JP2014512466A - Water-saving device - Google Patents

Abstract

  In the water-saving device (2), (i) separation means (4) for separating the water that has flown out of the water intake (6) and has not been interrupted from the water that has flowed out of the water intake (6) and has been interrupted. And (ii) first outlet means (8) for receiving uninterrupted water; and (iii) second outlet means for receiving water whose flow is interrupted ( 101) and a device that, during use, allows water received by the first outlet means (8) to flow and not be wasted.

Description

  The present invention relates to a water-saving device.

  There are many cases in which the water flowing out from the water intake is used with the waste water outlet open. For example, a person washing his / her hand at a sink always uses his / her water to wash his / her hand with the waste water outlet open. Similarly, in kitchens, people often rinse items such as cups, spoons and knives under running water with the waste outlet open. During washing, there is usually a period when water flowing from a water intake such as a faucet to a waste water outlet such as a sink is not used. For example, while washing your hands, before you actually get your hands wet, let the water run away, for example, so that the water reaches the required temperature, or simply because the person is doing something else at the time. there is a possibility. Similarly, water may have flowed for a considerable amount of time after doing what he was doing and before actually closing the faucet. Water that has not been used for its intended purpose, for example to wash hands or to clean articles, actually flows to the waste water outlet in the same way as used water for that intended purpose. Water that has not been used for its intended purpose is usually drinking-quality water, and the transfer of this water to the waste water outlet is water that could be used for other purposes, such as drinking water. Means loss. For example, on average, 0.1 liter of water per second can leave a faucet-shaped intake. Thus, 0.1 liter of water is wasted per second when water that has not been used for its intended purpose flows to the waste water outlet.

  The object of the present invention is to reduce the above-mentioned problems and thereby save water.

Thus, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, a water-saving device comprising:
(I) separation means for separating water that has flown out of the intake and has not been interrupted from water that has flowed out of the intake and has been interrupted;
(Ii) first outlet means for receiving uninterrupted water;
(Iii) second outlet means for receiving water whose flow has been interrupted;
A water-saving device is provided that can prevent the water received by the first outlet means from flowing and being wasted during use.

  The water received and flowed and saved without waste by the first outlet means may then be available for any possible use of unused water provided from the intake.

This device can also be a device in which the separation means is a water flow responsive and / or hydraulic responsive separation means.
The separating unit may be a spring separating unit including a spring mechanism.
Alternatively, the separating means may be a counterweight separating means including a counterweight mechanism.
Alternatively, the separating means can be a flexible ball separating means including a flexible ball mechanism. The flexible ball can also be an elastic ball. Other types of flexible balls may be utilized.
Alternatively, the separating means can be a segment separating means including a segment mechanism.
Alternatively, the separating means can be an elastic strip separating means including an elastic strip mechanism.
Alternatively, the separating means can be an elastic band separating means including an elastic band mechanism.
Any suitable and suitable type of separation means may be utilized in the apparatus of the present invention.

  The optimal function of the device of the invention can be achieved by positioning the intake nozzle directly above the drain for unused water. In order to equip an existing sink with a device, it is preferable to install a water intake, which may be a faucet with a nozzle, directly above the water outlet for unused water. This can be accomplished using a faucet with a nozzle portion that is fixed in length or adjustable. A variety of different designs can also be utilized to allow the hydrant to have an adjustable nozzle. Any suitable design can be utilized provided that the nozzle can be mounted or adjusted in a vertical position above the water outlet.

  The outlet may be in the sink. The sink can also be of various shapes. The sink can also be a sink that provides two or three different outlets at one, two or three different locations. The outlet for collecting water not used by a person or article is preferably always in a vertical position directly below the inlet of the water source, which can also be a hydrant.

  The device of the present invention may be attached to a sink. Alternatively, if the sink has water that was not used by a person or object and has an outlet that is positioned higher than the overflow outlet and the outlet in the used water sink, the sink is It may be used without a separate device of the invention. In this case, only an opening for unused water may be present in the sink, this opening being directly under the faucet intake, next to the used water outlet below, And also in the sink next to the overflow outlet located below the outlet for unused water.

  The faucet and sink may be made of the same material or different materials.

