WO1997028320A1

WO1997028320A1 - A system for use of waste water for toilet flushing and the method for use of the system

Info

Publication number: WO1997028320A1
Application number: PCT/KR1997/000019
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joon Hyung Park
Original assignee: Park, Sil, Sang
Priority date: 1996-01-31
Filing date: 1997-01-30
Publication date: 1997-08-07
Also published as: AU1559397A

Abstract

A system for use of waste water for toilet flushing comprising a conventional flush toilet having a toilet tank (2) placed at the rear-upper position of a toilet bowl (1), an upright filler tube (5) equipped with a shutoff valve (7) which opens to supply water or shuts to stop inflow of water at the control of a float ball (11), a drainage valve (8) to flush water to the toilet bowl (1) at the control of a handle (12), and an overflow tube (13) which sends water off to the toilet bowl (1) when water in the toilet tank (2) is more than its capacity; and a waste water supply pipe (4) to supply the waste water from wash stands, sinks, or bath tubs to the toilet tank (2), charasterised in that a water control system (17) is set above or under the float ball (11) inside the toilet tank (2), which water control system (17) always keeps the shutoff valve (7) of the upright filler tube (5) and the float ball (11) locked regardless of the level of water in the toilet tank (2), when there is no or only insufficient waste water in the toilet tank (2) and when the user lifts the cover (21) and sits down, the push button device of the water control system (17) projecting from the front of the toilet tank (2), is pushed down, and as the water control system automatically functions to open the shutoff valve (7), water is let to flow in from the upright filler tube (5).

Description

Title of Invention

A system for use of waste water for toilet flushing and the method for use of the system.

Description

Technical field

The present invention is intended to make it possible to use the waste water draining wash bowls, kitchen sinks, or bath tubs for flushing toilets in the home, or, more particularly, it relates to a system, and the use thereof, for flushing toilet bowls with waste water for the most part, and only when there happens to be no waste water, with clean tap water.

Background art

Generally, flush toilets are flushed with tap water, and the waste of water, and of energy, too, by this is enormous. This waste of water may turn out a serious cause of draining to exhaustion of the very fountains of water resource even in drought in the dry season.

Meanwhile such waste water as from the sinks, bath tubs, etc., in the home has been almost denied recycling for reuse but let to drain into sewerage, whereby service water becomes the more expensive and the sewerage system get overloaded in metropolitan areas. Disclosure of invention

The present invention was made to solve, or to help solve, these problems. As will be seen in the embodiments, waste water from wash bowls, sinks, or bath tubs is led to flow into a main tank attached to a toilet bowl to be used in flushing the bowl, while there is a water control system, too, set inside the main tank, this latter for feeding or stopping clean service water only when there is no waste water or too little stored in the tank.

Another embodiment illustrates installation, adjacent to the main tank, of an auxiliary tank for storage of waste water, this auxiliary tank being equipped with a filter to prevent foreign substances, like non- liquid waste matters, from flowing into the toilet tank; and it is also possible to install a float ball in the auxiliary tank, or set up more than one auxiliary tanks, all to in-crease the use of waste water at the maximum.

Still another embodiment of the present invention illustrates a possibility of placing the toilet tank at a lower position than such sources as wash stands, thereby facilitating the flow of waste water, while, yet to keep the efficiency in supply of waste water from getting diminished due to this lower position of the toilet tank, or rather increase its efficiency in-stead, the waste water supply line is made double, and separate collection systems can be installed onto bath tubs and others for better collection of waste water and its supply to the toilet tank or auxiliary tanks. Brief description of drawings

Fig. 1 is a rough perspective of the flush toilet bowl equipped with the water control system of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a vertical section view of the toilet tank of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 illustrates Example 1 of the water control system.

Fig. 4 illustrates Example 2 of the same.

Fig. 5 illustrates Example 3 of the same.

Fig. 6 illustrates Example 4 of the same.

Fig. 7 illustrates Example 5 of the same.

Fig. 8 illustrates Example 6 of the same.

Fig. 9 illustrates Example 7 of the same.

Fig. 10 illustrates Example 8 of the same.

Fig. 11 illustrates Example 9 of the same.

Fig. 12 illustrates Example 10 of the same. Fig. 13 illustrates Example 11 of the same.

Fig. 14 illustrates Example 12 of the same.

Fig. 15 illustrates Example 13 of the same.

Fig. 16 illustrates Example 14 of the same.

Fig. 17 illustrates Example 15 of the same. Fig. 18 indicates the position of the push button device of the toilet tank.

Fig. 19 is a perspective of the flush toilet, of another embodiment.

Fig. 20 is a detailed drawing of the flush toilet, of another embodiment. Fig. 21 is a vertical section view of the flush toilet bowl of still another embodiment. Fig. 22 is a perspective of the flush toilet of yet another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 23 (a)(b) are vertical section views of the main part of Fig. 22. Fig. 24 is a rough perspective of Fig. 23 (b).

Fig. 25 is a perspective of yet another embodiment of the present mvention.

Fig. 26 is an enlargement of Fig. 25 to show its main part.

Best mode for carrying out invention

Below, preferable modes for carrying out the present invention will be given, the attached drawings referred to on occasion.

The present invention is a system for making advantageous use of the waste water from wash stands, kitchen sinks, bath tubs, etc. for flushing a toilet bowl, the system comprising a conventional flush toilet having a toilet tank 2 placed at the rear-upper position of a toilet bowl 1, an upright filler tube 5 equipped with a shut-off valve 7 which opens to supply water or shuts to stop inflow of water at the control of a float ball 11, a drainage valve 8 to flush water to the toilet bowl 1 at the control of a handle 12, and an overflow tube 13 which sends water off to the toilet bowl 1 when water in the toilet tank 2 is more than its capacity; and a waste water supply pipe 4 to supply the waste water from wash stands, sinks, or bath tubs to the toilet tank 2, in addition, a water control system 17 is set above or under the float ball 11 inside the toilet tank 2, which water control system 17 always keeps the shutoff valve 7 of the upright filler tube 5 and the float ball 11 locked regardless of the level of water in the toilet tank 2, and when there is no or only insufficient waste water in the toilet tank 2 and when the user lifts the cover 21 and sits down, the push button device of the water control system 17, its for and end projecting from the front of the toilet tank 2, is pushed down, and as the water control system automatically functions to open the shutoff valve 7, water is let to flow in from the upright filler tube 5.

