GB2458672A

GB2458672A - Water saving assembly and cistern assembly for a toilet

Info

Publication number: GB2458672A
Application number: GB0805537A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Philip Wilkinson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-03-27
Filing date: 2008-03-27
Publication date: 2009-09-30
Also published as: GB0805537D0

Abstract

A water saving assembly whereby water from a washing facility is used to feed the cistern of a toilet, the assembly comprising; a washing facility assembly; a toilet assembly having a cistern; and a conduit for transferring water from the washing facility assembly to the cistern of the toilet assembly, wherein the washing facility is displaced from the toilet assembly and the conduit between the washing facility and the toilet assembly feeds grey water from the washing facility directly into the cistern of the toilet assembly. Also claimed is a cistern assembly for a toilet wherein the assembly comprises a first and second supply of water and means for opening the inlet for the second supply to allow water to enter the cistern if the water in the cistern is below a predetermined volume.

Description

WATER RECYCLING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The present invention is directed towards a water management system. The invention is particularly concerned with recycling water within the system, in particular using waste or recycled water in a toilet cistern, so as to allow a consumer to use less water.

Currently, there is growing pressure on the public use water more responsibly, in turn reducing the amount of fresh water that must be processed and provided by way of the mains water system. Various measures are now being put into place to encourage a reduction in the use of water. In particular, water use is increasingly being monitored with water meters. By using less water in a house, it is not only possible to help the environment but also to save money. * S.

*... 15 * . * In many situations, in particular domestic dwellings, offices and the like, fresh *. .* : * . water supplied via the mains system is used only once. The water is then disposed of directly to the drain and/or sewer system. However, much of the * ** water that is disposed of in this way is suitable for use a second time in particular applications.

This issue has been addressed in WO 2007/090039. The document describes a water recycling device whereby grey, used water, from a wash basin or the like is used to flush a toilet. The system comprises a holding tank to hold the grey water until it is required. When the toilet is flushed, any grey water is pumped to the toilet. If there is not enough grey water in the holding tank, the cistern of the toilet is topped up with mains water. The use of a pump and a variety of valves and tanks in this assembly makes it particularly expensive to install and operate. The cost of the increased electricity needed to operate the pump would not allow for a cost saving as a result of reduced water consumption.

Another attempt to overcome this issue is detailed in United States Design Patent USD 469521. This document provides diagrams for having a washbasin attached directly on top of the cistern of a toilet. It is understood that this device operates by having all the water used to fill the toilet cistern after flushing routed through the washbasin, allowing a user to use the water, before it is routed to the cistern. This provides a problem in that some people may only wish to use the wash basin and not flush the toilet. The arrangement would not allow this. Extra space is also required around the system so as to allow a user to go to either side of the toilet pan in order to wash their hands. Access to the washbasin may also be problematical for the elderly, very young or infirm.

Accordingly, there is a need for an assembly that can be fitted into both new * *.

*:::: 15 and old houses, that enables a user to use less water, in particular by allowing water to be used more than once, before being disposed of. 4* ** * * * * S

Accordingly, the present invention provides a water saving assembly whereby * ** water from a washing facility is used to feed the cistern of a toilet, the 20 assembly comprising; * a washing facility assembly; a toilet assembly having a cistern; and a conduit for transferring water from the washing facility assembly to the cistern of the toilet assembly; wherein the washing facility is displaced from the toilet assembly and the conduit between the washing facility and the toilet assembly feeds grey water from the washing facility directly into the cistern of the toilet assembly.

The water from the washbasin preferably goes through the conduit to the toilet assembly under the action of gravity. This avoids the need for pumps which would not only make the system more costly but also mean the system was more likely to go wrong.

It has been found that the water used in the majority of washing activities, for example the water used for bathing or showering and the water used for the washing of clothes and the like, hereafter referred to generally as grey water', is suitable for further use in flushing a toilet bowl, before being disposed of through the conventional drainage and sewerage systems. In this way, significant savings in the amount of fresh water used may be made.

