JP2004150056A

JP2004150056A - Rainwater utilization system

Info

Publication number: JP2004150056A
Application number: JP2002313922A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Kentaro Omachi; 健太郎大町; Susumu Inagaki; 進稲垣
Original assignee: TANITA HOUSINGWARE KK; Tanita Housingware Co Ltd
Current assignee: TANITA HOUSINGWARE KK; Tanita Housingware Co Ltd
Priority date: 2002-10-29
Filing date: 2002-10-29
Publication date: 2004-05-27
Anticipated expiration: 2022-10-29
Also published as: JP4151045B2

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a rainwater utilization system allowing the installation of a water storage tank according to an installation space with no restrictions on the selection of an installation place, allowing the optional change of tank volume according to varied water consumption, facilitating transportation into the installation place and capable of being easily and rapidly built up by one person. <P>SOLUTION: This rainwater utilization system is provided with a precipitator A, built-up water storage tanks T1, T2, a water level detector C, a water supply pump P, a control device E and a water level display device S. Side face panels 20, angular part posts 23 for connecting the mutual side edges of the side face panels adjoining at a right angle, side part posts for connecting the mutual side edges of the side face panels adjoining in a lateral row, bottom plates 21 placing the side face panels and engaging the lower edges, and cover bodies 22 put on being engaged with the upper edges of the side face panels, are provided as built-up unit members of the water storage tanks of the same size and shape. Using these built-up unit members, the water storage tanks are built up as a desired number of tank bodies of desired three-dimensional shape or rectangular parallelepiped shape on the whole. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、雨樋で集水した雨水を流入させて貯水タンクに貯留し、その貯留水を必要に応じ送給してトイレや台所や風呂等の洗浄用の他、屋上や庭の散水用などに有効利用するのに好適な雨水利用システムに関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】従来、この種の雨水利用システムでは、一般に、たとえば図１６に示すように、住宅１周縁の敷地内に貯水タンク２を設置する一方、屋根３から流れる雨水４を集水する雨樋３ａに貯水タンク２を連結し、その貯水タンク２内に雨水を流入させて貯留している。貯水タンク２内の貯留水は、必要に応じて給水ポンプ５で汲み上げて、送水用配管６を通してトイレの水洗タンク７ａや風呂の浴槽８へ向けて送給し、便器７と浴槽８の洗浄に供している。（例えば、特許文献１参照。）。
【０００３】
【特許文献１】
特開平１０−６６８１１号（第２頁、第３頁、図１、図２）。
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】ところが、上述のような従来の雨水利用システムでは、貯水タンク２が図示の通り大型な容積固定の定形水槽で構成されているため、（１）敷地上の限られた設置スペースによって貯水タンク２の設置場所の選定に限定を受け、狭い場所では設置不能な場合がある。（２）家庭の規模に応じて使用水量が異なるが、その使用水量の違いに合わせてタンク容積を任意に変更できない。（３）設置場所までの運搬に極めて不便である。（４）組立施工が大掛かりで、著しく手間と時間を要するという課題があった。
【０００５】
そこで、本発明の目的は、設置場所の選定に限定を受けることなく設置スペースに応じて貯水タンクの設置を可能にし、異なる使用水量に合わせてタンク容積を任意に変更可能にし、しかも、設置場所への運搬を容易にするとともに、設置現場で１人で簡単に且つ迅速に組み立てられる雨水利用システムを提供することにある。
【０００６】
【課題を解決するための手段】したがって、上記目的を達成すべく、請求項１に記載の発明による雨水利用システムは、たとえば以下に図面を用いて説明する実施の形態に示すとおり、雨樋１６から雨水とともに流入する異物を回収沈殿させて雨水を浄化する沈殿槽Ａと、上水補給管５４を接続する一方、浄化した雨水を防水シート３５を介して貯留する組立式貯水タンクＴ１・Ｔ２と、該貯水タンクＴ１・Ｔ２内の水位を検知する水位検知器Ｃと、前記貯水タンクＴ１・Ｔ２内の水を汲み上げる給水ポンプＰと、少なくとも水位検知結果に応じて前記上水補給管５４の弁の開閉と前記給水ポンプＰの作動を制御する制御装置Ｅとを備え、矩形板状の側面パネル２０と、直角に隣接する側面パネル２０相互の側縁を嵌め込む連結凹部２３ａを有する角部支柱２３と、横一列に隣接する側面パネル２０相互の側縁を嵌め込む接続凹部２４ａを有する側部支柱２４と、側面パネル２０を載置してその下縁が係合する連結部３１ａを有する矩形状の底板２１と、側面パネル２０の上縁に係合して被せる浅い矩形箱キャップ状の蓋体２２とを、それぞれ大きさ及び形状が同じ前記貯水タンクの組立ユニット材として備え、それら組立ユニット材を用いて、前記貯水タンクを、全体が所望立体形状の槽体、又は直方体を単位として所望個数の槽体に組立可能に構成してなることを特徴とする。
【０００７】
請求項２に記載の発明は、たとえば以下に図面を用いて説明する実施の形態に示すとおり、請求項１に記載の雨水利用システムにおいて、前記水位検知器Ｃは、前記貯水タンクＴ１内に上下動可能に浮設するフロート６５と、該フロート６５を吊持する紐体をフロート高さ位置に応じてゼンマイバネで巻き上げて回転する回転体６０と、その回転体の回転が減速用ギヤ列６１を介して伝達されると回動し、その回動角度に応じて所定電圧を出力するポテンショメータ６２とを備え、この電圧値に基づいて前記制御装置Ｅにて判断して水位を検知することを特徴とする。
【０００８】
請求項３に記載の発明は、たとえば以下に図面を用いて説明する実施の形態に示すとおり、請求項１に記載の雨水利用システムにおいて、前記水位検知器Ｃは、前記貯水タンクＴ１と連通させて前記側面パネル２０の下部に連結し、水圧に応じて歪む半導体感圧部８３の歪み量に対応する電気抵抗値に従って所定電圧を出力する半導体圧力センサ８０を備え、この電圧の出力変動に基づいて前記制御装置Ｅにて判断して水位を検知することを特徴とする。
【０００９】
