Toilet System

Abstract

To provide a toilet system capable of suppressing running costs and exhibiting water purification processing capacity immediately required in an emergency.SOLUTION: A toilet system comprises: a self-processing circulation mode during a water failure; and an energy-saving operation mode during normal times, wherein the self-processing circulation mode treats drainage water with a treatment tank and has a flow path that allows obtained treated water to be recycled as washing water, the energy-saving operation mode has a direct drainage operation with the flow path that directs the drainage water to a sewage system, and a limited treatment operation with the flow path for draining the drainage water to the sewage system after passing the drainage water through the treatment tank, and the direct drainage operation and the limited treatment operation are automatically switched by drainage water switching means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a flush toilet system that can be permanently installed inside or outside a building and can be used even when the water supply and sewerage systems are interrupted. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, circulating flush toilet systems and the like have been known as toilets that can be used even when water and sewage systems are unavailable due to a disaster or other reasons. These systems purify wastewater from the toilet bowl within the toilet system, using methods such as aeration, and can reuse the water as flush water.

[0003] Known water purification methods for such circulating flush toilet systems include the activated sludge process, which uses aerobic microorganisms (hereinafter referred to as microorganisms) to treat organic matter in the water. There are also two types of circulating flush toilet systems: temporary systems used only in emergencies such as disasters, and permanent systems used during normal times.

[0004] Permanent recirculating flush toilet systems can be used immediately when needed, as they do not require emergency installation or trial operation. However, permanent recirculating flush toilet systems require the constant operation of equipment such as pumps to circulate the reclaimed water, and blowers and heaters to maintain the microbial water purification process, which can result in high running costs.

[0005] Patent Document 1 describes a toilet system that can switch between flush mode and self-treatment circulation mode. The toilet system described in Patent Document 1 stops circulating water purification operation in flush mode, and switches to self-treatment circulation mode to operate circulating water purification in the event of a disaster or other situation where water and sewerage systems cannot be secured. Therefore, the toilet system described in Patent Document 1 can reduce running costs by operating in flush mode during normal times. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-002490 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Generally, when using such microorganisms for water purification, it is necessary to control the oxygen concentration and water temperature in the treatment layer, and it is also necessary to supply the nutrients necessary for the microorganisms to grow.

[0008] Therefore, in the toilet system described in Patent Document 1, the circulating water purification movement is stopped during normal flush mode operation, so that a nutrient source for microorganisms is not supplied on a daily basis, and the activity of the microorganisms is low. As a result, the toilet system described in Patent Document 1 has the problem of not being able to immediately demonstrate the desired water purification performance immediately after switching to self-treatment circulation mode.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above matters, and its objective is to provide a toilet system that can reduce running costs and can immediately demonstrate the required water purification performance in an emergency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The present invention has been made to achieve the above object and has the following features.

[0011] The toilet system of the present invention is a toilet system that has a self-treatment circulation mode for use during water outages and an energy-saving operation mode for use during normal times, wherein the self-treatment circulation mode has a flow path that purifies wastewater in a treatment tank and allows the resulting treated water to be recycled and used as cleaning water, and the energy-saving operation mode has a direct drainage operation that has a flow path that directly drains wastewater into a sewer, and a limited treatment operation that has a flow path that drains wastewater into a sewer after passing through the treatment tank, and wherein the direct drainage operation and the limited treatment operation are automatically switched between by a drainage switching means.

[0012] Preferably, the toilet system of the present invention automatically switches to the self-treatment circulation mode when a drop in water supply pipe pressure or switching to an emergency power source is detected during the energy-saving operation mode.

[0013] In the toilet system according to the present invention, it is preferable that the flush switching means operates in response to the number of times the flush valve is operated.

[0014] In the toilet system according to the present invention, it is preferable that the drainage switching means is operated by a weight sensor provided in the treatment tank.

[0015] In the toilet system according to the present invention, it is preferable that the drainage switching means is activated by a temperature sensor provided in the treatment tank.

[0016] In the toilet system according to the present invention, it is preferable that the drain switching means is operated by a timer.

[0017] In the toilet system according to the present invention, it is preferable that the drainage switching means is activated by an odor sensor.

[0018] In the toilet system according to the present invention, it is preferable that the drain switching means is operated by a pH sensor.

[0019] In the toilet system of the present invention, it is preferable that the treatment tank is divided into multiple tanks, and that during the limited treatment operation, a flow path is provided that allows wastewater to pass through only some of the multiple treatment tanks before being discharged into the sewer system.

[0020] In the toilet system of the present invention, it is preferable that the treatment tank is installed in a multi-story building, and that in the self-treatment circulation mode, the treatment tank installed on the upper floor is provided with a flow path that uses the purified water as flushing water to be used on the lower floor.

[0021] The above summary of the invention does not list all of the features necessary for the present invention, and subcombinations of these features may also constitute inventions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to the present invention, the system is normally operated in energy-saving operation mode, with limited operation of the water purification function, thereby reducing running costs. Furthermore, because a portion of the excrement from the toilet passes through the treatment tank on a daily basis, the necessary nutrients are supplied to the microorganisms that purify the water, and when the system switches to self-treatment circulation mode, the water purification capacity of the treatment tank can be immediately demonstrated.

[0023] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the energy-saving operation mode and the self-treatment circulation mode are automatically switched on detecting a drop in water supply line pressure or a switch to an emergency power source, so the toilet system can be used immediately even in emergencies such as a water supply or sewerage outage or power outage.

[0024] Furthermore, according to the present invention, in the energy-saving operation mode, direct drainage operation and limited treatment operation are automatically switched by at least one type of drainage switching means, making it easy to manage the water purification capacity in the treatment tank on a daily basis.

[0025] Furthermore, when the toilet system of the present invention is installed in a multi-story building, the treated water purified on the upper floors can be used on the lower floors, thereby reducing the power required for the pump that circulates the treated water as flushing water. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an overall view showing a toilet system according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a case where the device is used in direct drainage operation in the energy-saving operation mode in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a case where the device is used in limited processing operation in the energy saving operation mode in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a case where the device is used in a self-treatment circulation mode in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is an overall view showing a toilet system according to a second embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a case where the device is used in direct drainage operation in the energy-saving operation mode in the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a case where the device is used in limited processing operation in the energy saving operation mode in the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a case where the device is used in a self-treatment circulation mode in a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an overall view showing a toilet system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a case where the device is used in direct drainage operation in the energy-saving operation mode in the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a case where the device is used in limited processing operation in the energy saving operation mode in the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a case where the device is used in a self-treatment circulation mode in a third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Preferred embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the inventions according to the claims, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0028] [First embodiment] FIG. 1 is an overall view showing a toilet system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the first embodiment of the present invention when used in direct drainage operation among the energy-saving operation modes, FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the first embodiment of the present invention when used in limited treatment operation among the energy-saving operation modes, and FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the first embodiment of the present invention when used in self-treatment circulation mode.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, the toilet system 100 according to the first embodiment includes a toilet bowl 3 equipped with a water tank 2, and a treatment tank 30 that purifies wastewater from the toilet bowl 3 using microorganisms.