The washing facility may be any appliance or device that uses water to wash or rinse an item, the water of which is then sent down the waste pipe to a drain and/or sewer. Suitable appliances are devices include, but are not limited to, a washing machine, dish washer or bath. The washing facility is * *, *:::: 15 preferably a washbasin or a sink, as these are generally located close to or adjacent the toilet cistern and are at a height which allows water to flow from ** ** * ** the washbasin or sink to the toilet cistern quickly under the action of gravity.

Other suitable appliances and devices will be obvious to those skilled in the art. ** S

The toilet and cistern assembly may be of any suitable design and configuration and, in particular, may be of conventional, modern design as found in the majority of houses and public spaces. References herein to a toilet cistern are to the conventional arrangement of a toilet bowl having an associated tank or cistern mounted to it. However, it is to be understood that references to the cistern are to include any storage means or reservoir from which water may be delivered to the bowl of a toilet for the purposes of flushing the toilet.

The water saving assembly can be used both in new toilets and installations, as well as being retrofitted into existing toilets and installations.

The conduit for transferring the grey water is preferably a pipe. The pipe may be of conventional design. Suitable diameters for the pipe will be obvious to those skilled in the art, but are preferably sufficient to discharge water from the washing facility at the required flowrate, for example to evacuate the grey water from a washing machine or dishwasher, without affecting or impairing the operation of the same.

The flow of first water to the washing facility is preferably controlled by the flushing mechanism of the toilet cistern. When a user flushes the toilet, first water will be diverted directly to the tap of the washing facility. Used water that goes down the drain of the washing facility is transferred back to the cistern to flush the toilet. * S. *. S * S.

*... 15 * S e.

It has been found that a particular problem may occur when using grey water to fill the cistern of a toilet. Commonly, the use being made of the toilet is not coordinated with the available supply of grey water from the washing facility or * the like. As a result, it can occur that insufficient grey water is being supplied to fill the toilet cistern to the required level to provide an acceptable flushing of * the toilet after use. A means of maximising the use of grey water while at the same time ensuring the proper functioning of the toilet system upon demand is therefore required.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cistern assembly for a toilet, the cistern assembly comprising: an inlet for a first water; an inlet for a second water; means for opening the inlet for second water to allow second water to enter the cistern in the event that the quantity of water in the cistern is below a predetermined volume.

The cistern assembly allows for a first water to be used to charge the cistern.

Provided sufficient first water is available, the cistern will be filled to the predetermined or required level for flushing with first water alone. However, in the event that insufficient first water is available to fill the cistern to the required level and provide an acceptable flush of the toilet, the assembly comprises means to allow second water to enter the cistern and fill the cistern to the predetermined required level for flushing.

The first and second waters may be obtained from any suitable or available source. The first water is preferably waste water or grey water, as described above. The grey water preferably comes from a wash basin, sink, washing machine or the like, so have been used before to wash or clean.

15 The second water is preferably fresh water. The fresh water preferably comes from the mains supply that is conventionally connected to a toilet.

: * In this preferred arrangement, it will be understood that the cistern assembly will only use fresh water from the mains supply to the extent that the volume of grey water in the toilet cistern at the time flushing is required is insufficient to provide an adequate flush of the toilet.

The means for opening the inlet for the second water may be any suitable means that is responsive to the level or volume of water in the cistern. The inlet of the second water is preferably controlled by a valve. The valve is preferably a float valve. Suitable float valves are well known in the art and are commercially available.

In one preferred arrangement, the means for opening the inlet for the second water comprises a float valve assembly, in which the float may be held in a normally fixed or rest position. The fixed or rest position for the float is preferably at or above the level of the surface of water in the cistern when the cistern is charged with the predetermined volume of water for a flush. The float is released from the rest position upon activation of the flushing mechanism of the cistern by the user, at which point the float moves from the rest position to the surface of the water in the cistern. Appropriate movement of the float causes the valve to open and allow second water to enter the cistern. The flow of second water is maintained until the float reaches the position corresponding to the predetermined volume of water in the cistern, at which point the action of the float is to close the valve. In operation, if the cistern has insufficient first water present to allow the operation of the flush mechanism or to provide an acceptable or adequate flush of the toilet, activation of the flushing mechanism of the cistern, for example by operating a flush button or handle, will cause the float to be released from its fixed or rest position and move to the surface of the water. This movement of the float 15 opens the valve, allowing second water to supplement the volume of first *::::* water present in the cistern and top up the total volume of water in the cistern to the required level for operation to take place.