請求項４に記載の発明は、たとえば以下に図面を用いて説明する実施の形態に示すとおり、請求項１に記載の雨水利用システムにおいて、前記水位検知器Ｃは、超音波の発信部８８ａと受信部８８ｂとを、前記貯水タンクＴ１内の水面に向けて前記蓋体２２に付設し、前記発信部８８ａから発する所定周波数の超音波が乱反射防止用の導波管８９内を通して受信部８８ｂで受信される時間に応じて、所定電圧を出力する超音波センサ８８を備え、この電圧の出力変動に基づいて前記制御装置Ｅにて判断して水位を検知することを特徴とする。
【００１０】
請求項５に記載の発明は、たとえば以下に図面を用いて説明する実施の形態に示すとおり、請求項１、２、３又４に記載の雨水利用システムにおいて、前記組立ユニット材の前記側面パネル２０は、金属薄板を個々の断面が交互に略台形状をなす全体に角波形状に曲げ成形した本体板材２５と、金属薄板からなる平板状の外装板材２６とを張り合せて固着して鉛直方向に中空なパイプ部２９を連続的に形成し、各中空パイプ部２９内に断面略ハット形に曲げ成形した補強板２７を接合して構成してなることを特徴とする。
【００１１】
請求項６に記載の発明は、たとえば以下に図面を用いて説明する実施の形態に示すとおり、請求項１、２、３又４に記載の雨水利用システムにおいて、前記組立ユニット材の前記側面パネル２０は、ダンボール７５ａを多層に接着して張り合わせてなるダンボール積層板７５を有し、該ダンボール積層板７５の全面に薄鋼板製の外装板７６を張り付けて被覆してなることを特徴とする。
【００１２】
【発明の実施の形態】以下、図面を参照しつつ、本発明の実施の形態について説明する。
【００１３】
図１は、一例として雨水を回収してトイレの洗浄に有効利用する本発明の雨水利用システムを示す全体構成図である。図示例の雨水利用システムには、雨水を浄化する沈殿槽Ａと、浄化した雨水を貯留する組立式の貯水タンクＴ１・Ｔ２と、貯水タンク内の水位を検知する水位検知器Ｃと、貯水タンク内の貯留水を汲み上げる給水ポンプＰと、給水ポンプＰの作動などシステム全体を制御する制御装置Ｅと、制御装置Ｅの判断結果に応じて水位などを表示する表示装置Ｓとを備える。
【００１４】
沈殿槽Ａは、架台１０上に縦長な円筒状の槽本体１１を設置し、槽本体１１に、その周壁上部に連結した雨水流入管１２と連通するメッシュ籠１３と、該メッシュ籠１３に上端部を連結した異物回収用の樹脂製ジャバラホース１４とを内設している。槽本体１１の底壁には、ジャバラホース１４の下端部を連結して沈殿物を流出させる沈殿物排水バルブ１５が付設されている。雨水流入管１２は、住宅Ｈの雨樋１６とともに、オーバーフロー管１７と連結されて配管されている。そして、沈殿槽Ａでは、雨樋１６から雨水とともに流入する異物をメッシュ籠１３で受けて回収すると共に、ジャバラホース１４を通して微細な異物を沈殿させて雨水を浄化する一方、微細な異物は、沈殿物排水バルブ１５を開けて排出処理する構成になっている。図中符号Ｂは、水洗タンク１８を備えたトイレの便器本体である。
【００１５】
貯水タンクＴ１・Ｔ２は、いずれも図２に示すとおり、それぞれ大きさ及び形状が同じ複数種の組立ユニット材を備え、これら組立ユニット材を用いて、図示例では個々に直方体状の槽体に組み立ててなる。
【００１６】
組立ユニット材としては、側面パネル２０と、底板２１と、蓋体２２と、必要に応じて側面パネル２０の連結用に使う角部支柱２３および側部支柱２４を、それぞれ１種類づつ備える。
【００１７】
側面パネル２０は、図示例では全体に直方形板状につくり、図３に示すように、いずれも同じ長さの金属薄板、たとえば薄鋼板製の本体板材２５と外装板材２６と複数の補強板２７を張り合せて形成してなる。本体板材２５は、個々の断面が交互に長短の略台形状をなす、全体に角波形状に曲げ成形している。一方、外装板材２６は、薄肉な平板で、図示例では、防錆性・美的外観性を考慮し、所謂５５％溶融亜鉛メッキ鋼鈑を用いる。勿論、表面を任意の色彩に塗装した鋼鈑などを用いてもよい。補強板２７は、長手平板を断面略ハット形に曲げ成形している。
【００１８】
そして、斯かる形状の本体板材２５と外装板材２６とを重ね合せて、互いの当接面で、たとえば樹脂製接着剤により接着する。また、本体板材２５と外装板材２６間にできる鉛直方向に長い断面略台形状の中空パイプ部２９に、それぞれ補強板２７を内設し、相互に接着剤で接着し張り合せて１つの側面パネル２０を作製する。したがって、側面パネル２０は、各々が細長い角パイプ部分２９ａで細分された中空パイプ部２９が幅方向に連続的に並設され、これら中空パイプ部２９により水圧に対する高い強度を保持させる構成になっている。なお、この場合、各板材２５・２６・２７は、上述のように接着による場合に限られず、溶接やリベット止めなどの適宜固定手段で固着して接合させることもできる。
【００１９】
底板２１は、図２に示すように、複数の角パイプ材３０ａを用いて略正方形状に組み立てた補強枠体３０を備え、その補強枠体３０に、たとえば上記溶融亜鉛メッキ鋼鈑を張り付けて四方の側縁板部３１および底板部３２を形成する。側縁板部３１は、補強枠体３０より高さを若干高く形成し、側面パネル２０を立てて載置したとき、そのパネル下縁が係合する連結リブ（連結部）３１ａを形成してなる。
【００２０】
蓋体２２は、薄肉な、たとえば上記溶融亜鉛メッキ鋼鈑を用い、側面パネル２０の上縁に係合させて被せる略正方形状の浅い箱キャップ状に形成してなる。図示例では、蓋体２２の上面２２ａを、全体に若干片側へ傾斜させて形成してなる。
【００２１】
角部支柱２３は、たとえばアルミニウム押出し成形により、側面パネル２０と略同じ長さで、全体を略直角に曲げた長手アングル材状に作製し、両側縁の長さ方向に沿って、直角に隣接する側面パネル２０相互の側縁を嵌め込む、断面コ字状の連結凹部２３ａを形成してなる。さらに、図４（ａ）でも示すように、連結凹部２３ａ間のコーナーに補強用の骨板部２３ｂを有する。
【００２２】
側部支柱２４は、角部支柱２３と同様、たとえばアルミニウム押出し成形により、全体を側面パネル２０と略同じ長さの板フレーム材状に形成し、両側縁の長さ方向に沿って、図５（ａ）に示すように、横一列に隣接する側面パネル２０相互の側縁を嵌め込む、断面コ字形の接続凹部２４ａを形成してなる。
【００２３】
さて、上述した組立ユニット材を用いて貯水タンクＴ１・Ｔ２を組み立てる場合は、貯水タンクＴ１・Ｔ２を組み立てるために必要な数の組立ユニット材を適宜に選んで、分解状態で設置現場の住宅Ｈへと運搬する。そして、住宅Ｈの設置現場では、敷地内の所定設置スペースと、住宅Ｈでのトイレ洗浄に必要な使用水量などを勘案し、図示例では、適宜の組立ユニット材を使って同じ直方体の槽体を２個独立に組み立て、横に並設した貯水タンクＴ１・Ｔ２を構築する。
【００２４】
組立時は、直角に隣接させた側面パネル２０相互の側縁を、図４（ｂ）に示すように角部支柱２３の連結凹部２３ａに嵌め込んで止めネジ３４で固定し、図２に示すように上下開放の角筒体ｋを構築する。さらに、角筒体ｋの矩形下縁を底板２１の補強枠体３０上に載置し、連結リブ３１ａに係合させて連結する。一方、角筒体ｋの矩形上縁には、矩形側板部２２ｂを係合して蓋体２２を被せる。これによって、所定容積を有する最小単位の槽体が１個組み立てられる。図示例では、住宅Ｈでの所定設置スペースと使用水量に合わせて、同じ槽体を更に１個、同様の組立ユニット材を使って同じ直方体状の槽体に組み立てる。
【００２５】
組み立てた貯水タンクＴ１・Ｔ２内には、図６に示すように、袋状の、たとえばポリ塩化ビニール製防水シート３５を内設する。防水シート３５には、その上縁に係合穴３５ａが等間隔に設けられいる。一方、蓋体２２が被さる側面パネル２０の上縁には、係合穴３５ａの穴位置に合わせて等間隔にフック３６を組み付けている。フック３６は、側面パネル２０の上縁に嵌め込むコ形板片部３６ａの一端から、上向きに爪状の掛止め部３６ｂを曲げ延ばした形状になっている。そして、掛止め部３６ｂを係合穴３５ａに係合させて、防水シート３５をフック３６で保持して貯水タンクＴ１・Ｔ２を液密構造にしている。
【００２６】
これら貯水タンクＴ１・Ｔ２には、図１に示すように、図中左右に対向する一対の側面パネル２０に、パイプ接続用のフランジ継手４０〜４７を付設する。そして、貯水タンクＴ２を、一端をフランジ継手４７に接続した縦パイプ４８およびフレキシブル管４９を介して沈殿槽Ａと連結する。貯水タンクＴ２と貯水タンクＴ１間は、フレキシブル管５８を介して連結して互いに連通させている。フレキシブル管５８は、一端をフランジ継手４５に接続する一方、他端を逆支弁５０に繋いでフランジ継手４３に接続している。
【００２７】
一方の貯水タンクＴ１には、上側のフランジ継手４２に、逆止弁５１と、上水補給制御用の電磁弁５２とを順に接続し、電磁弁５２を接続した上水補給用配管５３を介して不図示の水道栓側と連結し、水道水を適宜補給する構造になっている。そして、貯水タンクＴ１内には、上水補給管５４を垂設し、その上端部をフランジ継手４２に接続して上水補給用配管５３と連通させている。
【００２８】