As a matter of course, in place of a push button device projecting on the front of the toilet tank 2, a concave can be made there, and a convex on the cover 21, so that they, in contact, can work to operate the water control system 17.

In the present invention, the waste water from wash bowls, bath tubs, kitchen sinks, etc. flows into the toilet tank 2 through a waste water supply pipe 4. If the waste water collected in the toilet tank reaches a certain level buoyant force is applied to the float ball 11 and at the same time the water overflows to the toilet bowl and sewerage through the overflow tube 13, and as a result the water in the toilet tank 2 is kept to a certain maximum even if too much waste water flows in from its sources, wash bowls, sinks, bath tubs, etc. So, when an adequate quantity of waste water is collected in the toilet tank 2 and the handle 12 is pulled, the drainage valve 8 opens and the collected waste water rushes into the toilet bowl 1 to flush it.

As has been described above, after the toilet bowl 1 is flushed by the waste water in the toilet tank 2, waste water is again collected in the toilet tank 2. But when there is no or little waste water in the sources to be collected , or when collection of waste water is not finished in time until a user needs it, then clean non-waste water can be supplied to the toilet tank 2 by operation of the water control system 17. That is, in the present invention, waste water is supplied from the wash bowls, bath tubs, kitchen sinks, etc., to the toilet tank 2 through the waste water supply pipe 4, and when the inflow reaches a certain level the overflowing waste water flows out of the toilet tank through the overflow tube 13, but the shutoff valve 7 of the upright filler tube 5 and the float ball 11 alike are always locked by means of the water control system 17 regardless of the level of water in the toilet tank 2 and they are unlocked to supply water through the upright filler tube 5 only if there is no or little water collected in the toilet tank 2 as a user lifts the toilet bowl cover 21 and sits down on the stool, when the push button device 31, 31', 31" is pressed down either automatically by the toilet cover 21 or the toilet sheet 16 or by the user's manual or pedal operation.

In other words, in the present invention, as the water control system 7 keeps the upright filler tube 5 under control, the shutoff valve 7 of the upright filler tube 5 is kept locked, and, therefore, no water flows in-to the toilet tank 2 from the upright filler tube 5 even if there is no water in the tank 2.

But if a user operates the water control system 17 when there is no water in the toilet tank 2, water can be supplied from the upright filler tube 5. For the operation of the water control system 17 the push but¬ ton is set projecting on the front of the toilet tank in a way that it can be pressed by the toilet bowl cover 21 automatically when a user lifts the cover 21 and sits down. Of course this push button can be pressed down by a manual or pedal operation by the user, too.

As to the water control system 17 which is to control the upright filler tube 5 it can adopt a large variety of devices, as will be seen Figs. 1 through 17 of the drawings. Below, the different constructs and operation methods of the water control system 7 are given in detail:

Figs. 1, 2, and 3 illustrate Example 1 of the embodiment of the water control system 17. The water control system 17 comprises of a casing 32 on the outside, an opening 37 formed through up and down in the rear of the casing 32, a roller 38 set free to roll in the opening 37, a push button 31 in the front of the casing 38 joined by a spring 30, a wire 33 which connects the push button 31 and the roller 38 and will be lowered downward at the rolling of the roller 38 when the push button 31 is pressed; this water control system 17 is set above or under the float ball 11 and joined with its stem 10 by the wire 33, with its push button 31 set projecting through the front side of the toilet tank 2, so that the push button 31 can be pressed automatically when the toilet bowl cover 21 is lifted and pushed rearward.

When the push button 31 is pressed, the wire 33 joined to the stem 10 is lowered, and thereby the float ball 11 is also lowered, whereby the shutoff valve 7 is freed to open to supply water. Only, the float ball 11 is not lowered as a matter of course, because of its buoyancy, to free the shutoff valve 7, if the toilet tank is full of waste water at the time.

Now Example 2 of the operation of the water control system 17, in Fig.4:

The water control system 17 here comprises the outer casing 32; the opening 37 cut vertically through in the rear part of the casing 32; a revolving lever 41, which, having the wire 33 whose rear end is joined with the stem 10 of the float ball 11, revolves to certain angles within the opening 37; and the push button 31, set in the foremost, its rear end joined with the revolving lever 41 by a spring 40. The way of installation and positions of each component of this water control system 17 is the same as in the case of Example 1.

As to the operation, when the push button 31 is pressed the revolving lever 41 moves angularly, and the wire gets lowered to lower the float ball 11, whereby the shutoff valve 7 is freed. Example 3 is illustrated in Fig. 5.

The water control system 17 here comprises the outer casing 32; the push button 31 inserted in the casing 32 together with the springs 50, 54; an operation member 53 inside the casing 32, which operation member has a hole 51 tapered inside, and is operable between left and right at the pressure of the push button 31; a level member 52, which is capable of rising and falling inside the tapered hole 51 of the operation member 53; and the wire 33 joined with a side of the level member 52. This water control system 17 is joined by the wire 33 with the stem 10. When a user lifts the toilet bowl cover 21 and sits down, the push button 31 projecting from the front of the toilet tank 2 is pressed down by the toilet bowl cover 21, whereby the float ball 11 falls with the fall of the wire 33 to open the shutoff valve 7 to supply clean water, if no waste water is left in the toilet tank or if it is not enough if there is at the time. Example 4 of the water control system 17 in Fig. 6 (a)(b)(c).

The water control system 17 here comprises the outer casing 32; the opening 37 in the rear part of the casing 32; the push button 31 set in the front part of the casing 32 on the spring 50; the revolving lever 56, which is set perpendicularly in the opening 37 and movable to reach a moveable member 55 at one end of the push button 31; and a roller 38, which is placed at the rear part of the casing 32 an d joined with the wire 33 placed at the under part of the revolving member 56. The position of the water control system 17 and its method for installation is the same as is given in the case of Example 1.

