JP4151045B2

JP4151045B2 - Rainwater utilization system

Info

Publication number: JP4151045B2
Application number: JP2002313922A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 健太郎大町; 進稲垣
Original assignee: 株式会社タニタハウジングウェア
Priority date: 2002-10-29
Filing date: 2002-10-29
Publication date: 2008-09-17
Anticipated expiration: 2022-10-29
Also published as: JP2004150056A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、雨樋で集水した雨水を流入させて貯水タンクに貯留し、その貯留水を必要に応じ送給してトイレや台所や風呂等の洗浄用の他、屋上や庭の散水用などに有効利用するのに好適な雨水利用システムに関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、この種の雨水利用システムでは、一般に、たとえば図１６に示すように、住宅１周縁の敷地内に貯水タンク２を設置する一方、屋根３から流れる雨水４を集水する雨樋３ａに貯水タンク２を連結し、その貯水タンク２内に雨水を流入させて貯留している。貯水タンク２内の貯留水は、必要に応じて給水ポンプ５で汲み上げて、送水用配管６を通してトイレの水洗タンク７ａや風呂の浴槽８へ向けて送給し、便器７と浴槽８の洗浄に供している。（例えば、特許文献１参照。）。
【０００３】
【特許文献１】
特開平１０−６６８１１号（第２頁、第３頁、図１、図２）。
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
ところが、上述のような従来の雨水利用システムでは、貯水タンク２が図示の通り大型な容積固定の定形水槽で構成されているため、（１）敷地上の限られた設置スペースによって貯水タンク２の設置場所の選定に限定を受け、狭い場所では設置不能な場合がある。（２）家庭の規模に応じて使用水量が異なるが、その使用水量の違いに合わせてタンク容積を任意に変更できない。（３）設置場所までの運搬に極めて不便である。（４）組立施工が大掛かりで、著しく手間と時間を要するという課題があった。
【０００５】
そこで、本発明の目的は、設置場所の選定に限定を受けることなく設置スペースに応じて貯水タンクの設置を可能にし、異なる使用水量に合わせてタンク容積を任意に変更可能にし、しかも、設置場所への運搬を容易にするとともに、設置現場で１人で簡単に且つ迅速に組み立てられる雨水利用システムを提供することにある。
【０００６】
【課題を解決するための手段】
したがって、上記目的を達成すべく、請求項１に記載の発明による雨水利用システムは、たとえば以下に図面を用いて説明する実施の形態に示すとおり、雨樋１６から雨水とともに流入する異物を回収沈殿させて雨水を浄化する沈殿槽Ａと、上水補給管５４を接続する一方、浄化した雨水を防水シート３５を介して貯留する組立式貯水タンクＴ１・Ｔ２と、該貯水タンクＴ１・Ｔ２内の水位を検知する水位検知器Ｃと、前記貯水タンクＴ１・Ｔ２内の水を汲み上げる給水ポンプＰと、少なくとも水位検知結果に応じて前記上水補給管５４の弁の開閉と前記給水ポンプＰの作動を制御する制御装置Ｅとを備え、矩形板状の側面パネル２０と、直角に隣接する側面パネル２０相互の側縁を嵌め込む連結凹部２３ａを有する角部支柱２３と、横一列に隣接する側面パネル２０相互の側縁を嵌め込む接続凹部２４ａを有する側部支柱２４と、側面パネル２０を載置してその下縁が係合する連結部３１ａを有する矩形状の底板２１と、側面パネル２０の上縁に係合して被せる浅い矩形箱キャップ状の蓋体２２とを、それぞれ大きさ及び形状が同じ前記貯水タンクの組立ユニット材として備え、それら組立ユニット材を用いて、前記貯水タンクを、全体が所望立体形状の槽体、又は直方体を単位として所望個数の槽体に組立可能に構成し、前記水位検知器Ｃは、前記貯水タンクＴ１内に上下動可能に浮設するフロート６５と、該フロート６５を吊持する紐体をフロート高さ位置に応じてゼンマイバネで巻き上げて回転する回転体６０と、その回転体の回転が減速用ギヤ列６１を介して伝達されると回動し、その回動角度に応じて所定電圧を出力するポテンショメータ６２とを備え、この電圧値に基づいて前記制御装置Ｅにて判断して水位を検知することを特徴とする。
【０００７】
請求項２に記載の発明による雨水利用システムは、たとえば以下に図面を用いて説明する実施の形態に示すとおり、雨樋１６から雨水とともに流入する異物を回収沈殿させて雨水を浄化する沈殿槽Ａと、上水補給管５４を接続する一方、浄化した雨水を防水シート３５を介して貯留する組立式貯水タンクＴ１・Ｔ２と、該貯水タンクＴ１・Ｔ２内の水位を検知する水位検知器Ｃと、前記貯水タンクＴ１・Ｔ２内の水を汲み上げる給水ポンプＰと、少なくとも水位検知結果に応じて前記上水補給管５４の弁の開閉と前記給水ポンプＰの作動を制御する制御装置Ｅとを備え、矩形板状の側面パネル２０と、直角に隣接する側面パネル２０相互の側縁を嵌め込む連結凹部２３ａを有する角部支柱２３と、横一列に隣接する側面パネル２０相互の側縁を嵌め込む接続凹部２４ａを有する側部支柱２４と、側面パネル２０を載置してその下縁が係合する連結部３１ａを有する矩形状の底板２１と、側面パネル２０の上縁に係合して被せる浅い矩形箱キャップ状の蓋体２２とを、それぞれ大きさ及び形状が同じ前記貯水タンクの組立ユニット材として備え、それら組立ユニット材を用いて、前記貯水タンクを、全体が所望立体形状の槽体、又は直方体を単位として所望個数の槽体に組立可能に構成し、前記水位検知器Ｃは、前記貯水タンクＴ１と連通させて前記側面パネル２０の下部に連結し、水圧に応じて歪む半導体感圧部８３の歪み量に対応する電気抵抗値に従って所定電圧を出力する半導体圧力センサ８０を備え、この電圧の出力変動に基づいて前記制御装置Ｅにて判断して水位を検知することを特徴とする。
【０００８】
請求項３に記載の発明による雨水利用システムは、たとえば以下に図面を用いて説明する実施の形態に示すとおり、雨樋１６から雨水とともに流入する異物を回収沈殿させて雨水を浄化する沈殿槽Ａと、上水補給管５４を接続する一方、浄化した雨水を防水シート３５を介して貯留する組立式貯水タンクＴ１・Ｔ２と、該貯水タンクＴ１・Ｔ２内の水位を検知する水位検知器Ｃと、前記貯水タンクＴ１・Ｔ２内の水を汲み上げる給水ポンプＰと、少なくとも水位検知結果に応じて前記上水補給管５４の弁の開閉と前記給水ポンプＰの作動を制御する制御装置Ｅとを備え、矩形板状の側面パネル２０と、直角に隣接する側面パネル２０相互の側縁を嵌め込む連結凹部２３ａを有する角部支柱２３と、横一列に隣接する側面パネル２０相互の側縁を嵌め込む接続凹部２４ａを有する側部支柱２４と、側面パネル２０を載置してその下縁が係合する連結部３１ａを有する矩形状の底板２１と、側面パネル２０の上縁に係合して被せる浅い矩形箱キャップ状の蓋体２２とを、それぞれ大きさ及び形状が同じ前記貯水タンクの組立ユニット材として備え、それら組立ユニット材を用いて、前記貯水タンクを、全体が所望立体形状の槽体、又は直方体を単位として所望個数の槽体に組立可能に構成し、前記水位検知器Ｃは、超音波の発信部８８ａと受信部８８ｂとを、前記貯水タンクＴ１内の水面に向けて前記蓋体２２に付設し、前記発信部８８ａから発する所定周波数の超音波が乱反射防止用の導波管８９内を通して受信部８８ｂで受信される時間に応じて、所定電圧を出力する超音波センサ８８を備え、この電圧の出力変動に基づいて前記制御装置Ｅにて判断して水位を検知することを特徴とする。
【０００９】
請求項４に記載の発明は、たとえば以下に図面を用いて説明する実施の形態に示すとおり、請求項１、２又は３に記載の雨水利用システムにおいて、前記組立ユニット材の前記側面パネル２０は、金属薄板を個々の断面が交互に略台形状をなす全体に角波形状に曲げ成形した本体板材２５と、金属薄板からなる平板状の外装板材２６とを張り合せて固着して鉛直方向に中空なパイプ部２９を連続的に形成し、各中空パイプ部２９内に断面略ハット形に曲げ成形した補強板２７を接合して構成してなることを特徴とする。
【００１０】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、図面を参照しつつ、本発明の実施の形態について説明する。
【００１１】
図１は、一例として雨水を回収してトイレの洗浄に有効利用する本発明の雨水利用システムを示す全体構成図である。図示例の雨水利用システムには、雨水を浄化する沈殿槽Ａと、浄化した雨水を貯留する組立式の貯水タンクＴ１・Ｔ２と、貯水タンク内の水位を検知する水位検知器Ｃと、貯水タンク内の貯留水を汲み上げる給水ポンプＰと、給水ポンプＰの作動などシステム全体を制御する制御装置Ｅと、制御装置Ｅの判断結果に応じて水位などを表示する表示装置Ｓとを備える。
【００１２】
