Water reuse device for reusing the used water in the bathroom as the used water of a toilet with a washing 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 an apparatus for collecting water used as tap water (hereinafter referred to as "city water") in a bathroom equipped with a washbasin, and then reusing the collected water as service water for a toilet with a flush valve. More specifically, relatively clean water generated when taking a shower or washing the face is collected and stored in a storage tank, and then reused as toilet flushing water for a toilet with a flush valve, thereby not only effectively saving water resources but also suppressing environmental pollution.

Background Art

[0002] Under the water supply law of South Korea, the term "water-saving device" in the use of the water supply system was first mentioned in the amendment of the water supply law (newly established article on the obligation to install water-saving devices) on March 28, 2001. And on May 14, 2013, the installation deadline of water-saving devices was set for existing specific buildings, and it was time to impose fines on some citizens who did not comply with the enforcement order, which shows how important water conservation is.

[0003] Generally, when taking a shower, washing the face or hands, or using tap water in the kitchen, etc., one uses a shower or washbasin provided in the shower room or bathroom, etc. In this case, in case of generating highly contaminated wastewater at the washbasin, a water tap and a ball valve are installed at the lower end of the washbasin. When the ball valve is opened in case of generating highly contaminated wastewater, it is discharged to the outside through the lower outlet pipe. Also in the kitchen, after making another hole at the bottom of the sink, the washing water of the sink is discharged to the sewer pipe as it is now. When producing clean and clear water for washing fruits, etc., the original sewer drain pipe of the sink, i.e., the lower sewer pipe, is blocked with the current lid, and is stored in a newly installed water collection tank through the drain outlet of the sink connected to the water collection tank. In this process, foreign matters, i.e., hair, etc. may be generated in the washbasin or sink, etc., and a filter screen is installed at the lower part of the water collection inlet of the water collection tank where solid organic matters may be inhaled.

[0004] In this way, a large amount of tap water is used for showers, face washing, hand washing, in the kitchen, etc. Such tap water is obtained by purifying river water, rainwater, etc. and sent to each household, office, etc. through the tap water line. Many kinds of facilities and costs are required in such purification and transportation stages.

[0005] Therefore, since tap water is charged in the form of paying a fee set per liter, it is possible to ensure the protection of the water source and stable water quality through taxes.

[0006] However, as described above, since tap water is made using river water, rainwater, etc., when water resources are not abundant, serious difficulties will be experienced in the operation of tap water. Also, the above-mentioned tap water is classified as sewage, which is a pollutant when taking a shower or washing one's face. Such sewage also has to go through various purification processes through sewage treatment facilities, resulting in corresponding costs and environmental pollution.

[0007] Also, looking at the results of a survey conducted by the World Resources Institute (WRI) in 2019, 17 countries around the world are facing extreme water problems, and it is said that 2 billion people are experiencing water shortages, leading to conflicts and social instability. The water shortage problem is related to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. By 2030, which is a Sustainable Development Goal, it is necessary to improve the efficiency of water use in all fields, ensure sustainable intake and supply of fresh water to solve the water shortage problem, and significantly reduce the number of people suffering from water shortages.

[0008] It is known that when taking a normal shower, about 40 - 60 liters of water is consumed, 10 - 20 liters of water is consumed when washing one's face, and 2 - 4 liters of water is also used when washing hands.

[0009] Furthermore, in addition to the service water used in showers and face washing as described above, the most commonly used application of service water is in ordinary toilets. Thus, the above toilets are equipped with a water tank of approximately 6 to 13 liters, and 6 to 13 liters of service water are used each time they are flushed. For this reason, based on a family of four, the average daily usage frequency for defecation and urination is around 10 times, and a significant amount of service water is consumed from the above toilets.

[0010] As described above, the usage amount of service water has a tendency to increase significantly due to the frequent use of showers, face washing, and toilets. Along with this, the facilities and equipment for stably supplying service water are also expanding. Therefore, various systems, equipment, or devices for suppressing the usage amount of service water as described above have been developed, and among them, the development of water-saving toilets has been studied more actively.

[0011] As the use of water as described above increases, the demand for reuse also increases as the amount of water discarded into the sewage increases.