また、貯水タンクＴ１には、蓋体２２上に給水ポンプＰを搭載している。給水ポンプＰは、吸水管５５を、蓋体２２を通して貯水タンクＴ１内に垂設する一方、水洗タンク１８へと配管された給水用配管５６の一端が接続されている。給水用配管５６の途中には、異物除去用のメッシュフィルタ５７を付設してある。
【００２９】
さらに、貯水タンクＴ１の蓋体２２上には、給水ポンプＰと隣接して水位検知器Ｃを搭載している。水位検知器Ｃは、図７に示すように、箱型防水ケース５９を備え、その防水ケース５９内に、ゼンマイバネを内蔵した回転体６０と、回転体６０の回転を減速するギヤ列６１と、減速用ギヤ列６１で減速された回転体６０の回転に応じて電圧を出力する３６０度正逆回転可能なポテンショメータ６２を内設している。回転体６０は、回転支軸６０ａ上に、減速用ギヤ列６１の伝達歯車６１ａと同軸に、ワイヤ（紐体）６３を巻装したプーリ６４を取り付けている。ワイヤ６３の先端には、貯水タンクＴ１内に上下動可能に浮設する球状フロート６５を連結している。
【００３０】
水位検知器Ｃは、ポテンショメータ６２を、不図示のターミナルを介して制御装置（制御盤）Ｅに電気的に接続している。そして、貯水タンクＴ１内のフロート６５の高さ位置に応じて、ワイヤ６３をゼンマイバネのバネ力で巻き上げながら回転体６０が回転し、その回転を減速用ギヤ列６１で減速してポテンショメータ６２に伝達し、ポテンショメータ６２がある角度だけ回動すると、その回動角度に従って電圧を出力し、この電圧値に基づいて制御装置Ｅにて判断して水位を随時検知するようになっている。
【００３１】
そのため、図示雨水利用システムでは、貯水タンクＴ１において図７中矢示するとおり、上から順に（イ）満水位ａ（ロ）上水補給停止水位ｂ（ハ）上水補給開始水位ｃ（ニ）ポンプ作動停止水位ｄを、予め所定高さ位置に設定している。一方、水位検知器Ｃ側では、図８に概略的に示すように、フロート６５の高さ位置ａ〜ｄ（水位）、即ちフロートストロークに応じて減速ギヤ列６１の減速割合を設定し、所定水位ａ〜ｄ毎にポテンショメータ６２の回動角度（電圧値ｖ）を対応させている。ポテンショメータ６２の回動角度（電圧値ｖ）は、任意に設定できるが、図示例では、満水位ａでのポテンショメータ６２の回動角度を、たとえば２７０度に設定し、そのとき電圧４ｖが出力され、電圧値が０．５ｖのときに上水補給が開始される。一方、０．４ｖまで低下すると、後述の如くシステム異常としてポンプ作動停止となるするように設定している。
【００３２】
制御装置Ｅは、住宅Ｈの適宜壁面に設置し、図１に示すように、ＡＣ電源Ｖに接続すると共に、給水ポンプＰおよび上水補給制御用の電磁弁５２とも電気的に接続し、水位検知結果に従って給水ポンプＰの作動を制御し、電磁弁５２の開閉を制御するほか、雨水利用システム全体の作動をコントロールするようになっている。なお、制御装置Ｅには、正面に小窓をあけて、雨水利用システムの異常を感知すると、その異常パターン毎にエラーコードを表示するエラーコード表示ディスプレイ６８が設けられている。さらに、制御装置Ｅは、判断結果に応じて水位信号を送信して水位を表示させる表示装置（表示盤）Ｓに電気的に接続している。
【００３３】
表示装置Ｓは、トイレ内に適宜設置され、図７に示すように、パネル正面に，水位レベルを段階的に分けて現在水量の割合（％）で示したメモリ表示面６９と、それに合わせてＬＥＤで多段に色分けして表示する点灯表示部７０を並設している。図示例では、メモリ表示面６９にて０％〜２５％までの「水道補給中」を示す範囲を、点灯表示部７０では段階的にそれぞれ赤色に点灯し、２５％以上の「雨水利用中」を示す範囲を、同じく段階的にそれぞれ黄色に分割点灯するようになっている。そして、１００％が満水位ａ、２５％が上水補給停止水位ｂ、その下段の点灯位置が上水補給開始水位ｃと対応させている。なお、表示装置Ｓには、ポンプ作動停止の場合など、制御装置Ｅにて雨水利用システムの異常を感知してエラーコード表示ディスプレイ６８にエラーコードが表示されると、それと連動して点灯し当該エラーを報知する警告ランプ７１が設けられている。
【００３４】
さて、上述した構成の雨水利用システムでは、図１に示す住宅Ｈの雨樋１６から雨水流入管１２を通して雨水が沈殿槽Ａ内に流入すると、槽本体１１内で異物をメッシュ籠１３で受けて分離し浄化しながら、雨水を、いったん槽本体１１内に収容し、さらにフレキシブル管４８および縦パイプ４９を通して貯水タンクＴ２へ流入させ、続いて、フレキシブル管５０を通して貯水タンクＴ１へと流入させて、経時、貯水タンクＴ１・Ｔ２内に貯留する。
【００３５】
そして、図示雨水利用システムでは、貯留タンクＴ１・Ｔ２内の水位を水位検知器Ｃで検知して制御装置Ｅで監視しながら、給水ポンプＰで貯留水を汲み上げ、途中でメッシュフィルタ５７により異物を除去しながら、給水用配管５６を通してトイレの水洗タンク１８へ向けて送給する。
【００３６】
このとき、図示雨水利用システムでは、貯水タンクＴ１・Ｔ２の貯水量に応じて、図７および図８に示すように水位検知器Ｃで上水補給開始水位ｃを検知すると、電磁弁５２を開いて上水を補給する。その後、上水補給停止水位ｂを検知すると、電磁弁５２を閉じて上水の補給を停止する。そうして、常に貯水タンクＴ１・Ｔ２内を一定水位に保持する。
【００３７】
一方で、貯水タンクＴ１内が何らかの原因で負圧になったりしたとしても、汚れた雨水が上水補給用配管５３を通して逆流しないように、逆止弁５１で防止する。他方、貯水タンクＴ１・Ｔ２間の逆止弁５０により、雨水の流れを一方向に規制し、貯水タンクＴ１内の貯留水が貯水タンクＴ２へ逆流するのを防止して上水の補給量を必要最小限に留めている。なお、たとえば水漏れ等が原因で、水位検知器Ｃが異常水位ｄを検知したときには、給水ポンプＰの作動を停止させる。
【００３８】
そして、図示雨水利用システムでは、貯水タンクＴ１・Ｔ２の水位に従って雨水利用状況をトイレ内で簡単に利用者が確認できるように、図７に示すように表示装置Ｓで表示している。このとき、ポンプ作動停止などの所定エラーコードが制御装置Ｅのエラーコード表示ディスプレイ６８で表示されると、警告ランプ７１を点灯して利用者に報知する。このような表示装置Ｓによって、図示例では、離れた屋内でも、利用者は、貯水タンクの水位などを、一目で簡単に且つ適確に確認でき、使い勝手を一層良好にするという利点がある。
【００３９】
次に、図示雨水利用システムでは、住宅Ｈに特有の状況から、タンク設置スペースと使用水量などを考慮し、組立ユニット材を使って同じ直方体の槽体を２個独立に組み立て、相互にフレキシブル管５０で連結して貯水タンクＴ１・Ｔ２を構築した。しかし、本発明では、住宅の状況に応じてタンク設置スペースと使用水量などを適宜考慮し、大きさ及び形状が同じ上記組立ユニット材の側面パネル２０・底板２１・蓋体２２・角部支柱２３・側部支柱２４を適宜選択的に用いて、以下の通り、全体が異なる立体形状の槽体、又は直方体を単位に異なる個数の槽体に組み立てて貯水タンクを構成することができる。
【００４０】
まず、上述の実施の形態では、貯水タンクＴ１・Ｔ２のように直方体の槽体を２個組み立てて、それらをフレキシブル管５８で繋いで連結する分割式の例を示した。しかし、斯かる分割式の場合、上記組立ユニット材を用いて、同じ直方体の槽体を３個以上組み立て、それらを直列的にフレキシブル管で繋いで構成することもできる。さらには、例えばコーナー状の敷地に対応すべく、個々の槽体をＬ状にフレキシブル管で繋いだレイアウトにすることもできる。その他、敷地状況に応じて、複数の槽体をフレキシブル管で繋いで配列することで、多様なレイアウト構成にすることもできる。勿論、小規模家庭のような場合は、最小単位である直方体の槽体１個のみで貯水タンクを構成してもよい。
【００４１】
一方、槽体１個のサイズを、図９に示すように、必要に応じて、より大型にすることもできる。図９の例では、貯水タンクＴ３を、上記した槽体が２個分の容積になるように同じ組立ユニット材を使って２連式に組み立てている。この２連式の場合は、加えて、側部支柱２４を用い、図５（ｂ）でも示すように、横一列に隣接する側面パネル２０相互の側縁を接続凹部２４ａに嵌め込んで止めネジ７３で固定する。これにより、図９に示すように、２枚の側面パネル２０を連結して対向する側部をそれぞれ幅広に形成して容積を拡大する。なお、図１０に示す２連式の貯水タンクＴ３′は、底板２１として、一辺に連結リブ３１ａを有しない単位材を用い、突き合わせる底板２１間に上向きの出っ張りがないように形成している。さらに、図示貯水タンクＴ３′を、図示しないが、上述のようにフレキシブル管で繋いで直列的に配列した構成にすることもできる。
【００４２】
次に、図１１に示す例の貯水タンクＴ４は、上記槽体が３個分の容積になるように、同じ組立ユニット材を使って３連式に組み立てている。したがって、必要ならば、４個以上横に積み重ねて、槽体１個の単位を一層大きくして容積を拡大させることができる。
【００４３】