The operation of the flushing mechanism will allow the activation mechanism, for example the handle or button, to be reset and the float mechanism to return to the off position, with the float in the fixed or rest position. If another flush is required the operation of the button or handle will again allow the float to move and operate in the aforementioned way.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a toilet system, the toilet system comprising a toilet bowl and a cistern, the method comprising: feeding a first water to the cistern; providing a feed of a second water to the cistern; determining the quantity of water present in the cistern; and in the event the quantity of water present in the cistern is below a predetermined volume, feeding second water to the cistern until the quantity of water within the cistern exceeds the predetermined volume.

The first and second water are substantially as hereinbefore described.

Any suitable method for determining the volume of water in the cistern. The quantity of water present is preferably determined using a float valve. If the cistern is full to the predetermined level with water, upon a user flushing the toilet, the float valve will remain closed, so will not allow any second water to enter the cistern. If there is insufficient water in the cistern, upon the user flushing the toilet, the float valve will open, allowing the second water to enter the cistern until there is enough second water in the cistern to flush the toilet.

In operation, in the event that the volume of water in the cistern is below the predetermined volume for flushing the toilet, activation of the flushing mechanism by the user will not result in an immediate flushing of the toilet.

Rather, activation of the flushing mechanism, for example by way of the button or handle, will first activate the means for allowing second water to enter the cistern to fill the cistern to the required level. Once the predetermined level of water in the cistern has been obtained, the flushing mechanism will activate and the toilet is flushed. In this way, the maximum volume within the cistern is maintained available for filling with the first water, especially grey water, thus maximising the use of the grey water to fill the cistern, and minimise the use of second, typically fresh, water.

One further issue with the present invention arises when the volume of first water, in particular grey water, exceeds the volume available within the toilet cistern. It is conventional to provide toilet cisterns with overflows, whereby water in excess of the volume required in the cistern is dispensed, either directly or indirectly, to the drain and/or sewerage system. The toilet cistern should be provided with an overflow means, whereby excess water can be disposed of. In one arrangement, water is only permitted to enter the cistern if the level of the water in the cistern is below the predetermined level for an acceptable flush. In such a case, the first water provided to the cistern in excess of the volume required to fill the cistern to the required level is ted away, for example directly to a drain or the like.

More preferably, all of the first water provided to the cistern assembly is allowed to enter the cistern. In one simple arrangement, the first water, in particular grey water, is led from its source to the cistern and enters the cistern. Water is caused to leave the cistern through the overflow, if the required or predetermined volume of water is present in the cistern. The overflow may be of any suitable arrangement and overflow means are well known in the art. In this way, all of the first water, for example grey water as hereinbefore described, is always fed via the cistern assembly of the toilet, *::::* any excess first water passing to the drain and/or sewerage system only after it has passed through the toilet cistern. This simple arrangement ensures the * maximum utilisation of the first water. * S..

As described hereinbefore, a principle of the present invention is to ensure *:*. that, so far as is practicable, water used to fill the cistern of the toilet is first used in a washing facility, after which it is fed directly to the cistern for further use in flushing the toilet. One preferred arrangement for providing water to the washing facility is to have the supply of fresh water to the washing facility controlled by the flushing mechanism of the toilet cistern, such that, when the cistern is flushed, fresh water for filling the cistern is first routed to the washing facility, for example the tap or faucet of a washbasin. In this way, the user, by flushing the toilet cistern, also causes fresh water to be supplied to the washing facility for immediate use. To achieve this, the toilet cistern is preferably provided with a valve assembly operable by the flushing mechanism of the cistern to feed water to the washing facility, when the toilet cistern is flushed.

