RU2586790C2 - Water storage and distribution system having water tank by pass - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: water supply.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to water supply systems. System (209) for storage and distribution of water consists of tank (230) for water with inlet branch pipe (232) for fresh water, inlet pipe (234) for collected water discharge pipe (236) for flushing water pipeline (242) for fresh water, connected to inlet branch pipe for fresh water, and discharge pipe (248) for flushing water, connected to outlet branch pipe for flushing water. Fresh water pipeline is connected by bypass (250) of water tank with outlet pipe for flushing water. Switching device (252) switches system between first mode whereat bypass (250) is closed, and outlet branch pipe (236) for flushing water is open, and second mode, in which bypass (250) is open, and outlet branch pipe (236) for flushing water is closed.

EFFECT: invention reduces water consumption and weight.

15 cl, 5 dwg

Description

The invention relates to a water storage and distribution system, which comprises a water tank having an inlet pipe for fresh water, an inlet pipe for collected water, and an outlet pipe for flushing water; fresh water piping connected to the fresh water inlet; and an outlet pipe for washing water connected to an outlet pipe for washing water.

It is very important to reduce the weight of all components of vehicles, such as trains. In vehicles with sanitary equipment, there are two components, the weight of which makes a big contribution to the total weight of the vehicle, namely: a tank for fresh water and a tank for wastewater.

At the same time, it is required to have greater autonomy of the sanitary equipment between the operations of filling the tank with fresh water, and especially between the operations of emptying the wastewater tank. Higher autonomy results in the use of larger tanks, resulting in increased weight and equipment.

In vehicles with conventional sanitary equipment, fresh water is used for both the sink and the toilet. Each time you use the sanitary equipment, 0.4 (approximately) liters per sink and 0.4 (approximately) liters per toilet are consumed (0.2 for wastewater removal + 0.2 for subsequent cleaning).

In more modern sanitary equipment for vehicles, due to the household wastewater (“gray water”) recovery system, the water used for the sink is reused for the toilet, and therefore less water is needed for the required autonomy. The size of the tanks for fresh water and wastewater in this case can be optimized by regeneration. To ensure the functioning of the sink and toilet bowl, a smaller amount of fresh water is required (a smaller tank for fresh water is required), and therefore also a smaller amount of water will turn into wastewater (a smaller wastewater tank is required). The system allows you to reduce the size of tanks and their weight when used on vehicles.

Figure 1 shows the well-known sanitary equipment with a system of regeneration of "gray water". Such devices are currently used in trains operating on regular flights to the Eurotunnel.

Figure 1 shows the sanitary equipment 100 of a railway carriage. The main components of the sanitary equipment 100 are the main fresh water tank 102, an intermediate fresh water tank 104, a sink 106, a toilet bowl 108, a waste water tank 110 and a gray water tank 112. The gray water tank 112 is designed to regenerate water coming from the sink 106, which is then used to flush the toilet 108. The sanitary equipment 100 includes three filters 114-118. The first filter 114 is located between the sink 106 and the gray water tank 112, the second filter 116 is in the gray water tank 112, and the third filter is between the gray water tank 112 and the toilet 108.

The main disadvantage of the known sanitary equipment 100 is a complete stop of the equipment in the event of a clogged filter or a malfunction of the tank 112 for gray water. Indeed, if the gray water tank 112 fails, then the toilet 108 is no longer provided with flushing water. This means that the sanitary equipment 100 should switch to the “no service” mode with a corresponding effect on the comfort of the passengers of the railway carriage.

The objective of the invention is to create a more reliable storage and distribution of water.

This problem is solved by using a water storage and distribution system of the aforementioned type, which according to the invention comprises a bypass of a water tank that connects a fresh water pipe to a wash water outlet pipe, and also a device for switching the system between a first mode in which the bypass is closed and the outlet for rinsing water is open, and the second mode, in which the bypass is open and the outlet for rinsing water is closed.

Thanks to the bypass and the corresponding switching device, the system is in working condition even in the event of a water tank malfunction. Indeed, if such a malfunction occurs, the switching device will switch the system to the second mode, which uses the bypass of the water tank. In this case, the toilet can be flushed directly with fresh water, thereby supporting the functioning of the toilet flushing system.