[0030] The water tank 2 is connected to a water supply line 1 that supplies clean water from the water supply to the water tank 2, and a water return line 40 that supplies treated water that has been purified by the treatment tank 30 to the water tank 2. The water tank 2 can also store the amount of flush water required to flush the toilet 3 once. The flush water stored in the water tank 2 is released into the toilet 3 by operating a flush valve 51 provided on the water tank 2, and waste is flushed out to a downstream process.

[0031] The toilet bowl 3 is connected to a drainage channel 20 that drains flush water poured out of the water tank 2. The toilet bowl 3 may also be equipped with a pH sensor that measures the hydrogen ion concentration index of the wastewater.

[0032] The drainage channel 20 branches into a sewer-side drainage channel 21 that connects to a sewer system and a circulation-side drainage channel 22 that connects to a treatment tank 30.

[0033] A drainage changeover valve 10 for switching the drainage path is provided at the branch point of the sewerage drainage channel 21 and the circulation drainage channel 22, and the drainage changeover valve 10 includes a first drainage valve 11 and a second drainage valve 12.

[0034] The first drain valve 11 is provided on the sewer drainage channel 21 side, and switches the sewer drainage channel 21 between communication and shutoff.

[0035] The second drain valve 12 is provided on the circulation-side drainage channel 22 side, and switches the circulation-side drainage channel 22 between communication and blocking.

[0036] In this embodiment, the first drain valve 11 and the second drain valve 12 may be configured as an integrated three-way valve, or the first drain valve 11 and the second drain valve 12 may be ball valves that are installed independently.

[0037] The drainage switching valve 10 is configured to be switchable between direct drainage operation in which the first drainage valve 11 is open and the second drainage valve 12 is closed, and limited treatment operation in which the first drainage valve 11 is closed and the second drainage valve 12 is open, using a drainage switching means described later.

[0038] The treatment tank 30 has the function of purifying water by using microorganisms to decompose organic matter contained in the wastewater flowing in from the toilet 3. In this embodiment, various types of bacteria, such as Zooglea, Pseudomonas, and Bacillus, are used as microorganisms that decompose organic matter, and protozoa such as Vorticella and rotifers may also be included. In order to purify water using such microorganisms, it is important to supply oxygen to the treatment tank 30 and to control the temperature of the wastewater to be purified in order to keep the microorganisms active. For this reason, the treatment tank 30 is equipped with an aeration pipe 34 that supplies air to the wastewater in the treatment tank 30 and a temperature sensor 53 that controls the atmospheric temperature and water temperature in the treatment tank 30.

[0039] The air diffuser is installed, for example, near the bottom of the treatment tank 30, and supplies air in the form of fine bubbles. The air diffuser is connected to a blower 33 that supplies air to the air diffuser .

[0040] The treatment tank 30 also includes a heater that is used when the temperature sensor 53 detects a drop in the ambient temperature in the treatment tank 30 or the temperature of the wastewater.

[0041] The treatment tank 30 is also equipped with a weight sensor 54 that controls the amount of wastewater flowing into the treatment tank 30 and the amount of sludge after water purification. In addition, the treatment tank 30 may be equipped with, for example, an odor sensor that controls the degree of odor intensity in the treatment tank 30, a dissolved oxygen meter that measures the oxygen concentration in the water in order to control the water purification capacity of the microorganisms in the treatment tank 30, a pH sensor that measures the hydrogen ion concentration index in the water, and the like.

[0042] The treatment tank 30 also includes a circulation pump 36 that pumps the treated water after purification into the water tank 2 via a return water line 40. The treated water pumped up by the circulation pump 36 is the supernatant liquid separated from the sludge after organic matter in the wastewater has been decomposed by microorganisms.

[0043] The treatment tank 30 also includes a treatment tank drainage channel 32 connected to the sewerage drainage channel 21, and a treatment tank drainage valve 31 that opens and closes the treatment tank drainage channel 32.

[0044] In this embodiment, the treatment tank 30 may be divided into, for example, an anaerobic tank that agitates the wastewater without supplying air to release the phosphorus contained in the sludge, an anoxic tank that removes nitrogen, an aeration tank that uses microorganisms to decompose organic matter in the wastewater, and a sedimentation tank that separates the treated water decomposed in the aeration tank into sludge and supernatant liquid by natural settling, and may also be equipped with a physical filtration device, etc.

[0045] Furthermore, the treatment tank 30 may be composed of, for example, a reaction tank filled with chips such as cedar wood, in which organic matter is decomposed by microorganisms in a slightly dry state, and a water storage tank that stores the water that has passed through the reaction tank. The treatment tank 30 may also be composed of such a reaction tank and water storage tank combined with the above-mentioned anaerobic tank, aeration tank, etc.

[0046] The toilet system 100 also includes a timer that is used as one of the drainage switching means for switching between direct drainage operation and limited treatment operation, which will be described later.

[0047] Next, a method of using the toilet system 100 of this embodiment will be described.

[0048] The toilet system 100 of this embodiment can be used in two ways: an energy-saving operation mode that is used during normal times when water and sewerage are available, and a self-treatment circulation mode that is used when water and sewerage are cut off due to a disaster or other reason.

[0049] First, the energy saving operation mode will be described. In the energy saving operation mode in this embodiment, two types of operation methods are used: direct discharge operation and limited treatment operation.

[0050] In the direct drainage operation, the first drainage valve 11 of the drainage switching valve 10 is opened and the second drainage valve 12 is closed. Also, the treatment tank drainage valve 31 is closed. At this time, the circulation pump 36 is kept stopped.

[0051] In the above-described direct drainage operation, a flow path such as that shown in FIG. 2 is formed, and clean water supplied from the water supply to the water tank 2 is drained directly into the sewer after flushing the toilet bowl 3.

[0052] That is, in direct drainage operation, there is a flow path from the water supply via the water supply channel 1, the water tank 2, the toilet 3, the drain channel 20, the first drain valve 11, and the sewer-side drain channel 21 to the sewer.

[0053] On the other hand, in the limited treatment operation, the first drain valve 11 of the drain switching valve 10 is closed and the second drain valve 12 is opened. Also, the treatment tank drain valve 31 is opened. At this time, the circulation pump 36 is kept stopped.

[0054] In the limited treatment operation state described above, a flow path as shown in Figure 3 is formed, and clean water supplied from the water supply to the water tank 2 is discharged into the sewer system after flushing the toilet bowl 3 via the treatment tank 30.

[0055] In other words, in limited treatment operation, the water is passed from the water supply line 1, through the water tank 2, to the toilet 3, and then to the drain. It has a flow path that passes through a waterway 20, a second drain valve 12, a circulation side drainage channel 22, a treatment tank 30, a treatment tank drainage valve 31, a treatment tank drainage channel 32, and a sewer side drainage channel 21 to the sewer.

[0056] In this way, in limited treatment operation, the nutrients necessary for the proliferation of microorganisms during water purification treatment can be supplied by flowing wastewater from the toilet 3 into the treatment tank 30. At this time, the water temperature can be adjusted by a heater, and oxygen can be supplied by a blower 33 and an aeration pipe 34, as appropriate, depending on the activity state of the microorganisms determined from measurements by the temperature sensor 53, odor sensor, and dissolved oxygen meter installed in the treatment tank 30.