The operation is also the same; the push button 31 is pressed down and the wire 33 goes down to let the float ball 11 fall to open the shutoff valve 7.

Example 5 is given in Fig. 7 (a)(b)(c).

The water control system 17 in Example 7 comprises the outer casing 32; a cam lever 62, which is movable laterally back and forth in the casing 32, is of one construct with the push button 31, and is bent slantwise; a spring 64 which keeps the cam lever 62 springy from back¬ ward; and an up-down-going member 65, which can go up or come down on the cam lever 62. The up-down-going member 65 is set in a guiding groove 66, and as the cam lever 62 moves back or forward the stem 10 connected with the up-down-going rod 65 rises or falls, moving the float ball 11 accordingly. The position and method for installation of this water control system 17 are the same as in Example 1.

Example 6 is given in Fig. 8 (a)(b).

In Example 6 of the water control system 17 here, an auxiliary opening-shutting valve 71 equipped with a water control lever 72 to control the inflow of non-waste pipe water is set in the central position of the upright filler tube 5; a guide 74 with a pinion 73 equipped below, freely and rotatably, is set at level in a forward-and-backward direction, on the inside wall of the toilet tank 2; a through hole 75 is cut in the toilet tank 2 wall for the frontal shaft of the guide 74 to go through; between the guide 74 and the through hole 75 the end part of the push button 77 is inserted in the guide 74 and stopped by the spring 76, while the frontal part is projected outward through the through hole 75; a level shaft 80 with a rack 78 to engage a pinion 73 formed below is so set as to be movable in the forward and back-ward directions; both in the eccentric position of the pinion 73, and at the end part of the lever of the auxiliary opening-shutting valve 71 a link is joined. Now to supply water to the toilet tank 2 to flush it, when the waste water in it has been used up, the toilet bowl cover 1 is lifted and it presses the push button 77 in the front of the toilet tank 2, when the level shaft 80 is pushed to move horizontally; the pinion 73, which is engaged with the rack 78, turns, in consequence, and according as the pinion 73 moves the auxiliary opening-shutting valve 71 is opened by virtue of the angular movement of the link 79 set between the eccentric position of the pinion 73 and the lever 72 of the auxiliary opening- shutting valve 71 fixed on the upright filler tube 5.

Thus the auxiliary opening-shutting valve 71 is opened to free the upright filler tube 5, and when the toilet tank 2 is filled with water from the filler tube 5 to a certain level the float ball 11 rises and shuts the shutoff valve 7 to stop any more inflow of water; and after the toilet bowl is flushed the level shaft 80 returns to its original position by the work of the spring, closing the upright filler tube 5. Fig. 9 gives Example 7 of the operation of the water control system

17.

In this example of the water control system 17, a through hole 81 is open horizontally through the upright filler tube 5, and in this through hole 81 is inserted a level shaft 84, which has a water passage 83 open at a certain portion which does not normally correspond with that of the upright filler tube 5, the rear end of the level shaft 84 being set on a spring 82 fixed on the rear inside wall of the toilet tank 2 and while its front end is formed in a push button 85, which projects through the front wall of the toilet tank 2; and when this push button 85 is pressed the level shaft 84 moves backward and when the water passage 83 of the level shaft 84 and that of the upright filler tube 5 come to the same position, only when they thus are in the right place together, water can pass the filler tube 5 into the toilet tank 2.

To repeat, in this water control system 17, when the toilet bowl cover 21 is lifted the push button 85 is pressed and the level shaft 84 is moved backward, and as soon as the water passage 83 of the level shaft 84 comes to meet the filler tube 5 clean water flows in. All this, however, is only in the case when there is no waste water collected in the toilet tank 2 is left, or it is not enough to flush. The system's function afterwards is the same as in the case of Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 illustrates Example 8 of the water control system 17.

In this example, the shutoff valve 7 is set at a place above the up- right filler tube 5 to open and shut the upright filler tube 5 via the float ball 11; a water supply pipe 92 with a water outlet 91 at the end is set in extension above the shutoff valve 7; a bracket 94 having a link 93 at the end is placed at a certain position of the inside wall of the toilet tank 2; an opening-shutting device 95 to open or shut the water outlet 91 is formed below the link 93; and the upper part of the link 93 a level shaft 97 with its outer end forming a push button 96 to project through the front wall of the toilet tank 2 is formed in a hinge against the rear inside wall of the toilet tank 2.

When the toilet bowl cover 21 is lifted for use, it presses the push button 96, which moves the level shaft 97 backward, and then the link 93 formed at the end of the level shaft 97 turns with the hinge of the bracket 94 as pivot, wherefore, the underside of the link 93 rises and the opening-shutting device 95 formed below the link 93 rises together with it, opening the water outlet 91 above the filler tube 5. At that time, the shutoff valve under the filler tube 5 is already open because of the downfall of the float ball 11, and the filler tube is fully open, thus water flows in from the filler tube 5, all the other, subsequent operation being the same as Example 7 above.

Fig. 11 illustrates Example 9 of the water control system 17. In this example, an auxiliary opening-shutting valve 71 having a lever 72 is set in the central part of the upright filler tube 5; a cylinder 102 with a wire-winding roller 101 fitted freely movable is set ° horizontally in a front-and-rear direction, beside the filler tube; in the front of the cylinder 102, a push button 103 set on a spring in the rear projects through the front wall of the toilet tank 2, and a link 104 is set at the eccentric position of the end part of the push button and the smaller diameter part 101a of the roller 101; an end of the wire 105 wound ⁵ around the roller 101 is fixed on the lever 72 of the auxiliary opening shutting valve 71; and a spring 106 is set on the lever 72 of the auxiliary opening-shutting valve 71 to return the lever 72 to its original position.

When the toilet bowl cover 21 is lifted, a push button 85 is pressed down, and the link 104 set between the end part of the push but-ton 85 0 and the eccentric position of the roller 101 functions to turn the roller 101.

