AU2018236793B2

AU2018236793B2 - Wastewater management system for vehicles and related method

Info

Publication number: AU2018236793B2
Application number: AU2018236793A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Mark Mulders; Tijs Slezak; Jacco Van Beek; Mitchell van de Sande; Ruud VAN DEN HEIJKANT; Didier van Riel; Wilco Wessels
Original assignee: Thetford BV
Current assignee: Thetford BV
Priority date: 2018-09-27
Filing date: 2018-09-27
Publication date: 2022-05-26
Anticipated expiration: 2038-09-27
Also published as: AU2021257921B2; AU2021257894A1; AU2021257921A1; AU2021257894B2; AU2018236793A1; AU2021257935A1; AU2021257935B2

Abstract

A wastewater management system 10 includes a black water tank 12 for holding black wastewater and a grey water tank 14 for holding grey wastewater. The system 10 may additionally include a filter 62 for filtering suspended solids from the grey water; a first conduit 64 between the grey water tank 14 and the filter 62; a second conduit 66 between the filter 62 and a toilet 22, and a third conduit 68 between the filter 68 and the black water tank 12, the third conduit 68 associated with a valve 26; and a fourth conduit 69 between the filter 62 and the grey water tank 14, the fourth conduit 69 associated with the valve 26. The system 10 further includes a control sub-system 38 in communication with the valves 26 for controlling valves 26 to deliver filtered grey water to the toilet 22 for flush and to periodically clean the filter 62 of captured solids and deliver the captured solids to the black water tank 12. A related method for managing wastewater within a recreational vehicles with the wastewater management system 10, an apparatus for delivering wastewater from a recreational vehicles to a drain and an additive sub-system 54 for wastewater management system of a vehicle are also provided. Further, the present teachings relate to a system 10 including a housing associated with a toilet 22, the housing including a valve and a macerator pumping arrangement 34 including a macerator 34a and a pump 34b that work independently from one another, the macerator 34a including a plurality of macerating knives 37 driven by a first motor 35a, the pump 34b providing positive pressure , the macerator pumping arrangement 34 is operative in a macerating mode and a pumping mode, such that the first motor 35a first drives the macerating knives 37 to macerate the waste and subsequently, the pump 34b pumps the waste out of the housing 34a. 1/11 --------------------------- 0 10 ---- ----------- (N8 m - o alEpC tu"'F te CMC o o o -- cn N

Description

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WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR VEHICLES AND RELATED METHOD FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wastewater management

system for vehicles. The present disclosure also relates to a wastewater management

method for vehicles.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The statements in this section merely provide background

information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0003] In the recreational vehicle or motor home industry, for example, it is

common to incorporate a waste management system having at least a permanent waste

holding tank. More commonly, RVs are outfitted with two such independent tanks: a

"black water" tank for holding semi solid human waste and a grey water tank for holding

wastewater from sinks and showers, for example. It is also known to equip an RV with a

waste management system having a holding tank that is removable from the RV for

emptying and cleaning. Boats and other vehicles may be equipped with similar waste

management systems.

SUMMARY

[0004] While known sanitation systems for vehicles may have proven to be

successful for their intended purposes, a continuous need for improvement remains in

the pertinent art.

[0004a] The invention provides a wastewater management system for

vehicles. The system may include a wastewater management system for a

vehicle, the wastewater management system comprising: a black water tank for

holding black water; a grey water tank for holding grey water; at least one three

way valve for routing grey water from the grey water tank; a first conduit between

the grey water tank and the at least one three-way valve; and a second conduit

between the at least one three-way valve and the black water tank, the at least

one three-way valve selectively operable to route grey water from the grey water

tank to the black water tank, wherein the wastewater management system further

comprises a filter for filtering solids from the grey water positioned between the

grey water tank and the at least one three-way valve, the filter in fluid

communication with the grey water tank and the at least one three-way valve for

delivering unfiltered solids to the black water tank; and a control sub-system

including a controller for selectively controlling the at least one three-way valve to

deliver captured solids to the black water tank.

[0004b] The invention also provides a method for managing wastewater of a

vehicle with the wastewater management system of the preceding paragraph.

[0005] The present teachings are generally related to various aspects of a

wastewater management system for a recreational vehicle or other vehicle.

[0006] The present teachings more particularly provide a system for

managing wastewater of a vehicle such as an RV that makes disposal of waste (black

and grey) water more hygienic, safe and convenient. Through a single discharge nozzle

that connects to the black water tank, emptying of all waste from all waste tanks, without spilling, on any types of connection to a wastewater infrastructure is provided. Any observable odor of the waste will be less dominant than in existing situations because of reduced expose to the waste water, controlled use of additives, and regular mixing of wastewater.

[0007] The present teachings additionally provide a system for managing

wastewater of a vehicle such as an RV which increases the time period between each

black water discharge moment by more effective control of chemical and biochemical

decomposition processes by mixing the waste in the tanks regularly with continuous and

precisely dosed additives, and by reusing grey water to flush the toilet, thereby reducing

waste and reducing usage of fresh water.

[0008] The system re-uses water from the grey water tank to flush the toilet

to reduce fresh water usage, and to reduce the volume of wastewater. Solids may be

filtered out from the grey water and the grey water may be treated with additives. The

use of additives to control the system is made more convenient, accurate and safe by

replacing manual dosage with an intelligent and automated dosing system that doses

additives as required.

[0009] The vehicle manufacturer is given freedom of placing a toilet

practically anywhere in the vehicle by eliminating the traditional, removable waste

holding tank and replacing the traditional, removable waste holding tank with a smart

macerator and positive pressure pump that uses much less water than traditional

macerator toilets and pumps out through very tiny diameter tubing. The reduced tubing

diameters lead to reduced dead volumes of waste. This also allows the toilet to be

movable in the vehicle.