さらに、本発明における貯水タンクは、単位形状が直方体の槽体を複数個横に重ねて、上記のようにタンク全体が直方形の立体形状に形成する場合に限定されず、その他、適宜の所望立体形状に構築することにより、各種敷地のタンク設置スペースや各家庭の異なる使用水量などに適合させることもできる。
【００４４】
ところで、上述した図示実施の形態において、貯水タンクの側面パネル２０は、角波形状の薄鋼板を用いて構成したが、本発明は、それに限らず、たとえば図１２に示すような構造のものを用いて構成することもできる。図示他例の側面パネル２０は、予めダンボール７５ａを多層に接着して張り合わせたダンボール積層板７５を備え、そのダンボール積層板７５の全面に、薄鋼板製の外装板７６を張り付けて被覆してなる。これによって、水圧に対する剛性を十分に担保する一方で、比較的軽量で取扱上、極めて便利な構成にしている。
【００４５】
また、上述した図示雨水利用システムにおいて、水位検知器Ｃは、フロート６５を用いて水位を検知する構造であったが、本発明は、それに限らず、たとえば以下のように、半導体圧力センサを用いた構造の水位検知器によって水位を検知する構成にすることもできる。
【００４６】
図示他例の水位検知器Ｃは、図１３に示すように、貯水タンクＴ１の側面パネル２０の下部に雌ねじ連結管７９を取り付け、該連結管７９に半導体圧力センサ８０をねじ込んで連通させてなる。半導体圧力センサ８０は、図１４に示すように、本体部８０ａの一端側に、圧力導入口８１を開けた雄ねじ接続部８０ｂを有し、他端側に半導体に接続したケーブル８０ｃを連設してなる。本体部８０ａには、図１３に示すように、ダイヤフラム８２と、それに貼着した半導体感圧部８３を内蔵している。そして、この水位検知器Ｃは、ケーブル８０ｃを介して制御装置Ｅに接続している。
【００４７】
そこで、図示他例の水位検知器Ｃでは、圧力導入口８１から水圧を受けると、その水圧に応じてダイヤフラム８２が振れ、その振れ具合に応じて半導体感圧部８３が歪みを生じ、その歪み量に対応する電気抵抗値に従って所定電圧を出力する。すると、この電圧の出力変動に基づいて制御装置Ｅにて判断し、予め設定した水位（例えば上記した満水位ａ・上水補給停止水位ｂ・上水補給開始水位ｃ・ポンプ作動停止水位ｄ）を検知し、該当する水位検知信号を表示装置Ｓに送信して水位を表示する。この表示装置Ｓは、図１３に示すように指針表示構造になっている。したがって、システム異常が発生した場合は、指針８５を大きく振幅運動させて警報する構成にしている。
【００４８】
さらに、本発明は、たとえば次のように、超音波センサを用いた構造の水位検知器によって水位を検知する構成にすることもできる。
【００４９】
図示他例の水位検知器Ｃは、図１５に示すように、貯水タンクＴ１の蓋体２２上に超音波センサ８８を設置し、該超音波センサ８８に有する発信部８８ａと受信部８８ｂとを、貯水タンクＴ１内に臨ませて水面に向け配設している。超音波センタ８８には、導波管８９を連結し、その上端開口部を発信部８８ａおよび受信部８８ｂに被せて垂下している。導波管８９は、たとえば塩化ビニール製のパイプ材で、下端開口部を底板２１近くまで位置させて垂設し、発信部８８ａから発する超音波を、乱反射させることなく、水面で反射して受信部８８ｂで受信されるようにしている。そして、超音波センサ８８を電気的に上述した制御装置Ｅに接続している。
【００５０】
したがって、図示他例の水位検知器Ｃでは、発信部８８ａから所定周波数の超音波が発せられると、適宜高さ位置の水面で反射して受信部８８ｂで受信されるが、そのとき超音波センサ８８にて、当該超音波が発信部８８ａから発せられて受信部８８ｂで受信されるまでの時間を計時し、その時間に応じて所定電圧を出力する。すると、この電圧の出力変動に基づいて制御装置Ｅにて判断し、予め設定した水位（例えば上記した満水位ａ・上水補給停止水位ｂ・上水補給開始水位ｃ・ポンプ作動停止水位ｄ）を検知し、該当する水位検知信号を上記表示装置Ｓに送信して水位を表示する。なお、図示例の超音波センサ８８は、超音波の発信部８８ａと受信部８８ｂとを個別に並設するが、それら発信部および受信部を１つ一体に設けた構成であってもよいのは、勿論である。
【００５１】
以上の図示実施の形態では、雨水を回収してトイレの洗浄に有効利用する例を挙げて説明したが、本発明の雨水利用システムは、それに限らず、必要に応じて台所や風呂等の洗浄用、屋上や庭の散水用、洗車用など、多様な用途に有効利用する場合に適用することができるのは、勿論である。
【００５２】
【発明の効果】上述のように構成した本発明によれば、次のような効果が得られる。
【００５３】
請求項１に記載の発明によれば、（１）設置場所の選定に限定を受けることなく、たとえ狭い場所であっても、限られた設置スペースに応じて、共通の組立ユニット材を用いて貯水タンクを自由に組み立て設置することができる。（２）共通の組立ユニット材を適宜選択して貯水タンクを自由に組み立てることにより、家庭の規模に応じ異なる使用水量に合わせて、任意にタンク容積を変更して雨水の合理的な有効利用を実現させることができる。（３）組立ユニットとして分解してコンパクトにすることができ、そのために取扱に著しく便利であり、しかも、設置場所まで極めて容易に運搬することができる。（４）設置現場で１人でも簡単に、且つ迅速に組み立てることができる。。
【００５４】
請求項２、３および４に記載の発明によれば、廉価で且つ簡略な構成によって貯水タンクの水位を段階的に、且つそれを正確に検知することができる。
【００５５】
請求項５に記載の発明によれば、連続的な中空パイプ部を有したパネル構造でるために、それだけ水圧強度が高められ、水圧による撓みの発生を抑制することができる一方で、比較的軽量で、組立時や運搬時等における取扱上の利便性を向上させることができる。
【００５６】
請求項６に記載の発明によれば、同様に、水圧強度が担保されて、水圧による撓みの発生を抑制することができると同時に、一段の軽量化を実現することができ、組立時や運搬時等における取扱上の利便性を一層向上させることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明による雨水利用システムの一例を示す全体システム構成図である。
【図２】貯水タンク１個の分解斜視図である。
【図３】組立ユニット材の側面パネルの平面図である。
【図４】（ａ）角部支柱の平面図、（ｂ）角部支柱で側面パネルを連結した状態を示す平面図である。
【図５】（ａ）側部支柱の平面図、（ｂ）側部支柱で側面パネルを連結した状態を示す平面図である。
【図６】貯水タンク内に防水シートを取り付けた状態を示す部分拡大斜視図である。
【図７】水位検知器による水位検知機構を説明する機構説明図である。
【図８】貯水タンク内の水位と、水位検知器のホテンショメータ回動角度との関係を説明する概略説明図である。
【図９】２連式の貯水タンクを示す分解斜視図である。
【図１０】２連式の貯水タンクの他例を示す分解斜視図である。
【図１１】３連式の貯水タンクを示す分解斜視図である。
【図１２】側面パネルの他の構造例を示す横断面図である。
【図１３】圧力センサ型の水位検知器による水位検知機構を説明する機構説明図である。
【図１４】半導体圧力センサを示す側面図である。
【図１５】超音波センサ型の水位検知器による水位検知機構を説明する機構説明図である。
【図１６】従来の雨水利用システムを示す全体概略構成図である。
【符号の説明】
Ａ沈殿槽
Ｃ水位検知器
Ｅ制御装置
Ｐ給水ポンプ
Ｓ表示装置
Ｔ１〜Ｔ４貯水タンク
１６雨樋
２０側面パネル
２１底板
２２蓋体
２３角部支柱
２３ａ連結凹部
２４側部支柱
２４ａ接続凹部
２５本体板材
２６外装板材
２７補強板
２９中空パイプ部
３１ａ底板の連結リブ（連結部）
３５防水シート
５４上水補給管
６０回転体
６１減速用ギヤ列
６２ポテンショメータ
６３ワイヤ（紐体）
６５フロート
７５ダンボール積層板
７５ａダンボール
７６外装板
８０半導体圧力センサ
８３半導体感圧部
８８ａ超音波の発信部
８８ｂ超音波の受信部
８９導波管[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to cleaning rainwater, washing toilets, kitchens, baths, and the like by flowing rainwater collected by rain gutters, storing the water in a water storage tank, and feeding the stored water as needed. The present invention relates to a rainwater use system suitable for being effectively used for rooftop or garden watering.