Preferably, the first mode is the main mode of operation of the system, and the second mode is degraded.

Preferably, the switching device is configured to switch to the second mode when a system malfunction is detected.

Preferably, the switching device is a three-way valve, controlled manually or automatically.

Preferably, the three-way valve has three nozzles: the first nozzle is connected to the bypass of the water tank, the second nozzle is connected to the outlet pipe for washing water, and the third nozzle is connected to the outlet pipe for washing water.

Preferably, a valve for preventing fresh water contamination is installed on the fresh water pipe.

Preferably, there is a filter at the bottom of the water tank connected to an inlet for collecting water;

Preferably, the water tank further comprises an outlet for removing water.

Preferably, the water tank further comprises an outlet for overflowing water.

Preferably, the water tank further comprises at least one of the following sensors: a first sensor for detecting a high water level in the water tank and a second sensor for detecting a low water level in the water tank.

Preferably, there is a water tank cleaning circuit.

Preferably, the system is a gray water regeneration system.

The invention also relates to sanitary equipment comprising the aforementioned system; a sink having a drain pipe that is connected to an inlet for collecting water; a toilet having an inlet pipe connected to an outlet pipe for flushing water; and a fresh water tank having an outlet connected to a fresh water pipe.

Preferably, the sanitary equipment further comprises a wastewater tank having an inlet connected to an outlet for removing water.

The invention also relates to a vehicle, in particular to a railway carriage containing the above-mentioned sanitary equipment.

The invention will be better understood from the following non-limiting description with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 shows a known diagram of sanitary equipment;

figure 2 - diagram of the sanitary equipment according to the invention;

figure 3 - tank for "gray water" of sanitary equipment, a diagram of which is shown in figure 2, a front view in section;

figure 4 - sanitary equipment, a diagram of which is shown in figure 2, in the main mode of operation;

figure 5 is the same, but in a degraded mode of operation.

Figure 2 shows the sanitary equipment 200 according to the invention. Sanitary equipment 200 is mounted on a vehicle, such as a railroad car. The main components of the sanitary equipment 200 are a fresh water tank 202, a sink 204, a waste water tank 206, a toilet bowl 208, and a water storage and distribution system, i.e. a gray water regeneration system 209. The gray water recovery system 209 has an inlet for gray water 210, an inlet 212 for fresh water, an outlet 214 for wastewater, and an outlet 216 for wash water. The gray water inlet 210 is connected to the drain pipe 218 of the sink 204. The fresh water inlet 212 is connected to the outlet pipe 220 of the fresh water tank 202. The waste water outlet 214 is connected to the inlet pipe 222 of the waste water tank 206. The outlet 216 for flushing water is connected to the inlet pipe 224 of the toilet bowl 208. The faucet 226 for fresh water of the sink 204 is connected to the outlet pipe 220 of the tank 202 for fresh water.

The gray water regeneration system 209 may also have an inlet 228 of an additional purification circuit.

The main unit of the gray water recovery system 209 is a gray water tank 230. The gray water tank 230 has an inlet pipe 232 for fresh water, an inlet pipe 234 for collected water, an outlet pipe 236 for flushing water, an outlet pipe 238 for removing water and an overflow pipe 240. A fresh water pipe 242 connects the fresh water inlet 212 water with inlet pipe 232 for fresh water. On the fresh water pipe 242, a valve 244 is arranged to prevent fresh water contamination and a valve 246 for supplying fresh water. The inlet pipe 234 for the collected water is connected to the inlet 210 for "gray water".

A flushing water outlet pipe 248 connects the flushing water outlet 236 to a flushing water outlet 216. A gray water tank bypass 250 connects fresh water pipe 242 to a wash water outlet pipe 248. The connection between the outlet pipe 236 for rinsing water, the bypass 250 of the tank for domestic wastewater and the outlet pipe 248 for rinsing water is carried out via a switching device 252.