  The apparatus of the present invention is such that the first outlet means is a conduit leading to a first system for receiving uninterrupted water, and the second outlet means receives the interrupted water. It can also be a device that is a conduit leading to a second system for watering. The water in the first system can be used for any purpose that can use unused water from the intake. Similarly, water in the second system may be used for any purpose that can use wastewater that has been used or otherwise interrupted.

  The apparatus of the present invention may include a first system and a second system.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus of the present invention is intended to be installed in a structure wastewater outlet and flows from the structure intake to the structure wastewater outlet and is used by a person. Water that flows from the intake to the wastewater outlet and is separated from the water used by humans.
(I) first outlet means for unused water;
(Ii) first valve means for opening and closing the first outlet means;
(Iii) a second outlet means for spent water;
(Iv) second valve means for opening and closing the second outlet means;
(V) a separation means that operates when the first valve means closes the first outlet means and includes a direction change to divert water from the first outlet means to the second outlet means;
Including
(A) The first outlet means is for communication with a first system that uses unused water, and the second outlet means is separate from the first system and uses used water. To communicate with a second system that
(B) During use, the water intake directs unused water directly toward the first outlet means, thus allowing the unused water to enter the first outlet means without touching the direction changing means or the structure. Reachable;
(C) A device in which unused water and used water are derived from the same intake during use, thus avoiding waste of unused water.

  The above-described device of the present invention saves unused and drinking quality water for the same purpose as it was intended for initial use or for a lesser purpose (but this Inferior objectives may still be advantageous in that they can be used for water quality values higher than those provided by used water.

  The apparatus of the present invention includes a third valve means for operating as a result of the backflow of water passing through the first outlet means to close the first valve means. The third valve means may operate when the drain is shut off or when the connection system or device is full.

  The device can also be a device in which the first outlet means is a first opening located in the upper part of the device. Preferably, the outlet means is centrally located in relation to the periphery of the device. Other types of first outlet means and other locations for the first outlet means may be utilized.

The first valve means can also include a first float and a second float. Other types of first valve means may be utilized.
The first float may also include first and second portions that pivot in relation to each other to open the first float and close the first outlet means.

The second float can also be disk-shaped with a collar that hangs down in the center.

  The device may include a control rod, and upward movement of the second float causes the control rod to move to a position that maintains the first float closed.

  The apparatus can also be an apparatus in which the outlet means is formed between the redirecting means and a portion of the structure adjacent to the waste water outlet.

  The second valve means may be a ring seal in the direction changing means. Other types of second valve means may be utilized.

  The first outlet is in the direction changing means. The first outlet means can be located elsewhere if desired.

  The direction changing means may be a lid. Other types of direction changing means can also be used.

  The device can also be a device having a skirt portion with the lid depending downwards, the first outlet means being in the central body portion of the lid and the second valve means being on the skirt portion.

  In the apparatus, the first valve means is biased toward the closed position by a spring, and the spring counteracts the biasing force derived from the spring when subjected to water pressure from unused water. It can also be a device constructed and arranged so that it can be opened. The pressure of unused water is greater than the pressure of used water. This is because the used water strikes objects such as human hands or instruments to be cleaned, thus reducing the pressure of the water. The spring can also be a circular spring. Other structures of springs may be utilized, and thus, for example, the spring may be a coil spring or a leaf spring.

  The apparatus includes a central tube portion, wherein the direction changing means is positioned at the upper portion of the central tube portion, the central tube portion is slidable up and down within the outer tube portion, and thus the direction changing means is around the waste water outlet. It can also be set as the apparatus which can move so that a structure may be contacted / separated.

  The apparatus includes pump means for pumping unused water to one or more predetermined locations, the pump means including a first turbine driven by water from a water main and a first turbine The first turbine operates to increase the flow of unused water and thus pump unused water to one or more predetermined locations. And a second turbine to be driven.

  The second turbine is preferably operatively connected to the first turbine by a gear arrangement. Other mechanical connections can also be utilized to operably connect the second turbine to the first turbine. The mechanical connection can also be a belt and pulley arrangement, for example.

  The apparatus can also include a first outlet pipe for unused water and a second outlet pipe for used water.

  Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 shows a first device of the present invention that operates such that the water flowing from the intake to the outlet is uninterrupted. FIG. 2 shows the apparatus of FIG. 1 operating such that the water flowing from the intake to the waste water outlet is interrupted. Fig. 3 shows a second device of the invention operating so that the water flowing from the water intake to the waste water outlet is uninterrupted. FIG. 3 shows the apparatus of FIG. 2 operating so that the water flowing from the intake to the waste water outlet is interrupted. Fig. 4 shows a third device of the present invention operating so that the water flowing from the water intake to the waste water outlet is uninterrupted. Fig. 4 shows the device of Fig. 3 operating so that the water flowing from the intake to the waste water outlet is interrupted. Fig. 6 shows a fourth device of the present invention operating so that the water flowing from the intake to the waste water outlet is uninterrupted. FIG. 5 shows the apparatus of FIG. 4 operating such that the water flowing from the intake to the wastewater outlet is interrupted. Figure 7 shows a fifth apparatus of the present invention operating so that the water flowing from the water intake to the wastewater outlet is uninterrupted. FIG. 6 shows the apparatus of FIG. 5 operating so that the water flowing from the water intake to the waste water outlet is interrupted. Fig. 8 shows a sixth device of the present invention operating so that the water flowing from the water intake to the waste water outlet is uninterrupted. FIG. 7 shows the apparatus of FIG. 6 operating such that the water flowing from the intake to the wastewater outlet is interrupted. Figure 8 shows a seventh device of the present invention operating such that the water flowing from the intake to the wastewater outlet is uninterrupted flow. FIG. 8 shows the apparatus of FIG. 7 operating such that the water flowing from the intake to the waste water outlet is interrupted. An eighth apparatus of the present invention operating with a separating means in the form of a counterweight separating means including a counterweight section and operating with the first outlet means closed and the second outlet means open. Show. FIG. 9 shows the apparatus of FIG. 8 with the first outlet means open and the second outlet means open; FIG. 9 shows the apparatus of FIG. 8 with the first outlet means closed and the second outlet means closed; Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view through the device of the present invention when the device is in the mode of operation described in the figure. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view through the device of the present invention when the device is in the mode of operation described in the figure. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view through the device of the present invention when the device is in the mode of operation described in the figure. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view through the device of the present invention when the device is in the mode of operation described in the figure. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view through the device of the present invention when the device is in the mode of operation described in the figure. FIG. 16 shows the apparatus of FIGS. 11-15 installed with two integrated outlet tube configurations. FIG. 16 shows the apparatus of FIGS. 11-15 installed in a domestic water system. It shows how the device of the present invention can optionally be connected to a pump means for pumping unused water to one or more predetermined locations. Figure 2 shows the device of the invention in use in a washing machine. 1 shows the device of the present invention in use in a land water system.

  Referring to FIG. 1, a water saving device 2 is shown. The apparatus 2 includes separation means 4 for separating water that has flowed out of the water intake 6 and the flow is not interrupted from water that has flowed out of the water intake 6 and has been interrupted. The device 2 further comprises a first outlet means 8 for receiving water whose flow is not interrupted. The device 2 further comprises a second outlet means 10 for receiving water whose flow has been interrupted.

  The device 2 is such that the water received by the first outlet means during use can be prevented from flowing and being wasted. At this time, the water received by the first outlet means 8 may be available for any of the possible uses of unused water provided from the water intake 6. The water intake 6 may be a faucet or any other suitable and suitable water intake. The device 2 may be used in virtually all sites, including residential, office and industrial sites. The water flowing out of the water intake 6 is shown as water 12 in FIG. FIG. 1 also shows the presence of interrupter means 14 that do not interrupt the flow of water 12. The interrupter means 14 can be any type of means that interrupts the flow of water from a water intake, typically a faucet. Thus, the interrupter means 14 may be the hand of the person being cleaned, or may be an object being cleaned such as a cup, platter and cutlery. In the bathroom, if the water intake 6 is a shower head, the interrupter means 14 may take the form of the entire human body. In an industrial environment, the interrupter means can be a variety of industrial objects.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the first outlet means 8 leads to a first system 16 for receiving water whose flow is not interrupted. The second outlet means 10 leads to a second system 18 for receiving water whose flow has been interrupted. The water in the first system 16 can be used for any purpose for which unused water from the intake 6 is used. The water in the second system 18 can be used for any purpose for which wastewater is used.