[0010] The system provides the user information about the status of the

wastewater management system, based on real time data measured in the system and

provides communication via a user interface panel or portable smart device application.

[0011] The system reduces the fouling of the wastewater tank walls,

extending system life and reducing problems associated with fouling such as odor

nuisance and clogging by using appropriately formulated additives dosed as needed and

by cleaning the black water tank with grey water upon each discharge.

[0012] The system combines discharging of black water and grey water

into one action, speeding up the process by eliminating many manual actions such as:

carrying the traditionally heavy (±20kg) waste holding tank to the dump location, pouring

the unpleasant content into the dump spot, cleaning the inside of the waste holding tank,

uncontrolled dosing of new additives, adding a start volume of water to the tank and

placing back the waste holding tank in the vehicle.

[0013] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a wastewater

management system for vehicles. The system may include a black water tank for

holding black wastewater and a grey water tank for holding grey wastewater. The

system additionally includes a filtering device for filtering suspended solids from the grey

water; a first conduit between the grey water tank and the filter; a second conduit

between the filter and the toilet, the second conduit associated with a first valve; and a

third conduit between the filter and the black water tank, the third conduit associated

with a second valve; and a fourth conduit between the filter and the grey water tank, the

fourth conduit associated with the second valve. The system further includes a control

sub-system in communication with the first and second valves for controlling the first and second valves to deliver filtered grey water to the toilet for flush, to mix the content in the grey water tank and to periodically clean the filter of captured solids and deliver the captured solids to the black water tank.

[0014] In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for

managing wastewater of a vehicle with the wastewater management system of the

preceding paragraph.

[0015] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus

for delivering wastewater from a vehicle to a drain. The apparatus may include a

housing 80 having an outer wall 82 and an inner wall 90 generally perpendicular or

slightly angled to the outer wall 82. The housing 80 and the inner wall 90 may define an

inlet chamber 84 above the inner wall 90 and a further outlet chamber 86 below the

inner wall 90.

[0016] In still yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to an

additive sub-system for wastewater management system of a vehicle. The additive sub

system includes a grey water additive dispenser, a black water additive dispenser and a

flush water additive dispenser. The grey water additive dispenser is in fluid

communication with the grey water tank through a pump for delivering a grey water

additive to the grey water tank. The black water additive dispenser is in fluid

communication with a macerator housing associated with a toilet through a pump for

delivering a black water additive to the macerator housing, or with the black water tank

through a pump for delivering a black water additive to the black water tank. The flush

water additive dispenser is in fluid communication with the flush water conduit through a

pump for delivering a flush water additive to the flush water.

[0017] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the

description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific

examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the

scope of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and

are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

[0019] Figure 1 is a high level block diagram of wastewater management

system for a vehicle in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure for

enabling storage and emptying of black water and grey water from associated black

water and grey water holding tanks.

[0020] Figure 1A is a cross-sectional view of a macerator housing for use

with the wastewater management system of Figure 1.

[0021] Figure 2 is an illustration of one example of a control panel for

controlling the system of Figure 1.

[0022] Figure 3 is an environmental view of an apparatus for delivering

wastewater from a vehicle to a drain in accordance with the present teachings, the

apparatus or discharge adapter shown operatively associated with a drain.

[0023] Figure 4 is a simplified view of a macerator pump arrangement in

accordance with the present teachings.

[0024] Figure 5A is a simplified view of another macerator pump

arrangement in accordance with the present teachings.

[0025] Figure 5B is a simplified view of another macerator pump

arrangement in accordance with the present teachings.

[0026] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the discharge adapter of Figure 3.

[0027] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken through a base of the

discharge adapter of Figure 3.

[0028] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken through the discharge

adapter of Figure 6, illustrated with a valve of the discharge adapter in a closed position.

[0029] Figure 9 is another cross-sectional view taken through the

discharge adapter of Figure 6, illustrated with a valve of the discharge adapter in an

open position.

[0030] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a combination valve of the

wastewater management system of the present teachings.

[0031] Figure 11 is another view of the combination valve of Figure 10, the

combination valve shown integrated with a filter of the system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not

intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood

that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or

corresponding parts and features.

[0033] Referring generally to the drawings and particularly to Figure 1, a

wastewater management system in accordance with exemplary embodiment of the

present teachings is illustrated and identified at reference character 10 (hereinafter

simply the "system 10"). The present teachings are particular adapted for enabling efficient usage and storage of wastewater on a recreational vehicle ("RV") and emptying of wastewater from the RV. It will be understood, however, that the present teachings may be adapted for other applications where wastewater is collected for periodically emptying.

[0034] As noted above, present teachings are generally related to various

aspects of a wastewater management system for a vehicle. These various aspects are

shown in Figure 1 incorporated into an exemplary system 10, with alternative structures

described below and shown in various of the other drawings. These various aspects

may be used alone or in combination with each other within the scope of the present

teachings.

[0035] The system 10 of the present teachings may generally include a first

holding structure defined by a black water holding tank 12 and a second holding

structure defined by a grey water holding tank 14. The system 10 may also include a

fresh water holding tank 16. In general, the grey water tank 14 may hold grey water in

the form of kitchen wastewater 18 from a kitchen sink, for example, and bathroom

wastewater 20 from a bathroom sink and/or shower, for example. The grey water in the

grey water holding tank 14 may be used for flushing of a toilet 22 for purposes of

conserving water in the fresh water tank 16, and reduction of grey water in the grey

water tank. The black water tank 12, in general, receives black water from a positive

pressure pump 34b associated with a macerator housing 24 associated with the toilet

22.