沈殿槽Ａは、架台１０上に縦長な円筒状の槽本体１１を設置し、槽本体１１に、その周壁上部に連結した雨水流入管１２と連通するメッシュ籠１３と、該メッシュ籠１３に上端部を連結した異物回収用の樹脂製ジャバラホース１４とを内設している。槽本体１１の底壁には、ジャバラホース１４の下端部を連結して沈殿物を流出させる沈殿物排水バルブ１５が付設されている。雨水流入管１２は、住宅Ｈの雨樋１６とともに、オーバーフロー管１７と連結されて配管されている。そして、沈殿槽Ａでは、雨樋１６から雨水とともに流入する異物をメッシュ籠１３で受けて回収すると共に、ジャバラホース１４を通して微細な異物を沈殿させて雨水を浄化する一方、微細な異物は、沈殿物排水バルブ１５を開けて排出処理する構成になっている。図中符号Ｂは、水洗タンク１８を備えたトイレの便器本体である。
【００１３】
貯水タンクＴ１・Ｔ２は、いずれも図２に示すとおり、それぞれ大きさ及び形状が同じ複数種の組立ユニット材を備え、これら組立ユニット材を用いて、図示例では個々に直方体状の槽体に組み立ててなる。
【００１４】
組立ユニット材としては、側面パネル２０と、底板２１と、蓋体２２と、必要に応じて側面パネル２０の連結用に使う角部支柱２３および側部支柱２４を、それぞれ１種類づつ備える。
【００１５】
側面パネル２０は、図示例では全体に直方形板状につくり、図３に示すように、いずれも同じ長さの金属薄板、たとえば薄鋼板製の本体板材２５と外装板材２６と複数の補強板２７を張り合せて形成してなる。本体板材２５は、個々の断面が交互に長短の略台形状をなす、全体に角波形状に曲げ成形している。一方、外装板材２６は、薄肉な平板で、図示例では、防錆性・美的外観性を考慮し、所謂55％溶融亜鉛メッキ鋼鈑を用いる。勿論、表面を任意の色彩に塗装した鋼鈑などを用いてもよい。補強板２７は、長手平板を断面略ハット形に曲げ成形している。
【００１６】
そして、斯かる形状の本体板材２５と外装板材２６とを重ね合せて、互いの当接面で、たとえば樹脂製接着剤により接着する。また、本体板材２５と外装板材２６間にできる鉛直方向に長い断面略台形状の中空パイプ部２９に、それぞれ補強板２７を内設し、相互に接着剤で接着し張り合せて１つの側面パネル２０を作製する。したがって、側面パネル２０は、各々が細長い角パイプ部分２９ａで細分された中空パイプ部２９が幅方向に連続的に並設され、これら中空パイプ部２９により水圧に対する高い強度を保持させる構成になっている。なお、この場合、各板材２５・２６・２７は、上述のように接着による場合に限られず、溶接やリベット止めなどの適宜固定手段で固着して接合させることもできる。
【００１７】
底板２１は、図２に示すように、複数の角パイプ材３０ａを用いて略正方形状に組み立てた補強枠体３０を備え、その補強枠体３０に、たとえば上記溶融亜鉛メッキ鋼鈑を張り付けて四方の側縁板部３１および底板部３２を形成する。側縁板部３１は、補強枠体３０より高さを若干高く形成し、側面パネル２０を立てて載置したとき、そのパネル下縁が係合する連結リブ（連結部）３１ａを形成してなる。
【００１８】
蓋体２２は、薄肉な、たとえば上記溶融亜鉛メッキ鋼鈑を用い、側面パネル２０の上縁に係合させて被せる略正方形状の浅い箱キャップ状に形成してなる。図示例では、蓋体２２の上面２２ａを、全体に若干片側へ傾斜させて形成してなる。
【００１９】
角部支柱２３は、たとえばアルミニウム押出し成形により、側面パネル２０と略同じ長さで、全体を略直角に曲げた長手アングル材状に作製し、両側縁の長さ方向に沿って、直角に隣接する側面パネル２０相互の側縁を嵌め込む、断面コ字状の連結凹部２３ａを形成してなる。さらに、図４（ａ）でも示すように、連結凹部２３ａ間のコーナーに補強用の骨板部２３ｂを有する。
【００２０】
側部支柱２４は、角部支柱２３と同様、たとえばアルミニウム押出し成形により、全体を側面パネル２０と略同じ長さの板フレーム材状に形成し、両側縁の長さ方向に沿って、図５（ａ）に示すように、横一列に隣接する側面パネル２０相互の側縁を嵌め込む、断面コ字形の接続凹部２４ａを形成してなる。
【００２１】
さて、上述した組立ユニット材を用いて貯水タンクＴ１・Ｔ２を組み立てる場合は、貯水タンクＴ１・Ｔ２を組み立てるために必要な数の組立ユニット材を適宜に選んで、分解状態で設置現場の住宅Ｈへと運搬する。そして、住宅Ｈの設置現場では、敷地内の所定設置スペースと、住宅Ｈでのトイレ洗浄に必要な使用水量などを勘案し、図示例では、適宜の組立ユニット材を使って同じ直方体の槽体を２個独立に組み立て、横に並設した貯水タンクＴ１・Ｔ２を構築する。
【００２２】
組立時は、直角に隣接させた側面パネル２０相互の側縁を、図４（ｂ）に示すように角部支柱２３の連結凹部２３ａに嵌め込んで止めネジ３４で固定し、図２に示すように上下開放の角筒体ｋを構築する。さらに、角筒体ｋの矩形下縁を底板２１の補強枠体３０上に載置し、連結リブ３１ａに係合させて連結する。一方、角筒体ｋの矩形上縁には、矩形側板部２２ｂを係合して蓋体２２を被せる。これによって、所定容積を有する最小単位の槽体が１個組み立てられる。図示例では、住宅Ｈでの所定設置スペースと使用水量に合わせて、同じ槽体を更に１個、同様の組立ユニット材を使って同じ直方体状の槽体に組み立てる。
【００２３】
組み立てた貯水タンクＴ１・Ｔ２内には、図６に示すように、袋状の、たとえばポリ塩化ビニール製防水シート３５を内設する。防水シート３５には、その上縁に係合穴３５ａが等間隔に設けられている。一方、蓋体２２が被さる側面パネル２０の上縁には、係合穴３５ａの穴位置に合わせて等間隔にフック３６を組み付けている。フック３６は、側面パネル２０の上縁に嵌め込むコ形板片部３６ａの一端から、上向きに爪状の掛止め部３６ｂを曲げ延ばした形状になっている。そして、掛止め部３６ｂを係合穴３５ａに係合させて、防水シート３５をフック３６で保持して貯水タンクＴ１・Ｔ２を液密構造にしている。
【００２４】
これら貯水タンクＴ１・Ｔ２には、図１に示すように、図中左右に対向する一対の側面パネル２０に、パイプ接続用のフランジ継手４０〜４７を付設する。そして、貯水タンクＴ２を、一端をフランジ継手４７に接続した縦パイプ４８およびフレキシブル管４９を介して沈殿槽Ａと連結する。貯水タンクＴ２と貯水タンクＴ１間は、フレキシブル管５８を介して連結して互いに連通させている。フレキシブル管５８は、一端をフランジ継手４５に接続する一方、他端を逆支弁５０に繋いでフランジ継手４３に接続している。
【００２５】
一方の貯水タンクＴ１には、上側のフランジ継手４２に、逆止弁５１と、上水補給制御用の電磁弁５２とを順に接続し、電磁弁５２を接続した上水補給用配管５３を介して不図示の水道栓側と連結し、水道水を適宜補給する構造になっている。そして、貯水タンクＴ１内には、上水補給管５４を垂設し、その上端部をフランジ継手４２に接続して上水補給用配管５３と連通させている。
【００２６】
また、貯水タンクＴ１には、蓋体２２上に給水ポンプＰを搭載している。給水ポンプＰは、吸水管５５を、蓋体２２を通して貯水タンクＴ１内に垂設する一方、水洗タンク１８へと配管された給水用配管５６の一端が接続されている。給水用配管５６の途中には、異物除去用のメッシュフィルタ５７を付設してある。
【００２７】
さらに、貯水タンクＴ１の蓋体２２上には、給水ポンプＰと隣接して水位検知器Ｃを搭載している。水位検知器Ｃは、図７に示すように、箱型防水ケース５９を備え、その防水ケース５９内に、ゼンマイバネを内蔵した回転体６０と、回転体６０の回転を減速するギヤ列６１と、減速用ギヤ列６１で減速された回転体６０の回転に応じて電圧を出力する３６０度正逆回転可能なポテンショメータ６２を内設している。回転体６０は、回転支軸６０ａ上に、減速用ギヤ列６１の伝達歯車６１ａと同軸に、ワイヤ（紐体）６３を巻装したプーリ６４を取り付けている。ワイヤ６３の先端には、貯水タンクＴ１内に上下動可能に浮設する球状フロート６５を連結している。
【００２８】
水位検知器Ｃは、ポテンショメータ６２を、不図示のターミナルを介して制御装置（制御盤）Ｅに電気的に接続している。そして、貯水タンクＴ１内のフロート６５の高さ位置に応じて、ワイヤ６３をゼンマイバネのバネ力で巻き上げながら回転体６０が回転し、その回転を減速用ギヤ列６１で減速してポテンショメータ６２に伝達し、ポテンショメータ６２がある角度だけ回動すると、その回動角度に従って電圧を出力し、この電圧値に基づいて制御装置Ｅにて判断して水位を随時検知するようになっている。
【００２９】
そのため、図示雨水利用システムでは、貯水タンクＴ１において図７中矢示するとおり、上から順に（イ）満水位ａ（ロ）上水補給停止水位ｂ（ハ）上水補給開始水位ｃ（ニ）ポンプ作動停止水位ｄを、予め所定高さ位置に設定している。一方、水位検知器Ｃ側では、図８に概略的に示すように、フロート６５の高さ位置ａ〜ｄ（水位）、即ちフロートストロークに応じて減速ギヤ列６１の減速割合を設定し、所定水位ａ〜ｄ毎にポテンショメータ６２の回動角度（電圧値ｖ）を対応させている。ポテンショメータ６２の回動角度（電圧値ｖ）は、任意に設定できるが、図示例では、満水位ａでのポテンショメータ６２の回動角度を、たとえば２７０度に設定し、そのとき電圧４ｖが出力され、電圧値が０．５ｖのときに上水補給が開始される。一方、０．４ｖまで低下すると、後述の如くシステム異常としてポンプ作動停止となるように設定している。
【００３０】