As the roller 101 turns, the wire 105 wound around the roller 101 is wound, drawing the lever 72 of the auxiliary opening-shutting valve 71 connected with the end of the wire 105 upward, thus opening the 5 auxiliary opening-shutting valve 71 together with the upright filler tube 5. The water flows in, all the rest of the function being the same as above.

Fig. 12 illustrates Example 10 of the water control system 17. In this example, the water control system 17 comprises an auxiliary opening-shutting valve 71 with a lever 72, set at a certain central portion of the upright filler tube 5; a guide 74 with a pinion 73 formed freely rotatable on its underside, which is set horizontally in the front-rear direction on the inner wall of the toilet tank 2; a link 79, joining the eccentric position of the pinion 73 and the lever 72 of the auxiliary opening-shutting valve 71; a sensor, set on the front wall of the toilet tank 2 to watch the state of the toilet bowl cover to see whether it is open or closed; a solenoid 200, set at the back of the toilet tank 2 to function according to the signal of the sensor; a plunger 131 of the solenoid 200, inserted into the inside of the toilet tank 2 to move back and forth inside the guide 74; a rack 78, formed on the underside of the plunger 131 to engage the pinion 73; a spring 76, set inside the guide 74 to return the plunger 131 to its original position. The function is the same as in Fig. 8, except that in this example the state of the toilet bowl cover is sensed by the sensor set on the front of the toilet tank 2 and by this signal the solenoid 200 works to open or close the auxiliary opening-shutting valve 71.

Fig. 13 illustrates Example 11 of the water control system 17. In this example, the water control system 17 comprises a through hole 81 formed, horizontally, from front through rear at a certain position of the up-right filler tube 5; a sensor, set on the front of the toilet tank 2 to detect the state of the toilet bowl cover 21; a solenoid 200, set at the rear of the toilet tank 2 to work at the signal of the sensor; only, however, the plunger 201 of the solenoid 200 is inserted in the toilet tank 2 and into the through hole 81 of the upright filler tube 5; a water passage 83 is formed at a certain position of the plunger 201 to open or shut the upright filler tube 5, selectively; and this plunger 201 is made to return to its original position by the work of a spring 82.

The work and function are the same as in the case of Fig. 9, except that the detection of the state of the toilet bowl cover is performed by the sensor set on the front wall of the toilet tank 2 and by the signal of this sensor the solenoid 200 works to open or shut the upright filler tube 5. Fig. 14 illustrates Example 12 of the water control system 17. In this example, a shutoff valve to open or shut the upright filler tube 5 by the float ball 11 is set at a certain position above the up-right filler tube 5; a water supply pipe 92 equipped with a water outlet 91 at its end is formed in extension above the shutoff valve; a sensor to look over the state of the toilet bowl cover is set on the front of the toilet tank 2; a solenoid 200 to function according to the signal of the sensor is set at the rear of the toilet tank 2; A plunger 201 of the solenoid is inserted in the inside of the toilet tank 2; a bracket 94 fixed with a link 93 at an end is set at a certain position of the inside wall of the toilet tank 2; an opening-shutting device 91 to shut or open the water outlet is set on the underside of the link; the end part of the plunger 201 is connected with the upside of the link 93; and the plunger is rendered capable of returning to its original position by the work of a spring.

The function is all the same as in the case of Fig. 10 except that the state of the toilet bowl cover is perceived by the sensor set on the front wall of the toilet tank 2, and by the signal of the sensor the solenoid 200 works to open or close the upright filler tube 5. Fig. 15 illustrates Example 13 of the water control system 17.

In this example, an auxiliary opening-shutting valve 71 equipped with a lever 72 is set at a certain central position of the upright filler tube 5; a cylinder 102 equipped with a roller 101 for winding or un- winding wire is horizontally set in the front-rear direction inside the toilet tank 2; a sensor to detect the state of the toilet bowl cover whether it is open or shut is set on the front wall of the toilet tank 2; a solenoid 200 to work at the signal of the sensor is set at the rear of the toilet tank 2; a plunger 201 of the solenoid is inserted through the rear wall of the toilet tank 2 into the cylinder 102; a link 104 is set to join the end part of the plunger 201 and the eccentric position of the roller 101; an end of the wire 105 wound on the roller 101 is fixed on the lever 72 of the auxiliary opening-shutting valve 71; and a spring 106 is set on the lever 72 of the auxiliary opening-shutting valve 71 to return the lever to its original position.

The function is the same as in the case of Fig. 11 with the only ex- caption that the state of the toilet bowl cover is detected by the sensor set on the front wall of the toilet tank 2 and by the signal of this sensor of the solenoid works to open or close the upright filler tube 5, whence a more detailed description is omitted.

Fig. 17 illustrates Example 15 of the water control system 17. In this example, a shutoff valve to open or shut the upright filler tube 5 by the float ball 11 is at a certain position above the upright filler tube 5; a water supply pipe 92 equipped with a water outlet 91 at the forefront is formed in extension above the shutoff valve; an opening- shutting device 95 to open or shut the water outlet 91 is set above the water outlet 91; a hinge on one side is hinged upon the hinge part of the water outlet 91; a spring 95a is set on the underside of it; a cylinder 102 equipped freely movably with a roller 101 for winding or un-winding a wire 105, which roller is in turn equipped with a smaller diameter part 101a, is set horizontally in a front-rear direction over the upright filler tube 5; a push button part 103, with a spring 106 set at, projects out from, the front wall of the toilet tank 2; a link 104 is set to join the end part of the push button part 103 and the eccentric position of the smaller diameter part 101a of the roller 101; the other end of the wire 105 wound around the roller 101 is fixed on the end part of the opening- shutting device 95; whence the roller 101, when the push button is pressed, revolves and pulls the wire 105 up-wardly to lift the opening-shutting device 95 and open the upper part of the upright filler tube 2.

In this example also, a sensor can look over the state of the toilet bowl cover to send off a signal to set the solenoid 200 in motion to work the water control system 17, it should be added. The rest of the function is the same as in Figs. 10 and 11.