  FIG. 2 shows the device 2 in which the flow of water 12 is interrupted by the interrupter means 14. Thus, the separating means 4 is operated so that the water from the water intake 6 no longer shifts to the first outlet means 8 but instead to the second outlet means 10.

  2-7A, parts similar to those in FIGS. 1 and 1A are given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding.

  FIG. 2 shows the portion of the apparatus 20 that utilizes spring separation means 22 including a spring mechanism 24. The spring mechanism 24 includes a spring 26 housed on the column 28. FIG. 2 shows a device 20 in which the water flowing out of the intake 6 is uninterrupted and thus operates to move to the first outlet means 8. FIG. 2A shows the device 20 of FIG. 2 in which the water 12 flowing out of the water intake 6 is interrupted in flow, for example by the interrupter means 14 shown in FIG. The interruption of the water 12 flowing out from the water intake 6 operates the spring separating means 22 as shown. In this way, the water 12 that has flowed out of the water intake 6 and whose flow is interrupted is transferred to the second outlet means 10.

  FIG. 3 shows the portion of the device 30 that utilizes a counterweight separation means 32 that includes a counterweight mechanism 34. The counterweight mechanism 34 includes a weight 36, a pivot 38 and an arm 40. FIG. 3 shows a device 30 that operates so that the water flowing out of the intake 6 is uninterrupted. This water therefore moves to the first outlet means 8. FIG. 3A shows a device 30 that operates such that the water 12 flowing out of the intake 6 is interrupted. Thus, the counterweight separator 32 is operated. This in itself directs the water whose flow has been interrupted to the second outlet means 10.

  FIG. 4 shows a portion of the device 42 having flexible ball separation means 44 including a flexible ball mechanism 46. The flexible ball mechanism 46 includes a flexible ball 48 and a support 50. The flexible ball 48 is preferably an elastic ball or may be another type of flexible ball.

  FIG. 4 shows a device 42 that operates so that the water 12 flowing out of the intake is uninterrupted. Therefore, the flexible ball separating means 44 is not operating and water flows to the first outlet means 8.

  FIG. 4A shows the device 42 of FIG. 4 operating such that the water 12 from the intake 6 is interrupted. Thus, the flexible ball separator mechanism 44 is activated. This in turn causes the water to stop flowing to the first outlet means 8 and instead to flow to the second outlet means 10.

  FIG. 5 shows a portion of the device 52 having segment separating means 54 including a segment mechanism 56. FIG. 5 shows a device 52 that operates such that water 12 flowing out of a water intake, such as water intake 6, is uninterrupted. Therefore, the segment separating means 54 is not operating and the water is transferred to the first outlet means. The segment mechanism 56 includes a plurality of pivot segments 58.

  FIG. 5A shows a device 52 that operates such that the water 12 flowing out of the intake is interrupted. Therefore, the segment separating means 54 was operated. The operation of the segment separation means 54 stops the flow of water to the first outlet means 8 and instead the water flows to the second outlet means 10.

  FIG. 6 shows a portion of the device 60 having elastic strip separating means 62 including an elastic strip mechanism 64. The elastic strip mechanism 64 includes an elastic strip 66 and an anchor plate 68. FIG. 6 shows a device 60 that operates such that water 12 flowing out of a water intake, such as water intake 6, is uninterrupted. Therefore, the elastic strip separating means 62 is not operating and allows water to move to the first outlet means 8.

  FIG. 6A shows a device 60 that operates such that water flowing out of the water intake 6 is interrupted. The elastic strip separating means 62 was operating to stop water from flowing to the first outlet means 8 and instead to flow to the second outlet means 10.

  FIG. 7 shows an apparatus 70 having elastic band separating means 72 including an elastic band mechanism 72. The elastic band mechanism 72 includes an elastic band 74 and a ball valve 76. FIG. 7 shows an apparatus 70 that operates such that water flowing out of a water intake, such as water intake 6, is uninterrupted. Accordingly, the water 12 moves to the first outlet means 8.