[0057] The toilet system 100 of this embodiment has a drainage switching means that automatically switches between direct drainage operation and limited treatment operation in the energy saving operation mode, and is equipped with the method described below as the drainage switching means.

[0058] As an example, the drainage switching means automatically switches between direct drainage operation and limited treatment operation depending on the number of times the flush valve 51 is operated during use in the energy-saving operation mode. In this case, it is preferable to switch between direct drainage operation and limited treatment operation once when the flush valve 51 is operated more than twice, for example.

[0059] In addition, the wastewater switching means, for example, uses a weight sensor 54 provided in the treatment tank 30 to manage the amount of wastewater and sludge in the treatment tank 30 and automatically switch between direct drainage operation and limited treatment operation. In this case, it is preferable to manage the weight inside the treatment tank 30 to be 50% or less of the weight when the tank is full, and switch between direct drainage operation and limited treatment operation.

[0060] Furthermore, as an example, the wastewater switching means determines the activity state of the microorganisms in the treatment tank 30 using a temperature sensor 53 provided in the treatment tank 30, and automatically switches between direct wastewater operation and limited treatment operation. In this case, for example, it is preferable to switch to limited treatment operation when the ambient temperature in the treatment tank 30 is below 30°C, and to switch to direct wastewater operation when the ambient temperature is 30°C or higher. It is also preferable to switch to limited treatment operation when the wastewater temperature in the treatment tank 30 is below 15°C, and to switch to direct wastewater operation when the temperature is 15°C or higher.

[0061] In addition, the drainage switching means, for example, automatically switches between direct drainage operation and limited treatment operation after a certain period of time has elapsed using a timer. In this case, it is preferable to switch between direct drainage operation and limited treatment operation so that the limited treatment operation is in operation for 50% or less of the total usage time of the toilet system 100.

[0062] In addition, as an example, the wastewater switching means determines odor intensity using an odor sensor provided in the treatment tank 30 and automatically switches between direct wastewater operation and limited treatment operation. In this case, for example, if the odor intensity in the treatment tank 30 becomes high, it is preferable to start limited treatment operation and switch between direct wastewater operation and limited treatment operation so that the odor intensity does not exceed an abnormal value.

[0063] Additionally, the wastewater switching means, for example, determines the property of the wastewater using a pH sensor provided in the toilet 3 or the treatment tank 30, and automatically switches between direct drainage operation and limited treatment operation. In this case, for example, if a detergent or the like is used when cleaning the toilet 3, it is preferable to perform direct drainage operation and switch between direct drainage operation and limited treatment operation to prevent substances that have a negative effect on microorganisms from entering the treatment tank 30.

[0064] The drainage switching means may use only one of the above methods or a combination of several of them. Also, the direct drainage operation and the limited treatment operation may be manually switched at any timing.

[0065] As described above, in the energy-saving operation mode, the system automatically switches between direct drainage operation and limited treatment operation, so that only a portion of the wastewater is purified rather than all of the wastewater from the toilet 3. This maintains the activity of microorganisms in the treatment tank 30, but prevents excessive water purification, making it possible to reduce energy consumption.

[0066] Next, the self-processing circulation mode will be described.

[0067] In the self-treatment circulation mode, the first drain valve 11 of the drain switching valve 10 is closed and the second drain valve 12 is opened. Also, the treatment tank drain valve 31 is closed. At this time, the circulation pump 36 is in operation, and the cleaning water stored in the water tank 2 is used. When the water level in the water tank 2 drops, the treated water that has been purified in the treatment tank 30 is supplied to the water tank 2 via the return water line 40.

[0068] In addition, in the self-treatment circulation mode, the supply of clean water from the water supply is cut off, and clean water is not supplied from the water supply line 1 to the water tank 2.

[0069] In the self-treatment circulation mode, a flow path is formed as shown in Figure 4. As shown in Figure 4, flush water stored in water tank 2 flows into treatment tank 30 and is treated for purification after flushing toilet bowl 3. Treated water obtained through the water purification process is supplied to water tank 2 by circulation pump 36 and is used again as flush water.

[0070] In addition, in the self-treatment circulation mode, the heater and blower 33 installed in the treatment tank 30 are operated and appropriately managed so that the water purification capacity of the microorganisms in the treatment tank 30 does not decrease.

[0071] In this embodiment, the system automatically switches between the energy-saving operation mode and the self-treatment circulation mode when a drop in pressure in the water supply line 1 or a switch to an emergency power source is detected. Therefore, even if a disaster occurs and the water supply and sewerage system are cut off, the toilet system can immediately be used in the self-treatment circulation mode.

[0072] Furthermore, as mentioned above, in the energy-saving operation mode under normal circumstances, the microorganisms in the treatment tank 30 are always kept in an active state, so that even when the mode is switched to the self-treatment circulation mode, the water purification capacity can be immediately demonstrated.

[0073] [Second embodiment] The toilet system 100 according to the first embodiment described above is a toilet system that performs water purification using a single treatment tank 30 and can be used by switching between an energy-saving operation mode and a self-treatment circulation mode. Next, the toilet system 200 according to the second embodiment will be described as a toilet system having a different configuration from the first embodiment. Note that components that are the same as or similar to those in the first embodiment described above are assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0074] Figure 5 is an overall view showing a toilet system according to a second embodiment of the present invention, Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the case where the toilet system is used in direct drainage operation in the energy-saving operation mode in the second embodiment of the present invention, Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the case where the toilet system is used in limited treatment operation in the energy-saving operation mode in the second embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the case where the toilet system is used in self-treatment circulation mode in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] As shown in Figure 5, the toilet system 200 of the second embodiment includes a toilet 3 with a water tank 2, and a first treatment tank 60 and a second treatment tank 70 that purify wastewater from the toilet 3 using microorganisms.

[0076] The drain switching valve 10 connected to the toilet bowl 3 via the drainage channel 20 is provided with a first drain valve 11 and a second drain valve 12, as in the first embodiment, and is operable to perform a direct drain operation in which the first drain valve 11 is opened and the second drain valve 12 is closed, and a direct drain operation in which the first drain valve 11 is closed and the second drain valve 12 is closed. The water discharge switching means described later can switch between the limited treatment operation with the valve 12 open and the limited treatment operation with the valve 12 open.

[0077] In this embodiment, the first drain valve 11 and the second drain valve 12 may be configured as an integrated three-way valve, or the first drain valve 11 and the second drain valve 12 may be ball valves that are installed independently.

[0078] The first and second treatment tanks 60 and 70 have the function of using microorganisms to decompose organic matter contained in wastewater flowing in from the toilet 3 and perform water purification. In this embodiment, various types of bacteria, such as Zooglea, Pseudomonas, and Bacillus, are used as microorganisms that decompose organic matter. Other types of protozoa, such as Vorticella and Rotifers, may also be used. To perform water purification using such microorganisms, it is important to supply oxygen to the first and second treatment tanks 60 and 70 and to control the temperature of the wastewater undergoing purification in order to maintain the activity of the microorganisms. Therefore, the first treatment tank 60 includes an air diffuser 64 that supplies air to the wastewater in the first treatment tank 60 and a temperature sensor 153 that controls the atmospheric temperature and water temperature in the first treatment tank 60. The second treatment tank 70 includes an air diffuser 74 that supplies air to the wastewater in the second treatment tank 70 and a temperature sensor 253 that controls the atmospheric temperature and water temperature in the second treatment tank 70.