制御装置Ｅは、住宅Ｈの適宜壁面に設置し、図１に示すように、ＡＣ電源Ｖに接続すると共に、給水ポンプＰおよび上水補給制御用の電磁弁５２とも電気的に接続し、水位検知結果に従って給水ポンプＰの作動を制御し、電磁弁５２の開閉を制御するほか、雨水利用システム全体の作動をコントロールするようになっている。なお、制御装置Ｅには、正面に小窓をあけて、雨水利用システムの異常を感知すると、その異常パターン毎にエラーコードを表示するエラーコード表示ディスプレイ６８が設けられている。さらに、制御装置Ｅは、判断結果に応じて水位信号を送信して水位を表示させる表示装置（表示盤）Ｓに電気的に接続している。
【００３１】
表示装置Ｓは、トイレ内に適宜設置され、図７に示すように、パネル正面に，水位レベルを段階的に分けて現在水量の割合（％）で示したメモリ表示面６９と、それに合わせてＬＥＤで多段に色分けして表示する点灯表示部７０を並設している。図示例では、メモリ表示面６９にて０％〜２５％までの「水道補給中」を示す範囲を、点灯表示部７０では段階的にそれぞれ赤色に点灯し、２５％以上の「雨水利用中」を示す範囲を、同じく段階的にそれぞれ黄色に分割点灯するようになっている。そして、１００％が満水位ａ、２５％が上水補給停止水位ｂ、その下段の点灯位置が上水補給開始水位ｃと対応させている。なお、表示装置Ｓには、ポンプ作動停止の場合など、制御装置Ｅにて雨水利用システムの異常を感知してエラーコード表示ディスプレイ６８にエラーコードが表示されると、それと連動して点灯し当該エラーを報知する警告ランプ７１が設けられている。
【００３２】
さて、上述した構成の雨水利用システムでは、図１に示す住宅Ｈの雨樋１６から雨水流入管１２を通して雨水が沈殿槽Ａ内に流入すると、槽本体１１内で異物をメッシュ籠１３で受けて分離し浄化しながら、雨水を、いったん槽本体１１内に収容し、さらにフレキシブル管４８および縦パイプ４９を通して貯水タンクＴ２へ流入させ、続いて、フレキシブル管５０を通して貯水タンクＴ１へと流入させて、経時、貯水タンクＴ１・Ｔ２内に貯留する。
【００３３】
そして、図示雨水利用システムでは、貯留タンクＴ１・Ｔ２内の水位を水位検知器Ｃで検知して制御装置Ｅで監視しながら、給水ポンプＰで貯留水を汲み上げ、途中でメッシュフィルタ５７により異物を除去しながら、給水用配管５６を通してトイレの水洗タンク１８へ向けて送給する。
【００３４】
このとき、図示雨水利用システムでは、貯水タンクＴ１・Ｔ２の貯水量に応じて、図７および図８に示すように水位検知器Ｃで上水補給開始水位ｃを検知すると、電磁弁５２を開いて上水を補給する。その後、上水補給停止水位ｂを検知すると、電磁弁５２を閉じて上水の補給を停止する。そうして、常に貯水タンクＴ１・Ｔ２内を一定水位に保持する。
【００３５】
一方で、貯水タンクＴ１内が何らかの原因で負圧になったりしたとしても、汚れた雨水が上水補給用配管５３を通して逆流しないように、逆止弁５１で防止する。他方、貯水タンクＴ１・Ｔ２間の逆止弁５０により、雨水の流れを一方向に規制し、貯水タンクＴ１内の貯留水が貯水タンクＴ２へ逆流するのを防止して上水の補給量を必要最小限に留めている。なお、たとえば水漏れ等が原因で、水位検知器Ｃが異常水位ｄを検知したときには、給水ポンプＰの作動を停止させる。
【００３６】
そして、図示雨水利用システムでは、貯水タンクＴ１・Ｔ２の水位に従って雨水利用状況をトイレ内で簡単に利用者が確認できるように、図７に示すように表示装置Ｓで表示している。このとき、ポンプ作動停止などの所定エラーコードが制御装置Ｅのエラーコード表示ディスプレイ６８で表示されると、警告ランプ７１を点灯して利用者に報知する。このような表示装置Ｓによって、図示例では、離れた屋内でも、利用者は、貯水タンクの水位などを、一目で簡単に且つ適確に確認でき、使い勝手を一層良好にするという利点がある。
【００３７】
次に、図示雨水利用システムでは、住宅Ｈに特有の状況から、タンク設置スペースと使用水量などを考慮し、組立ユニット材を使って同じ直方体の槽体を２個独立に組み立て、相互にフレキシブル管５０で連結して貯水タンクＴ１・Ｔ２を構築した。しかし、本発明では、住宅の状況に応じてタンク設置スペースと使用水量などを適宜考慮し、大きさ及び形状が同じ上記組立ユニット材の側面パネル２０・底板２１・蓋体２２・角部支柱２３・側部支柱２４を適宜選択的に用いて、以下の通り、全体が異なる立体形状の槽体、又は直方体を単位に異なる個数の槽体に組み立てて貯水タンクを構成することができる。
【００３８】
まず、上述の実施の形態では、貯水タンクＴ１・Ｔ２のように直方体の槽体を２個組み立てて、それらをフレキシブル管５８で繋いで連結する分割式の例を示した。しかし、斯かる分割式の場合、上記組立ユニット材を用いて、同じ直方体の槽体を３個以上組み立て、それらを直列的にフレキシブル管で繋いで構成することもできる。さらには、例えばコーナー状の敷地に対応すべく、個々の槽体をＬ状にフレキシブル管で繋いだレイアウトにすることもできる。その他、敷地状況に応じて、複数の槽体をフレキシブル管で繋いで配列することで、多様なレイアウト構成にすることもできる。勿論、小規模家庭のような場合は、最小単位である直方体の槽体１個のみで貯水タンクを構成してもよい。
【００３９】
一方、槽体１個のサイズを、図９に示すように、必要に応じて、より大型にすることもできる。図９の例では、貯水タンクＴ３を、上記した槽体が２個分の容積になるように同じ組立ユニット材を使って２連式に組み立てている。この２連式の場合は、加えて、側部支柱２４を用い、図５（ｂ）でも示すように、横一列に隣接する側面パネル２０相互の側縁を接続凹部２４ａに嵌め込んで止めネジ７３で固定する。これにより、図９に示すように、２枚の側面パネル２０を連結して対向する側部をそれぞれ幅広に形成して容積を拡大する。なお、図１０に示す２連式の貯水タンクＴ３′は、底板２１として、一辺に連結リブ３１ａを有しない単位材を用い、突き合わせる底板２１間に上向きの出っ張りがないように形成している。さらに、図示貯水タンクＴ３′を、図示しないが、上述のようにフレキシブル管で繋いで直列的に配列した構成にすることもできる。
【００４０】
次に、図１１に示す例の貯水タンクＴ４は、上記槽体が３個分の容積になるように、同じ組立ユニット材を使って３連式に組み立てている。したがって、必要ならば、４個以上横に積み重ねて、槽体１個の単位を一層大きくして容積を拡大させることができる。
【００４１】
さらに、本発明における貯水タンクは、単位形状が直方体の槽体を複数個横に重ねて、上記のようにタンク全体が直方形の立体形状に形成する場合に限定されず、その他、適宜の所望立体形状に構築することにより、各種敷地のタンク設置スペースや各家庭の異なる使用水量などに適合させることもできる。
【００４２】
ところで、上述した図示実施の形態において、貯水タンクの側面パネル２０は、角波形状の薄鋼板を用いて構成したが、本発明は、それに限らず、たとえば図１２に示すような構造のものを用いて構成することもできる。図示他例の側面パネル２０は、予めダンボール７５ａを多層に接着して張り合わせたダンボール積層板７５を備え、そのダンボール積層板７５の全面に、薄鋼板製の外装板７６を張り付けて被覆してなる。これによって、水圧に対する剛性を十分に担保する一方で、比較的軽量で取扱上、極めて便利な構成にしている。
【００４３】
また、上述した図示雨水利用システムにおいて、水位検知器Ｃは、フロート６５を用いて水位を検知する構造であったが、本発明は、それに限らず、たとえば以下のように、半導体圧力センサを用いた構造の水位検知器によって水位を検知する構成にすることもできる。
【００４４】
図示他例の水位検知器Ｃは、図１３に示すように、貯水タンクＴ１の側面パネル２０の下部に雌ねじ連結管７９を取り付け、該連結管７９に半導体圧力センサ８０をねじ込んで連通させてなる。半導体圧力センサ８０は、図１４に示すように、本体部８０ａの一端側に、圧力導入口８１を開けた雄ねじ接続部８０ｂを有し、他端側に半導体に接続したケーブル８０ｃを連設してなる。本体部８０ａには、図１３に示すように、ダイヤフラム８２と、それに貼着した半導体感圧部８３を内蔵している。そして、この水位検知器Ｃは、ケーブル８０ｃを介して制御装置Ｅに接続している。
【００４５】
そこで、図示他例の水位検知器Ｃでは、圧力導入口８１から水圧を受けると、その水圧に応じてダイヤフラム８２が振れ、その振れ具合に応じて半導体感圧部８３が歪みを生じ、その歪み量に対応する電気抵抗値に従って所定電圧を出力する。すると、この電圧の出力変動に基づいて制御装置Ｅにて判断し、予め設定した水位（例えば上記した満水位ａ・上水補給停止水位ｂ・上水補給開始水位ｃ・ポンプ作動停止水位ｄ）を検知し、該当する水位検知信号を表示装置Ｓに送信して水位を表示する。この表示装置Ｓは、図１３に示すように指針表示構造になっている。したがって、システム異常が発生した場合は、指針８５を大きく振幅運動させて警報する構成にしている。
【００４６】
さらに、本発明は、たとえば次のように、超音波センサを用いた構造の水位検知器によって水位を検知する構成にすることもできる。
【００４７】