  FIG. 7A shows a device 70 that operates such that the water 12 flowing out of the intake is interrupted. Thus, the elastic band separating means 72 was operated to stop the flow of water to the first outlet means 8 and to guide the water to flow to the second outlet means 10 instead.

  8, 9 and 10 show a device 78 having a counterweight separating means 80 that includes a counterweight mechanism 82. The counterweight mechanism 82 includes a first float 84 that pivots on an arm 86 about a pivot 88. The counterweight mechanism 82 also includes a second float 90 mounted on an arm 92 that pivots about the pivot 100. The first float 84 is manipulated by a counterweight 102 mounted on an arm 104 that pivots about a pivot 88. The second float 90 controls the mechanism about a pivot 88 that balances an arm 106 that pivots about the pivot 100.

  Device 78 includes a cover 108 having a first opening 110 that forms part of first outlet means 112. The cover 108 may have a second opening 114 that forms part of the second outlet means 116. The first opening 110 can be closed by the first float 84. The second opening 114 can be closed by a closing configuration 118 on the second float 90. FIG. 8 shows a state in which the first opening 110 is closed. FIG. 9 shows a state in which the first opening 110 and the second opening 114 are opened. FIG. 10 shows a state in which the first opening 110 and the second opening 114 are closed. The device 78 can be mounted in the waste water outlet 120 in the sink 124. The device 78 may include a pin 126 having a spring 128 as shown. The pin 130 can slide through a bore in a pipe 132 that forms part of the counterweight separating means 80. The upper end 134 of the pin 130 abuts against the arm 86, thus maintaining the first float 84 in place within the first opening 110 shown in FIG.

  8 and 9 show a state where the cover 108 is lifted above the level of the sink 124 and the waste water outlet 120 is open. FIG. 10 shows a state where the cover 108 closes the waste water outlet 120. In FIG. 8, with the first float 84 closing the first opening 110, the flow interrupted water can pass through the second opening 114 to the second outlet means 116. If desired, the spring 128 and opening 114 can be eliminated.

  Referring to FIGS. 11-15, an apparatus 220 for installation in the waste water outlet 204 of the structure 206 is shown. The structure 206 has the shape of a sink. However, if desired, the structure 206 could alternatively be a bathtub, shower or another structure.

  The device 202 is for separating water that is not used by the flow person from the water intake 208 to the waste water outlet 204 of the structure 206 from the water used by the flow person from the water intake 208 to the waste water outlet 204. Although the water intake 208 is shown as a faucet, it can be another type of water intake, such as a shower head, for example, when the structure is a shower.

  The device 202 includes a first outlet means 210 for unused water. First valve means 212 is provided to open and close the first outlet means 210.

  The device 202 further includes a second outlet means 214 for used water. In order to open and close the 2nd exit means 214, the 2nd valve means 216 is provided.

  The device 202 further operates when the first valve means 212 closes the first outlet means 210 to redirect the water from the first outlet means 210 to the second outlet means 214. And separating means.

  The device 202 is a device in which the first outlet means 210 is in communication with the first system 220 that uses unused water. The second outlet 214 is separate from the first system 220 and is in communication with a second system 222 that utilizes used water. The second system 222 can also be a drainage system. The first system 220 recycles unused water so that it can be reused for its original purpose, such as for use in the structure 206, or for other purposes. It can also be a circulation system. The other purpose is for drinking water or a purpose that is inferior to drinking water but is more valuable than simply transferring used water along the same path as used water. possible.

  The device 202 is also a device in which the water intake 208 directs unused water directly towards the first outlet means 210 during use. This is so that unused water can reach the first outlet means 210 without touching the redirecting means 218 or the structure 206. As shown in FIG. 11, the water intake 208 is positioned directly above the first outlet means 210. In one alternative embodiment of the invention (not shown), the water intake 208 is in the first outlet means 210 without it guiding the water in a curvilinear manner and touching the redirecting means 218 or structure 206. It could be positioned elsewhere, provided that it was able to enter.