[0036] The system 10 is illustrated to include various valves for controlling

flow between the various components. As shown, the valves may be electronically controlled valves 26 or manually controlled valves 28. The valves 26 and 28 may be gate valves, or ball valves, for example. Certain of the valves may be three-way valves

26A. It will be understood, however, that the system 10 is not limited to use with any

particular type of valves; essentially any form of valve that can be electronically or

manually commanded to open and close to accomplish the desired flow within the

system 10 may potentially be used with the system 10 within the scope of the present

teachings. Explaining further, it will be understood that electronic valves 26 may be

substituted with manually controlled valves 28 throughout the system 10 for specific

applications within the scope of the present teachings. Additionally, it will be understood

that where the system 10 is described to include a combination valve 26A, the

combination valve 26A may be replaced with multiple valves to accomplish the same

function. In another embodiment, the valves around the tank module are integrated in

one single valve housing system using one motor, opening and closing various conduits

by different angular states of the motor shaft.

[0037] The system 10 may include level sensors 30A, 30B and 30C for

sensing the level within the black water tank 12, the grey water tank 14 and the fresh

water tank 16, respectively. The level sensors 30A, 30B and 30C may be float

assemblies, for example, configured to transmit electronic signals that indicate a fluid

level within the corresponding tank 12, 14, and 16. While the level sensors 30A, 30B

and 30C may be float assemblies, it will be appreciated that the system 10 is not so

limited. Essentially any type of level sensing device (e.g., capacitive, acoustic or

otherwise) that is able to sense the level of the fluid within the tanks 12, 14 and 16 and

provide electrical signals indicative of the sensed levels, may be used with the system

10. Certain of the tanks 12, 14 and 16 may include further sensors for more accurately

sensing tank capacity. For example, the black water tank 12 may include an

acceleration sensor 31 and a temperature sensor 33.

[0038] The system 10 may further include pumps 32 for pumping fluid

(e.g., fresh water, grey water, and black water and additives) through the system 10.

The pumps may be any suitable pump known in the art. Preferably, the pumps 32 may

be automatically controlled by electronic signals from the controller 38. Alternatively, the

pumps 32 may be controlled by user input. In one particular application, the pumps 32

for the grey and black water tanks 14 and 12 are centrifugal pumps and the pumps 32

for the additives are piston pumps. It will be appreciated, however, that any type of

pump may be used within the scope of the present teachings.

[0039] Traditional macerator toilets macerate and pump the waste at the

same time in one action. As a result, the waste is not sufficiently macerated and

therefore large diameter hoses and a large amount of flush water must be used to

prevent clogging. According to the present teachings, the housing 24 associated with

the toilet 22 may include a macerator pump arrangement 34. The macerator pump

arrangement will be described with particular reference to the simplified view of Figure 4.

The housing 24 is illustrated to include an upper portion 24A and a lower portion 24B.

The upper portion 24A of the housing 24 defines an upper chamber 24C. A toilet valve

is conventionally mounted in the upper portion 24A for movement between open and

closed positions. The upper portion 24A may be generally cylindrical and elongated

along an axis B. The lower portion 24B defines lower chamber 24D. The lower portion

24B may have a generally circular cross section in a plane perpendicular to axis C, and

may taper in a direction parallel to axis C as it extends from the upper portion 24A. The

axes B and C enclose an obtuse angle less than 1800. More particularly, the angle

enclosed by the axes B and C is between 600 and 800.

[0040] A narrowing 24E of the housing 24 is located at an intersection of

the upper and lower portions 24A and 24B. The narrowing 24E in the outer wall to

prevent the waste from being forced upwards by the centrifugal forces during the

maceration. The narrowing 24E guides the waste back towards the bottom of the

chamber 24C/24D.

[0041] The macerator pump arrangement 34 may include a macerator 34A

and a positive pressure pump 34B that may work independently from each other. The

macerator 24A is located at a lower end of the lower portion 24B and in fluid

communication with a hose 72.

[0042] First, the macerator 34A runs within the housing 24 like a blender,

ensuring that all toilet waste received within the housing 24 is sufficiently macerated into

a slurry with use of very little toilet flush water. After that, the waste can be pumped out

through a small diameter hose by positive pressure in the macerator chamber 24C/24D,

created by the positive pressure pump 34B. The present teachings allow for a small

diameter hose 72 having an internal diameter of less than 25mm, preferably less than

mm and more preferably approximately 16mm or less. This compares with a

conventional hose diameter of 25-30mm. The macerating knives 37 and the pump 34B

may be driven by at least one motor. As illustrated, the macerating knives 37 of the

macerator 34A may be driven by a first motor 35A and the positive pressure pump (e.g., airpump 34B) may be driven by a second motor 35B. The macerator pump arrangement

34 and resultantly the complete system 10 are much more silent as compared to

conventional macerator toilets due to the separated mixing and pumping functions.

[0043] The toilet macerator housing 24 may include a sieve 140, positioned

between the macerator 34A and the chamber 24D. The sieve prevents large particles of

the waste water from entering the small diameter hose 72 to thereby prevent clogging of

the hose 72. Particles blocked by the sieve 140 being macerated by the knives 37 that

run close to the sieve 140.

[0044] In use, the first and second motors 34A and 35B may be

automatically controlled with the controller 38. In this regard, a single user initiated flush

command (e.g., passing a button or level) may cause the controller 38 to first run the

first motor 35A and to subsequently run the second motor 35B.