図示他例の水位検知器Ｃは、図１５に示すように、貯水タンクＴ１の蓋体２２上に超音波センサ８８を設置し、該超音波センサ８８に有する発信部８８ａと受信部８８ｂとを、貯水タンクＴ１内に臨ませて水面に向け配設している。超音波センタ８８には、導波管８９を連結し、その上端開口部を発信部８８ａおよび受信部８８ｂに被せて垂下している。導波管８９は、たとえば塩化ビニール製のパイプ材で、下端開口部を底板２１近くまで位置させて垂設し、発信部８８ａから発する超音波を、乱反射させることなく、水面で反射して受信部８８ｂで受信されるようにしている。そして、超音波センサ８８を電気的に上述した制御装置Ｅに接続している。
【００４８】
したがって、図示他例の水位検知器Ｃでは、発信部８８ａから所定周波数の超音波が発せられると、適宜高さ位置の水面で反射して受信部８８ｂで受信されるが、そのとき超音波センサ８８にて、当該超音波が発信部８８ａから発せられて受信部８８ｂで受信されるまでの時間を計時し、その時間に応じて所定電圧を出力する。すると、この電圧の出力変動に基づいて制御装置Ｅにて判断し、予め設定した水位（例えば上記した満水位ａ・上水補給停止水位ｂ・上水補給開始水位ｃ・ポンプ作動停止水位ｄ）を検知し、該当する水位検知信号を上記表示装置Ｓに送信して水位を表示する。なお、図示例の超音波センサ８８は、超音波の発信部８８ａと受信部８８ｂとを個別に並設するが、それら発信部および受信部を１つ一体に設けた構成であってもよいのは、勿論である。
【００４９】
以上の図示実施の形態では、雨水を回収してトイレの洗浄に有効利用する例を挙げて説明したが、本発明の雨水利用システムは、それに限らず、必要に応じて台所や風呂等の洗浄用、屋上や庭の散水用、洗車用など、多様な用途に有効利用する場合に適用することができるのは、勿論である。
【００５０】
【発明の効果】
上述のように構成した本発明によれば、次のような効果が得られる。
【００５１】
請求項１、２および３に記載の発明によれば、（１）設置場所の選定に限定を受けることなく、たとえ狭い場所であっても、限られた設置スペースに応じて、共通の組立ユニット材を用いて貯水タンクを自由に組み立て設置することができる。（２）共通の組立ユニット材を適宜選択して貯水タンクを自由に組み立てることにより、家庭の規模に応じ異なる使用水量に合わせて、任意にタンク容積を変更して雨水の合理的な有効利用を実現させることができる。（３）組立ユニットとして分解してコンパクトにすることができ、そのために取扱に著しく便利であり、しかも、設置場所まで極めて容易に運搬することができる。（４）設置現場で１人でも簡単に、且つ迅速に組み立てることができる。
【００５２】
加えて、請求項１、２および３に記載の発明によれば、廉価で且つ簡略な構成によって貯水タンクの水位を段階的に、且つそれを正確に検知することができる。
【００５３】
請求項４に記載の発明によれば、連続的な中空パイプ部を有したパネル構造でるために、それだけ水圧強度が高められ、水圧による撓みの発生を抑制することができる一方で、比較的軽量で、組立時や運搬時等における取扱上の利便性を向上させることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明による雨水利用システムの一例を示す全体システム構成図である。
【図２】貯水タンク１個の分解斜視図である。
【図３】組立ユニット材の側面パネルの平面図である。
【図４】（ａ）角部支柱の平面図、（ｂ）角部支柱で側面パネルを連結した状態を示す平面図である。
【図５】（ａ）側部支柱の平面図、（ｂ）側部支柱で側面パネルを連結した状態を示す平面図である。
【図６】貯水タンク内に防水シートを取り付けた状態を示す部分拡大斜視図である。
【図７】水位検知器による水位検知機構を説明する機構説明図である。
【図８】貯水タンク内の水位と、水位検知器のホテンショメータ回動角度との関係を説明する概略説明図である。
【図９】２連式の貯水タンクを示す分解斜視図である。
【図１０】２連式の貯水タンクの他例を示す分解斜視図である。
【図１１】３連式の貯水タンクを示す分解斜視図である。
【図１２】側面パネルの他の構造例を示す横断面図である。
【図１３】圧力センサ型の水位検知器による水位検知機構を説明する機構説明図である。
【図１４】半導体圧力センサを示す側面図である。
【図１５】超音波センサ型の水位検知器による水位検知機構を説明する機構説明図である。
【図１６】従来の雨水利用システムを示す全体概略構成図である。
【符号の説明】
Ａ沈殿槽
Ｃ水位検知器
Ｅ制御装置
Ｐ給水ポンプ
Ｓ表示装置
Ｔ１〜Ｔ４貯水タンク
１６雨樋
２０側面パネル
２１底板
２２蓋体
２３角部支柱
２３ａ連結凹部
２４側部支柱
２４ａ接続凹部
２５本体板材
２６外装板材
２７補強板
２９中空パイプ部
３１ａ底板の連結リブ（連結部）
３５防水シート
５４上水補給管
６０回転体
６１減速用ギヤ列
６２ポテンショメータ
６３ワイヤ（紐体）
６５フロート
７５ダンボール積層板
７５ａダンボール
７６外装板
８０半導体圧力センサ
８３半導体感圧部
８８ａ超音波の発信部
８８ｂ超音波の受信部
８９導波管[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention allows rainwater collected from rain gutters to flow into and store in a water storage tank, and supplies the stored water as needed to clean toilets, kitchens, baths, etc., and for watering rooftops and gardens. The present invention relates to a rainwater utilization system suitable for effective use.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  Conventionally, in this type of rainwater utilization system, generally, for example, as shown in FIG. 16, a water storage tank 2 is installed in a site on the periphery of a house 1, while water is stored in a rain gutter 3 a that collects rainwater 4 flowing from a roof 3. The tank 2 is connected, and rainwater flows into the water storage tank 2 for storage. The stored water in the water storage tank 2 is pumped up by a water supply pump 5 as necessary, and supplied to a toilet flush tank 7 a and a bath tub 8 through a water supply pipe 6 to wash the toilet 7 and the tub 8. I am serving. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
          JP-A-10-66811 (2nd page, 3rd page, FIG. 1, FIG. 2).
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  However, in the conventional rainwater utilization system as described above, since the water storage tank 2 is constituted by a large fixed tank having a fixed capacity as shown in the figure, (1) the water storage tank 2 is limited by the limited installation space on the site. Depending on the selection of the installation location, it may not be possible to install in a small space. (2) Although the amount of water used varies depending on the size of the household, the tank volume cannot be changed arbitrarily according to the difference in the amount of water used. (3) It is extremely inconvenient for transportation to the installation location. (4) There is a problem that assembly work is large and requires much labor and time.