  Device 202 is further such that unused water and used water originate from the same water intake 208. Obviously, the device 202 can be used such that waste of unused water is avoided.

  Apparatus 202 includes third valve means 224 for operating as a result of the backflow of water passing through first inlet 210 to close first valve means 212. The third valve means 224 can also operate when the drain is shut off or when the coupling system or device is full.

  As can be seen from FIGS. 11-15, the first outlet means 210 is a first opening located in the upper portion 226 of the device 202. The first outlet means 210 is centrally located in relation to the periphery 228 of the device 202.

  The first valve means 212 includes a first float 230 and a second float 232. The first float 230 includes a first portion 234 and a second portion 236. The first and second portions 234, 236 pivot in relation to each other to open the first float 230 and close the first outlet means 210. The second float 232 is disk-shaped with a collar that hangs downward in the center.

  Device 202 includes two control rods 240. The upward movement of the second float 232 causes the control rod 240 to move to a position that keeps the first float 230 closed.

  The second outlet means 214 is formed between the redirecting means 218 and the portion 242 of the structure 206 adjacent to and around the waste water outlet 204.

  Second valve means 216 is a ring seal within direction change means 218. The first outlet 210 is likewise in the direction changing means.

  The direction changing means 218 is a lid. The direction changing means 218 has a skirt portion 224 depending downward. The first outlet means 210 is in the central body portion of the direction changing means 218. Second valve means 216 is on skirt portion 244.

  The first valve means 212 is biased toward the closed position by a spring 246. The spring 246 is constructed and arranged to allow the first valve means 212 to open against the biasing force of the spring 246 when subjected to water pressure from unused water. The pressure from unused water is higher than that of used water. This means that unused water flows directly from the water intake 208 to the first outlet 210, the path of which is, for example, an object such as the hand of a person washing hands or an instrument such as a cup and knife being washed or being washed. Because it is not interrupted by other more complex instruments. The spring 246 includes a circular spring, but can be another type of spring 246 where desired.

  Device 202 includes a central tube portion 248. The direction changing means 218 is positioned in the upper portion 250 of the central tube portion 248. If desired, the redirecting means 218 may be integrally formed with the central tube portion 248. The central tube portion 248 can slide up and down within the outer tube portion 252. The sliding is such that the direction changing means 218 can move around the waste water outlet 204 so as to contact and separate from the structure 206. Sliding of the central tube portion 248 within the outer portion 252 can be controlled and sensed by a ball 254 acting within the detent 256.

  The method of operation of the device 202 is shown in detail in FIGS. FIGS. 11-15 illustrate various stages of operation of the device 202, for example, to accommodate different operating conditions.

  FIG. 16 shows the device 202 in an integrated two-pipe system 258. System 258 includes a first outlet pipe 260 for unused water and a second outlet pipe 262 for used water. The second outlet pipe 262 is connected to the waste water outlet pipe 264 as shown.

  FIG. 17 illustrates how the device 202 operates in the toilet 266 as well as in a system that includes a sink-like structure 206.

  FIG. 18 shows how the device 202 can operate with an outlet pipe 268 leading to the pump means 270. The pump means 270 includes a housing 272 that houses a pipe 274 as well as an unused water outlet pipe 268. Pipe 274 may be used for domestic water supply. Pump means 270 is for pumping unused water to one or more desired locations. The pump means 270 includes a first turbine 276 having turbine blades 278 that allow the first turbine 276 to be driven by unused water. The pump means 270 is also operatively coupled to the first turbine 276 so that the first turbine 276 increases the flow of unused water, thus bringing unused water to one or more predetermined locations. Also included is a second turbine 280 that drives the first turbine 276 to operate for pumping. Second turbine 280 is operatively coupled to first turbine 276 by a gear arrangement 282 that includes a first gear 284 and a second gear 286.

  The apparatus shown in FIG. 18 may utilize a double tube arrangement 258, such as that shown in FIG. 16, so that, for example, the illustrated downpipe 262 for used water is then used. It may be as shown in FIG.