[0045] In another embodiment of this invention, which is shown in the

simplified view of Figure 5A, the macerator pump arrangement 34 may similarly include

a macerator 34A and a pump 34B' that may work independent from each other. In this

embodiment, the pump 34B' is a centrifugal pump. As above, the macerator 34A first

runs within the housing 24 like a blender, ensuring that all toilet waste received within

the housing 24 is sufficiently macerated into a slurry with use of very little toilet flush

water. After that, the waste can be pumped out through a small diameter hose by the

pump 34B'. Macerating knives 37 of the macerator 34A may be driven by a first motor

B and pump blades 39 of the centrifuged pump 34B' may be driven by a second

motor 35B. Again, the macerator pump arrangement 34 and resultantly the complete system 10 are much more silent as compared to conventional macerator toilets due to the separated mixing and pumping function.

[0046] In another embodiment of the present invention shown in the

simplified view of Figure 5B, the housing 24 associated with the toilet 22 may include a

macerator pump arrangement 34" and a valve 26 (shown immediately below the

macerator pump 34 in the schematic drawing of Figure 1). The macerator pump

arrangement 34" has both a macerating and pumping function integrated in one design

with one motor. A single motor 35a is operative to drive both macerating knives 37 and

pump blades 39 of the macerator pump 34. The valve 26 associated with the macerator

pump 34 steers the pump mode between macerating and pumping. When the valve 26

is closed, ensuring that all waste does not leave the macerating housing 24, the

macerator pump arrangement 34" is operated by the controller 38 in macerating mode

on high voltage, and all waste is mashed into slurry. After that, the valve 26 opens and

the macerator pump arrangement 34" is controlled by the controller 38 to operate in

pumping mode on low voltage. When the macerator pump arrangement 34" operates in

the pumping mode, the slurry gets pumped to the black water tank 12. By alternating the

voltage of the macerator pump arrangement 34" between the different modes, reduced

noise may be achieved.

[0047] With further reference to Figure 1, a control sub-system in the form

of a control unit 36 and a display unit may be incorporated for controlling the

management of wastewater within the system 10 and for emptying of the wastewater

tanks 12, among other functions to be described herein. The control unit 36 may be

located anywhere in the vehicle. The control unit 36 may include a controller 38 which is in communication with the macerator pump 34, with each of the valves 26, and with each of the level sensors 30A, 30B and 30C. While not illustrated in Figure 1, it will be understood that the controller 38 may also be in communication with the various pumps

32 of the system.

[0048] The display unit 50 may incorporate a user operated keypad 40 or

other buttons in communication with the controller 38 for initiating programmed routines

of the system 10 and/or for opening/closing selected ones of the valves 26 or pumps.

The macerator pump 34 may be controlled at the toilet 22, for example. The grey water

pump 32 may be controlled at both the toilet 22 (for flushing) and at a display 50 of the

display unit 50 ( for instance, for pumping grey water to the black water tank 12, for

mixing grey water or as part of an automated cleaning cycle). The controller 38 may be

in communication with a display 42. The display may be an LCD touchscreen display

42, for example. The display 42 may have soft touch keys or controls to enable user

selection various functions. Such soft touch keys or controls may be in addition to or in

lieu of the keypad 40.

[0049] In other implementations remote actuation of the black water pump

32 and opening/closing of the valves 26 may be accomplished by either a key fob or

even a smartphone running a suitable software application. In either event, the key fob

or the smartphone may be in wireless communications with a suitable RF transceiver

sub-system (not shown) in communication with the controller 38. The RF transceiver

sub-system may operate in accordance with a well-known short range, wireless

communication protocol, for example the BLUETOOTH@ wireless communications

protocol, or any other suitable protocol. This enables the user to remotely control the system 10 from a short distance. The user may also have the ability to view tank levels and notifications on a long range distance.

[0050] With particular reference to Figure 2, an exemplary display 42 in

accordance with the present teachings is illustrated. The display 42 may include a first

portion 42A that visually represents a capacity of the fresh water tank 16. The display

42 may also include a second portion 42B that visually represents a capacity of the

black and grey water tank combined 12. Other portions of the display 42 may include a

storage mode, connectivity options, notifications, including but not limited to a

notification for an empty additive stock.

[0051] It will be understood that the system 10 of the present teachings

may be controlled in any manner. In this regard, the control/display unit may be

separated into a control unit (always fixed in the tank or toilet module) and a display unit

(remote device or integrated in the RV central panel). The display unit 36 may be

integrated in the central display unit already present in conventional RV's through any

type of communication. The display unit may also be a remote device.

[0052] As shown in dashed lines in Figure 1, the fresh water tank 16 may

optionally be in fluid communication with the grey water tank 14. This fluid

communication may be through a valve 26. This fluid communication may also be

through a bacterial backflow prevention 52. With such an optional communication

between the fresh water tank 16 and the grey water tank 14, fluid communication

between the fresh water tank 16 and the toilet 22 would not be required. Explaining

further, such optional fluid communication may deliver fresh water to the grey water tank

14 for toilet flushing in the event the grey water tank 14 is empty or below a predetermined level and the system 10 does not provide for direct communication between the fresh water tank 14 and the toilet 22. Additionally, this communication between the fresh water tank 16 and the grey water tank 14 may be used for complete flushing/rinsing of the system 10.

[0053] The system 10 may additionally include an additive sub-system 54.

The additive sub-system 54 may include additive dispensers 54A, 54B, and 54C. Each

of the additive dispensers 54A, 54B, and 54C may be refillable with specific additives. In

one embodiment, the additive dispensers 54A, 54B, and 54C may receive replaceable

cartridges containing the specific additives. Each additive cartridge 54A, 54B, and 54C

may be associated with an RFID label 56 that communicates with the controller to keep

track of the pumped volume of additives from the dispenser. In this manner, the

controller 38 can communicate the remaining level of additives to the user on the

display. The RFID label 56 may also include, store and communicate other information

such as, but not limited to, cartridge lifetime, cartridge type for keying in the wrong

receptacle, cartridge producer, relevant usage data, etc.