Preferably, the switching device 252 is a three-way valve with three nozzles 254, 256 and 258. The first nozzle 254 is connected to the bypass of the gray water tank 250, the second nozzle 256 is connected to the outlet pipe 248 for flushing water, and the third nozzle 258 is connected to the outlet pipe 236 for flushing water. On the exhaust pipe 248 for flushing water, a check valve 260 is installed.

An outlet pipe 238 for removing water through an outlet valve 262 is connected to an outlet 214 for removing water. Through the overflow pipe 240, through the valve 264, water is directed to the discharge location 266. In a railway car situation, the discharge location 266 is a railroad track.

The gray water tank 230 may also include a flushing nozzle 268. This flushing nozzle 268 is connected through a check valve 270 to the inlet 228 of the additional cleaning circuit.

Figure 3 shows in detail the tank 230 for "gray water". The gray water tank 230 comprises a main part 272, a lower part 274 and a connecting element 276. Fresh water inlet pipe 232 and an overflow pipe 240 are located in the upper wall 278 of the main part 272. The main part 272 defines a gray water storage space 280. ". A sensor 282 for monitoring a low water level and a sensor 284 for monitoring a high water level in a water tank are installed in this cavity. The flushing nozzle 268 protrudes into a cavity 280 for storing “gray water”. A flushing water outlet 236 is located at the bottom of the main body 272.

In the lower part 274 of the gray water tank 230, a gray water filter 286 is installed. Access to the filter 286 for cleaning can be provided through a removable filter cover 288. A filter 286 is installed at the bottom 290 of the water tank 230.

The connecting element 276 has a Y-shape. It has a support portion 292 attached to the bottom of the tank 274 via a watertight connection 294. Its upper elbow is an inlet pipe 234 for collected water, and the lower elbow is an outlet pipe 238 for removing water.

Next, with reference to figures 4 and 5, the main and degraded operating modes of the sanitary equipment 200 are described.

Figure 4 shows the sanitary equipment 200 in the main mode of operation. In this mode, the three-way valve 252 is switched so that the bypass 250 is closed, which is indicated by the dashed line, and the outlet pipe for flushing water 236 is opened, which is indicated by the solid line. The "gray water" GW discharged from the sink 204 enters the tank 230 through the inlet pipe 234. Since the inlet pipe 234 for the collected water reaches the filter 286, the "gray water" is filtered and temporarily stored in the tank 230. If you want to flush the toilet, then “gray water” is discharged from the tank 230 through the outlet pipe 236 for flushing water, passes through a three-way valve 252, a check valve 260 and, ultimately, enters the toilet 208. If the “gray water” in the tank 230 is not enough for flushing, then low level sensor 282 will turn on. This opens the fresh water supply valve 246 so that the gray water tank 230 is filled with fresh water FW coming from the tank 202. This fresh water will then be directed through the outlet 236 for flushing the toilet 208.

Thanks to the check valve 244, “gray water” cannot leak from the tank 230 into the fresh water tank 202. Accordingly, bacteria and other contaminants cannot get from the gray water tank into the fresh water tank. Preferably, the check valve 244 is made according to EN 1717.

If the toilet is not flushed while the sink is frequently used, the gray water tank 230 will fill up and the high level sensor 284 will turn on. This will open the valve 262 to remove water. Accordingly, the contents of the tank 230 will be removed and will enter the tank 206 for wastewater.

As an additional safety measure, the gray water tank 230 may have an overflow port 240. For example, if the upper level sensor 284 is faulty, the gray water tank does not empty through the outlet 238, even if the tank is full. However, the “gray water" may leave the tank 230 through the overflow pipe 240 and the valve 264, which by default is in the open state. In a railway wagon situation, the water overflow valve 264 temporarily closes when the railway wagon crosses the tunnel.