  Referring now to FIG. 19, a washing machine 288 within the water distribution circuit 290 is shown. As shown in FIG. 19, there is a domestic or industrial water pipe 292 for receiving the highest quality water such as main water, for example, and this water is referred to herein as blue water. The tank 294 can receive blue water derived from the water pipe 292. Also provided in the apparatus shown in FIG. 19 is a drinking water intake 296.

  Washing machine 288 includes an overflow valve 298 associated with blue water internal outlet 300. Pipe 302 connects water pipe 292 to overflow valve 298. A pipe 304 connects the internal outlet 300 to a tank 306 provided in the washing machine 288. The overflow valve 298 is also associated with a blue water external outlet 308 that communicates with the pipe 302 by a pipe 310. The washing machine 288 has a water outlet 312 for water that has been used and is therefore not as clean as blue water. Spent water is referred to herein as gray water. Accordingly, the water outlet 312 is the gray water outlet 312. The water outlet 312 is connected to the outlet pipe 314. As shown, a washing chamber 316 is provided in the washing machine 288. The cleaning chamber 316 is connected to the apparatus 322 of the present invention by water pipes 318, 320. The device can divert blue water and gray water through the various pipe connections shown. As illustrated, a water pipe 324 connects a water intake 296 to a tank 294 via a distribution valve 326. The distribution valve 326 is connected to the water pipe 330 via the inlet 328. The water pipe 330 is inside the washing machine 288 and communicates with the tank 306 via the pipe 332 and to the cleaning chamber via the pipe 334.

  During operation of the washing machine 288, the device 322 can recognize the last wash cycle of the washing machine 288 and direct relatively clean rinse water to the blue water outlet 300. This can be done by any suitable and suitable valve that can be mechanical, electronic and / or programmed. Although FIG. 19 shows a washing machine 288, the washing machine may be a dishwasher or other utensil.

Referring now to FIG. 20, a water distribution system 336 having a blue water tank 338, a gray water tank 340, and a tank 342 is shown. The tank 342 is for sewage, and this water is referred to as care water in this specification.
System 336 has a connection point 344 for blue water. The connection point 344 communicates with the blue water apparatus 346 as shown.
System 336 also has a gray water connection point 348, as shown. System 336 further includes a care water connection point 350 as shown. The main water supply 352 is connected to a sink 356, a shower 356, a bathtub 360, three blue water appliances 346 and three toilets 362 through a connection point 354.

  The system 336 can include as many units of the present invention as necessary to dispense water as shown. Blue water tank 338, gray water tank 340, and care water tank 342 may be any suitable and suitable type of tank or other container or reservoir.

  It should be appreciated that the embodiments of the present invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings are provided by way of example only and modifications may be made. Thus, for example, the apparatus of the present invention may use a different type of separation means than that shown. The device of the present invention may be used in any suitable and suitable environment to conserve water that would otherwise be wasted. The device of the present invention may be made of any suitable and suitable material including plastic materials and metals such as chromium and stainless steel. Mixtures of materials can also be used as appropriate. The shapes of the first outlet 210, the first valve means 212, the second outlet 214, the second valve means 206, the direction changing means 218 and the third valve means 224 are modified from what is shown. Good. References to blue water, gray water and care water may be applied as appropriate to water in all embodiments of the apparatus of the present invention. The individual components shown in the drawings are not limited to their use in the drawings, but may be used in other drawings and in all aspects of the invention.

  The device of the present invention is manufactured and sold under the trade name CAMEL DRAIN® or DUO-DRAIN®.

Claims (30)