In a preferred embodiment the washing facility is a washbasin, If the tap of the washbasin is not turned to the on position, the fresh waster from the cistern is rerouted by a suitable means, for example a pressure release valve, directly back to the cistern of the toilet, for example directly into the conduit connecting the washbasin to the cistern.

The water from the washing facility is likely to contain solid deposits, such as soap and hair and the like. In order to avoid the cistern of the toilet becoming blocked with such material, the water entering the cistern is preferably introduced in a manner such that it disturbs any solid material collected in the bottom of the cistern, so as to ensure the any deposits do not collect at the 15 bottom of the cistern, but are removed down the waste pipe. In a preferred arrangement, the water entering the cistern is caused to rotate or swirl, at S...

least in the region of the bottom of the cistern.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, having reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: S. * * . . * Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a water saving assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is diagrammatic representation of a portion of one embodiment of a cistern assembly according to the present invention; Figure 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a portion of a second embodiment of a cistern assembly according to the present invention; and Figure 4 is a diagrammatic representation of a portion of a third embodiment of a cistern assembly according to the present invention.

The embodiments of the present invention will be described as the grey water coming from a washbasin. However, it is to be understood that the grey water could originate from any of the devices or appliances hereinbefore described.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a representation of the water saving assembly according to one embodiment, generally indicated as 2. The water saving assembly 2 comprises a toilet 4 and a cistern 6. The toilet 4 and the cistern 6 are of conventional design. The water saving assembly 2 further comprises a wash basin 8, again of conventional design. The embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to a washbasin.

However, it is to be understood that the assembly may comprise a connection *:*::* 15 between the cistern and another washing facility or device, such as a bath, washing machine and the like, routing grey water from the other washing facility or device to the cistern. *. .. * * * * S

The cistern 6 holds a charge of water for flushing the toilet 4 in conventional *:*::* 20 manner. The cistern 6 is arranged to hold a predetermined volume of water, *. : as required to perform an acceptable flush of the toilet, again in conventional * manner. The water level of the cistern 6 is indicated by a line lOin Figure 1.

The washbasin 8 is connected to the cistern 6 by means of a waste connection pipe 12. The waste connection pipe 12 runs from the drain 14 of washbasin 8 to the lower end of the back of the cistern 6. The washbasin 8 further comprises a tap 16. The tap 16 comprises a pressure regulated bypass valve 18.

The pressure regulated bypass valve 18 operates in a way so that if a user does not turn the tap 16 of the washbasin on, the fresh mains water goes straight through to the cistern 6 rather than to the tap 16. In this way, should the user wish to use water at the washbasin while the cistern is filling with fresh water, water is diverted from directly entering the cistern and first passes to the tap 16, after which it passes directly to the cistern through the waste connection pipe 12.

At the lower end of the cistern 6 there is a regulating float valve 20 assembly.

The float valve assembly 20 may be of any suitable design to regulate the flow of mains water and waste water from the washbasin into the cistern 6.

Embodiments of the valve assembly 20 are described hereinafter. The water saving assembly 2 further comprises a pipe 22 which carries mains water to the tap 16.

When the toilet is flushed, and the tap 16 is turned on, the mains water is diverted by pipe 22 to the tap 16. From the wash basin, the grey water then goes down the drain 14, is carried by pipe 12 to the cistern 6 and is used to . flush the toilet. o. *. * * * * S

Referring to Figure 2, there is shown a representation of a portion of one *:::* 20 embodiment of a cistern assembly, generally indicated as 102. The cistern assembly comprises a cistern wall 104, shown as a portion in Figure 2. The *: cistern assembly 102 comprises a float valve assembly 106, comprising a float valve 108 having a float 110 connected to the float valve 108 by an arm 112. The float valve assembly 106 is activated by conventional means, such as a handle or button system, when the water in the cistern is to be discharged and the toilet flushed. A first pipe 114 is provided to bring grey water into the cistern from the washbasin and a second pipe 116 to bring mains water into the cistern.