[0079] The aeration pipes 64 and 74 are installed, for example, near the bottom of the first treatment tank 60 and the second treatment tank 70, respectively, and supply air in the form of fine bubbles. The aeration pipes 64 and 74 are connected to blowers 63 and 73 that supply air to the respective aeration pipes. The aeration pipes 64 and 74 may be capable of independently starting and stopping the supply of air, or may both be capable of simultaneously starting and stopping the supply of air. Therefore, the blowers connected to the aeration pipes 64 and 74 may be two independent blowers 63 and 73, respectively, or one common blower may be used and the destination of the air supply may be changed using a known switching means.

[0080] The first treatment tank 60 and the second treatment tank 70 are provided with heaters that are used when a drop in the ambient temperature in the treatment tank or the temperature of the wastewater is detected by the temperature sensors 153 and 253, respectively.

[0081] The first treatment tank 60 and the second treatment tank 70 are also equipped with weight sensors that monitor the amount of wastewater flowing into the treatment tanks and the amount of sludge after water purification. In addition, the first treatment tank 60 and the second treatment tank 70 may be equipped with, for example, an odor sensor that monitors the odor intensity in the first treatment tank 60 and the second treatment tank 70, a dissolved oxygen meter that measures the oxygen concentration in the water in order to monitor the water purification capacity by microorganisms, a pH sensor that measures the hydrogen ion concentration index in the water, and the like.

[0082] As described above, both the first treatment tank 60 and the second treatment tank 70 have a water purification function using microorganisms, but the capacity of the second treatment tank 70 for water purification is set to be larger than the capacity of the first treatment tank 60. In this embodiment, the capacity of the first treatment tank 60 is configured to be, for example, half or less of the capacity of the second treatment tank 70.

[0083] The first treatment tank 60 is also connected to the second treatment tank 70 via an inter-treatment tank valve 69. The first treatment tank 60 is also provided with a first treatment tank drainage channel 62 connected to the sewer-side drainage channel 21, and a first treatment tank drainage valve 61 that opens and closes the first treatment tank drainage channel 62.

[0084] The second treatment tank 70 is equipped with a circulation pump 76 that pumps treated water after purification treatment into the water tank 2 via the return water line 40. The treated water pumped up by the circulation pump 76 is the supernatant liquid separated from the sludge after organic matter in the wastewater has been decomposed by microorganisms. The second treatment tank 70 is provided with a second treatment tank drainage channel 72 connected to the sewerage drainage channel 21, and a second treatment tank drainage valve 71 that opens and closes the second treatment tank drainage channel 72.

[0085] In this embodiment, the first treatment tank 60 and the second treatment tank 70 may be divided into, for example, an anaerobic tank that agitates the wastewater without supplying air to release the phosphorus contained in the sludge, an anoxic tank that removes nitrogen, an aeration tank that decomposes organic matter in the wastewater using microorganisms, and a sedimentation tank that separates the treated water decomposed in the aeration tank into sludge and supernatant liquid by natural settling, and a physical filtration device or the like may also be installed.

[0086] Furthermore, the first treatment tank 60 and the second treatment tank 70 may be composed of, for example, a reaction tank filled with chips such as cedar wood and used to decompose organic matter using microorganisms in a slightly dry state, and a water storage tank that stores the water that has passed through the reaction tank. The first treatment tank 60 and the second treatment tank 70 may be composed of a reaction tank and a water storage tank combined with the above-mentioned anaerobic tank, aeration tank, etc.

[0087] The toilet system 200 also includes a timer that is used as one of the drainage switching means for switching between the direct drainage operation and the limited treatment operation, which will be described later.

[0088] Next, a method of using the toilet system 200 of this embodiment will be described.

[0089] Like the toilet system 100 of the first embodiment, the toilet system 200 of this embodiment can be used in two ways: an energy-saving operation mode used during normal times when water and sewerage are available, and a self-treatment circulation mode used when water and sewerage are cut off due to a disaster or other reason.

[0090] First, the energy saving operation mode will be described. In the energy saving operation mode in this embodiment, two types of operation methods are used: direct discharge operation and limited treatment operation.

[0091] In direct drainage operation, the first drainage valve 11 of the drainage switching valve 10 is opened and the second drainage valve 12 is closed. Also, the first treatment tank drainage valve 61, the second treatment tank drainage valve 71, and the treatment tank inter-valve 69 are closed. At this time, the circulation pump 76 is kept stopped.

[0092] In the above-described direct drainage operation state, a flow path as shown in FIG. 6 is formed, and clean water supplied from the water supply to the water tank 2 is drained directly into the sewer after flushing the toilet bowl 3.

[0093] That is, in direct drainage operation, there is a flow path from the water supply via the water supply channel 1, the water tank 2, the toilet 3, the drain channel 20, the first drain valve 11, and the sewer-side drain channel 21 to the sewer.

[0094] On the other hand, in limited treatment operation, the first drain valve 11 of the drain switching valve 10 is closed and the second drain valve 12 is opened. Also, the first treatment tank drain valve 61 is opened and the treatment tank inter-valve 69 and the second treatment tank drain valve 71 are closed. At this time, the circulation pump 76 is kept stopped.

[0095] In the above-mentioned limited treatment operation state, a flow path as shown in Figure 7 is formed, and the clean water supplied from the water supply to the water tank 2 is discharged into the sewer system after flushing the toilet bowl 3 via the treatment tank 60.

[0096] In other words, in limited treatment operation, the flow path runs from the water supply through a water supply line 1, a water tank 2, a toilet 3, a drainage line 20, a second drainage valve 12, a circulation side drainage line 22, a treatment tank 60, a first treatment tank drainage valve 61, a first treatment tank drainage line 62, and a sewer side drainage line 21 to the sewer.

[0097] In this way, in limited treatment operation, the nutrient source necessary for the proliferation of microorganisms during water purification treatment can be supplied by flowing wastewater from the toilet 3 into the first treatment tank 60. At this time, the water temperature can be adjusted by a heater or oxygen can be supplied by a blower 63 as appropriate, depending on the activity state of the microorganisms determined from the measurements of the temperature sensor 153, odor sensor, and dissolved oxygen meter installed in the treatment tank 60.

[0098] The toilet system 200 of this embodiment has a drainage switching means that automatically switches between direct drainage operation and limited treatment operation in the energy saving operation mode, and is equipped with the method described below as the drainage switching means.

[0099] As an example, the drainage switching means automatically switches between direct drainage operation and limited treatment operation depending on the number of times the flush valve 51 is operated during use in the energy-saving operation mode. In this case, it is preferable to switch between direct drainage operation and limited treatment operation once when the flush valve 51 is operated more than twice, for example.

[0100] In addition, the wastewater switching means, for example, uses a weight sensor provided in the treatment tank 60 to manage the amount of wastewater and sludge in the treatment tank 60 and automatically switch between direct drainage operation and limited treatment operation. In this case, it is preferable to manage the weight inside the treatment tank 60 to be 50% or less of the weight when it is full, and switch between direct drainage operation and limited treatment operation.