[0005]
  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to allow the installation of a water storage tank according to the installation space without being limited to the selection of the installation location, to allow the tank volume to be arbitrarily changed according to the different water usage, and the installation location Another object of the present invention is to provide a rainwater utilization system that can be easily and quickly assembled by one person at the installation site.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  Therefore, in order to achieve the above object, the rainwater utilization system according to the invention described in claim 1 collects and precipitates foreign matter flowing together with rainwater from the rain gutter 16 as shown in the embodiment described below with reference to the drawings. The precipitating tank A for purifying the rainwater and the water supply pipe 54 are connected, while the assembled water storage tanks T1 and T2 for storing the purified rainwater through the waterproof sheet 35, and the water storage tanks T1 and T2 A water level detector C for detecting the water level, a water supply pump P for pumping water in the water storage tanks T1 and T2, and opening and closing of the valve of the water supply pipe 54 and operation of the water supply pump P according to at least the water level detection result A rectangular plate-shaped side panel 20, a corner column 23 having a connecting recess 23a into which the side edges of the side panels 20 adjacent to each other at right angles are fitted, and a horizontal row A side column 24 having a connection recess 24a into which the side edges of adjacent side panels 20 are fitted, and a rectangular bottom plate 21 having a connecting portion 31a on which the side panel 20 is placed and the lower edge engages; A lid 22 having a shallow rectangular box cap shape that engages and covers the upper edge of the side panel 20 is provided as an assembly unit material of the water storage tank having the same size and shape, and using these assembly unit materials, The water storage tank is configured so that it can be assembled into a desired number of tanks in units of tank bodies of the desired solid shape or a rectangular parallelepiped as a whole.The water level detector C includes a float 65 that floats up and down in the water storage tank T1, and a rotating body that rotates by winding up a string body that holds the float 65 with a spring spring in accordance with the float height position. 60, and a potentiometer 62 that rotates when the rotation of the rotating body is transmitted through the reduction gear train 61 and outputs a predetermined voltage in accordance with the rotation angle. The control device E judges the water level.It is characterized by that.
[0007]
  Invention of Claim 2Rainwater utilization system byFor example, as shown in the embodiments described below with reference to the drawings,A prefabricated water storage tank T1 that connects a settling tank A for collecting and precipitating foreign matter flowing in along with rainwater from the rain gutter 16 to purify the rainwater and a water supply pipe 54, while storing the purified rainwater via the waterproof sheet 35. T2, a water level detector C for detecting the water level in the water storage tanks T1 and T2, a water supply pump P for pumping up water in the water storage tanks T1 and T2, and at least the water supply pipe according to the water level detection result A control device E that controls the opening and closing of the valve 54 and the operation of the water supply pump P, and has a rectangular plate-like side panel 20 and a connecting recess 23a into which the side edges of the side panels 20 adjacent to each other at right angles are fitted. A corner column 23, a side column 24 having a connection recess 24a for fitting the side edges of the side panels 20 adjacent to each other in a horizontal row, and a connecting portion 31a on which the side panel 20 is placed and its lower edge engages. The A rectangular bottom plate 21 and a shallow rectangular box cap-like cover 22 that engages and covers the upper edge of the side panel 20 as an assembly unit material for the water storage tank having the same size and shape. Using the assembly unit material, the water storage tank is configured so that it can be assembled into a desired number of tank bodies in units of a solid body having a desired three-dimensional shape or a rectangular parallelepiped as a unit,The water level detector C communicates with the water storage tank T1 and is connected to the lower portion of the side panel 20, and outputs a predetermined voltage according to an electrical resistance value corresponding to the strain amount of the semiconductor pressure sensing portion 83 that is distorted according to water pressure. A semiconductor pressure sensor 80 is provided, and the control device E makes a judgment based on the output fluctuation of the voltage to detect the water level.
[0008]
  Invention of Claim 3Rainwater utilization system byFor example, as shown in the embodiments described below with reference to the drawings,A prefabricated water storage tank T1 that connects a settling tank A for collecting and precipitating foreign matter flowing in along with rainwater from the rain gutter 16 to purify the rainwater and a water supply pipe 54, while storing the purified rainwater via the waterproof sheet 35. T2, a water level detector C for detecting the water level in the water storage tanks T1 and T2, a water supply pump P for pumping up water in the water storage tanks T1 and T2, and at least the water supply pipe according to the water level detection result A control device E that controls the opening and closing of the valve 54 and the operation of the water supply pump P, and has a rectangular plate-like side panel 20 and a connecting recess 23a into which the side edges of the side panels 20 adjacent to each other at right angles are fitted. A corner column 23, a side column 24 having a connection recess 24a for fitting the side edges of the side panels 20 adjacent to each other in a horizontal row, and a connecting portion 31a on which the side panel 20 is placed and its lower edge engages. The A rectangular bottom plate 21 and a shallow rectangular box cap-like cover 22 that engages and covers the upper edge of the side panel 20 as an assembly unit material for the water storage tank having the same size and shape. Using the assembly unit material, the water storage tank is configured so that it can be assembled into a desired number of tank bodies in units of a solid body having a desired three-dimensional shape or a rectangular parallelepiped as a unit,The water level detector C includes an ultrasonic transmitter 88a and a receiver 88b attached to the lid 22 toward the water surface in the water storage tank T1, and ultrasonic waves with a predetermined frequency emitted from the transmitter 88a. An ultrasonic sensor 88 that outputs a predetermined voltage according to the time received by the receiver 88b through the waveguide 89 for preventing irregular reflection is provided, and the control device E makes a judgment based on the output fluctuation of this voltage. The water level is detected.
[0009]
  The invention described in claim 4 is, for example, as shown in an embodiment described below with reference to the drawings.2 or 3In the rainwater utilization system according to claim 1,The side panel 20 of the assembly unit material includes a main body plate 25 that is formed by bending a thin metal plate into a square wave shape in which each cross section alternately forms a substantially trapezoidal shape, and a flat outer plate 26 made of a thin metal plate. The pipe parts 29 are continuously formed in a vertical direction by sticking together and fixed, and each of the hollow pipe parts 29 has a substantially cross-sectionally hatched shape. A reinforcing plate 27 bent into a G-shape is joined and constructed.It is characterized by that.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0011]
  FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing a rainwater utilization system according to the present invention that collects rainwater and effectively uses it for washing a toilet as an example. The rainwater utilization system of the illustrated example includes a precipitation tank A for purifying rainwater, an assembled water tank T1 and T2 for storing purified rainwater, a water level detector C for detecting the water level in the water tank, and a water tank A water supply pump P that pumps up the stored water, a control device E that controls the entire system such as the operation of the water supply pump P, and a display device S that displays a water level or the like according to the determination result of the control device E.
[0012]
  The sedimentation tank A is provided with a vertically long cylindrical tank body 11 on the gantry 10, a mesh basket 13 communicating with a rainwater inflow pipe 12 connected to the upper part of the peripheral wall of the tank body 11, and an upper end of the mesh tank 13. A resin bellows hose 14 for collecting foreign substances, which are connected to each other, is provided. The bottom wall of the tank body 11 is provided with a sediment drain valve 15 for connecting the lower end of the bellows hose 14 to discharge the sediment. The rainwater inflow pipe 12 is connected to the overflow pipe 17 together with the rain gutter 16 of the house H. In the sedimentation tank A, the foreign matter flowing in from the rain gutter 16 together with the rain water is received by the mesh gutter 13 and collected, and fine foreign matter is precipitated through the bellows hose 14 to purify the rain water, while the fine foreign matter is precipitated. The waste water discharge valve 15 is opened to discharge the waste. Reference sign B in the figure is a toilet body of a toilet provided with a flush tank 18.
[0013]
  As shown in FIG. 2, each of the water storage tanks T1 and T2 is provided with a plurality of types of assembly unit materials having the same size and shape. In the illustrated example, each of the water storage tanks T1 and T2 is individually formed into a rectangular parallelepiped tank body. Assembled.
[0014]
  As the assembly unit material, a side panel 20, a bottom plate 21, a lid body 22, and a corner portion column 23 and a side column column 24 used for connecting the side panel 20 as needed are provided.
[0015]
  The side panel 20 is formed in a rectangular plate shape as a whole in the illustrated example. As shown in FIG. 3, the side panel 20 is a thin metal plate of the same length, for example, a main plate 25 made of a thin steel plate, an exterior plate 26 and a plurality of reinforcing plates. 27 is formed by bonding. The main body plate 25 is bent and formed into a square wave shape as a whole, each section having a substantially trapezoidal shape with alternating long and short cross sections. On the other hand, the exterior plate material 26 is a thin flat plate, and in the illustrated example, a so-called 55% hot-dip galvanized steel plate is used in consideration of rust prevention and aesthetic appearance. Of course, a steel plate whose surface is painted in an arbitrary color may be used. The reinforcing plate 27 is formed by bending a long flat plate into a substantially hat-shaped cross section.