[0012] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a more fundamental water-saving method rather than a systematic or physical restriction method for service water whose usage amount gradually increases.

[0013] By the way, while researching and examining this case, the applicant of the present invention examines the following clauses of the "Act on Promotion and Support for Water Reuse". There seem to be too many limiting factors and significant problems in business. Inquired in October 2017 and received a reply from the Ministry of Environment (Domestic Sewage Division - 3300) on October 25, 2017. As a result, it was found that each of the following articles is a law applicable to the reuse of a large amount of sewage in large buildings, etc., and has no relation to the content of the patent. Therefore, more efforts are being made in the research and development of the intermediate water supply system.

[0014] Act on Promotion and Support for Water Reuse

[0015] Article 9 (Installation and Management of Intermediate Water Supply System)

[0016] Article 18 (Lower - Registration of Design and Construction Businesses for Wastewater Treatment Water Reuse Facilities, etc.)

[0017] Enforcement Decree of the Act on Promotion and Support of Water Reuse

[0018] Article 11 (Installation Targets and Management of Greywater Systems)

[0019] Article 18 (Lower - Registration, etc. of Design and Construction Businesses for Wastewater Treatment Water Reuse Facilities, etc.)

[0020] Enforcement Regulations of the Act on Promotion and Support of Water Reuse

[0021] Article 5 (Declaration and Confirmation of Greywater System Installation)

[0022] Article 7 (Facility and Management Standards of Greywater Systems)

[0023] Article 8 (Water Quality Standards of Greywater Systems)

[0024] Article 9 (Safety and Water Quality Inspection, etc. of Greywater Systems)

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

[0026] According to the breakdown document of the explanation materials on the obligation to install water - saving equipment and water - saving devices of the Water Supply Policy Division of the Ministry of Environment, a national agency, in August 2013 due to the amendment of the Waterworks Act on November 14, 2011 (expansion of the scope of objects and strengthening of standards for installing water - saving devices) and the mandatory implementation of the Waterworks Act on May 14, 2013, the types of both toilets are defined as follows.

[0027]

[0028]

[0029] Prior Art Documents Patent Documents (Patent Document 0001) Republic of Korea Registered Patent No. 10 - 0929478 (Registered on November 24, 2009)

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0030] The present invention stores the used water generated from showers, washbasins, and kitchens in a water collection tank embedded in or exposed on the indoor floor. And it is equipped with a storage tank connected to the water collection tank for storing the used water. The used water in the storage tank is configured to be connected to a small water tank through a discharge pipe. However, through the function of the water level sensor inside these water collection tanks and the conveyance pipe connected to the pump, the used water is stored in the storage tank, and through the function of the water level sensor in the storage tank, the operation of the pump, and the solenoid valve, the used water in the storage tank is reused as the flushing water for a flush toilet equipped with a flushing valve to which a toilet bowl flushing valve with a small water tank is attached. The object of the present invention is to provide a water reuse device for this purpose.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0031] The applicant of the present invention has invented and registered a water collection device that includes a water collection tank embedded in the indoor floor as in Registered Patent No. 10-0929478, 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. Through the operation of the water level sensor in these tanks, the pump and the solenoid valve attached to the pipeline connecting these tanks, the used water generated from showers, washbasins, etc. can be reused as flushing water, and by collecting the used water generated during relatively less polluted showers, face washing, or hand washing, it is possible not only to achieve economic gains through reasonable water conservation but also to significantly reduce environmental pollution.

[0032] However, some of the various types of bidets installed in the world are bidets with a cleaning valve that cannot be solved by the applicant's Patent No. 10-0929478 of the present invention. In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, a certain part of the equipment of Patent No. 10-0929478 is utilized. There is a small water tank above the toilet cleaning valve. A pressure pump, A and B water level sensors, and a human sensor are installed in the small water tank. The water collection tank and the storage tank are connected by a transfer pipe connected to the pump. The structure is to supply 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. When the B water level sensor confirms that there is no water in the small water tank, the storage tank pump is operated while opening the first solenoid valve. When it is sensed by the A water level sensor in the small water tank, 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 of water and a person enters the toilet, the human sensor activates the pressure pump. After the person finishes using the toilet and presses the precipitation handle attached to the bidet with a cleaning valve, the water in the small water tank is discharged to the bidet with a cleaning valve by the pressure pump. When the B water level sensor senses that the water has been discharged, the pump in the storage tank is operated while interrupting the pressure pump to replenish water to the small water tank until the A water level sensor is sensed. When the water level sensor in the storage tank confirms that there is water at the upper part, the water shut-off valve is always closed. When the water level sensor in the storage tank is at the lower part and confirms that there is no water, the water shut-off valve is always opened.