In operation, grey water from the washbasin is introduced into the cistern 104 by way of the pipe 114. When it is desired to flush the toilet, the float valve assembly 106 is activated in conventional manner. Upon activation, the float is released from a rest position and allowed to fall under gravity to the surface of the water in the cistern. If insufficient water is present in the cistern for an acceptable flush of the toilet, the float 110 will fall far enough to open the float valve 108, allowing mains water to enter the cistern through the pipe 116. Once a sufficient volume of mains water has entered to fill the cistern to the required level, the float valve 108 is closed by the action of the float 110 rising. The cistern is then caused to flush, discharging the water into the toilet bowl in conventional manner.

Referring to Figure 3, there is shown a representation of a portion of a second embodiment of a cistern assembly, generally indicated as 202. The cistern assembly 202 comprises a cistern having a cistern waIl 204, a portion of which is shown in Figure 2. The cistern assembly 202 comprises a float valve *:* 15 assembly 206. The float valve assembly 206 is disposed outside the cistern and has a valve 208, from which extends a vertical connector rod 210. The connector rod 210 extends into the cistern and has a float assembly 212 at its *. ..

* upper end, comprising a float 214 and an arm 216. The float 214 is disposed to respond to changes in the level of the water in the cistern, movement of the float being translated into operation of the valve 208 by the connector rod 210.

*:.; An activation mechanism (not shown) is provided to activate the float valve assembly 212 and discharge the water in the cistern to flush the toilet.

A pipe 218 connects with the waste outlet from a washbasin and opens within the cistern, by which grey water from the washbasin is caused to enter and fill the cistern 204. A pipe 220 connects an inlet side of the valve 208 to a mains water supply. The valve 208 has a first outlet connected to a pipe 222 for supplying mains water to the washbasin. A second outlet from the valve 208 (not shown) feeds mains water into the cistern.

In operation, grey water from the washbasin enters the cistern 204 through the pipe 218. When it is desired to flush the toilet, the flushing mechanism is activated in conventional manner and water leaves the cistern, causing the float 110 to drop. This in turn opens the valve 208, allowing fresh water to flow along the pipe 222 to the washbasin and provide a feed of fresh water to the tap of the washbasin. Grey water from the washbasin, passes directly to the cistern through the pipe 218. A pressure relief valve (not shown for clarity) operates to direct fresh water from the pipe 222 directly into the cistern in the event that the valve 208 is open and the tap of the washbasin is closed.

Referring to Figure 4, there is shown a representation of a portion of a third embodiment of a cistern assembly, generally indicated as 302. The cistern assembly 302 comprising a cistern having a cistern wall 304. A float valve assembly 306 is disposed on the exterior of the cistern wall and comprises a 15 tube 308 through which water may be introduced into the cistern. The float * ** valve assembly is provided with a first pipe 310 for feeding grey water from *.S* the waste of a washbasin (not shown) into the tube 308 and a second pipe *. I. * * 312 for feeding mains water into the tube 308. A valve 314 is disposed in the tube 308, controlled by an arm 316 having a float 318 disposed at its end.

:.::; In operation, grey water from the washbasin is introduced into the cistern * through the tube 308 by way of the first pipe 310. When the float valve assembly is activated to flush the toilet, the float 318 is allowed to drop to the surface of the water in the cistern. If the float falls past a predetermined level in the cistern, the valve 314 opens the second pipe 312, allowing mains water to enter the cistern through the tube 308. The cistern is then caused to discharge the water and flush the toilet.

Although not shown in the figures for clarity, the cistern is provided with an overflow arrangement, whereby water may leave the cistern in the event that the volume of grey water entering the cistern from the washbasin is in excess of the predetermined volume within the cistern.

The advantage of having the mains water routed through the valve of the toilet cistern is that when a user flushes the toilet, and then turns on the tap of the wash basin, the mains water is diverted to the wash basin for the user to wash their hands. This grey water is then diverted back to the cistern in order to flush the toilet, If a user flushes the toilet but does not then turn on the tap of the wash basin to wash their hands, then the fresh water is used to flush the toilet.