[0016]
  And the main body board | plate material 25 and the exterior board | plate material 26 of such a shape are piled up, and it adhere | attaches with a resin adhesive, for example on a mutual contact surface. Also, a reinforcing plate 27 is provided in each of the hollow pipe portions 29 having a substantially trapezoidal cross section in the vertical direction formed between the main body plate material 25 and the exterior plate material 26, and each side panel is adhered and bonded together with an adhesive. 20 is produced. Accordingly, the side panel 20 is configured such that the hollow pipe portions 29 each subdivided by the elongated square pipe portions 29a are continuously arranged in the width direction, and the hollow pipe portions 29 maintain high strength against water pressure. Yes. In this case, the plate members 25, 26, and 27 are not limited to being bonded as described above, and can be bonded and bonded by appropriate fixing means such as welding or riveting.
[0017]
  As shown in FIG. 2, the bottom plate 21 includes a reinforcing frame 30 assembled into a substantially square shape using a plurality of square pipe members 30a, and the hot dip galvanized steel plate is attached to the reinforcing frame 30, for example. Four side edge plate portions 31 and a bottom plate portion 32 are formed. The side edge plate portion 31 is formed with a height slightly higher than that of the reinforcing frame 30 and forms a connecting rib (connecting portion) 31a that engages with the lower edge of the side panel 20 when the side panel 20 is placed upright. Become.
[0018]
  The lid 22 is formed using a thin, for example, the above-described hot-dip galvanized steel plate and is formed in a substantially square shallow box cap shape that is engaged with and covered with the upper edge of the side panel 20. In the illustrated example, the upper surface 22a of the lid 22 is formed so as to be slightly inclined to one side as a whole.
[0019]
  The corner pillars 23 are formed into a longitudinal angle material shape that is substantially the same length as that of the side panel 20 by, for example, aluminum extrusion, and is bent at a substantially right angle, and adjacent to each other at right angles along the length direction of both side edges. A side wall 20 is formed with a connecting recess 23a having a U-shaped cross section into which the side edges of the side panels 20 are fitted. Further, as shown in FIG. 4A, a reinforcing bone plate portion 23b is provided at a corner between the connecting recesses 23a.
[0020]
  As in the case of the corner support 23, the side support 24 is formed into a plate frame material having substantially the same length as that of the side panel 20 by, for example, aluminum extrusion, and along the length direction of both side edges, FIG. As shown to (a), it forms the connection recessed part 24a of cross-sectional U shape to which the side edge of the side panel 20 adjacent to a horizontal row | line | column is inserted.
[0021]
  When the water storage tanks T1 and T2 are assembled using the assembly unit materials described above, the number of assembly unit materials necessary for assembling the water storage tanks T1 and T2 is appropriately selected, and the housing H at the installation site in the disassembled state is selected. Carry to. Then, in the installation site of the house H, in consideration of the predetermined installation space in the site and the amount of water used for toilet cleaning in the house H, in the illustrated example, the same rectangular parallelepiped tank body using an appropriate assembly unit material Are assembled independently, and water tanks T1 and T2 arranged side by side are constructed.
[0022]
  At the time of assembly, the side edges of the side panels 20 that are adjacent to each other at right angles are fitted into the connecting recesses 23a of the corner column 23 as shown in FIG. 4 (b) and fixed with set screws 34, as shown in FIG. In this way, a vertically open rectangular tube k is constructed. Further, the rectangular lower edge of the rectangular tube k is placed on the reinforcing frame 30 of the bottom plate 21 and is engaged with and connected to the connecting rib 31a. On the other hand, the rectangular side plate 22b is engaged with the lid 22 on the rectangular upper edge of the rectangular tube k. Thus, one minimum unit tank body having a predetermined volume is assembled. In the example of illustration, according to the predetermined installation space and the amount of water used in the house H, the same tank body is further assembled into the same rectangular parallelepiped tank body using the same assembly unit material.
[0023]
  In the assembled water storage tanks T1 and T2, as shown in FIG. 6, a bag-shaped waterproof sheet 35 made of, for example, polyvinyl chloride is provided. The waterproof sheet 35 is provided with engagement holes 35a at the upper edge at equal intervals.Has been. On the other hand, hooks 36 are assembled at equal intervals on the upper edge of the side panel 20 covered by the lid 22 in accordance with the position of the engagement hole 35a. The hook 36 has a shape in which a claw-shaped latching portion 36b is bent and extended upward from one end of a U-shaped plate piece portion 36a fitted to the upper edge of the side panel 20. And the latching part 36b is engaged with the engagement hole 35a, the waterproof sheet 35 is hold | maintained with the hook 36, and the water storage tank T1 * T2 is made into the liquid-tight structure.
[0024]
  As shown in FIG. 1, these water storage tanks T <b> 1 and T <b> 2 are provided with flange joints 40 to 47 for connecting pipes to a pair of side panels 20 facing left and right in the drawing. And the water storage tank T2 is connected with the sedimentation tank A through the vertical pipe 48 and the flexible pipe 49 which connected one end to the flange joint 47. FIG. The water storage tank T2 and the water storage tank T1 are connected to each other via a flexible pipe 58. One end of the flexible pipe 58 is connected to the flange joint 45, and the other end is connected to the reverse valve 50 and connected to the flange joint 43.
[0025]
  In one water storage tank T1, a check valve 51 and an electromagnetic valve 52 for water supply replenishment control are sequentially connected to the upper flange joint 42, and a water supply pipe 53 connected to the electromagnetic valve 52 is connected. It is connected to a water faucet side (not shown) so that tap water is appropriately replenished. And in the water storage tank T1, the water supply pipe 54 is suspended, the upper end part is connected to the flange joint 42, and is connected with the pipe 53 for water supply.
[0026]
  In addition, a water supply pump P is mounted on the lid 22 in the water storage tank T1. In the water supply pump P, the water absorption pipe 55 is suspended in the water storage tank T1 through the lid body 22, and one end of a water supply pipe 56 piped to the flush tank 18 is connected. A mesh filter 57 for removing foreign matter is attached in the middle of the water supply pipe 56.
[0027]
  Further, a water level detector C is mounted adjacent to the water supply pump P on the lid 22 of the water storage tank T1. As shown in FIG. 7, the water level detector C includes a box-type waterproof case 59, a rotating body 60 incorporating a spring spring in the waterproof case 59, a gear train 61 that reduces the rotation of the rotating body 60, A potentiometer 62 capable of forward and reverse rotation of 360 degrees that outputs a voltage according to the rotation of the rotating body 60 decelerated by the reduction gear train 61 is provided. The rotating body 60 has a pulley 64 around which a wire (string body) 63 is wound coaxially with the transmission gear 61a of the reduction gear train 61 on the rotating support shaft 60a. A spherical float 65 is connected to the tip of the wire 63 so as to be floated up and down in the water storage tank T1.
[0028]
  The water level detector C electrically connects the potentiometer 62 to a control device (control panel) E through a terminal (not shown). Then, according to the height position of the float 65 in the water storage tank T1, the rotating body 60 rotates while winding the wire 63 with the spring force of the spring, and the rotation is decelerated by the reduction gear train 61 and transmitted to the potentiometer 62. When the potentiometer 62 rotates by a certain angle, a voltage is output according to the rotation angle, and the control device E makes a judgment based on this voltage value to detect the water level as needed.
[0029]
  Therefore, in the illustrated rainwater utilization system, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 7 in the water storage tank T1, (a) the full water level a (b) the water supply replenishment stop water level b (c) the water supply replenishment start water level c (d) pump The operation stop water level d is set to a predetermined height position in advance. On the other hand, on the water level detector C side, as schematically shown in FIG. 8, the deceleration ratio of the reduction gear train 61 is set according to the height positions a to d (water level) of the float 65, that is, the float stroke, The rotation angle (voltage value v) of the potentiometer 62 is associated with each of the water levels a to d. Although the rotation angle (voltage value v) of the potentiometer 62 can be set arbitrarily, in the illustrated example, the rotation angle of the potentiometer 62 at the full water level a is set to, for example, 270 degrees, and the voltage 4v is output at that time. When the voltage value is 0.5 V, water supply is started. On the other hand, when the voltage drops to 0.4 V, the pump operation is stopped as a system abnormality as will be described later.To beIs set.
[0030]
  The control device E is installed on an appropriate wall surface of the house H, and as shown in FIG. 1, is connected to an AC power source V, and is also electrically connected to a water supply pump P and an electromagnetic valve 52 for water supply replenishment control. In addition to controlling the operation of the water supply pump P according to the detection result and controlling the opening and closing of the electromagnetic valve 52, the operation of the entire rainwater utilization system is controlled. The control device E is provided with an error code display 68 that opens a small window in the front and displays an error code for each abnormality pattern when an abnormality of the rainwater utilization system is detected. Furthermore, the control device E is electrically connected to a display device (display panel) S that displays a water level by transmitting a water level signal according to the determination result.