[0101] Furthermore, as an example, the wastewater switching means determines the activity state of the microorganisms in the treatment tank 60 using a temperature sensor 153 provided in the treatment tank 60, and automatically switches between direct wastewater operation and limited treatment operation. In this case, for example, it is preferable to switch to limited treatment operation when the ambient temperature in the treatment tank 60 is below 30°C, and to switch to direct wastewater operation when the temperature is 30°C or higher. It is also preferable to switch to limited treatment operation when the wastewater temperature in the treatment tank 60 is below 15°C, and to switch to direct wastewater operation when the temperature is 15°C or higher.

[0102] In addition, the drainage switching means, for example, automatically switches between direct drainage operation and limited treatment operation after a certain period of time has elapsed using a timer. In this case, it is preferable to switch between direct drainage operation and limited treatment operation so that the limited treatment operation is in operation for 50% or less of the total usage time of the toilet system 200.

[0103] In addition, as an example, the wastewater switching means determines odor intensity using an odor sensor provided in the treatment tank 60 and automatically switches between direct wastewater operation and limited treatment operation. In this case, for example, if the odor intensity in the treatment tank 60 becomes high, it is preferable to start limited treatment operation and switch between direct wastewater operation and limited treatment operation so that the odor intensity does not exceed an abnormal value.

[0104] Additionally, the wastewater switching means, for example, determines the quality of the wastewater using a pH sensor provided in the toilet 3 or the treatment tank 60, and automatically switches between direct drainage operation and limited treatment operation. In this case, for example, if a detergent or the like is used when cleaning the toilet 3, it is preferable to perform direct drainage operation and switch between direct drainage operation and limited treatment operation to prevent substances that have a negative effect on microorganisms from entering the treatment tank 60.

[0105] The drainage switching means may use only one of the above methods or a combination of several of them. Also, the direct drainage operation and the limited treatment operation may be manually switched at any timing.

[0106] As described above, in the energy-saving operation mode, the system automatically switches between direct drainage operation and limited treatment operation, so that only a portion of the wastewater is purified rather than all of the wastewater from the toilet 3. This maintains the activity of microorganisms in the treatment tank 60, but prevents excessive water purification, making it possible to reduce energy consumption.

[0107] Next, the self-processing circulation mode will be described.

[0108] In the self-treatment circulation mode, the first drain valve 11 of the drain switching valve 10 is closed and the second drain valve 12 is opened. The second drain valve 12 is opened. In addition, the inter-treatment tank valve 69 is opened to connect the first treatment tank 60 and the second treatment tank 70, and the first treatment tank drain valve 61 and the second treatment tank drain valve 71 are closed. At this time, the circulation pump 76 is in operation, and the flushing water stored in the water tank 2 is used. When the water level in the water tank 2 drops, the treated water that has been purified in the first treatment tank 60 and the second treatment tank 70 is supplied to the water tank 2 via the return water line 40.

[0109] In addition, in the self-treatment circulation mode, the supply of clean water from the water supply is cut off, and clean water is not supplied from the water supply line 1 to the water tank 2.

[0110] In the self-treatment circulation mode, a flow path is formed as shown in Figure 8. As shown in Figure 8, flush water stored in the water tank 2 flows into the first treatment tank 60 and the second treatment tank 70 after flushing the toilet bowl 3, and is treated for water purification. The treated water obtained by the water purification process is supplied to the water tank 2 by the circulation pump 76, and is used again as flush water.

[0111] In addition, in the self-treatment circulation mode, the heaters and blowers 63, 73 installed in the first treatment tank 60 and the second treatment tank 70 are operated and appropriately managed so that the water purification capacity of the microorganisms in the first treatment tank 60 and the second treatment tank 70 does not decrease.

[0112] In this embodiment, the energy-saving operation mode and the self-treatment circulation mode are automatically switched over when a drop in pressure in the water supply line 1 or a switch to an emergency power source is detected. Therefore, even if a disaster occurs and water supply and sewerage are cut off, the toilet system can immediately be used in the self-treatment circulation mode.

[0113] Furthermore, as described above, in the energy-saving operation mode under normal circumstances, the microorganisms in the first treatment tank 60 are always kept in an active state, and when the operation mode is switched to the self-treatment circulation mode, wastewater containing active microorganisms flows into the second treatment tank 70, making it possible to immediately demonstrate a large-capacity water purification capacity. In the energy-saving operation mode, the second treatment tank 70 stores cleaning water to be used in the self-treatment circulation mode. The cleaning water stored at this time may be tap water, rainwater, or well water. In the energy-saving operation mode, it is preferable to periodically replace the cleaning water stored in the second treatment tank 70 to prevent spoilage.

[0114] Furthermore, the capacity of the first treatment tank 60, which operates the water purification function in the energy-saving operation mode, may be the minimum capacity necessary to ensure the amount of microorganisms necessary to immediately perform the water purification process performed in both the first treatment tank 60 and the second treatment tank 70 when switched to the self-treatment circulation mode. Therefore, the heater and blower 63 for activating the microorganisms in the first treatment tank 60 can be of the minimum required output, making it possible to reduce energy consumption during normal operation.

[0115] [Third embodiment] The toilet systems 100 and 200 according to the first and second embodiments described above are toilet systems used in a single toilet. Next, the toilet system 300 according to the third embodiment will be described as a toilet system having a different configuration from the first and second embodiments. Note that configurations that are the same as or similar to those of the first and second embodiments described above will be assigned the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0116] Figure 9 is an overall view showing a toilet system according to the third embodiment of the present invention, Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the case where the toilet system is used in direct drainage operation in the energy-saving operation mode in the third embodiment of the present invention, Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the case where the toilet system is used in limited treatment operation in the energy-saving operation mode in the third embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the case where the toilet system is used in self-treatment circulation mode in the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0117] As shown in Figure 9, the toilet system 300 of the third embodiment is a toilet system used in a building with multiple floors, such as a residential apartment building or a commercial building, and is equipped with an elevated water tank 6 installed on the top floor to store flushing water, a clean water pump 4 that pumps clean water from the water supply to the elevated water tank 6, a water tank 7 installed at the same height as the lowest floor or lower than the lowest floor to store purified treated water, a treated water pump 8 that pumps the treated water stored in the water tank 7 to the elevated water tank 6, toilet systems 300a, 300b, 300x installed on each floor, and a main drainage channel 130 that runs vertically through the floors and carries wastewater from the toilet systems on each floor to the sewer system.

[0118] The elevated water tank 6 is connected to a pumping channel 5 to which clean water is supplied from the water supply system, and a return channel 9 to which treated water stored in the water tank 7 is supplied. The elevated water tank 6 is also connected to a water supply channel 80 that supplies the stored flush water to the toilet systems installed on each floor.

[0119] The pumping channel 5 is connected to a drinking water pump 4 that can pump water to an elevated water tank 6 installed on the top floor, and a pressure gauge 55 is provided upstream of the drinking water pump 4 to detect a drop in water supply pressure.

[0120] The water supply channel 80 branches into a floor-to-floor water supply channel 81a connected to the toilet system 300a located on the top floor, and a floor-to-floor communication water supply channel 82 that passes vertically through the floors.