[0002]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in this type of rainwater utilization system, generally, as shown in FIG. 16, for example, a water storage tank 2 is installed in a site around a house 1 while rainwater 4 flowing from a roof 3 is collected. The water storage tank 2 is connected to the rain gutter 3a, and rainwater flows into the water storage tank 2 for storage. The water stored in the water storage tank 2 is pumped up by a water supply pump 5 as needed, and is supplied through a water supply pipe 6 to a flush tank 7a of a toilet or a bath tub 8 of a bath to clean the toilet 7 and the bath tub 8. I am offering. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-10-66811 (page 2, page 3, FIG. 1 and FIG. 2).
[0004]
However, in the conventional rainwater utilization system as described above, since the water storage tank 2 is constituted by a large-size fixed-size water tank as shown in the figure, (1) the limit on the site Due to the limited installation space, the selection of the installation location of the water storage tank 2 is limited, and the installation may not be possible in a narrow location. (2) The amount of water used varies depending on the size of the home, but the tank volume cannot be arbitrarily changed according to the difference in the amount of water used. (3) It is extremely inconvenient to transport to the installation location. (4) There is a problem that the assembling work is large and requires much time and labor.
[0005]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to make it possible to install a water storage tank according to the installation space without being limited by the selection of the installation place, and to make it possible to arbitrarily change the tank volume according to different water consumption, and It is an object of the present invention to provide a rainwater utilization system that can be easily transported to a facility and that can be easily and quickly assembled by one person at an installation site.
[0006]
Therefore, in order to achieve the above object, a rainwater utilization system according to the first aspect of the present invention has a rain gutter 16 as shown in an embodiment described below with reference to the drawings. A sedimentation tank A for purifying rainwater by collecting and sedimenting foreign matter flowing in together with rainwater from the tank, and a water tank T1 and T2 for connecting the water supply pipe 54 and storing purified rainwater via a waterproof sheet 35. A water level detector C for detecting water levels in the water storage tanks T1 and T2, a water supply pump P for pumping water in the water storage tanks T1 and T2, and a valve for the water supply pipe 54 at least according to a result of the water level detection. And a control device E for controlling the opening and closing of the water supply pump P and a side surface panel 20 having a rectangular plate shape, and a connecting recess 23a into which the side edges of the side panels 20 adjacent at right angles are fitted. Corner post 23, a side post 24 having a connection recess 24a into which the side edges of the side panels 20 adjacent to each other in a row are fitted, and a connecting portion on which the side panel 20 is placed and its lower edge is engaged A rectangular bottom plate 21 having a bottom surface 31a and a shallow rectangular box cap-like lid 22 which is engaged with and covers the upper edge of the side panel 20 are provided as assembly unit materials for the water storage tank having the same size and shape. The water storage tank is configured to be assembled into a desired three-dimensionally shaped tank body or a desired number of tank bodies in a rectangular parallelepiped unit by using the assembling unit materials.
[0007]
As shown in an embodiment described below with reference to the drawings, for example, in the rainwater utilization system according to the first aspect, the water level detector C includes an up-and-down water tank in the water storage tank T1. A float 65 that is movably suspended, a rotating body 60 that rotates by winding a string body that suspends the float 65 with a mainspring according to the float height position, and a rotation of the rotating body causes the reduction gear train 61 to rotate. And a potentiometer 62 that outputs a predetermined voltage in accordance with the angle of rotation, and determines a water level by making a determination in the control device E based on the voltage value. And
[0008]
As shown in an embodiment described below with reference to the drawings, for example, in the rainwater utilization system according to the first aspect, the water level detector C communicates with the water storage tank T1. A semiconductor pressure sensor 80 connected to the lower portion of the side panel 20 to output a predetermined voltage in accordance with an electric resistance value corresponding to the amount of distortion of the semiconductor pressure sensing portion 83 which is distorted in accordance with water pressure. The water level is detected by the control device E.
[0009]
The invention according to claim 4 is, for example, in an embodiment described below with reference to the drawings. In the rainwater utilization system according to claim 1, the water level detector C includes an ultrasonic wave transmitting unit 88a. A receiving unit 88b is attached to the lid 22 toward the water surface in the water storage tank T1, and ultrasonic waves of a predetermined frequency emitted from the transmitting unit 88a pass through a waveguide 89 for preventing diffuse reflection. An ultrasonic sensor 88 that outputs a predetermined voltage in accordance with the reception time is provided, and the controller E determines a water level based on the output fluctuation of the voltage.
[0010]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the rainwater utilization system according to the first, second, third, or fourth aspect, for example, as shown in the embodiments described below with reference to the drawings, the side panel of the assembly unit material is provided. Reference numeral 20 denotes a main body plate member 25 formed by bending a metal thin plate into a substantially square wave shape in which the individual cross sections alternately form a substantially trapezoidal shape, and a plate-shaped exterior plate member 26 formed of the metal thin plate, which is adhered and fixed to a vertical position. A hollow pipe portion 29 is formed continuously in the direction, and a reinforcing plate 27 bent into a substantially hat shape in cross section is joined in each hollow pipe portion 29.
[0011]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the rainwater utilization system according to the first, second, third or fourth aspect, the side panel of the assembly unit material is, for example, as shown in an embodiment described below with reference to the drawings. Reference numeral 20 denotes a cardboard laminated plate 75 formed by adhering and bonding cardboards 75a in multiple layers, and is characterized in that an outer plate 76 made of a thin steel plate is attached and covered over the entire surface of the cardboard laminated plate 75.
[0012]
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0013]
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing a rainwater use system of the present invention which collects rainwater and effectively uses the collected water for washing a toilet as an example. The rainwater use system in the illustrated example includes a sedimentation tank A for purifying rainwater, an assembled water tank T1 and T2 for storing purified rainwater, a water level detector C for detecting a water level in the water tank, and a water tank. The system includes a water supply pump P for pumping up stored water therein, a control device E for controlling the entire system such as operation of the water supply pump P, and a display device S for displaying a water level and the like in accordance with a determination result of the control device E.
[0014]
In the sedimentation tank A, a vertically long cylindrical tank body 11 is installed on a gantry 10. The tank body 11 has a mesh basket 13 communicating with a rainwater inflow pipe 12 connected to an upper part of a peripheral wall thereof. And a resin bellows hose 14 for collecting foreign matter, which is connected to each other. The bottom wall of the tank body 11 is provided with a sediment drain valve 15 that connects the lower end of the bellows hose 14 and allows sediment to flow out. The rainwater inflow pipe 12 is connected to the overflow pipe 17 together with the rain gutter 16 of the house H and is piped. Then, in the sedimentation tank A, the foreign matter flowing together with the rainwater from the rain gutter 16 is received and collected by the mesh basket 13, and the fine foreign matter is settled through the bellows hose 14 to purify the rainwater. The drainage valve 15 is opened to perform a discharge process. Reference numeral B in the figure denotes a toilet body of a toilet provided with the flush tank 18.
[0015]
As shown in FIG. 2, each of the water storage tanks T1 and T2 is provided with a plurality of types of assembly unit materials having the same size and shape. Assemble.
[0016]
As the assembling unit material, a side panel 20, a bottom plate 21, a lid 22, and a corner post 23 and a side post 24 used for connecting the side panel 20 as needed are provided, one each.
[0017]
In the illustrated example, the side panel 20 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate as a whole, and as shown in FIG. 3, as shown in FIG. 3, a metal thin plate having the same length, for example, a main plate 25 and an exterior plate 26 made of a thin steel plate, and a plurality of reinforcing plates 27 are laminated. The main body plate member 25 is formed into a generally square wave shape in which each cross section has a substantially trapezoidal shape with long and short turns alternately. On the other hand, the exterior plate member 26 is a thin flat plate, and in the illustrated example, a so-called 55% hot-dip galvanized steel plate is used in consideration of rust prevention and aesthetic appearance. Of course, a steel plate or the like whose surface is painted in any color may be used. The reinforcing plate 27 is formed by bending a long flat plate into a substantially hat-shaped cross section.