[0031]
  The display device S is appropriately installed in the toilet, and as shown in FIG. 7, a memory display surface 69 showing the water level in stages in the front of the panel and indicating the current amount of water (%), and accordingly, A lighting display unit 70 is provided in parallel, which displays LEDs in multiple stages. In the illustrated example, the range indicating “water supply” from 0% to 25% on the memory display surface 69 is lit in red on the lighting display unit 70 step by step, and 25% or more “rain water is being used”. In the same manner, each of the ranges indicating is divided and lit in yellow. 100% is the full water level a, 25% is the water supply stoppage water level b, and the lower lighting position thereof is associated with the water supply start water level c. In addition, when the abnormality of the rainwater utilization system is detected by the control device E and the error code is displayed on the error code display 68 when the pump operation is stopped, the display device S is lit in conjunction with that and lights up. A warning lamp 71 for notifying an error is provided.
[0032]
  In the rainwater utilization system configured as described above, when rainwater flows into the sedimentation tank A from the rain gutter 16 of the house H shown in FIG. While separating and purifying, the rainwater is once accommodated in the tank body 11, and further flows into the water storage tank T2 through the flexible pipe 48 and the vertical pipe 49, and then flows into the water storage tank T1 through the flexible pipe 50, Over time, it is stored in the water storage tanks T1 and T2.
[0033]
  In the illustrated rainwater utilization system, the water level in the storage tanks T1 and T2 is detected by the water level detector C and monitored by the control device E, while the stored water is pumped up by the water supply pump P, and foreign matter is removed by the mesh filter 57 on the way. While removing, it feeds toward the flush tank 18 of the toilet through the water supply pipe 56.
[0034]
  At this time, in the illustrated rainwater utilization system, when the water level replenishment start water level c is detected by the water level detector C as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 according to the amount of water stored in the water storage tanks T1 and T2, the electromagnetic valve 52 is opened. Supply water. Thereafter, when the water supply stoppage water level b is detected, the solenoid valve 52 is closed to stop the supply of clean water. Thus, the water storage tanks T1 and T2 are always kept at a constant water level.
[0035]
  On the other hand, even if the water storage tank T1 has a negative pressure for some reason, the check valve 51 prevents the dirty rainwater from flowing back through the water supply pipe 53. On the other hand, the check valve 50 between the water storage tanks T1 and T2 regulates the flow of rainwater in one direction to prevent the water stored in the water storage tank T1 from flowing back to the water storage tank T2, thereby reducing the amount of water supply. It is kept to the minimum necessary. For example, when the water level detector C detects the abnormal water level d due to water leakage or the like, the operation of the water supply pump P is stopped.
[0036]
  In the illustrated rainwater utilization system, the rainwater utilization status is displayed on the display device S as shown in FIG. 7 so that the user can easily confirm the rainwater utilization status in the toilet according to the water levels of the water storage tanks T1 and T2. At this time, when a predetermined error code such as pump stoppage is displayed on the error code display 68 of the control device E, the warning lamp 71 is lit to notify the user. In the illustrated example, such a display device S has an advantage that the user can easily and accurately confirm the water level of the water storage tank at a glance, even in a remote place, and further improve usability.
[0037]
  Next, in the rainwater utilization system shown in the figure, considering the tank installation space and the amount of water used, etc., considering the situation specific to the house H, two tanks of the same rectangular parallelepiped are assembled independently using assembly unit materials, and flexible pipes are mutually connected. 50 and connected to build water storage tanks T1 and T2. However, according to the present invention, the side panel 20, the bottom plate 21, the lid 22, and the corner pillars 23 of the above-mentioned assembly unit material having the same size and shape are appropriately taken into consideration in accordance with the situation of the house and the tank installation space and the amount of water used. A water storage tank can be configured by assembling a three-dimensionally shaped tank body or a rectangular parallelepiped body that is different as a whole into a different number of tank bodies by using the side support columns 24 as appropriate.
[0038]
  First, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the example of the division type which assembled two rectangular parallelepiped tank bodies like the water storage tanks T1 and T2 and connected them by the flexible pipe 58 was shown. However, in the case of such a division type, it is also possible to assemble three or more tanks of the same rectangular parallelepiped using the assembly unit material and connect them in series with a flexible pipe. Furthermore, for example, in order to correspond to a corner-shaped site, it is possible to make a layout in which individual tank bodies are connected in an L shape with a flexible pipe. In addition, according to site conditions, a plurality of tank bodies can be connected by a flexible pipe and arranged to have various layout configurations. Of course, in the case of a small-scale home, the water storage tank may be constituted by only one rectangular parallelepiped tank that is the minimum unit.
[0039]
  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, the size of one tank body can be made larger as required. In the example of FIG. 9, the water storage tank T3 is assembled in a duplex manner using the same assembly unit material so that the above-described tank body has a volume equivalent to two. In the case of this double type, in addition, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), the side struts 24 are used and the side edges of the side panels 20 adjacent to each other in the horizontal row are fitted into the connection recesses 24a. Fix with 73. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, the two side panels 20 are connected to form opposite side portions with a wider width, thereby expanding the volume. The double-type water storage tank T3 ′ shown in FIG. 10 uses a unit material that does not have the connecting rib 31a on one side as the bottom plate 21, and is formed so that there is no upward protrusion between the bottom plates 21 to be abutted. . Furthermore, although not shown, the illustrated water storage tank T3 ′ can be connected in series as described above and connected in series.
[0040]
  Next, the water storage tank T4 of the example shown in FIG. 11 is assembled in a triple manner using the same assembly unit material so that the tank body has a volume of three. Therefore, if necessary, four or more can be stacked horizontally, and the unit of one tank body can be further increased to increase the volume.
[0041]
  Furthermore, the water storage tank in the present invention is not limited to the case where a plurality of tank bodies having a rectangular parallelepiped unit shape are stacked horizontally, and the tank as a whole is formed into a rectangular solid shape as described above. By constructing it into a three-dimensional shape, it can be adapted to the tank installation space of various sites and the different amount of water used in each household.
[0042]
  By the way, in the illustrated embodiment described above, the side panel 20 of the water storage tank is configured using a square wave-shaped thin steel plate, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, a structure as shown in FIG. It can also be configured. The other side panel 20 shown in the figure includes a corrugated cardboard laminated plate 75 in which corrugated cardboard 75a is bonded and laminated in advance, and a thin steel plate exterior plate 76 is pasted on the entire surface of the corrugated cardboard laminated plate 75 to cover it. . As a result, the rigidity against water pressure is sufficiently secured, while the structure is relatively light and extremely convenient for handling.
[0043]
  In the illustrated rainwater utilization system described above, the water level detector C has a structure for detecting the water level using the float 65. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a semiconductor pressure sensor is used as follows. The water level can also be configured to be detected by a water level detector having a conventional structure.
[0044]
  As shown in FIG. 13, the water level detector C of another example shown in the figure has a female screw connecting pipe 79 attached to the lower part of the side panel 20 of the water storage tank T <b> 1, and a semiconductor pressure sensor 80 is screwed into and connected to the connecting pipe 79. . As shown in FIG. 14, the semiconductor pressure sensor 80 has a male screw connection portion 80b having a pressure introduction port 81 on one end side of the main body portion 80a, and a cable 80c connected to the semiconductor on the other end side. It becomes. As shown in FIG. 13, the main body portion 80a incorporates a diaphragm 82 and a semiconductor pressure sensing portion 83 attached thereto. And this water level detector C is connected to the control apparatus E via the cable 80c.
[0045]
  Therefore, in the water level detector C of the other example shown in the figure, when the water pressure is received from the pressure introducing port 81, the diaphragm 82 swings according to the water pressure, and the semiconductor pressure sensing unit 83 is distorted according to the swinging condition, and the distortion occurs. A predetermined voltage is output according to the electric resistance value corresponding to the quantity. Then, the control device E makes a determination based on the output fluctuation of the voltage, and preset water levels (for example, the above-mentioned full water level a, clean water supply stop water level b, clean water supply start water level c, pump operation stop water level d). And a corresponding water level detection signal is transmitted to the display device S to display the water level. The display device S has a pointer display structure as shown in FIG. Therefore, when a system abnormality occurs, the pointer 85 is moved with a large amplitude to warn.
[0046]
  Furthermore, this invention can also be set as the structure which detects a water level with the water level detector of the structure using an ultrasonic sensor as follows, for example.
[0047]
  As shown in FIG. 15, the water level detector C of the other example shown in the figure has an ultrasonic sensor 88 installed on the lid 22 of the water storage tank T1, and a transmitter 88a and a receiver 88b that the ultrasonic sensor 88 has. The water storage tank T1 is disposed toward the water surface. A waveguide 89 is connected to the ultrasonic center 88, and its upper end opening is hung over the transmitter 88a and the receiver 88b. The waveguide 89 is a pipe material made of, for example, vinyl chloride. The waveguide 89 is suspended with its lower end opening located close to the bottom plate 21, and the ultrasonic wave emitted from the transmitter 88a is reflected by the water surface without being irregularly reflected. The data is received by the unit 88b. The ultrasonic sensor 88 is electrically connected to the control device E described above.