[0034] Based on the B water level sensor, when it is confirmed that there is no water in the small water tank and the water level sensor in the storage tank is at the lower part and there is no water, even if a person enters the toilet, the human sensor does not activate the pressure pump. The water shut-off valve connected to the water supply is open. After the person finishes using the toilet and presses the precipitation handle, the water supply supplies water to the bidet with a cleaning valve, and at this time, the backflow prevention valve functions to prevent the water supply from flowing back into the small water tank through the pressure pump pipe.

Effects of the Invention

[0035] The present invention can recover the used water generated during showering with relatively low pollution level and during face washing and hand washing, and reuse it as flushing water in a toilet with a flushing valve, so it is very effective in greatly reducing environmental pollution as well as achieving economic benefits through reasonable water conservation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0036]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0037] The terms or words used in this specification and the claims should not be construed as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms in order to explain his invention in the best way, they must be expressed in meanings and concepts that conform to the technical idea of the present invention.

[0038] The device according to the present invention is composed of a water collection tank (10) embedded or exposed on the indoor floor of a bathroom or the like, a small water tank (32) that can always supply water from the water collection tank (10) to the storage tank (20) and receive water from the storage tank (20), and a toilet with a flushing valve (30) to which a toilet flushing valve is attached.

[0039] The above-mentioned water collection tank (10) functions as a reservoir for effectively collecting the used water generated from a shower, a washbasin, a kitchen, etc., and inside it is formed by a water level sensor (11), a drain pipe (12), and a filter net (12-1). The above-mentioned water level sensor (11) can detect the water level of the used water inside the water collection tank (10), and various generalized forms of water level sensors can be applied. Also, the above-mentioned drain pipe (12) is designed to automatically discharge excess inflowing used water other than the used water sent to the storage tank (20) through the sewage line when the amount of used water collected in the water collection tank (10) increases rapidly. To ensure stable collection and storage of the used water flowing into the water collection tank (10), the tip of the above-mentioned drain pipe (12), that is, the upper end, is positioned slightly higher than the water level sensor (11). That is, to enable rapid and effective discharge of the excess inflowing used water.

[0040] The above-mentioned storage tank (20) can be fixedly installed on the ceiling of a bathroom, washroom, etc. If there is an empty space in a bathroom, washroom, etc., a pedestal can be made to place it horizontally or vertically. Inside, a water level sensor (21) is installed, and a pump (23) can also be installed in case water supply to a public toilet and multiple bidets is required simultaneously. In particular, the reason for fixedly installing the above-mentioned storage tank (20) on the indoor ceiling is that there is a bathroom, a narrow space like a shower room, etc. Besides the purpose of effectively installing it in such places, the storage tank (20) is located at a higher position than the small water tank (32). Due to the water pressure difference between them, the used water in the storage tank (20) is naturally provided to the small water tank (32).

[0041] At this time, the above-mentioned water collection tank (10) and storage tank (20) are connected to each other through another transfer pipe (14). A pump (13) is installed on the above-mentioned transfer pipe (14), and by driving the pump (13), the used water in the water collection tank (10) at a lower position is forcibly transported into the storage tank (20) at a higher position.

[0042] In addition, in order to more effectively collect the used water generated during showering, the above-mentioned water collection tank (10) forms a connection with another perforated net (15) on the upper surface. When the water collection tank (10) is buried so that the above-mentioned perforated net (15) is exposed on the indoor floor surface, the used water generated during showering can be automatically collected through the above-mentioned perforated net (15), which is more effective.