[0121] A water supply switching valve 90 for switching the flush water route is provided at the branch point between the each floor water supply channel 81a and the level communication water supply channel 82, and the water supply switching valve 90 comprises a first water supply valve 91a and a second water supply valve 92.

[0122] The first water supply valve 91a is provided on the side of the water supply passage 81a on each floor, and switches between communication and cut-off of the water supply passage 81a on each floor.

[0123] The second water supply valve 92 is provided on the side of the tier communication water supply passage 82, and switches the tier communication water supply passage 82 between communication and cut-off.

[0124] As shown in Figure 9, the floor-communicating water supply channel 82 branches into a floor-specific water supply channel 81b that is connected to a toilet system installed on each floor, and connects to a floor-specific water supply channel 81x on the lowest floor. Although not shown in Figure 9, the floor-specific water supply channel 81b branches off from the floor-communicating water supply channel 82 so as to connect to toilet systems installed on all floors except the top and bottom floors of a multi-story building. The floor-specific water supply channels 81b and 81x are equipped with water supply valves 91b and 91x that switch between communication and shutoff of the respective water supply channels.

[0125] The toilet systems installed on each floor, for example, toilet system 300a installed on the top floor, include a toilet bowl 3a with a water tank 2a, and a treatment tank 30a that purifies wastewater from the toilet bowl 3a using microorganisms, as shown in Figure 9.

[0126] The water tank 2a is connected to a water supply line 81a on each floor that supplies flush water from the elevated water tank 6 to the water tank 2a. The water tank 2a can store the amount of flush water required to flush the toilet bowl 3a once. The flush water stored in the water tank 2a is released into the toilet bowl 3a by operating the flush valve provided on the water tank 2a, flushing the waste to a downstream process.

[0127] The toilet bowl 3a is connected to a drainage channel 20a that drains flush water poured out of the water tank 2a. The toilet bowl 3a may also be equipped with a pH sensor that measures the hydrogen ion concentration index of the wastewater.

[0128] The drainage channel 20a branches into a sewer-side drainage channel 21a that connects to the main drainage channel 130, and a circulation-side drainage channel 22a that connects to the treatment tank 30a.

[0129] A drainage changeover valve 10a for switching the drainage route is provided at the branch point of the sewerage drainage channel 21a and the circulation drainage channel 22a, and the drainage changeover valve 10a includes a first drainage valve 11a and a second drainage valve 12a.

[0130] The first drain valve 11a is provided on the sewer drainage channel 21a side, and switches between communication and blocking of the sewer drainage channel 21a.

[0131] The second drain valve 12a is provided on the circulation-side drainage channel 22a side, and switches between communication and blocking of the circulation-side drainage channel 22a.

[0132] In this embodiment, the first drain valve 11a and the second drain valve 12a may be configured as an integrated three-way valve, or the first drain valve 11a and the second drain valve 12a may be ball valves that are installed independently.

[0133] The drainage switching valve 10a is configured to be switchable between direct drainage operation in which the first drainage valve 11a is open and the second drainage valve 12a is closed, and limited treatment operation in which the first drainage valve 11a is closed and the second drainage valve 12a is open, using a drainage switching means described below.

[0134] The treatment tank 30a has the function of purifying water by decomposing organic matter contained in wastewater flowing in from the toilet 3a using microorganisms. In this embodiment, various types of bacteria, such as Zooglea, Pseudomonas, and Bacillus, are used as microorganisms that decompose organic matter. Other types of protozoa, such as Vorticella and Rotifers, may also be used. To purify water using such microorganisms, it is important to supply oxygen to the treatment tank 30a and to control the temperature of the wastewater being purified in order to maintain the activity of the microorganisms. Therefore, the treatment tank 30a is equipped with an air diffuser that supplies air to the wastewater in the treatment tank 30a and temperature sensors that control the atmospheric temperature and water temperature in the treatment tank 30a.

[0135] The air diffuser installed in the treatment tank 30a is installed, for example, near the bottom of the treatment tank 30a, and supplies air in the form of fine bubbles. The air diffuser is connected to a blower that supplies air to the air diffuser.

[0136] The treatment tank 30a is also provided with a heater that is used when a temperature sensor detects a drop in the ambient temperature in the treatment tank 30a or in the temperature of the wastewater.

[0137] The treatment tank 30a is also equipped with a weight sensor that controls the amount of wastewater flowing into the treatment tank 30a and the amount of sludge after water purification. In addition, the treatment tank 30a may be equipped with, for example, an odor sensor that controls the odor intensity in the treatment tank 30a, a dissolved oxygen meter that measures the oxygen concentration in the water in order to control the water purification capacity of the microorganisms in the treatment tank 30a, or a pH sensor that measures the hydrogen ion concentration index in the water.

[0138] The treatment tank 30a is connected to a treatment tank drainage channel 110a, which sends the treated water that has been purified in the treatment tank 30a to a downstream process. The treated water sent to the downstream process is the supernatant liquid that has been separated from the sludge after organic matter in the wastewater has been decomposed by microorganisms.

[0139] The treatment tank drainage channel 110a is connected to the sewage side treatment tank drainage channel 111a which is connected to the main drainage channel 130, and the circulation side treatment tank drainage channel 112a which is connected to the water tank 2b of the toilet system 300b on the lower floor. It is branched.

[0140] At the branch point between the sewage side treatment tank drainage channel 111a and the circulation side treatment tank drainage channel 112a, a treatment tank drainage switching valve 120a is provided to switch the drainage path, and the treatment tank drainage switching valve 120a includes a first treatment tank drainage valve 121a and a second treatment tank drainage valve 122a.

[0141] The first treatment tank drain valve 121a is provided on the sewage treatment tank drainage channel 111a side, and switches between communication and blocking of the sewage treatment tank drainage channel 111a.

[0142] The second treatment tank drain valve 122a is provided on the side of the circulation-side treatment tank drainage channel 112a, and switches between communication and blocking of the circulation-side treatment tank drainage channel 112a.

[0143] In this embodiment, the first treatment tank drain valve 121a and the second treatment tank drain valve 122a may be configured as an integrated three-way valve, or the first treatment tank drain valve 121a and the second treatment tank drain valve 122a may each be a ball valve installed independently.

[0144] The treatment tank drainage switching valve 120a is configured to be switchable between direct drainage operation in which both the first treatment tank drainage valve 121a and the second treatment tank drainage valve 122a are closed, and limited treatment operation in which the first treatment tank drainage valve 121a is open and the second treatment tank drainage valve 122a is closed, using a drainage switching means described below.

[0145] In this embodiment, the toilet system 300a installed on the top floor is configured as described above. The toilet system 300b located on a floor below the top floor differs from the toilet system 300a installed on the top floor in that the circulation-side treatment tank drainage channel 112a, which supplies treated water obtained in the treatment tank on the upper floor, is connected to the water tank 2b, but the other configurations are the same.

[0146] In addition, the toilet system 300x installed on the bottom floor differs from the toilet system 300a installed on the top floor in that, in addition to the above differences, the circulation side treatment tank drainage channel 112x is connected to the water tank 7, but the other configurations are similar.

[0147] The water tank 7 is installed at the same height as the lowest floor or lower than the lowest floor, and stores treated water that has been purified in the treatment tank 30x on the lowest floor. The water tank 7 also includes a treated water pump 8 that pumps the stored treated water to the elevated water tank 6 via a return water channel 9 that runs vertically through the floors.