[0048]
  Therefore, in the water level detector C of the other example shown in the figure, when an ultrasonic wave having a predetermined frequency is emitted from the transmitter 88a, the ultrasonic wave is reflected by the water surface at an appropriate height and received by the receiver 88b. At 88, the time until the ultrasonic wave is emitted from the transmitter 88a and received by the receiver 88b is counted, and a predetermined voltage is output according to the time. Then, the control device E makes a determination based on the output fluctuation of the voltage, and preset water levels (for example, the above-mentioned full water level a, clean water supply stop water level b, clean water supply start water level c, pump operation stop water level d). And a corresponding water level detection signal is transmitted to the display device S to display the water level. Although the ultrasonic sensor 88 of the illustrated example has the ultrasonic wave transmitter 88a and the receiver 88b individually arranged in parallel, the transmitter and the receiver may be integrally provided. Of course.
[0049]
  In the above illustrated embodiment, the example of collecting rainwater and effectively using it for washing toilets has been described. However, the rainwater utilization system of the present invention is not limited to this, and washing of kitchens, baths, and the like as necessary. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to various uses such as water spraying, roofing and garden watering, and car washing.
[0050]
【The invention's effect】
  According to the present invention configured as described above, the following effects can be obtained.
[0051]
  Claim 12 and 3According to the invention described in (1), without being limited to the selection of the installation location, even in a narrow location, the water storage tank can be installed using a common assembly unit material according to the limited installation space. Can be assembled and installed freely. (2) By appropriately selecting a common assembly unit material and freely assembling the water storage tank, it is possible to change the tank volume arbitrarily according to the amount of water used according to the scale of the household, and to make rational and effective use of rainwater Can be realized. (3) It can be disassembled and made compact as an assembly unit, so that it is extremely convenient for handling and can be transported to the installation location very easily. (4) Even one person can assemble easily and quickly at the installation site..
[0052]
  in addition,Claim1, 2 and 3According to the invention described in (1), it is possible to detect the water level of the water storage tank stepwise and accurately with an inexpensive and simple configuration.
[0053]
  Claim4According to the invention described in the above, since the panel structure has a continuous hollow pipe portion, the hydraulic strength is increased accordingly, and the occurrence of bending due to the hydraulic pressure can be suppressed, while the weight is relatively light and the assembly is performed. It is possible to improve the convenience in handling at the time of transportation or transportation.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall system configuration diagram showing an example of a rainwater utilization system according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of one water storage tank.
FIG. 3 is a plan view of a side panel of the assembly unit material.
4A is a plan view of a corner support column, and FIG. 4B is a plan view showing a state in which side panels are connected by the corner support column.
5A is a plan view of a side column, and FIG. 5B is a plan view showing a state in which side panels are connected by the side column.
FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing a state in which a waterproof sheet is attached in the water storage tank.
FIG. 7 is a mechanism explanatory diagram illustrating a water level detection mechanism by a water level detector.
FIG. 8 is a schematic explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the water level in the water storage tank and the potentiometer rotation angle of the water level detector.
FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing a double-type water storage tank.
FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing another example of a double-type water storage tank.
FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing a triple water storage tank.
FIG. 12 is a transverse sectional view showing another structural example of the side panel.
FIG. 13 is a mechanism explanatory diagram illustrating a water level detection mechanism by a pressure sensor type water level detector.
FIG. 14 is a side view showing a semiconductor pressure sensor.
FIG. 15 is a mechanism explanatory view for explaining a water level detection mechanism by an ultrasonic sensor type water level detector;
FIG. 16 is an overall schematic configuration diagram showing a conventional rainwater utilization system.
[Explanation of symbols]
  A precipitation tank
  C Water level detector
  E Control device
  P Water supply pump
  S Display device
  T1-T4 water storage tank
  16 Gutter
  20 Side panel
  21 Bottom plate
  22 Lid
  23 corner support
  23a Connection recess
  24 Side support
  24a Connection recess
  25 Body plate
  26 Exterior plate material
  27 Reinforcing plate
  29 Hollow pipe section
  31a Connecting rib (connecting part) of bottom plate
  35 tarpaulin
  54 Water supply pipe
  60 Rotating body
  61 Gear train for reduction
  62 Potentiometer
  63 Wire (string)
  65 float
  75 Corrugated cardboard
  75a cardboard
  76 Exterior plate
  80 Semiconductor pressure sensor
  83 Semiconductor pressure sensor
  88a Ultrasonic transmitter
  88b Ultrasonic wave receiver
  89 Waveguide

Claims

A precipitating tank for collecting and precipitating foreign matter flowing in along with rainwater from the rain gutter and purifying the rainwater, and a water tank for connecting the purified water while storing the purified rainwater through a waterproof sheet, and the water storage tank A water level detector for detecting the water level in the water tank, a water supply pump for pumping up the water in the water storage tank, and a control device for controlling the opening and closing of the valve of the water supply pipe and the operation of the water supply pump according to at least the water level detection result And
A rectangular plate-shaped side panel, a corner column having a connecting recess for fitting the side edges of the side panels adjacent to each other at right angles, and a side having a connection recess for fitting the side edges of the side panels adjacent to each other in the horizontal row. A column, a rectangular bottom plate having a connecting portion on which a side panel is placed and engages a lower edge thereof, and a shallow rectangular box cap-like lid that covers and engages the upper edge of the side panel, respectively, As an assembly unit material of the water storage tank having the same size and shape ,
Using these assembly unit materials, the water storage tank is configured so that it can be assembled into a desired number of tank bodies in units of a desired three-dimensionally shaped tank body or a rectangular parallelepiped ,
The water level detector includes a float that floats in the water storage tank so as to be movable up and down, a rotating body that winds and rotates a string body that suspends the float with a spring according to a float height position, and the rotating body And a potentiometer that outputs a predetermined voltage in accordance with the rotation angle. The controller determines based on this voltage value and determines the water level. A rainwater utilization system characterized by detecting water .

A precipitating tank for collecting and precipitating foreign matter flowing in along with rainwater from the rain gutter and purifying the rainwater, and a water tank for connecting the purified water while storing the purified rainwater through a waterproof sheet, and the water storage tank A water level detector for detecting the water level in the water tank, a water supply pump for pumping up the water in the water storage tank, and a control device for controlling the opening and closing of the valve of the water supply pipe and the operation of the water supply pump according to at least the water level detection result And
A rectangular plate-shaped side panel, a corner column having a connecting recess for fitting the side edges of the side panels adjacent to each other at right angles, and a side having a connection recess for fitting the side edges of the side panels adjacent to each other in the horizontal row. A column, a rectangular bottom plate having a connecting portion on which a side panel is placed and engages a lower edge thereof, and a shallow rectangular box cap-like lid that covers and engages the upper edge of the side panel, respectively, As an assembly unit material of the water storage tank having the same size and shape ,
Using these assembly unit materials, the water storage tank is configured so that it can be assembled into a desired number of tank bodies in units of a desired three-dimensionally shaped tank body or a rectangular parallelepiped ,
The water level detector is connected to the lower part of the side panel in communication with the water storage tank, and a semiconductor pressure sensor that outputs a predetermined voltage according to an electrical resistance value corresponding to a strain amount of the semiconductor pressure sensing portion that is distorted according to water pressure. A rainwater utilization system comprising: detecting the water level by the control device based on the output fluctuation of the voltage .

A precipitating tank for collecting and precipitating foreign matter flowing in along with rainwater from the rain gutter and purifying the rainwater, and a water tank for connecting the purified water while storing the purified rainwater through a waterproof sheet, and the water storage tank A water level detector for detecting the water level in the water tank, a water supply pump for pumping up the water in the water storage tank, and a control device for controlling the opening and closing of the valve of the water supply pipe and the operation of the water supply pump according to at least the water level detection result And
A rectangular plate-shaped side panel, a corner column having a connecting recess for fitting the side edges of the side panels adjacent to each other at right angles, and a side having a connection recess for fitting the side edges of the side panels adjacent to each other in the horizontal row. A column, a rectangular bottom plate having a connecting portion on which a side panel is placed and engages a lower edge thereof, and a shallow rectangular box cap-like lid that covers and engages the upper edge of the side panel, respectively, As an assembly unit material of the water storage tank having the same size and shape ,
Using these assembly unit materials, the water storage tank is configured so that it can be assembled into a desired number of tank bodies in units of a desired three-dimensionally shaped tank body or a rectangular parallelepiped ,
The water level detector includes an ultrasonic wave transmitting section and a receiving section attached to the lid body toward the water surface in the water storage tank, and ultrasonic waves of a predetermined frequency emitted from the transmitting section are guided to prevent irregular reflection. depending on the time which is received by the receiver through a tube, comprising an ultrasonic sensor for outputting a predetermined voltage, and wherein sensing the water level is determined by the control device based on the output fluctuation of the voltage A rainwater utilization system .

The side panel of the assembly unit material is formed by laminating a main body plate material formed by bending a thin metal plate into a square wave shape in which each cross section alternately forms a trapezoidal shape, and a flat outer plate material made of a thin metal plate. The pipes are formed by continuously forming a hollow pipe portion in the vertical direction and bonding a reinforcing plate bent into a substantially hat shape in each hollow pipe portion. The rainwater utilization system according to 2 or 3 .