[0018]
Then, the main body plate member 25 and the exterior plate member 26 having such a shape are superimposed on each other, and are adhered to each other at their contact surfaces with, for example, a resin adhesive. Further, reinforcing plates 27 are respectively provided inside hollow pipe portions 29 each having a substantially trapezoidal section in the vertical direction, which are formed between the main body plate member 25 and the exterior plate member 26, and are adhered to each other with an adhesive and adhered to one side panel. 20 is produced. Therefore, the side panel 20 has a configuration in which hollow pipe portions 29 each subdivided by an elongated rectangular pipe portion 29a are continuously arranged in the width direction, and the hollow pipe portions 29 maintain high strength against water pressure. I have. In this case, the respective plate members 25, 26, and 27 are not limited to the above-described case of bonding, and may be fixed and joined by appropriate fixing means such as welding or riveting.
[0019]
As shown in FIG. 2, the bottom plate 21 is provided with a reinforcing frame 30 assembled in a substantially square shape using a plurality of square pipe members 30a, and for example, the hot-dip galvanized steel plate is attached to the reinforcing frame 30. Four side edge plate portions 31 and a bottom plate portion 32 are formed. The side edge plate portion 31 is formed to be slightly higher than the reinforcing frame body 30 and forms a connection rib (connection portion) 31a with which the lower edge of the side panel 20 engages when the side panel 20 is placed upright. Become.
[0020]
The lid 22 is made of a thin wall, for example, the above-mentioned hot-dip galvanized steel plate, and is formed in a substantially square shallow box cap shape to be engaged with the upper edge of the side panel 20 to cover. In the illustrated example, the upper surface 22a of the lid 22 is formed to be slightly inclined to one side as a whole.
[0021]
The corner support 23 is formed, for example, by extruding aluminum into a longitudinal angle material that is substantially the same length as the side panel 20 and is bent at substantially a right angle, and is adjacent to the right angle along the length direction of both side edges. A connecting concave portion 23a having a U-shaped cross section is formed by fitting the side edges of the side panels 20 to each other. Further, as shown in FIG. 4A, a bone plate portion 23b for reinforcement is provided at a corner between the connection concave portions 23a.
[0022]
As in the case of the corner support 23, the side support 24 is entirely formed into a plate frame material having substantially the same length as the side panel 20 by, for example, aluminum extrusion, and is formed along the length direction of both side edges as shown in FIG. As shown in (a), a connection concave portion 24a having a U-shaped cross section is formed in which the side edges of the side panels 20 adjacent to each other in one row are fitted.
[0023]
Now, when assembling the water storage tanks T1 and T2 using the above-described assembly unit materials, the necessary number of assembly unit materials for assembling the water storage tanks T1 and T2 are appropriately selected, and the housing H at the installation site is disassembled. Transport to At the installation site of the house H, taking into account the predetermined installation space on the site and the amount of water used for cleaning the toilet in the house H, in the illustrated example, the same rectangular tank body is formed using appropriate assembly unit materials. Are independently assembled to construct the water storage tanks T1 and T2 arranged side by side.
[0024]
At the time of assembling, the side edges of the side panels 20 adjacent to each other at right angles are fitted into the connecting recesses 23a of the corner posts 23 and fixed with set screws 34 as shown in FIG. A vertically open rectangular cylinder k is constructed as described above. Further, the rectangular lower edge of the rectangular cylinder k is placed on the reinforcing frame 30 of the bottom plate 21 and engaged with the connection rib 31a to be connected. On the other hand, the lid 22 is put on the rectangular upper edge of the rectangular cylinder k by engaging the rectangular side plate portion 22b. As a result, one minimum unit tank having a predetermined volume is assembled. In the illustrated example, one more tank is assembled into the same rectangular parallelepiped tank using the same assembly unit material in accordance with the predetermined installation space and the amount of water used in the house H.
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 6, a bag-like waterproof sheet 35 made of, for example, polyvinyl chloride is provided in the assembled water storage tanks T1 and T2. The waterproof sheet 35 is provided with engaging holes 35a at an upper edge thereof at equal intervals. On the other hand, hooks 36 are attached to the upper edge of the side panel 20 covered by the lid 22 at regular intervals in accordance with the positions of the engagement holes 35a. The hook 36 has a shape in which a hook-shaped hook 36b is bent upward from one end of a U-shaped plate piece 36a fitted to the upper edge of the side panel 20. Then, the retaining portion 36b is engaged with the engagement hole 35a, the waterproof sheet 35 is held by the hook 36, and the water storage tanks T1 and T2 have a liquid-tight structure.
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 1, the water storage tanks T1 and T2 are provided with a pair of flange joints 40 to 47 for pipe connection on a pair of side panels 20 facing left and right in the figure. Then, the water storage tank T2 is connected to the sedimentation tank A via a vertical pipe 48 and a flexible pipe 49, one end of which is connected to the flange joint 47. The water storage tank T2 and the water storage tank T1 are connected via a flexible pipe 58 so as to communicate with each other. The flexible pipe 58 has one end connected to the flange joint 45, and the other end connected to the check valve 50 and connected to the flange joint 43.
[0027]
In one water storage tank T1, a check valve 51 and a water supply replenishment control solenoid valve 52 are sequentially connected to the upper flange joint 42, and the water supply tank T1 is connected via a water supply pipe 53 connected to the solenoid valve 52. And connected to a tap (not shown) to supply tap water appropriately. Further, a water supply pipe 54 is vertically provided in the water storage tank T1, and the upper end thereof is connected to the flange joint 42 to communicate with the water supply pipe 53.
[0028]
Further, a water supply pump P is mounted on the lid 22 in the water storage tank T1. The water supply pump P has a water absorption pipe 55 vertically provided in the water storage tank T1 through the lid 22, and one end of a water supply pipe 56 connected to the washing tank 18 is connected thereto. A mesh filter 57 for removing foreign matter is provided in the middle of the water supply pipe 56.
[0029]
Further, a water level detector C is mounted on the lid 22 of the water storage tank T1 adjacent to the water supply pump P. As shown in FIG. 7, the water level detector C includes a box-shaped waterproof case 59, and a rotating body 60 having a built-in spring and a gear train 61 for reducing the rotation of the rotating body 60 in the waterproof case 59. A potentiometer 62 capable of rotating forward and backward by 360 degrees for outputting a voltage in accordance with the rotation of the rotating body 60 decelerated by the reduction gear train 61 is provided. The rotating body 60 has a pulley 64 on which a wire (string) 63 is wound coaxially with the transmission gear 61a of the reduction gear train 61 on a rotating shaft 60a. The distal end of the wire 63 is connected to a spherical float 65 that floats up and down in the water storage tank T1.
[0030]
The water level detector C electrically connects the potentiometer 62 to a control device (control panel) E via a terminal (not shown). Then, in accordance with the height position of the float 65 in the water storage tank T1, the rotating body 60 rotates while winding up the wire 63 by the spring force of the mainspring, and the rotation is reduced by the reduction gear train 61 and transmitted to the potentiometer 62. When the potentiometer 62 rotates by a certain angle, a voltage is output in accordance with the rotation angle, and the control device E determines the water level as needed based on the voltage value.
[0031]
Therefore, in the illustrated rainwater utilization system, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 7, in the water storage tank T1, (a) water level a (b) water supply stop water level b (c) water supply start water level c (d) pump in order from the top The operation stop water level d is set at a predetermined height position in advance. On the other hand, on the water level detector C side, as schematically shown in FIG. 8, the deceleration ratio of the reduction gear train 61 is set according to the height positions a to d (water level) of the float 65, that is, the float stroke, and a predetermined value is set. The rotation angle (voltage value v) of the potentiometer 62 corresponds to each of the water levels a to d. Although the turning angle (voltage value v) of the potentiometer 62 can be set arbitrarily, in the illustrated example, the turning angle of the potentiometer 62 at the full water level a is set to, for example, 270 degrees, and the voltage 4v is output at that time. When the voltage value is 0.5 V, water supply is started. On the other hand, when the voltage drops to 0.4 V, the pump operation is stopped as a system abnormality as described later.
[0032]
The control device E is installed on an appropriate wall surface of the house H, and as shown in FIG. 1, is connected to an AC power supply V, and is also electrically connected to a water supply pump P and an electromagnetic valve 52 for controlling water supply, and In accordance with the detection result, the operation of the feedwater pump P is controlled, the opening and closing of the solenoid valve 52 is controlled, and the operation of the entire rainwater utilization system is controlled. The control device E is provided with an error code display 68 that opens a small window on the front and displays an error code for each abnormality pattern when an abnormality of the rainwater utilization system is sensed. Further, the control device E is electrically connected to a display device (display panel) S that transmits a water level signal according to the determination result and displays the water level.