[0054] In alternative applications within the scope of the present teachings,

each additive dispenser 54A, 54B, and 54C may be associated with a level sensor (not

shown) for delivering an electronic signal to the controller 38 indicative of a

corresponding level or indicative that the additive is out or almost out (e.g., the additive

requires filling or cartridge replacement).

[0055] In one particular application, the amperage value of each additive

dispenser 54A, 54B, and 54C may be monitored during pumping. A relatively high

amperage value will confirm that the dispenser is pumping liquid (e.g, additive remains in the dispenser). A relatively low amperage will indicate that the dispenser is pumping air and the cartridge level is too low (e.g., additive needs to be added).

[0056] The additive dispenser 54A may be in fluid communication with the

grey water tank 14 through a pump 32 for delivering a grey water additive to the grey

water tank 14. Dosing of the grey water additive to the grey water tank 14 may be

controlled automatically by the controller 38. For example, the controller 38 may control

dosing of the grey water additive to the grey water tank 14 in response to detection of a

predetermined volume level of grey water in the grey water tank 14 by the level sensor

B.

[0057] The additive dispenser 54B may be in fluid communication with the

housing 24 associated with the toilet 22 through a pump 32 for delivering a black water

additive. In this manner, black water additive may be delivered to the macerator housing

34A in response to a flush of the toilet 22. Alternatively, the black water additive may be

delivered directly to the black water tank 12 (as shown in Figure 1 in dashed lines). The

amount of additive per flush may be fixed and be sufficient to control the generation of

malodor by the contents of the black water tank 12. Alternatively, the amount of black

water additive per flush may be adjusted by the control 38 based on various factors,

including but not limited to a time that waste is held in the black water tank 12, a

temperature of the black water tank 12, a volume of black water in the black water tank.

[0058] The additive dispenser 54C may be in fluid communication with the

flush conduit 65 through a pump 32 for delivering a flush water additive to the toilet bowl

which is activated by a flush signal. In certain applications, each of the additive

dispensers 54A, 54B, and 54C may also be associated with a sensor to sense the age of the corresponding additive and communicate a corresponding signal to the controller

38 when replacement is needed due to additive expiration.

[0059] As described, the wastewater management system 10 of the

present teachings includes three cartridges 54A, 54B and 54C each containing a liquid

composition to serve grey water, black water and flush water, respectively. The flush

water additive of the system 10 provides a synergistic effect when grey water is reused.

Similarly, the flush water additive has a synergistic effect with the black water additive.

The grey water additive keeps the microbiological activity and malodour formation

controlled in the grey water, enabling the flush water additive to improve the odour

experience. This function is achieved by a mix of surfactants, sequestrants and odour

control agents. The flush water additive reinforces the activity of the black water

additive, thereby enabling malodour control in the black water tank. This function is

achieved by a mix of surfactants, perfume and odour control agents.

[0060] Use of the system 10 of the present teachings will now be further

described. When an RV equipped with the system 10 begins a trip, the fresh water tank

16 may be substantially or completely full. The black water tank 12 and the grey water

tank 14 may be substantially or completely empty. The system 10 may monitor the

levels within the tanks 12, 14 and 16 with the sensors 30A, 30B and 30C, respectively.

At least the level of the black water tank 12 may be additionally monitored with an

acceleration sensor 31 to more accurately assess tank capacity. The sensed levels of

the tanks 12, 14, and 16 may be communicated to the controller 38 and in turn displayed

for the user on the display 42, or the remote display.

[0061] Kitchen wastewater 18 from a kitchen sink, for example, and

bathroom wastewater 20 from a bathroom sink and/or shower, for example, may drain to

the grey water tank 14 under the force of gravity through a conduit 60. The kitchen

wastewater 18 and bathroom wastewater 20 may be collected and stored in the grey

water tank 14. The grey water in the grey water tank 14 may be used for flushing of the

toilet 22 in response to a user request for flushing. This grey flush water is delivered to

a filter 62 through a conduit 64. The filter 62 filters solids from the grey water to create a

visually acceptable toilet flush water for the user. Filtered grey flush water is delivered to

the toilet 22 for flushing through a conduit 65. The flush water additive discussed below

may be introduced at this location. The conduit 65 is associated with a valve 26.

Explaining further, the controller 38 may operate to open the electronically actuated

valve 26 associated with the conduit 65 and pump grey water to the toilet 22.

[0062] At the toilet 22, there may be an optional extra valve to route the

flush water to either a bowl of the toilet 22 (to flush the toilet) or to the macerator housing

24 (to rinse the housing 24 as part of an automated cleaning cycle).

[0063] The conduit 65 may also be associated with a pressure sensor (not

shown). If there is no pressure sensed by the pressure sensor, a clogged filter condition

may exist. Appropriate user notification may be sent to the controller 38 and displayed

on the display 42.

[0064] The solids collected by the filter 62 may be periodically transported

to the black water tank 12 through a conduit 66. In this regard, the controller 38

periodically functions to close the valve 26 associated with the conduit 65, open a three

way valve 26A associated with the conduit 66 to communicate the filter 62 with the black water tank 12, and pump grey water from the grey water tank 14 through conduit 64 and into the filter 62. These actions clean the inside of the filter 62 and transport the filtered solids through conduit 66 from the filter 62 to the black water tank 12.

[0065] The grey water in the grey water tank 14 is treated with

automatically dosed additives. The filter 62 also enables a grey water mixing cycle that

more evenly distributes grey water additives to treat the grey water and at the same time

flushes the filter medium of the filter 62 clean. In this regard, a further conduit 69 extends

from the filter 62 to the grey water tank 14. As shown in the embodiment illustrated, the

further conduit 69 may be associated with the three-way valve 26A. Explaining further,

the valve 26A may be controlled to completely close flow to either conduit 66 or conduit

69, may be opened to flow only to conduit 66 or may be open to flow only to conduit 69.