[0043] Inside the small water tank (32), a pressurizing pump (38) for discharging water from the toilet is provided and 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) for checking whether the water in the small water tank (32) is full is installed on the upper part of the small water tank (32). A B water level sensor (35) for checking that there is no water after draining water with the toilet is installed at the lower part of the small water tank (32). A person detection sensor (37) for a person to confirm entry into the toilet is installed on the front surface of the small water tank (32). A check valve (34) is connected to the end of the discharge port (33-3) of the pressurizing pump (38), and a hole is made between the water pressure regulating valve (41-1) and the piston for the cleaning valve (33-1) to connect the check valve (34) attached to the pressurizing pump. A water shut-off valve (41) is installed between the city water supply pipe (31) and the water pressure regulating valve (41-1).

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

[0045] When the small water tank (32) is full of water and a person enters the toilet, the human presence sensor (37) activates the pressure pump (38). After the person finishes using the toilet and presses the rain handle (33) attached to the toilet with a flushing valve (30), the water in the small water tank (32) is discharged into the toilet with a flushing valve (30). When the B water level sensor (35) senses that there is no water after the water is discharged, the pressure pump (38) is stopped, and the pump (23) is activated to replenish water until the A water level sensor (36) senses full water. A drain pipe (57) is provided to prevent the water in the small water tank (32) from overflowing due to the malfunction of the pump (23). The upper part of the drain pipe (57) is set at a position slightly higher than the position of the A water level sensor (36), and the end of the drain pipe is connected to both toilet water discharge pipes, so that the service water flowing into the small water tank (32) can be stably recovered and stored, while ensuring rapid and effective discharge of the excessively flowing service water.

[0046] When the pull-up ball of the water level sensor (21) in the storage tank (20) is at the lower part and it is confirmed that there is no water, the city water shut-off valve (41) is always open.

[0047] Based on the B water level sensor (35), it is confirmed that there is no water in the small water tank (32). When the water level sensor (21) in the storage tank (20) confirms that there is no water, even if a person enters the toilet, the human presence sensor (37) does not activate the pressure pump (38). Based on the water level sensor (21), the city water shut-off valve (41) connected to the city water is open. After the person finishes using the toilet and presses the rain handle (33), the city water is supplied to the toilet with a flushing valve (30). At this time, the check valve prevents the city water from flowing back into the small water tank (32) through the pressure pump (38).

[0048] As a result, not only can the used water generated during showering be effectively recovered, but the used water as described above can be sufficiently stored in a storage tank (20) having a relatively large internal space. Also, when the amount of water stored in the storage tank (20) is insufficient for a plurality of flush toilets (30) with washing valves, a plurality of storage tanks (20) are provided and reused as the washing water for the flush toilets (30) with washing valves. Therefore, the amount of water used from the city water supply can be significantly reduced, contributing to economic reduction and prevention of environmental pollution.

[0049] Such a water collection device of the present invention collects the washing used water generated from a washstand (50) provided in a bathroom, a toilet, etc. as shown in the illustration of FIG. 1, and enables it to be utilized as the washing water for a flush toilet with a washing valve. By connecting the drain pipe (51) provided in the existing washstand (50) to the water collection tank (10), various used waters used for purposes such as face washing, hand washing, etc. generated at the washstand (50) are collected in the above-mentioned water collection tank (10), and such used water can be transferred from the water collection tank (10) to the inside of the storage tank (20) and stored. In such a case, in preparation for the occurrence of highly contaminated wastewater at the washstand, a water supply tee (52) and a ball valve (53) are attached to the washstand drain pipe. When highly contaminated wastewater occurs, when the ball valve (53) is opened, it is immediately discharged to the outside through the sewer pipe (54). Also, after making separate holes in the floor of the sink (55) in the kitchen, the contaminated water in the sink is discharged to the sewer pipe (54) as it is now. When producing clean and clear water, the original drain pipe of the sink (55) is blocked with the current lid, and is stored in the water collection tank (10) through the reused water pipe (56) connected to the newly installed water collection tank. Foreign substances, i.e., hair, etc. may be generated or solid organic substances may be sucked in during the storage process. A filter net (12-1) is installed at the water inlet of the water collection tank.