[0148] In this embodiment, the treatment tanks 30a, 30b, and 30x installed on each floor may be divided into, for example, an anaerobic tank that agitates the wastewater without supplying air to release the phosphorus contained in the sludge, an anoxic tank that removes nitrogen, an aeration tank that decomposes organic matter in the wastewater using microorganisms, and a sedimentation tank that separates the treated water decomposed in the aeration tank into sludge and supernatant liquid by natural settling, and may also be equipped with a physical filtration device, etc.

[0149] The treatment tanks 30a, 30b, and 30x installed on each floor may be composed of, for example, a reaction tank filled with chips such as cedar wood and used to decompose organic matter using microorganisms in a slightly dry state, and a water storage tank for storing the water that has passed through the reaction tank.The treatment tanks 30a, 30b, and 30x installed on each floor may be composed of a combination of such a reaction tank and water storage tank with the above-mentioned anaerobic tank or aeration tank.

[0150] The toilet system 300 also has a function for switching between a direct drainage operation and a limited treatment operation, which will be described later. It is equipped with a timer that is used as one of the drainage switching means.

[0151] Next, a method of using the toilet system 300 of this embodiment will be described.

[0152] The toilet system 300 of this embodiment, like the toilet systems 100 and 200 of the first and second embodiments, can be used in two ways: an energy-saving operation mode used during normal times when water and sewerage are available, and a self-treatment circulation mode used when water and sewerage are cut off due to a disaster or other reason.

[0153] First, the energy saving operation mode will be described. In the energy saving operation mode in this embodiment, two types of operation methods are used: direct discharge operation and limited treatment operation.

[0154] In direct drainage operation, the first water supply valve 91a and second water supply valve 92 of the water supply switching valve 90 and the water supply valves 91b and 91x of each floor are opened. Also, the first drainage valves 11a, 11b, and 11x of the drainage switching valves 10a, 10b, and 10x are opened, and the second drainage valves 12a, 12b, and 12x are closed. Also, the first treatment tank drainage valves 121a, 121b, and 121x and the second treatment tank drainage valves 122a, 122b, and 122x of the treatment tank drainage switching valves 120a, 120b, and 120x are closed. At this time, the treated water pumping pump 8 is stopped.

[0155] In the above-mentioned direct drainage operation state, a flow path as shown in Figure 10 is formed, and clean water stored in the elevated water tank 6 from the water supply is supplied to the water tanks 2a, 2b, 2x of the toilet systems on each floor, and after flushing the toilet bowls 3a, 3b, 3x, it is drained directly into the sewer system via the main drainage channel 130.

[0156] On the other hand, in limited treatment operation, the first water supply valve 91a and second water supply valve 92 of the water supply switching valve 90 and the water supply valves 91b and 91x of each floor are opened. Also, the first drainage valves 11a, 11b, and 11x of the drainage switching valves 10a, 10b, and 10x are closed, and the second drainage valves 12a, 12b, and 12x are opened. Also, the first treatment tank drainage valves 121a, 121b, and 121x of the treatment tank drainage switching valves 120a, 120b, and 120x are opened, and the second treatment tank drainage valves 122a, 122b, and 122x are closed. At this time, the treated water pumping pump 8 is stopped.

[0157] In the above-mentioned limited treatment operation state, a flow path as shown in Figure 11 is formed, and clean water stored in the elevated water tank 6 from the water supply is supplied to the water tanks 2a, 2b, 2x of the toilet systems on each floor, and after flushing the toilet bowls 3a, 3b, 3x, it is discharged into the sewer system via the treatment tanks 30a, 30b, 30x and the main drainage channel 130.

[0158] In this way, during limited treatment operation, wastewater from toilets 3a, 3b, and 3x is flowed into treatment tanks 30a, 30b, and 30x on each floor, providing nutrients necessary for the proliferation of microorganisms during water purification. Furthermore, depending on the activity of microorganisms as determined from measurements by temperature sensors, odor sensors, and dissolved oxygen meters installed in treatment tanks 30a, 30b, and 30x, water temperature can be adjusted by a heater or oxygen can be supplied by a blower.

[0159] The toilet system 300 of this embodiment has a drainage switching means that automatically switches between direct drainage operation and limited treatment operation in the energy saving operation mode, and is equipped with the method described below as the drainage switching means.

[0160] The drainage switching means may be, for example, a means for switching between the operation of a flush valve in use in the energy-saving operation mode. In this case, for example, in the toilet system on each floor, it is preferable to switch between direct drainage operation and limited treatment operation once when the flush valve is operated more than twice.

[0161] In addition, the wastewater switching means, for example, uses weight sensors provided in the treatment tanks 30a, 30b, and 30x to manage the amount of wastewater and sludge in the treatment tanks 30a, 30b, and 30x, and automatically switches between direct drainage operation and limited treatment operation as needed. In this case, it is preferable to manage the weight in the treatment tank to be 50% or less of the weight when the tank is full, and switch between direct drainage operation and limited treatment operation.

[0162] Furthermore, as an example, the wastewater switching means determines the activity state of the microorganisms in the treatment tanks 30a, 30b, and 30x using temperature sensors installed in the treatment tanks 30a, 30b, and 30x, and automatically switches between direct wastewater operation and limited treatment operation as necessary. In this case, it is preferable to switch to limited treatment operation when the ambient temperature in the treatment tank is below 30°C, and to switch to direct wastewater operation when the ambient temperature is 30°C or higher. It is also preferable to switch to limited treatment operation when the wastewater temperature in the treatment tank is below 15°C, and to switch to direct wastewater operation when the ambient temperature is 15°C or higher.

[0163] In addition, the drainage switching means, for example, automatically switches between direct drainage operation and limited treatment operation after a certain period of time has elapsed using a timer. In this case, it is preferable to switch between direct drainage operation and limited treatment operation so that the limited treatment operation is in operation for 50% or less of the total usage time of the toilet system on each floor.

[0164] In addition, the drainage switching means, for example, determines the odor intensity using an odor sensor installed in the treatment tank and automatically switches between direct drainage operation and limited treatment operation. In this case, for example, when the odor intensity in the treatment tank becomes high, it is preferable to start limited treatment operation and switch between direct drainage operation and limited treatment operation so that the odor intensity does not exceed an abnormal value.

[0165] In addition, the wastewater switching means, for example, determines the liquid property of the wastewater using a pH sensor installed in the toilet or treatment tank, and automatically switches between direct drainage operation and limited treatment operation. In this case, for example, if a detergent or the like is used when cleaning the toilet, it is preferable to perform direct drainage operation and switch between direct drainage operation and limited treatment operation to prevent substances that have a negative effect on microorganisms from entering the treatment tank.

[0166] In addition, such switching between direct drainage operation and limited treatment operation can be performed for each floor's toilet system according to the condition of the treatment tank installed on each floor, or it can be performed simultaneously for the toilet systems of the entire building.

[0167] The drainage switching means may use only one of the above methods or a combination of several of them. Also, the direct drainage operation and the limited treatment operation may be manually switched at any timing.