As will be discussed below, a hose or conduit 72 may extend between the black water

tank 12 and the discharge adapter 74. The conduit 72 may be associated with a three

way valve 26A and a pump 32. The valve 26A may be connected back to the black

water tank 12 through black water mix conduit 71. When the valve 26A is positioned in a

mixing mode to allow flow back to the black water tank, the black water gets mixed when

the black water pump 32 runs. Mixing of the black water is preferred to avoid sediments

of black water in the tank and also to distribute incoming additives from the toilet

macerator chamber with the total black water volume in the tank. The 26A valve can

also be operating in dumping mode open to the discharge adapter 74.

[0066] In the event that the grey water tank 14 does not have sufficient

grey water to complete a requested flush cycle of the toilet, the toilet 22 may be flushed

with fresh water. Flushing of the toilet 22 with fresh water may be accomplished in two different manners depending on the particular configuration of the system 10. In a first manner, upon sensing of a low level of grey water within the grey water tank 14, the controller 38 opens an electronically actuated valve 26 associated with a conduit 68 between the fresh water tank 16 and the toilet 22. Fresh water is pumped from the fresh water tank 16 to the toilet 22. In a second manner, the controller 38 may open an electronically actuated valve 26 associated with an option conduit 70 between the fresh water tank 16 and the grey water tank 14. Fresh water is pumped from the fresh water tank 16 to the grey water tank 14. The controller then delivers the fresh water residing in the grey water tank 14 to the toilet 22 in the manner discussed above.

[0067] The flush water additive may be dosed into the system 10 anywhere

along the supply line of grey water flush 65.

[0068] The additive sub-system 54 provides for a flexible and automatic

dosage of additives as required based on actual waste production. This makes sure that

the quantity of additives in the waste tanks is always appropriate for the actual situation;

not too high (waste of additives) and not too low (uncontrolled microbial activity).

[0069] The black water tank 12 and the grey water tank 14 may be

periodically emptied in response to a user command entered through a control on the

discharge adapter 74 or by a remote device. Such emptying of the black water tank 12

may be desired when the black water tank 12 has reached capacity or when an RV trip

has been completed, for example. In response to user input, the controller 38 may

operate to open the valve 26 associated with the conduit 72 providing fluid

communication between the black water tank 12 and a drain 96 or discharge adapter 74.

The conduit 72 may also be associated with a first manually actuated valve 28 proximate the discharge adapter 74. Upon opening the valve 28, the controller 38 may pump black water from the black water tank 12 to the discharge adapter 74. After the black water tank 12 is emptied, the grey water pump will pump the grey water into the black water tank 12 to rinse the walls of the black water tank 12 and empty the grey water tank 14.

The grey water will then travel from the black water tank 12 to the discharge adapter 74

to clean out the discharge adapter 74 and associated hoses.

[0070] Optionally, the discharge adapter 74 may be connected to a further

waste holding tank 76. The further waste holding tank 76 may be permanently or

removably carried by the RV, may provide further capacity for black water storage, and

may to be able to dump waste in a traditional way (i.e., transport of the waste holding

tank 76 without moving the vehicle). One suitable type of portable waste holding tank 76

is sold by the assignee of this application under the trademark Cassette@.

[0071] The discharge adapter 74 enables a high flow rate through small

diameter hoses while discharging waste from the black water tank 12 without spilling

waste outside of the designated disposal area. The discharge adapter 74 is designed to

fit a large variety of sewer grates 96. Preferably the discharge adapter 74 is stored on

the outside of the vehicle, or stored in a separate compartment that is easily accessed

and hygienic to use. With particular reference to Figures 3 and 6 through 9 an exemplary

embodiment of a discharge adapter 74 for delivering wastewater from a recreational

vehicle to a drain 96 is shown and generally identified at reference character 74. In

Figure 3, the discharge adapter 74 is shown operatively associated with a conventional

drain 96 and further operatively associated with hose 72 or conduit for delivering waste

from the system 10 to the discharge adapter 74.

[0072] The discharge adapter 74 is illustrated to generally include a

housing 80, a sealing member 83 and a handgrip 91. The housing 80 may be unitarily

constructed of plastic, for example. In the embodiment illustrated, the housing 80 is

shown to be cylindrical in shape. An outer wall 82 of the housing 80 includes an upper

portion 82A circumferentially defining an inlet chamber 84 and a lower portion 82B

circumferentially defining a further chamber 86 for receiving the sealing member 83.

The inlet chamber 84 is in fluid communication with an inlet 97. The conduit 72 is

attached to the inlet 97.

[0073] The housing 80 further includes an outlet 88 downwardly extending

from the inlet chamber 84. The outlet 88 may be cylindrical and centrally located within

the housing 80. The outlet 88 may be connected to the outer wall 82 of the housing 80

through an inner wall 90. The inner wall 90 may be generally perpendicular or slightly

angled to the outer wall 82. As shown, the inner wall 90 radially extends and separates

the inlet chamber 84 from the further chamber 86. The outlet 88 may terminate short of

a lowermost end 82C of the outer wall 82 of the housing 80.

[0074] In one particular application, the sealing member 83 may be

constructed of any suitable material. In a radial direction, the sealing member 83 is

positioned between the outlet 88 and the outer wall 82. In an axial direction, the sealing

member 83 is position below the radially extending wall 90. In an uncompressed state,

the sealing member 83 extends below the lowermost end 82C of the outer wall 82 of the

housing 80. As illustrated, the sealing member 83 may include a lower portion 82B that

radially extends inwardly below the wall defining the outlet 88.