Meanwhile, the wire 33 in Figs. 3-7 can be joined with the lever 72 in Figs 8, 10~15 or the opening-shutting device 95 to control the auxiliary opening-shutting valve 71 or the Sutton valve to regulate the supply of non-waste clean water, or else the link 79 in Fig. 8 or that 93 in Fig. 10 can be connected with the stem 10 of the float ball 11 and can thereby control the supply of non-waste clean water.

Fig. 18 illustrates the way in which a push button part 17 is set so that its pressing by the toilet bowl cover can be facilitated.

As has been seen in the above, the water control system 17 of the present invention can adopt not merely a mechanic but an electronic sensor, magnetic switch, or an elastic gum style. Only, in no case the shutoff valve 7 to open or shut the upright filler tube 5 should be made operable otherwise than either by the work of the water control system 7 set inside the toilet tank 2 or by the other selective operation, so that for flushing the toilet bowl can be performed for the most part with the waste water collected in the tank, and by non-waste clean water only when there is no or little waste water in store in the tank.

In the other examples of embodiment of the present invention one or more auxiliary water tanks 3 are set side by side with the toilet tank 2 to collect and keep more waste water in store than otherwise to refill the toilet tank 2 each time the waste water in the toilet tank 2 is exhausted in order to save as much non-waste water as possible.

As can be seen in Figs. 19, at least one auxiliary tank 3 is set by the side of the toilet tank 2; a water pipe is set between this auxiliary tank 3 and the toilet tank 2, and then the first water pipe 18 has a valve 19 to let the waste water flow to the toilet tank 2 at need, but this valve 19 is placed inside the toilet tank 2 and is joined with a stem 10' for the auxiliary tank, this stem 10' for the auxiliary tank having its own float ball 11' for the auxiliary tank at its end so as to control the opening or shutting; the second water pipe 20 is attached with a check valve 19' to let water flow only one way from the auxiliary 3 to the toilet tank 2;

The third water pipe 21 could be provided between the first auxiliary tank 3a and the second auxiliary tank 3b, to store the second auxiliary tank after the waste water of the first auxiliary tank 3a flows into toilet tank 2, float 11" could be provided underside of the first auxiliary tank 3a.

In this construction given above, the number of water pipes between the auxiliary tank 3 and the toilet tank 2 can be flexible, increased or decreased at need, and, therefore, when such water pipes are many, waste water can be used to flush the toilet bowl after urination even if there is not much waste water flowing in. Also, such auxiliary tanks 3 can be placed separately near the kitchen sink or the like, provided that water pipes are furnished to connect them 3 and the toilet tank 2.

As seen Fig. 20, the second water pipe 20 with shut-off valve 7 could be connect float 11' by stem 10', meanwhile the first water pipe 18 isn't connected flout 11', whereby more waste-water can be stored in the auxiliary tank.

Fig. 21 illustrates another example of embodiment of the present invention.

In this example, the waste water flowing in to the auxiliary tank 3 can contain undesirable foreign substances, and hence the need for an effective filtering means.

On one side of the flush toilet in the present invention an auxiliary tank 3 is placed, which is connected with the wash stand and the like to collect waste water therefrom, too, and at the rear end of the water pipe, that is, where the auxiliary tank 3 is connected, a filter 90 for initial filtering of various foreign substances is fixed in a way that it can be fixed or removed with no difficulty.

To the first and second water pipes between an auxiliary tank 3 and the toilet tank 2 also it is desirable to set a filter 90. Auxiliary tanks 3 can be set in a greater number than one in more layers than one, unlike the illustration here, but description of this can very well be omitted. Only, on the underside of an auxiliary tank 3 a drain valve 90' to be fixed.

In the case of a flush toilet using waste water as in the present invention it will be difficult to remove the bad smell, if not very much, that remains, though foreign substances in the waste water can be removed once, twice or thrice through the filtering devices, and so deodorants (not illustrated) will preferably be put in the toilet tank 2 and auxiliary tanks 3.

Still other examples of embodiment of the present invention are illustrated in Figs. 22-24. In order to collect waste water economically and smoothly it is preferable to have the toilet tank placed at a lower level than the drainage of wash stands, bath tubs, or kitchen sinks. But in case the toilet tank is set at a low level the efficiency of flushing may suffer. To avoid this, the present invention is characterised by its having planned the flushing water supply lines for two levels, higher and lower.

That is, the drainage from the toilet tank 2 is divided into two, one high and the other low, inside the toilet bowl, so that the waste water can be supplied to the toilet bowl by either one of the two channels, the higher through 155a and 143, and the lower through 155b and 143' selectively, and thereby the efficiency of flushing can be kept good even if the toilet tank 2 is situated at a comparatively low level.

The toilet tank 2 is shaped broader above and narrower in the lower part, as seen in the drawing, and, therefore, when waste water is supplied through the channels 153, 153a, 153b into the bowl by the upper hole 143 and the lower, auxiliary hole 143', the pressure of water is increased to raise the efficiency of flushing, rendering it the smoother.

Moreover, to supply water both ways, two channels 155a, 155b are open, and the upper channel 155a is connected with the upper hole 143 and the lower channel 155b is connected with an auxiliary hole 143a open near the storage 144 inside the bowl.

In another alternative example it is so arranged that the upper and lower channels 155a, 155b, open above and below respectively, can be placed under the control of drainage valves 158, 159, while the channels 153a, 153b are equipped with separate drainage valves 158, 159, to be connected with drainage levers 156a, 156b respectively. Of the drainage levers 156a, 156b, one 156a is so arranged as to work upon two drainage valves 158, 159 at the same time, while the other drainage lever 156b is so arranged as to open the upper drainage valve 158, selectively. By so doing, control of the amount of water can be performed separately.

