supplying process for controlling the pre-stored water to be supplied to the outside as water for spraying on plants when it is determined in the determination process that the pre-stored water can be sprayed on plants.

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