[0075] The handgrip 91 may be formed separately from the housing 80 and

attached thereto to make the handle collapsible. Alternatively, the handgrip 91 may be

formed unitarily with the remainder of the housing 80. The handgrip 91 is generally U

shaped including first and second downwardly extending legs 98 and 100 connected by

an intermediate portion 102. As illustrated, the handgrip 91 is hollow and is formed of

first and second handgrip halves 91A and 91B. The handgrip halves 91A and 91B may

be snap-fit together, connected with fasteners or connected in any manner well known in

the art. Lower ends of the first and second legs 98 and 100 are rotatably received within

ears 104 upstanding from an upper surface of the housing 80. Explaining further, the

ears 104 define radially outward facing and cylindrically shaped openings 106. These

openings 106 rotatably receive the correspondingly shaped free ends of the first and

second legs 98 and 100 such that the handgrip 91 may be rotated between an upright,

use position (as shown in the drawings) and a lowered or stored position. While not

shown in the drawings, it will be understood that the lowered, stored position is attained

by rotating the handgrip 91 ninety degrees from the upright, use position.

[0076] As illustrated, the discharge adapter 74 may include a valve 94 that

ensures a closed and leak-free gate after each discharge cycle. The valve 94 may be

opened and closed by the user. The closed position is shown in Figure 9. The open

position is shown in Figure 10. The valve 94 has a sealing part that presses against the

wall 90. The sealing part 98 is positioned in close proximity to the outlet 88 of the

discharge adapter 92 to ensure minimal dripping of waste from the discharge adapter

92.

[0077] The discharge adapter 74 may include a valve activation

mechanism 95 that is an integrated part of the handgrip 91 of the discharge adapter 74.

[0078] The valve activation mechanism 95 is illustrated to generally include

a plunger 106 and a user control member 108. The valve 94 is carried at a lower end of

the plunger 106. The valve 94 may be integrally formed with the plunger 94 or formed

as a separate part and secured to the lower end of the plunger 106. In the embodiment

illustrated, the plunger 106 is cylindrical in shape and disposed within a correspondingly,

cylindrically shaped conduit 110 integrally formed with the housing 80. The plunger 106

is movable within the conduit 110 between a lowered position (shown in Figures 7 and 8,

for example) and an upper position (shown in Figure 9, for example). In the lowered

position, the valve 94 is seated and flow between the chamber 84 and the outlet 88 is

prevented. In the upper position, the valve 94 is unseated to allow flow between the

chamber 84 and the outlet 88. The plunger 106 may be biased to its lowered position

with a spring, for example.

[0079] The user control member 108 is generally disposed within a cavity

112 defined between the halves 91A and 91B of the handgrip 91 and rotates with the

handgrip 91. As shown, the user control member 108 includes first and second legs

108A and 108B, an upper laterally extending portion 108C that laterally extends

between the first and second legs 108A and 108B, and a lower laterally extending

portion 108D that also laterally extends between the first and second legs 108A and

108B.

[0080] The user control member 108 is rotatably coupled to the upper end

of the plunger 106. In this manner, the handgrip 91 (and thereby the user control member 108) may be rotated relative to the housing 80. As illustrated, the lower laterally extending portion 108C is formed to include a pair of inwardly extending portions 116. The inwardly extending portions 116 may be disk shaped or cylindrical and may be rotatably received within correspondingly shaped cavities 118 formed in the upper end of the plunger 106.

[0081] The user control member 108 is movable within the handgrip 91

between a lowered position (shown in Figures 7 and 8, for example) and an upper

position (shown in Figure 9, for example). In the lowered position, the plunger 106 is in

its lowered position, the valve 94 is seated and flow between the chamber 84 and the

outlet 88 is prevented. In the upper position, the plunger 106 is in its upper position and

the valve 94 is unseated to allow flow between the chamber 84 and the outlet 88.

[0082] The user control member 108 further includes a button 120 that may

be depressed by the user. The button 120 may be integrally formed with the user

control member 108 and extend through an opening 122 in the intermediate portion 102

of the handgrip 91. In this regard, the button 120 may normally extend into a central

opening 124 defined by the handgrip 91. The user may grasp the handgrip 91 and

squeeze the button 120 to translate the user control member 108 from the lowered

position to the upper position.In use, the discharge adapter 74 may be placed upon a

conventional drain 96 (as shown in the environmental view of Figure 3, for example).

The discharge adapter 74 may be balanced and of sufficient weight such placement by

the user on the drain 96 operates to compress the sealing member 83. In response to

user input to the activation button, the controller 38 may open the electronically actuated

valve 26 associated with a conduit 72 to thereby deliver wastewater from the recreational vehicle to the drain 96 via the discharge adapter 74. Explaining further, by opening the valve 26 associated with the conduit 72, the controller 38 may pump black water from the black water tank 12 to the discharge adapter 74. After the black water tank 12 is emptied, the grey water pump will pump the grey water into the black water tank 12 to rinse the walls of the black water tank 12 and empty the grey water tank 14.

to clean out the discharge adapter 74 and associated hoses.

[0083] The user control member 108 may include a retention mechanism

128 for retaining the user control device 108 in the upper position and thereby maintain

the valve 94 in an open orientation. The retention mechanism 128 may be integrally

formed with or carried by the user control member 108. As shown in the drawings, the

retention mechanism 128 is integrally formed with the user control member 108 and

upwardly extends from the leg 108B. The user control mechanism 128 includes a detent

130. As the user control member 108 translates from its lower position to its upper

position, the detent 130 rides along a ramp 132 carried by the leg 108B of the handgrip

91. As the user control member 108 approaches the upper position, the upper end 134

of the retention mechanism and the detent 130 are inwardly deflected. When the detent

130 passes the ramp 132, the retention mechanism elastically rebounds such that the

detent 130 is positioned over the ramp 132 (as shown in Figure 9, for example) and

engagement between the detent 130 and the ramp 132 prevents inadvertent movement

of the user control mechanism 128 from the upper position to the lower position. In this

regard, the upper end of the retention mechanism 128 must be deflected in an inward direction A before the user control mechanism 128 can be lowered from the upper position.