If a user only uses the tap of the washbasin without operating the flushing *.:: mechanism of the toilet, any used water is diverted to the cistern in order to be used to flush the toilet when it is next used. To cater for such an event, fresh water is also provided to the tap of the washbasin. This may be by a separate pipe, in a conventional manner. Alternatively, means may be provided, for example in or in cooperation with the valve of the toilet cistern (for example *... the valve 208 in Figure 3), that allows fresh water to pass to the tap of the washbasin, when the tap is opened.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A water saving assembly whereby water from a washing facility is used to feed the cistern of a toilet, the assembly comprising; a washing facility assembly; a toilet assembly having a cistern; and a conduit for transferring water from the washing facility assembly to the cistern of the toilet assembly, wherein the washing facility is displaced from the toilet assembly and the conduit between the washing facility and the toilet assembly feeds grey water from the *:*::* washing facility directly into the cistern of the toilet assembly.
2. A water saving assembly according to claim 1, wherein the water from the washing facility goes through the conduit to the toilet assembly under the action of gravity.
3. A water saving assembly according to claim 1, wherein the washing . .: facility is a washbasin, sink, bath, washing machine or a dishwasher.
4. A water saving assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the water flows from the washing facility to the toilet cistern under the action of gravity.
5. A water saving assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the conduit for transferring water is a pipe.
6. A water saving assembly according to claim 4, wherein the pipe is of suitable diameter to fit the waste pipe of conventional or existing washing facilities.
7. A water saving assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the cistern comprises an overflow means.
8. A water saving assembly according to claim 6, wherein all water from the washing facility is allowed to enter the toilet cistern, water in excess of the volume required in the cistern to flush the toilet being allowed to leave the cistern through the overflow means.
9. A water saving assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the flow of first water to the washing facility is controlled by the flushing mechanism of the toilet cistern. * I.
1O.A cistern assembly for a toilet, the cistern assembly comprising: an inlet for a first water; aninletforasecondwater; means for opening the inlet for second water to allow second water to enter the cistern in the event that the quantity of water in the ::; cistern is below a predetermined volume.
11.A cistern assembly according to claim 8, wherein the first water is grey water.
12.A cistern assembly according to either of claims 8 or 9, wherein the second water is fresh water.
13.A method of operating a toilet system according to claim 10, wherein the fresh water is mains water.
14.A cistern assembly according to any of claims 8 to 11, wherein the means for opening the inlet is a valve.
15.A cistern assembly according to any of claims 8 to 12, wherein the volume of the water in the cistern is determined by a float valve.
16.A cistern assembly according to claim 13, wherein the float of the float S valve has a rest position, the float being moved fom the rest position only upon activation of the flushing mechanism of the cistern assembly.
17.A cistern assembly according to any of claims 8 to 14, further comprising an overflow means.
18.A cistern assembly according to claim 15, wherein all the first water * ** provided to the cistern assembly is allowed to enter the cistern, water in excess of the volume required to flush the toilet being caused to leave the cistern through the overflow means. ** ** * S * * S
19.A method of operating a toilet system, the toilet system comprising a toilet bowl and a cistern, the method comprising: 5*555 feeding a first water to the cistern; *:*. providing a feed of a second water to the cistern; determining the quantity of water present in the cistern; and in the event the quantity of water present in the cistern is below a predetermined volume, feeding second water to the cistern until the quantity of water within the cistern exceeds the predetermined volume.
20. A method of operating a toilet system according to claim 17, wherein the first water is grey water.
21. A method of operating a toilet system according to either of claims 17 or 18, wherein the second waster is fresh water.
22.A method of operating a toilet system according to claim 19, wherein the fresh water is mains water.
23. A method of operating a toilet system according to any of claims 17 to 20, wherein the predetermined volume is determined by a float valve.
24.A method of operating a toilet system according to any of claims 17 to 21, wherein water in excess of the predetermined volume is caused to leave the system through an overflow.
25. A method of operating a toilet system according to claim 22, wherein all the first water provided to the system is allowed to enter the cistern.
26.A water saving assembly as substantially hereinbefore described, having reference to any of Figure 1. S..
27.A cistern assembly as substantially hereinbefore described, having reference to any of Figures 2, 3 or 4.
28.A method of operating a toilet system as hereinbefore described, have reference to any of Figures 1 to 5.