A water-saving device,
(I) separation means for separating water that has flown out of the intake and has not been interrupted from water that has flowed out of the intake and has been interrupted;
(Ii) first outlet means for receiving uninterrupted water;
(Iii) second outlet means for receiving water whose flow has been interrupted;
Including
During use, the water received by the first outlet means can be prevented from flowing and wasted,
A water-saving device characterized by that.   The water-saving device according to claim 1, wherein the separating means is a water flow-responsive and / or water-pressure responsive separating means.   The water-saving device according to claim 2, wherein the separating unit is a spring separating unit including a spring mechanism.   The water-saving device according to claim 2, wherein the separating unit is a counterweight separating unit including a counterweight mechanism.   The water-saving device according to claim 2, wherein the separation unit is a flexible ball separation unit including a flexible ball mechanism.   The water-saving device according to claim 5, wherein the flexible ball is an elastic ball.   The water-saving device according to claim 2, wherein the separating means is a segment separating means including a segment mechanism.   The water-saving device according to claim 2, wherein the separating means is an elastic strip separating means including an elastic strip mechanism.   The water-saving device according to claim 2, wherein the separating unit is an elastic band separating unit including an elastic band mechanism. The first outlet means is a conduit leading to a first system for receiving uninterrupted water flow;
The second outlet means is a conduit leading to a second system for receiving water whose flow has been interrupted;
The water-saving apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-9 characterized by the above-mentioned.   The water-saving device according to claim 10, comprising a first system and a second system. Water that flows from the intake port of the structure to the waste water outlet of the structure and is not used by people for the purpose of being installed in the waste water outlet of the structure. The water-saving device according to claim 1 for separating from
(I) first outlet means for unused water;
(Ii) first valve means for opening and closing the first outlet means;
(Iii) a second outlet means for spent water;
(Iv) second valve means for opening and closing the second outlet means;
(V) a separation means that operates when the first valve means closes the first outlet means and includes a direction change to divert water from the first outlet means to the second outlet means;
Including
(A) The first outlet means is for communication with a first system that uses unused water, and the second outlet means is separate from the first system and uses used water. To communicate with a second system that
(B) During use, the water intake directs unused water directly toward the first outlet means, thus allowing the unused water to enter the first outlet means without touching the direction changing means or the structure. Reachable;
(C) During use, unused water and used water originate from the same water intake, thus avoiding waste of unused water.
A device characterized by that.   13. A water-saving device according to claim 12, comprising third valve means for operating as a result of the backflow of water passing through the first outlet means to close the first valve means. .   14. A water-saving device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the first outlet means is a first opening located in the upper part of the device.   The water-saving device according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the first outlet means is positioned in the center in relation to the periphery of the device.   The water-saving device according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the first valve means includes a first float and a second float.   17. The first float includes first and second portions that pivot in relation to each other to open the first float and close the first outlet means. Water-saving device.   The water-saving device according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the second float has a disk shape with a collar hanging downward in the center.   19. A control rod according to any one of claims 16 to 18, comprising a control rod, wherein the upward movement of the second float causes the control rod to move to a position that maintains the first float closed. The water-saving device described.   20. The second outlet means is formed between the direction changing means and a portion of the structure adjacent to the waste water outlet and adjacent thereto. Water-saving device.   The water-saving device according to any one of claims 12 to 20, wherein the second valve means is a ring seal in the direction changing means.   The water-saving device according to any one of claims 12 to 21, wherein the first outlet is in the direction changing means.   The water-saving device according to any one of claims 12 to 22, wherein the direction changing means is a lid.   24. The lid of claim 23, wherein the lid has a skirt portion depending downwardly, the first outlet means is in the central body portion of the lid, and the second valve means is on the skirt portion. Water saving device.   The first valve means is biased toward the closed position by a spring so that the spring can open the first valve means against the biasing force of the spring when subjected to water pressure from unused water. The water-saving device according to any one of claims 12 to 24, wherein the water-saving device is constructed and arranged to be   The water-saving device according to claim 25, wherein the spring is a circular spring.   Including a central tube portion, the direction changing means being positioned at the upper portion of the central tube portion, the central tube portion being slidable up and down within the outer tube portion, and thus the direction changing means being structured around the waste water outlet 27. The water-saving device according to any one of claims 12 to 26, wherein the water-saving device is movable so as to be in contact with or separated from the water.   Pump means for pumping unused water to one or more pre-determined locations, the pump means including a first turbine driven by the used water and operatively relative to the first turbine A second is coupled to drive the first turbine so that the first turbine operates to increase the flow of unused water and thus pump unused water to one or more predetermined locations. The water-saving device according to any one of claims 12 to 27, wherein a turbine is included.   29. The water saving device of claim 28, wherein the second turbine is operatively connected to the first turbine by a gear arrangement.   30. A water-saving device according to any one of claims 12 to 29, comprising a first outlet pipe for unused water and a second outlet pipe for used water.

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