Figure 5 shows the sanitary equipment 200 in a degraded mode of operation. In this mode, the three-way valve 252 switches so that the bypass 250 opens, which is indicated by a solid line, and the outlet pipe 236 for flushing water is closed, which is indicated by a dashed line. The sanitary equipment 200 switches from the main mode of operation to the degraded mode of operation when a malfunction of the gray water regeneration system 209 is detected. Switching between the two modes can be manual or automatic depending on the functional requirements for the sanitary equipment 200. In the degraded mode of operation shown in FIG. 5, the fresh water and gray water circuits are separated and operate independently. The gray water tank 230 in this case is a buffer tank for the existing wastewater tank 206. The "gray water" GW coming from the sink 204 accumulates in the tank 230 until it is full. This triggers a high level sensor 284 that signals the opening of valve 262 to remove water. As a result, “gray water” is removed to the wastewater tank 206.

In a degraded mode of operation, fresh water is used to flush the toilet 208. In particular, when using the toilet 208, fresh water FW flows from the tank 202, which flows through a pipe 242 and a bypass 250, and then is routed through a three-way valve 252 through an outlet pipe 248 for flushing water to flush the toilet 208.

Due to the bypass 250 of the gray water tank and the three-way valve 252, a malfunction of the gray water tank does not adversely affect the proper flushing of the toilet 208. The toilet 208 can be flushed with fresh water from the tank 202.

If the gray water recovery system 209 is connected to the inlet of the purification circuit 228, then the gray water tank 230 can be cleaned by connecting the inlet of the purification circuit 228 to the purification water supply. Cleaning water is supplied to the tank for "gray water" through the flushing nozzle 268 and exits through the overflow pipe 240.

Thus, the system for storing and distributing water according to the invention and the corresponding sanitary equipment advantageously differ due to the small size of the tank and, therefore, their low weight, reliability and a small number of components, the ability to bypass the tank for "gray water" and to separate the circuits for "Gray water" and fresh water, protection against contamination of fresh water and easy cleaning. An added benefit is the use of a single filter for the entire system.

Claims (15)

1. System (209) for storing and distributing water, comprising a water tank (230) for water, having an inlet pipe (232) for fresh water, an inlet pipe (234) for collected water, and an outlet pipe (236) for washing water, a pipeline ( 242) for fresh water connected to a fresh water inlet pipe and a flushing water outlet pipe (248) connected to a flushing water outlet pipe, characterized in that it contains a bypass (250) of a water tank that connects the fresh water pipe water with an outlet pipe for flushing water, and that also a device (252) for switching the system between the first mode in which the bypass (250) is closed and the outlet pipe (236) for rinsing water is open, and the second mode in which the bypass (250) is open and the outlet pipe (236) for rinse water is closed. 2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first mode is the main mode of operation of the system, and the second mode is a degraded mode of operation. 3. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the switching device (252) is configured to switch to the second mode when a system malfunction is detected. 4. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the switching device is a three-way valve (252), controlled manually or automatically. 5. The system according to claim 4, characterized in that the three-way valve has three nozzles, the first nozzle (254) connected to the bypass of the water tank, the second nozzle (256) connected to the outlet pipe for flushing water, and the third nozzle (258 ) connected to the outlet for flushing water. 6. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a valve (244) to prevent contamination of fresh water mounted on the pipeline for fresh water. 7. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a filter (286) at the bottom (290) of the water tank, connected to an inlet pipe for collected water. 8. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the water tank further comprises an outlet pipe (238) for removing water. 9. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the water tank further comprises an outlet pipe (240) for overflowing water. 10. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the water tank further comprises at least one of the sensors: a first sensor (284) for detecting a high level of water in the water tank and a second sensor (282) for detecting a low level of water in the tank for water. 11. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a circuit (228, 268) for cleaning the water tank. 12. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it is a system for the regeneration of domestic wastewater. 13. Sanitary equipment (200), including the system (209) according to any one of claims 1 to 12; a sink (204) having a drain pipe (218) connected to an inlet for collecting water; a toilet bowl (208) having an inlet pipe (224) connected to an outlet pipe for flushing water; and a fresh water tank (202) having an outlet (220) connected to a fresh water pipe. 14. Sanitary equipment according to claim 13 with the system of claim 8, further comprising a wastewater tank (206) having an inlet pipe (222) connected to an outlet pipe for removing water. 15. A vehicle, in particular a railway carriage, containing sanitary equipment according to any one of paragraphs.13 or 14.

Images