In the present invention the body of the toilet bowl can be formed to have a settling chin 146 with attacher in its rear part, as is illustrated in Fig. 22, so that the toilet tank can be made in a separate body to be settled on the chin 146, in order that the toilet tank 2 can be set at a low level to collect waste water more effectively. Of course it is possible to build such a toilet tank 2 in a single body together with the body of the toilet bowl. Still other examples of embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in Figs. 25 and 26, are characterised by a means of collecting waste water from wash stands or bath tubs. That is, the waste water from the wash stand is let to flow into an auxiliary tank 3, while the waste water from a bath tub 180, through a drainage pipe 181. A bath tub can have one or two auxiliary drainage pipes 182, 182' on a side wall, which pipes 182, 182' with check valve 19" can be opened to let the waste water flow out into an auxiliary tank 3 after a bath is finished with. At this time, another small drainage hole 190 is arranged separate from the main drainage 181, so that the rest of waste water can flow out through this small hole 190 as the most part of the waste water full of the tub flows out through the auxiliary drainage pipes 182, 182' into the auxiliary tank 3. Moreover, the walls of a bath tub or the bathroom itself can be tiled with tiles which have water collection channel 183, while conventional bathrooms can yet be equipped anew with a water collection channel to collect the waste water which overflowed from the bath tub or such water which flew in spray against walls of a shower-room and later dripped down to the floor, all to be subsequently returned to the first or second auxiliary channels or to auxiliary tank 3 through a collection channel 183.

All such varied examples as described above are included in the range of the present invention for protection as long as they do make use of the essential idea of the present invention.

Claims

1. A system for use of waste water for toilet flushing comprising a conventional flush toilet having a toilet tank 2 placed at the rear- upper position of a toilet bowl 1, an upright filler tube 5 equipped with a shut-off valve 7 which opens to supply water or shuts to stop inflow of water at the control of a float ball 11, a drainage valve 8 to flush water to the toilet bowl 1 at the control of a handle 12, and an overflow tube 13 which sends water off to the toilet bowl 1 when water in the toilet tank 2 is more than its capacity; and a waste water supply pipe 4 to supply the waste water from wash stands, sinks, or bath tubs to the toilet tank 2, characterised in that a water control system 17 is set above or under the float ball 11 inside the toilet tank 2, which water control system 17 always keeps the shutoff valve 7 of the upright filler tube 5 and the float ball 11 locked regardless of the level of water in the toilet tank 2, when there is no or only insufficient waste water in the toilet tank 2 and when the user lifts the cover 21 and sits down, the push button device of the water control system 17, its for and end projecting from the front of the toilet tank 2, is pushed down, and as the water control system automatically functions to open the shutoff valve 7, water is let to flow in from the upright filler tube 5.

2. A method for use of waste water for toilet flushing characterised in that waste water is supplied from the wash bowls, bath tubs, kitchen sinks, etc., to the toilet tank 2 through the waste water supply pipe 4, and when the inflow reaches a certain level the overflowing waste water flows out of the toilet tank through the overflow tube 13, but the shutoff valve 7 of the upright filler tube 5 and the float ball 11 alike are always locked by means of the water control system 17 regardless of the level of water in the toilet tank 2 and they are unlocked to supply water through the upright filler tube 5 only if there is no or only insufficient waste water in the toilet tank 2 as a user lifts the toilet bowl cover 21 and sits down on the stool, when the push button device 31, 31', 31" is pressed down either automatically by the toilet cover 21 or the toilet sheet 16 or the user's manual or pedal operation.

3. A system for use of waste water for toilet flushing as set forth o in Claim 1, wherein said water control system 17 comprises the outer casing 32, an opening 37 formed through up and down in the rear part of the casing 32, a roller 38 set free to roll in the opening 37, a push button 31 in the front of the casing 38 joined by a spring 30, a wire 33 which connects the push button 31 and the roller 38 and will be ⁵ lowered downward at the rolling of the roller 38 when the push button 31 is pressed; and said water control system 17 is joined by the wire 33 with the stem 10, and when a user lifts the toilet bowl cover 21 and sit down, the push button 31 projecting from the front of the toilet tank 2 is 0 pressed down by the toilet bowl cover 21, whereby the float ball 11 falls with the fall of the wire 33 to open the shutoff valve 7 to supply clean water, if no waste water is left in the toilet tank or if it is not enough if there is at the time.

4. A system for use of waste water for toilet flushing as set forth in 5 Claim 1, wherein said water control system 17 comprises the outer casing 32, the opening 37 formed through up and down in the rear part of the casing 32, a revolving lever 41 which having the wire 33 whose rear end is joined with the stem 10 of the float ball 11, being revolved to certain angles within the opening 37, and the push bottom 31, set in the foremost, its rear end joined with the revolving lever 41 by a spring 40; and said water control system 17 is joined by the wire 33 with the stem 10, and when a user lifts the toilet bowl cover 21 and sit down, the push button 31 projecting from the front of the toilet tank 2 is pressed down by the toilet bowl cover 21, whereby the float ball 11 falls with the fall of the wire 33 to open the shutoff valve 7 to supply clean water, if no waste water is left in the toilet tank or if it is not enough if there is at the time.

5. A system for use of waste water for toilet flushing as set forth in

Claim 1, wherein said water control system 17 comprises the outer casing 32, the push button 31 inserted in the casing 32 together with the springs 50, 54, an operation member 53 inside the casing 32, which operation member 53 has a hole 51 tapered inside, and is operable between left and right at the pressure of the push button 31, a level member 52 which is capable of rising and falling inside the tapered hole 51 of the operation member 53, and the wire 33 joined with a side of the level member 52; and said water control system 17 is joined by the wire 33 with the stem 10, and when a user lifts the toilet bowl cover 21 and sit down, the push button 31 projecting from the front of the toilet tank 2 is pressed down by the toilet bowl cover 21, whereby the float ball 11 falls with the fall of the wire 33 to open the shutoff valve 7 to supply clean water, if no waste water is left in the toilet tank or if it is not enough if there is at the time.