[0168] As described above, in the energy-saving operation mode, the system automatically switches between direct drainage operation and limited treatment operation, so that instead of treating all of the wastewater from the toilets 3a, 3b, and 3x, only a portion of the wastewater is treated. This maintains the activity of microorganisms in the treatment tanks 30a, 30b, and 30x, but prevents excessive water treatment, thereby reducing energy consumption.

[0169] Next, the self-processing circulation mode will be described.

[0170] In the self-treatment circulation mode, the first water supply valve 91a and the second water supply valve 92 of the water supply switching valve 90 are opened, and the water supply valves 91b and 91x of each floor are closed. Also, the first drain valves 11a, 11b and 11x of the drainage switching valves 10a, 10b and 10x are closed, and the second drain valves 12a, 12b and 12x are opened. Also, the first treatment tank drain valves 121a, 121b and 121x of the treatment tank drainage switching valves 120a, 120b and 120x are closed, and the second treatment tank drain valves 122a, 122b and 122x are opened. At this time, the treatment The water pumping pump 8 is in operation, and the cleaning water stored in the elevated water tank 6 is used. When the water level in the elevated water tank 6 drops, the treated water stored in the water tank 7 is supplied to the elevated water tank 6 via the return water line 9.

[0171] In the self-treatment circulation mode, the supply of clean water from the water supply is cut off, and clean water is not supplied from the pumping channel 5 to the elevated water tank 6.

[0172] In the self-treatment circulation mode, the flow path shown in Figure 12 is formed. As shown in Figure 12, wastewater used to flush toilets 3a and 3b on each floor except the bottom floor flows into treatment tanks 30a and 30b installed in the toilet system on each floor, where it is purified and then supplied as treated water to water tanks 2b and 2x on the lower floors, where it is used again as flush water. In toilet system 300x on the bottom floor, wastewater used to flush toilet 3x flows into treatment tank 30x, where it is purified and then supplied as treated water to water tank 7.

[0173] In addition, if there is a difference in the number of times the toilet systems on each floor are used and the amount of treated water supplied from the upper floors is insufficient, in order to maintain a balance in the amount of circulating flush water, the water supply valves 91b and 91x on each floor can be opened and the flush water stored in the elevated water tank 6 can be supplied to the water tanks 2b and 2x on each floor.

[0174] In addition, in the self-treatment circulation mode, the heaters and blowers installed in the treatment tanks 30a, 30b, and 30x installed on each floor are operated and appropriately managed to prevent a decrease in the water purification capacity of the microorganisms in the treatment tanks 30a, 30b, and 30x.

[0175] In this embodiment, the energy-saving operation mode and the self-treatment circulation mode are automatically switched when a drop in water supply pressure is detected by the pressure gauge 55 or when a switch to an emergency power source is detected. Therefore, even if a disaster occurs and the water supply and sewerage are cut off, the toilet system can immediately be used in the self-treatment circulation mode.

[0176] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the energy-saving operation mode under normal circumstances, the microorganisms in the treatment tanks 30a, 30b, and 30x on each level are always kept in an active state, so that even when the mode is switched to the self-treatment circulation mode, the water purification capacity can be immediately demonstrated.

[0177] In addition, in this embodiment, the treated water that has been purified on each floor is used as flush water for flushing the toilets on the floors below, so the toilet systems on each floor do not need pumps to circulate the treated water. This means that the number of circulation pumps in the entire toilet system 300 can be reduced, and the energy consumption required to circulate the treated water can be reduced.

[0178] In the third embodiment, we have explained the case where one treatment tank is installed in the toilet system on each floor, but the configuration of the treatment tank is not limited to the above, and as explained in the second embodiment, the treatment tank of the toilet system on each floor may be divided into two.

[0179] In the above description, the flush water stored in the water tank or elevated water tank 6 is described as clean water from the water supply or treated water, but the water used as flush water is not limited to this, and rainwater or well water, for example, may also be used. In this case, rainwater is supplied to the water tank or elevated water tank 6 through a flow path separate from the clean water from the water supply. It is clear from the claims that such modified or improved embodiments are also included within the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0180] 1 water supply channel, 2 water tank, 3 toilet, 4 water pump, 5 pumping channel, 6 Elevated water tank, 7 Storage tank, 8 Treated water pump, 9 Return water channel, 10 Drainage switching valve, 11 First drainage valve, 12 Second drainage valve, 20 Drainage channel, 21 Sewage side drainage channel, 22 Circulation side drainage channel, 30 Treatment tank, 31 Treatment tank drainage valve, 32 Treatment tank drainage channel, 33, 63, 73 Blower, 34, 64, 74 Aeration pipe 36,76 Circulation pump, 40 Return water channel, 51 Flush valve, 53,153,253 Temperature sensor, 54 Weight sensor, 55 Pressure gauge, 60 First treatment tank, 61 First treatment tank drain valve, 62 First treatment tank drainage channel, 69 Valve between treatment tanks, 70 second treatment tank, 71 second treatment tank drain valve, 72 second treatment tank drainage channel, 80 water supply channel, 81a each floor water supply channel, 82 floor-connecting water supply channel, 90 water supply switching valve, 91a first water supply valve, 91b, 91x water supply valve, 92 second water supply valve, 110a treatment tank drainage channel, 111a sewage side treatment tank drainage channel, 112a circulation side treatment tank drainage channel, 120a treatment tank drainage switching valve, 121a first treatment tank drainage valve 122a Second treatment tank drain valve, 130 Main drain, 100, 200, 300 Toilet system.

Claims

1. A toilet system that has a self-treatment circulation mode during water outages and an energy-saving operation mode during normal times, The self-processing circulation mode is The treatment tank purifies wastewater and provides a flow path for recycling the treated water as cleaning water. The energy-saving operation mode is Direct drainage operation with a flow path that drains wastewater directly into the sewer; and a limited treatment operation including a flow path for discharging the wastewater into a sewer after passing through the treatment tank, A toilet system characterized in that the direct drainage operation and the limited treatment operation are automatically switched over by a drainage switching means.

2. The toilet system of claim 1, wherein when a drop in water supply pipe pressure or switching to an emergency power source is detected during the energy-saving operation mode, the system automatically switches to the self-treatment circulation mode.

3. 3. The toilet system according to claim 1, wherein the drainage switching means operates in response to the number of times the flush valve is operated.

4. 4. The toilet system according to claim 1, wherein the drainage switching means is actuated by a weight sensor provided in the treatment tank.

5. 5. The toilet system according to claim 1, wherein the drainage switching means is activated by a temperature sensor provided in the treatment tank.

6. 6. The toilet system according to claim 1, wherein the drain switching means is operated by a timer.

7. 7. The toilet system according to claim 1, wherein the drainage switching means is activated by an odor sensor.

8. 8. The toilet system according to claim 1, wherein the drainage switching means is activated by a pH sensor.

9. The treatment tank is divided into a plurality of sections, The toilet system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, during the limited treatment operation, the toilet system is provided with a flow path that allows wastewater to pass through only some of the multiple treatment tanks before being discharged into a sewer system.

10. The treatment tank is installed in a multi-story building, A toilet system as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that in the self-treatment circulation mode, the toilet system is provided with a flow path that uses treated water purified by the treatment tank installed on the upper floor as flushing water to be used on the lower floor.

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