[0050] Therefore, various used waters generated during showering, face washing, kitchen work, etc. can be effectively recovered, and the used water thus recovered can be reused as the washing water for the flush toilet (30) with a washing valve, which is very economical and environmentally friendly.

[0051] The embodiments described in the specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings as above are merely the most preferred embodiment of the present invention. However, since they do not entirely represent the technical idea of the present invention, it must be understood that materials that can replace them have been presented.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0052] 10: Water collection tank (storage capacity 20 liters) 11: Water level sensor 12: Drain pipe 12-1: Filter screen 13: Pump 14: Conveying pipe 15: Piercing net 20: Storage tank (storage capacity 80 liters) 21: Water level sensor 22: Discharge pipe 23: Pump 30: Toilet with flushing valve 31: Water supply pipe 32: Small water tank (12 cm × 30 cm long × 25 cm high, capacity 9 liters) 33: Flushing handle 33-1: Piston for flushing valve 34: Backflow prevention valve 35: B water level sensor 36: A water level sensor 37: Human detection sensor 38: Pressure pump 39: Drain pipe for both toilets 40: First solenoid valve 41: Water shut-off valve 41-1: Water pressure regulating valve 50: Washbasin 51: Drain pipe 52: Tee for water supply 53: Ball valve 54: Sewer pipe 55: Sink 56: Reclaimed water pipe 57: Drain pipe

Claims

【Claim 1】 A water reuse device for reusing the used water used in a bathroom or a kitchen as the flushing water of a toilet with a flushing valve, A water collection tank (10) for collecting the used water for reuse as the flushing water of both toilets, A storage tank (20) supplied with the used water stored in the water collection tank (10) and having a water level sensor (21), A small water tank (32) located at a position lower than the storage tank (20) and having an A water level sensor (36) capable of checking the full water level of the used water and a B water level sensor (35) capable of checking the depletion of the used water, A discharge pipe (22) connecting between the storage tank (20) and the small water tank (32), A pump (23) installed in the storage tank (20) for supplying the used water in the storage tank (20) to the small water tank through the discharge pipe (22), A human sensor (37) installed on the front surface of the small water tank (32) for checking that a person has entered the toilet, A first solenoid valve (40) installed in the discharge pipe (22) for starting or blocking the supply of the 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 check valve (34) provided at the end of the discharge port of the pressure pump (38) communicating with the pipeline between the flushing valve piston (33-1) and the water pressure regulating valve (41-1), and It is configured to include a water supply cutoff valve (41) provided between the water supply pipe (31) for the flushing valve and the water pressure regulating valve (41-1) for starting or blocking the supply of the service water to both toilets, When the water in the small water tank (32) is full and a person enters the toilet, the human sensor (37) activates the pressure pump (38). After the person finishes using the toilet, when the precipitation handle (33) attached to the toilet with a flushing valve (30) is pushed, the used water in the small water tank (32) is discharged to the toilet with a flushing valve (30). After the water is discharged, when the B water level sensor (35) in the small water tank (32) senses the depletion of the used water, the pressure pump (38) is interrupted, and while the first solenoid valve (40) is opened, the pump (23) in the storage tank is activated to supply the used water to the small water tank (32). When the full water level is sensed by the A water level sensor (36) of the small water tank (32), the operation of the pump (23) is stopped and the first solenoid valve (40) is blocked. When the B 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) also confirms the absence of water, even if a person enters the toilet, the human presence sensor (37) does not activate the pressure pump (38). Since the water supply shut-off valve (41) connected to the water supply is open by the water level sensor (21), when a person presses the flushing handle (33) after finishing their duties, the water supply is discharged into the toilet with a flushing valve (30), and the check valve (34) prevents the water supply from flowing back into the small water tank (32) via the pressure pump (38). To prevent water from overflowing into the small water tank (32) due to malfunction of the pump (23), a drain pipe (57) is provided in the small water tank (32). The upper end of the drain pipe (57) is configured to be at a position higher than the position of the A water level sensor (36), and the lower end of the drain pipe (57) is connected to the toilet water discharge pipe (39), so that the used water that flows into the small water tank (32) excessively is discharged quickly and effectively. A water reuse device characterized by this configuration.

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