6. A system for use of waste water for toilet flushing as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said water control system 17 comprises the outer casing 32, the opening 37 formed through up and down in the rear part of the casing 32, the push button 31 set in the front part of the casing 32 on the springs 50, the revolving lever 56 which is set perpendicularly in the opening 37 and movable to reach a moveable member 55 at one end of the push button 31, and the roller 38 which is placed at the rear part of the casing 32 and joined with the wire 33 placed at the under part of the revolving member 52; and said water control system 17 is joined by the wire 33 with the stem 10, and when a user lifts the toilet bowl cover 21 and sit down, the push button 31 projecting from the front of the toilet tank 2 is pressed down by the toilet bowl cover 21, whereby the float ball 11 falls with the fall of the wire 33 to open the shutoff valve 7 to supply clean water, if no waste water is left in the toilet tank or if it is not enough if there is at the time.

7. A system for use of waste water for toilet flushing as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said water control system 17 comprises the outer casing 32, a cam lever 62, which is movable laterally back and forth in the casing 32, is of one construct with the push button 31, and is bent slantwise, a spring 64 which keeps the cam lever 62 springy from backward and an up-down-going member 65, which can go up or come down on the cam lever 62, the up-down-going member 65 being set in a guiding groove 66, and as the cam lever 62 moves back or forward the stem 10 connected with the up-down-going rod 65 rises or falls, moving the float ball 11 accordingly; and said water control system 17 is joined by the wire 33 with the stem 10, and when a user lifts the toilet bowl cover 21 and sit down, the push button 31 projecting from the front of the toilet tank 2 is pressed down by the toilet bowl cover 21, whereby the float ball 11 falls with the fall of the wire 33 to open the shutoff valve 7 to supply clean water, if no waste water is left in the toilet tank or if it is not enough if there is at the time.

8. A system for use of waste water for toilet flushing as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said water control system 17 comprises an auxiliary opening-shutting valve 71 equipped with a water control lever 72 to control the inflow of non-waste pipe water being set in the central position of the upright filler tube 5, a guide 74 with a pinion 73 equipped below, freely and rotatably, being set at level in a forward- and-backward direction, on the inside wall of the toilet tank 2, a ° through hole 75 being formed in the toilet tank 2 wall for the frontal shaft of the guide 74 to go through, between the guide 74 and the through hole 75 the end part of the push button 77 being inserted in the guide 74 and stopped by the spring 76, while the frontal part being projected outward through the through hole 75, a level shaft 80 with a 5 rack 78 to engage a pinion 73 formed below being set as to be movable in the forward and backward directions, a link being joined both in the eccentric position of the pinion 73 and at the end part of the water control lever 72.

9. A system for use of waste water for toilet flushing as set forth in ⁰ Claim 1, wherein said water control system 17 comprises a through hole 81 being formed horizontally, from front through rear at a certain position of the upright filler tube 5, a level shaft 84 being inserted in the through hole 81, which has a water passage 83 open at a certain portion which does not normally correspond with that of the upright filler tube 5 5, the rear end of the level shaft 84 being set on a spring 82 fixed on the rear inside wall of the toilet tank 2 and while its front end being formed in a push button 85, which projects through the front wall of the toilet tank 2, whereby when this push button 85 is pressed the level shaft 84 moves backward and when the water passage 83 of the level shaft 84 and that of the upright filler tube 5 come to the same position, only when they thus are in the right place together, water could pass the filler tube 5 into the toilet tank 2.

10. A system for use of waste water for toilet flushing as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said water control system 17 comprises the shutoff valve 7 being set at a place above the up-right filler tube 5 to open and shut the upright filler tube 5 via the float ball 11, a water supply pipe 92 with a water outlet 91 at the end being set in extension above the shutoff valve 7, a bracket 94 having a link 93 at the end being placed at a certain position of the inside wall of the toilet tank 2, an opening-shutting device 95 to open or shut the water outlet 91 being formed below the link 93, and the upper part of the link 93 a level shaft 97 with its outer end forming a push button 96 to project through the front wall of the toilet tank 2 being formed in a hinge against the rear inside wall of the toilet tank 2.

11. A system for use of waste water for toilet flushing as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said water control system 17 comprises an auxiliary opening-shutting valve 71 having a water control lever 72 being set in the central part of the upright filler tube 5, a cylinder 102 with a wire-winding roller 101 fitted rotatably being set horizontally in a front-and-rear direction, in the front of the cylinder 102, a push button 103 which set on a spring in the rear and projects through the front wall of the toilet tank 2, a link 104 being set at the eccentric position of the end part of the push button and the smaller diameter part 101a of the roller 101, an end of the wire 105 wound around the roller 101 being fixed on the water control lever 72 of the auxiliary opening-shutting valve 71, and a spring 106 being set on the water control lever 72 of the auxiliary opening-shutting valve 71 to return the lever 72 to its original position.

12. A system for use of waste water for toilet flushing as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said the water control system 17 comprises an auxiliary opening-shutting valve 71 with a water control lever 72, set at a certain central portion of the upright filler tube 5, a guide 74 with a pinion 73 formed rotatably on its underside, which is set horizontally in the front-rear direction on the inner wall of the toilet tank 2, a link 79 being joined the eccentric position of the pinion 73 and the lever 72 of the auxiliary opening-shutting valve 71, a sensor being set on the front wall of the toilet tank 2 to detect the state of the toilet bowl cover to see whether it is open or closed, a solenoid 200 being set at the back of the toilet tank 2 to function according to the signal of the sensor, a plunger 131 of the solenoid 200 being inserted into the inside of the toilet tank 2 to move back and forth inside the guide 74, a rack 78 being formed on the underside of the plunger 131 to engage the pinion 73, and a spring 76 being set inside the guide 74 to return the plunger 131 to its original position.

13. A system for use of waste water for toilet flushing as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said the water control system 17 comprises a through hole 81 being formed, horizontally, from front through rear at a certain position of the up-right filler tube 5, a sensor being set on the front wall of the toilet tank 2 to detect the state of the toilet bowl cover 21 to see whether it is open or closed, a solenoid 200 being set at the back of the toilet tank 2 to function according to the signal of the sensor, a plunger 201 of the solenoid 200 being inserted in the toilet tank 2 and into the through hole 81 of the upright filler tube 5, a water passage 83 being formed at a certain position of the plunger 201 to open or shut the upright filler tube 5, selectively, and the plunger 201 being made to return to its original position by the work of a spring 82.