[0033]
The display device S is appropriately installed in the toilet, and as shown in FIG. 7, on the front of the panel, a water display level is divided in stages, and a memory display surface 69 is shown in the ratio (%) of the current water amount. A lighting display unit 70 for displaying a color in multiple stages with LEDs is provided in parallel. In the illustrated example, a range indicating “during water supply” from 0% to 25% on the memory display surface 69 is illuminated stepwise in red on the lighting display unit 70, and “rain water is being used” of 25% or more. Are similarly lit stepwise and separately in yellow. 100% corresponds to the water supply level a, 25% corresponds to the water supply stop water level b, and the lighting position at the lower stage corresponds to the water supply replenishment start water level c. When an error in the rainwater utilization system is detected by the control device E and an error code is displayed on the error code display 68, for example, when the operation of the pump is stopped, the display device S is turned on in conjunction with the error code. A warning lamp 71 for notifying an error is provided.
[0034]
In the rainwater utilization system having the above-described configuration, when rainwater flows into the sedimentation tank A from the rain gutter 16 of the house H shown in FIG. 1 through the rainwater inflow pipe 12, the foreign matter is received by the mesh basket 13 in the tank body 11. While separating and purifying, the rainwater is once contained in the tank main body 11 and further flows into the water storage tank T2 through the flexible pipe 48 and the vertical pipe 49, and then flows into the water storage tank T1 through the flexible pipe 50, Over time, it is stored in the water storage tanks T1 and T2.
[0035]
In the illustrated rainwater utilization system, the water level in the storage tanks T1 and T2 is detected by the water level detector C and monitored by the controller E, while the stored water is pumped up by the water supply pump P, and foreign matter is removed by the mesh filter 57 on the way. While removing, the water is supplied to the flush tank 18 of the toilet through the water supply pipe 56.
[0036]
At this time, in the illustrated rainwater utilization system, when the water level detector C detects the fresh water supply start water level c as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 according to the water storage amounts of the water storage tanks T1 and T2, the electromagnetic valve 52 is opened. Replenish the clean water. Thereafter, when the water supply stop water level b is detected, the electromagnetic valve 52 is closed to stop water supply. Thus, the inside of the water storage tanks T1 and T2 is always maintained at a constant water level.
[0037]
On the other hand, even if the pressure in the water storage tank T1 becomes negative for some reason, the check valve 51 prevents dirty rainwater from flowing back through the water supply pipe 53. On the other hand, the check valve 50 between the water storage tanks T1 and T2 regulates the flow of rainwater in one direction, prevents the water stored in the water storage tank T1 from flowing back to the water storage tank T2, and reduces the amount of water supply. It is kept to the minimum necessary. When the water level detector C detects the abnormal water level d due to, for example, a water leak or the like, the operation of the water supply pump P is stopped.
[0038]
In the illustrated rainwater use system, the rainwater use status is displayed on the display device S as shown in FIG. 7 so that the user can easily check the rainwater use status in the toilet according to the water levels of the water storage tanks T1 and T2. At this time, when a predetermined error code such as a pump operation stop is displayed on the error code display 68 of the control device E, the warning lamp 71 is turned on to notify the user. With the display device S, in the illustrated example, the user can easily and accurately check the water level of the water storage tank at a glance, even at a distant indoor, and has an advantage that the usability is further improved.
[0039]
Next, in the illustrated rainwater use system, two sets of the same rectangular parallelepiped tank body are independently assembled using the assembly unit materials in consideration of the tank installation space and the amount of water used in consideration of the situation peculiar to the house H. The storage tanks T1 and T2 were connected at 50. However, in the present invention, the side panel 20, the bottom plate 21, the lid 22, the corner posts 23 of the above-mentioned assembled unit materials having the same size and shape are appropriately considered in consideration of the tank installation space and the amount of water used according to the situation of the house. As described below, a water storage tank can be configured by assembling into a tank body of a different three-dimensional shape as a whole or a different number of tank bodies in units of rectangular parallelepiped as described below.
[0040]
First, in the above-described embodiment, an example of a split type in which two rectangular parallelepiped tank bodies such as the water storage tanks T1 and T2 are assembled and connected by a flexible pipe 58 for connection. However, in the case of such a division type, it is also possible to assemble three or more same rectangular parallelepiped tank bodies using the above-mentioned assembling unit material and connect them in series with a flexible pipe. Furthermore, in order to correspond to, for example, a corner-shaped site, a layout in which individual tank bodies are connected in an L-shape by a flexible pipe can be adopted. In addition, various layout configurations can be obtained by arranging a plurality of tanks connected by a flexible pipe according to the site conditions. Of course, in the case of a small-sized household, the water storage tank may be constituted by only one rectangular parallelepiped tank which is the minimum unit.
[0041]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, the size of one tank body can be made larger as needed. In the example of FIG. 9, the water storage tank T3 is assembled in a double system using the same assembly unit material so that the above-mentioned tank body has a capacity of two tanks. In the case of the double type, in addition to the above, the side pillars 24 are used, and as shown in FIG. 5B, the side edges of the side panels 20 adjacent to each other in the horizontal row are fitted into the connection recesses 24a and set screws. Fix at 73. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, the two side panels 20 are connected to each other, and the opposing side portions are formed to be wide to increase the volume. The double water storage tank T3 'shown in FIG. 10 uses a unit material having no connecting rib 31a on one side as the bottom plate 21 and is formed so that there is no upward protrusion between the butting bottom plates 21. . Further, although not shown, the illustrated water storage tank T3 'may be configured to be connected in series with a flexible pipe as described above.
[0042]
Next, the water storage tank T4 of the example shown in FIG. 11 is assembled in a triple system using the same assembly unit material so that the above-mentioned tank body has a capacity of three pieces. Therefore, if necessary, four or more tanks can be stacked side by side, and the unit of one tank body can be further enlarged to increase the volume.
[0043]
Furthermore, the water storage tank in the present invention is not limited to a case where a plurality of tanks each having a rectangular parallelepiped unit shape are stacked side by side, and the entire tank is formed in a rectangular solid shape as described above. By constructing a three-dimensional shape, it can be adapted to the tank installation space of various premises and the different water usage of each household.
[0044]
By the way, in the illustrated embodiment described above, the side panel 20 of the water storage tank is configured using a thin steel plate having a square wave shape. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It can also be configured using. The side panel 20 of the other example shown in the drawing includes a cardboard laminated plate 75 in which cardboards 75a are bonded in advance by bonding in multiple layers, and the entire surface of the cardboard laminated plate 75 is covered with an outer plate 76 made of a thin steel plate. . Thereby, while ensuring sufficient rigidity against water pressure, the configuration is relatively lightweight and extremely convenient for handling.
[0045]
Further, in the illustrated rainwater utilization system described above, the water level detector C is configured to detect the water level using the float 65. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a semiconductor pressure sensor is used as described below. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the water level is detected by a water level detector having a different structure.
[0046]
As shown in FIG. 13, a water level detector C of another example shown in the drawing has a female screw connecting pipe 79 attached to a lower portion of the side panel 20 of the water storage tank T <b> 1, and a semiconductor pressure sensor 80 is screwed into the connecting pipe 79 to communicate therewith. . As shown in FIG. 14, the semiconductor pressure sensor 80 has a male screw connection portion 80b having a pressure inlet 81 opened at one end of a main body portion 80a, and a cable 80c connected to a semiconductor connected to the other end. It becomes. As shown in FIG. 13, the main body 80a includes a diaphragm 82 and a semiconductor pressure-sensitive portion 83 attached to the diaphragm 82. The water level detector C is connected to the control device E via a cable 80c.
[0047]
Therefore, in the water level detector C shown in the drawing, when the water pressure is received from the pressure inlet 81, the diaphragm 82 sways in accordance with the water pressure, and the semiconductor pressure-sensitive portion 83 generates distortion according to the degree of the sway. A predetermined voltage is output according to the electric resistance value corresponding to the quantity. Then, the control unit E determines based on the output fluctuation of the voltage, and sets a predetermined water level (for example, the above-described full water level a, the water supply stop water level b, the water supply start water level c, and the pump operation stop water level d). Is detected, and a corresponding water level detection signal is transmitted to the display device S to display the water level. This display device S has a pointer display structure as shown in FIG. Therefore, when a system abnormality occurs, the pointer 85 is caused to perform a large amplitude movement to give an alarm.