[0084] Turning to Figures 10 and 11, the three-way valve 26A of the

present teachings is further illustrated. In Figure 11, the valve 26A is shown as part of a

subassembly 126 that includes the filter 62.

[0085] It will now be appreciated that the system 10 of the present

teachings is an intelligent structure of components (e.g. pumps, valves, sensors) that

provides for real time monitoring and managing of wastewater within an RV. The

system 10 thus provides a highly convenient and easy to use means for enabling a user

to monitor the black water and grey water levels in the holding tanks of an RV, to

conveniently empty the tanks 12 and 14 when needed. In particular, the system 10

eliminates the need for manual emptying of the black water tank by a Cassette@ type

system. With the system 10, the user may use a single drain hose, and simply empty the

black water tank 12 and the grey water tank 14 through the black water tank 12 to rinse

the system 10 clean. If a key fob or smartphone application is included, the user may

even remotely start the emptying operation from a remote location where the end of a

drain hose has been coupled to a remote sanitation/sewer hookup.

[0086] While various embodiments have been described, those skilled in

the art will recognize modifications or variations which might be made without departing

from the present disclosure. The examples illustrate the various embodiments and are

not intended to limit the present disclosure. For example, while the various inventions

described herein may have particular application for recreational vehicles, the present

teachings may be readily adapted for other vehicles, including but not limited to those in the marine industry. Therefore, the description and claims should be interpreted liberally with only such limitation as is necessary in view of the pertinent prior art.

[0087] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations

such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated

element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of

any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A wastewater management system for a vehicle, the wastewater

management system comprising:

a black water tank for holding black water;

a grey water tank for holding grey water;

at least one three-way valve for routing grey water from the grey water tank;

a first conduit between the grey water tank and the at least one three-way valve;

and

a second conduit between the at least one three-way valve and the black water

tank, the at least one three-way valve selectively operable to route grey water from the

grey water tank to the black water tank,

wherein the wastewater management system further comprises a filter for filtering

solids from the grey water positioned between the grey water tank and the at least one

three-way valve, the filter in fluid communication with the grey water tank and the at

least one three-way valve for delivering unfiltered solids to the black water tank; and

a control sub-system including a controller for selectively controlling the at least

one three-way valve to deliver captured solids to the black water tank.

2. The wastewater management system of claim 1, further comprising a third

conduit between the at least one three-way valve and the grey water tank, the at least

one three-way valve further selectively operable to route grey water back to the grey

water tank.

3. The wastewater management system of claims 1 or 2, wherein the

controller periodically functions to close a valve associated with a further conduit, open a

three-way valve associated with the second conduit to communicate the filter with the

black water tank, and pump grey water from the grey water tank through first conduit

and into the filter to the black water tank.

4. The wastewater management system of claims 1 2, or 3, wherein the filter

is in further fluid communication with a toilet of the system through a fourth conduit for

delivering grey water to the toilet for flushing.

5. The wastewater management system of any of the preceding claims,

further comprising a fifth conduit for selective flow from the black water tank back to the

black water tank to mix black water within the black water tank, the fifth conduit

preferably associated with a second three-way valve.

6. The wastewater management system of any of the preceding claims,

further comprising a sixth conduit for selective flow of the black water out of the black

water tank for discharge from the system, the sixth conduit preferably associated with a

second three-way valve.

7. The wastewater management system of any of the preceding claims,

further comprising a fresh water tank in fluid communication with a toilet, the controller of the control sub-system operative to automatically flush the toilet with fresh water from the fresh water tank upon sensing of a grey water level within the grey water tank that is below a predetermined value.

8. The wastewater management system of any of the preceding claims,

further comprising a fresh water tank and a control sub-system, the fresh water tank in

fluid communication with the grey water tank, a controller of the control sub-system

operative to deliver fresh water to the grey water tank for toilet flushing in event the grey

water tank is empty or below a predetermined level.

9. The wastewater management system of any of the preceding claims,

further comprising a fresh water tank, the fresh water tank in fluid communication with

the grey water tank for rinsing of the system.

10. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the filter is in fluid

communication with the grey water tank through a pump and in fluid communication with

both the grey water tank and the black water tank through the at least one three-way

valve, the at least one three-way valve selectively operable to deliver grey water from

the filter to either the grey water tank or the black water tank.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the filter is in further fluid communication

with a toilet of the system through a further valve for selectively delivering a source of

flush water.

12. A method of managing the wastewater management system of any of the

preceding claims, the method comprising:

automatically controlling the at least one three-way valve with the controller of the

control sub-system to deliver filtered grey water to a toilet for flush and to periodically

clean the filter of captured solids and deliver the captured solids to the black water tank.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising delivering additives to at least

one of the tanks or the toilet by automatically controlling a pump and pumping additives

through a conduit extending between an additive supply and the at least one of the

tanks or the toilet.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising delivering black water additives

from a black water additive supply to the black water tank by automatically controlling

valve through a conduit extending between the black water additive supply and the black

water tank.

15. The method of claims 12, 13 or 14, further comprising:

sensing a grey water level within the grey water tank; and

sending fresh water from the fresh water tank to the toilet for flush in response to

a user command to flush the toilet when a sensed level of grey water is below a

predetermined value.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein sending fresh water includes

automatically controlling an electronically controlled valve associated with a fresh water

conduit extending between a fresh water tank and the toilet.

17. The method of any of claims 12 to 16, further comprising flushing the

system with fresh water from a fresh water tank.