14. A system for use of waste water for toilet flushing as set forth in Claim 1, wherein said the water control system 17 comprises a shutoff valve to open or shut the upright filler tube 5 by the float ball 11 being set at a certain position above the up-right filler tube 5, a water supply pipe 92 equipped with a water outlet 91 at its end being formed in extension above the shutoff valve, a sensor to detect the state of the toilet bowl cover whether it is open or shut being set on the front of the toilet tank 2, a solenoid 200 to function according to the signal of the sensor being set at the rear of the toilet tank 2, A plunger 201 of the solenoid being inserted in the inside of the toilet tank 2, a bracket 94 fixed with a link 93 at an end being set at a certain position of the inside wall of the toilet tank 2, an opening-shutting device 91 to shut or open the water outlet being set on the underside of the link; the end part of the plunger 201 being connected with the upside of the link 93m and the plunger being rendered capable of returning to its original position by the work of a spring.

15. A system for use of waste water for toilet flushing as set forth in claim 1, wherein said water control system 17 comprises an auxiliary opening-shutting valve 71 equipped with a lever being set at a certain central position of the upright filler tube 5, a cylinder 102 equipped with a roller 101 for winding or un-winding wire being horizontally set in the front -rear direction inside the toilet tank 2, a sensor to detect the state of the toilet bowl cover whether it is open or shut being set on the front wall of the toilet tank 2, a solenoid 200 to function according to the signal of the sensor being set at the rear of the toilet tank 2, a plunger 201 of the solenoid being inserted through the rear wall of the toilet tank 2 into the cylinder 102, a link 104 being set to join the end part of the plunger 201 and the eccentric position of the roller 101, an end of the wire 105 wound on the roller 101 being fixed on the lever 72 of the auxiliary opening-shutting valve 71, and a spring 106 being set on the lever 72 of the auxiliary opening-shutting valve 71 to return the lever to its original position.

16. A system for use of the waste water for toilet flushing as set forth in claim 1, wherein said water control system 17 comprises a shutoff valve 7 to open or shut the upright filler tube 5 by the float ball 11 being at a certain position above the upright filler tube 5, a water supply pipe 92 equipped with a water outlet 91 at the forefront being formed in extension above the shutoff valve, an opening-shutting device 95 to open or shut the water outlet 91 being set above the water outlet 91, a hinge on one side being hinged upon the hinge part of the water outlet 91, a spring 95a being set on the underside of it, a cylinder 102 equipped freely movably with a roller 101 for winding or un-winding a wire 105, which roller is in turn equipped with a smaller diameter part 101a, being set horizontally in a front-rear direction over the upright filler tube 5, a push button part 103, with a spring 106 set at, projecting out from the front wall of the toilet tank 2, a link 104 being set to join the end part of the push button part 103 and the eccentric position of the smaller diameter part 101a of the roller 101, the other end of the wire 105 wound around the roller 101 being fixed the end part of the opening-shutting device 95.

17. A system for use of waste water for toilet flushing as set forth in claim 1, wherein at least one auxiliary tank 3 being set by the side of the toilet tank 2; the first, second water pipe 18, 20 being set between this auxiliary tank 3 and the toilet tank 2, and then the first water pipe 18 having a valve 19 to let the waste water flow to the toilet tank 2 at need, but this valve 19 being placed inside the toilet tank 2 and being joined with a stem 10 for the auxiliary tank, this stem 10* for the auxiliary tank having its own float ball 11' for the auxiliary tank at its end so as to control the opening or shutting, the second water pipe 20 being attached with a check valve 19 to let water flow only one way from the auxiliary tank 3 to the toilet tank 2.

18. A system for use of the waste water for the toilet flushing as set forth in claim 17 wherein said auxiliary tank 3 comprises a upper auxiliary tank 3a and a lower auxiliary tank 3b, the third water pipe 21 is set between the upper auxiliary tank 3a and the lower auxiliary tank 3b, and the float ball 11" joined with a stem 10" is set on underside of the third water pipe 21 .

19. A system for use of waste water for toilet flushing as set forth in claim 17 wherein a drain valve 90' is set on underside of the auxiliary tank 3; a filter 90 is respectively set the first, second water pipes and the waste water supply pipe.

20. A system for use of the waste water for the toilet flushing as set forth in claim 1, wherein the body of the toilet bowl is formed to have a setting chin 146 with attacher in its rear part, so that the toilet tank 2 is made in a separate body to be settled on the chin 146, in order that the toilet tank 2 is set at a low level to collect waste water more effectively; the drainage from the toilet tank 2 is divided into two, one high and the other low, inside the toilet bowl, so that the waste water can be supplied to the toilet bowl by either one of the two channels, the higher through 155a and 143, and the lower through 155b and 143' selectively;

21. A system for use of the waste water for the toilet flushing as set forth in Claim 20, said upper and lower channels 155a, 155b, open above and below respectively, is placed under the control, of drainage valve 158, 159, while the channels 153a, 153b are equipped with separate drainage valves 158, 159, to be connected with drainage valves 158, 159, to be connected with drainage lever 156a, 156b respectively; of the drainage levers 156a, 156b, one 156a is so arranged as to work upon two drainage valves 158, 159 at the same time, while the other drainage lever 156b is so arranged as to open the upper drainage valve 158, selectively.

22. A system for use of the waste water for the toilet flushing as o set forth in claim 1, further comprising , a means of collecting waste water from bath tubes; the bath tub have one or two auxiliary drainage pipes 182, 182' on the side wall, which pipes 182, 182' with check valve(19") can be opened to let the waste water flow out into an auxiliary tank 3 after a bath is finished with, at this time, another small 5 drainage hole 190 is arranged separate from the main drainage 181, so that the rest of waste water can flow out through this small hole 190 as the most part of the waste water full of the tub flows out through the auxiliary drainage pipes 182, 182' into the auxiliary tank 3;

Moreover, the walls of a bath tub or the bathroom itself be 0 tiled with tiles which have water collection channel 183.