[0048]
Further, the present invention can be configured to detect a water level by a water level detector having a structure using an ultrasonic sensor, for example, as follows.
[0049]
As shown in FIG. 15, a water level detector C of another example shown in the drawing has an ultrasonic sensor 88 installed on the lid 22 of the water storage tank T1, and a transmitting unit 88a and a receiving unit 88b included in the ultrasonic sensor 88. , Facing the water surface facing the water storage tank T1. A waveguide 89 is connected to the ultrasonic center 88, and its upper end opening is hung over the transmitting section 88 a and the receiving section 88 b. The waveguide 89 is made of, for example, a pipe made of vinyl chloride, and is vertically installed with its lower end opening positioned near the bottom plate 21 to receive ultrasonic waves emitted from the transmitting unit 88a by reflecting the ultrasonic waves from the water surface without irregular reflection. This is received by the unit 88b. Then, the ultrasonic sensor 88 is electrically connected to the control device E described above.
[0050]
Therefore, in the water level detector C shown in the drawing, when an ultrasonic wave having a predetermined frequency is emitted from the transmitting unit 88a, the ultrasonic wave is reflected on the water surface at an appropriate height and received by the receiving unit 88b. At 88, the time from when the ultrasonic wave is emitted from the transmitting unit 88a to when it is received by the receiving unit 88b is counted, and a predetermined voltage is output according to the time. Then, the control unit E determines based on the output fluctuation of the voltage, and sets a predetermined water level (for example, the above-described full water level a, the water supply stop water level b, the water supply start water level c, and the pump operation stop water level d). Is detected, and a corresponding water level detection signal is transmitted to the display device S to display the water level. Although the ultrasonic sensor 88 in the illustrated example has the ultrasonic transmitting unit 88a and the ultrasonic transmitting unit 88b separately arranged in parallel, the ultrasonic transmitting unit 88 may have a configuration in which the transmitting unit and the receiving unit are integrally provided. Is, of course.
[0051]
In the illustrated embodiment described above, an example has been described in which rainwater is collected and effectively used for cleaning a toilet. However, the rainwater utilization system of the present invention is not limited to this, and cleaning of a kitchen, bath, or the like may be performed as necessary. Of course, it can be applied to the case where it is effectively used for various uses, such as for watering, rooftop or garden watering, and car washing.
[0052]
According to the present invention configured as described above, the following effects can be obtained.
[0053]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, (1) the use of a common assembly unit material according to the limited installation space even in a small place without being limited by the selection of the installation place. The water storage tank can be freely assembled and installed. (2) By appropriately selecting common assembling unit materials and freely assembling the water storage tank, the tank volume can be arbitrarily changed according to the amount of water used according to the size of the household, and rational effective use of rainwater can be achieved. Can be realized. (3) It can be disassembled and made compact as an assembling unit, so that it is extremely convenient to handle and can be extremely easily transported to the installation location. (4) Even one person can easily and quickly assemble at the installation site. .
[0054]
According to the second, third and fourth aspects of the present invention, the water level of the water storage tank can be detected stepwise and accurately by a low-cost and simple configuration.
[0055]
According to the invention as set forth in claim 5, since the panel structure has a continuous hollow pipe portion, the water pressure strength is increased accordingly, and the occurrence of bending due to water pressure can be suppressed, while the weight is relatively light. Therefore, the convenience in handling at the time of assembling or transporting can be improved.
[0056]
According to the invention as set forth in claim 6, similarly, the water pressure strength can be ensured, the occurrence of bending due to water pressure can be suppressed, and at the same time, a further reduction in weight can be realized. Convenience in handling at times and the like can be further improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall system configuration diagram showing an example of a rainwater utilization system according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of one water storage tank.
FIG. 3 is a plan view of a side panel of the assembly unit material.
FIG. 4A is a plan view of a corner post, and FIG. 4B is a plan view showing a state where side panels are connected by the corner post.
5A is a plan view of a side support, and FIG. 5B is a plan view showing a state where side panels are connected by the side support.
FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a state in which a waterproof sheet is attached in the water storage tank.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a water level detection mechanism using a water level detector.
FIG. 8 is a schematic explanatory diagram illustrating a relationship between a water level in a water storage tank and a rotation angle of a potentiometer of a water level detector.
FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing a double water storage tank.
FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing another example of a double water storage tank.
FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing a triple water storage tank.
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the structure of the side panel.
FIG. 13 is a mechanism explanatory diagram illustrating a water level detection mechanism using a pressure sensor type water level detector.
FIG. 14 is a side view showing a semiconductor pressure sensor.
FIG. 15 is a mechanism explanatory diagram illustrating a water level detection mechanism using an ultrasonic sensor type water level detector.
FIG. 16 is an overall schematic configuration diagram showing a conventional rainwater utilization system.
[Explanation of symbols]
A settling tank
C water level detector
E control device
P water pump
S display
T1-T4 water storage tank
16 Rain gutter
20 Side panel
21 Bottom plate
22 Lid
23 corner support
23a Connecting recess
24 side supports
24a Connection recess
25 Body plate
26 Exterior plate materials
27 Reinforcement plate
29 hollow pipe
31a Connecting rib (connecting part) on bottom plate
35 Tarpaulin
54 Water supply pipe
60 rotating body
61 Gear train for reduction
62 potentiometer
63 wire (string body)
65 float
75 Cardboard laminate
75a cardboard
76 Exterior plate
80 Semiconductor pressure sensor
83 Semiconductor Pressure Sensing Unit
88a Ultrasonic transmitter
88b Ultrasonic receiver
89 Waveguide

Claims

A sedimentation tank for purifying rainwater by collecting and sedimenting foreign matter flowing in along with rainwater from the rain gutter, a prefabricated water tank for connecting the water supply pipe and storing the purified rainwater through a waterproof sheet, and the water storage tank A water level detector for detecting a water level in the water tank, a water supply pump for pumping water in the water storage tank, and a control device for controlling opening and closing of a valve of the water supply pipe and operation of the water supply pump at least according to a result of the water level detection. With
A side plate having a rectangular plate-shaped side panel, a corner post having a connection recess into which the side edges of the side panels adjacent at right angles are fitted, and a connection recess into which the side edges of the side panels adjacent to each other in a horizontal row are fitted A column, a rectangular bottom plate having a connection portion on which the side panel is placed and the lower edge of which is engaged, and a shallow rectangular box cap-like lid that is engaged with and covers the upper edge of the side panel, respectively. Provided as an assembly unit material of the water storage tank having the same size and shape,
A rainwater utilization system, characterized in that the water storage tank can be assembled into a desired number of tanks by using a unit having a desired three-dimensional shape or a rectangular parallelepiped as a unit using the assembly unit materials.

The water level detector includes a float that is vertically movably suspended in the water storage tank, a rotating body that winds and rotates a string body that suspends the float with a mainspring according to a float height position, and a rotating body thereof. And a potentiometer that outputs a predetermined voltage according to the angle of rotation when the rotation is transmitted through the reduction gear train. The rainwater use system according to claim 1, wherein the rainwater utilization system detects the rainwater.

The water level detector is a semiconductor pressure sensor that communicates with the water storage tank and is connected to a lower portion of the side panel, and outputs a predetermined voltage according to an electric resistance value corresponding to a distortion amount of the semiconductor pressure sensing unit that is distorted according to water pressure. The rainwater utilization system according to claim 1, wherein the controller detects the water level based on the output fluctuation of the voltage.

The water level detector has a transmitter and a receiver for ultrasonic waves attached to the lid facing the water surface in the water storage tank, and ultrasonic waves of a predetermined frequency emitted from the transmitter are guided for irregular reflection prevention. According to the time received by the receiving unit through the pipe, equipped with an ultrasonic sensor that outputs a predetermined voltage, characterized by detecting the water level determined by the control device based on the output fluctuation of this voltage, The rainwater utilization system according to claim 1.

The side panel of the assembling unit material is obtained by laminating a main body plate material obtained by bending a thin metal plate into a square wave shape in which the individual cross sections alternately form a substantially trapezoidal shape, and a flat outer plate material made of the thin metal plate. 2. A hollow pipe portion is formed continuously in the vertical direction by being fixed to each other, and a reinforcing plate formed into a substantially hat-shaped cross section is joined to each hollow pipe portion. The rainwater utilization system according to 2, 3, or 4.

The side panel of the assembling unit material has a cardboard laminated plate in which cardboard is bonded and bonded in multiple layers, and an outer plate made of a thin steel plate is attached and covered over the entire surface of the cardboard laminated plate. The rainwater utilization system according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4.