EP1985763B1 - Flood protection system - Google Patents

Abstract

The system has transportable components (17, 18) emptyable and fillable with a fluid i.e. water, and joined to each other for forming a flood protection wall with lateral ends. The transportable components are held together in a joined position by connecting units (22, 23). A sealing element (19) seals a gap and/or a connecting area (16) developed between the two joined transportable components in area-wise. The connecting units are formed with a complementary shape.

Description

The invention relates to a flood protection system according to the preamble of claim 1. US-B-6,394,705 discloses such a flood protection system.

As one of the effects of the current global climate changes, the frequency and extent of flood events have increased significantly in recent years. In the potentially flood-prone areas there is thus an enormous potential for damage. Failure in extreme flood events the previously known protection strategies, such as dykes or reduction of flood discharge, cumulate here the economic and individual damage.

Sandbags made of natural or synthetic fibers or foils have hitherto mainly been used to raise dykes or as a boundary of a channel created for the purpose of flooding. The woven sacks and their sand filling and the connection areas of the individual bags to each other, but not tight, so that behind the protective wall leachate runs which must also be eliminated. Filling, distributing and laying these conventional sandbags is very labor intensive and exhausting.

Object of the present invention is therefore to provide a flood protection system, which is simple in construction, easy to handle and beyond is extremely effective and waterproof.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a flood protection system having the features of claim 1, in which a sealing element is provided, with which a between the joined gap between components or the connecting region formed between two components can be sealed at least in regions, wherein the sealing element is designed as an inflatable tube. The invention thus solves two problems known from the prior art. On the one hand, the flood protection system is already waterproof due to the nature of the components themselves and, on the other hand, the connection area between two components can be sealed with the aid of the sealing element so that the flood protection system has a circumferentially watertight configuration. The formation of increased amounts of leachate behind the protective wall can thus be reliably avoided, whereby a particularly efficient flood protection can be realized. The length of the flood protection wall can be extended as required. It is also conceivable to design the components so that the flood protection wall can be extended not only in length, but also the height of the protective wall can be extended according to the same principle of operation.

A first embodiment provides that the connecting means may be complementary in shape to each other, whereby a particularly secure fit of the components can be ensured to each other. Complementary means that the connecting means have substantially the same cross-sectional geometry and are designed so that by joining or assembling can be easily and quickly erect an effective flood protection with the help of at least two components.

It can be provided that each component comprises at least one provided on one of the flank surfaces of the component females connection part and at least one provided on the respective other flank surface masculine connection part. Any component which is preferred, however By no means compelling, is made in one piece, so has both the connection necessary connection parts. However, it is also conceivable that the component, for the formation of end or corner pieces, comprises only one connecting part and is formed on the respective other flank surface straight or without connecting part.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the female connection part is designed as a recess in the region of the corresponding flank surface and the masculine connection part can be introduced as a projection which can be introduced into the recess and protrudes from the corresponding flank surface. This has the advantage that the component can preferably be manufactured as a one-piece cast body made of plastic (for example as a rotational cast body), whereby the costs for the realization of a corresponding flood protection system can be correspondingly reduced significantly.

One embodiment provides that the recess may preferably, but by no means necessarily, have a substantially round or circular cross-section.

A next embodiment may provide that the recess is channel-shaped, wherein starting from the recess, a slit-like secondary space extending in the longitudinal direction of the recess extends, which opens outward on the respective flank surface. In this adjoining room, a section of the masculine connection part comes into contact, which causes a secure fit of the connection means to one another or to one another.

The female and the masculine connection part can preferably extend over the entire height of the respective flank surface. This has the advantage of being a very safe, especially with regard to larger volumes of water formed, Connection area can be created.

Another preferred embodiment may provide that the masculine connecting part is designed as a pin, wherein on the outwardly, facing away from the component side of the pin extends an outwardly open longitudinal groove into which the sealing element can be introduced. The components, which are preferably joined together in the empty state, are held in the assembled position via the connecting means. In this connection region, due to the dimensions of the connecting means, there is a slight gap formation or a not quite watertight transition region of two components to one another. The sealing element comes into abutment in this transition area and seals the two connecting means against each other, such that the sealing element watertightly closes the connecting area between two joined connecting means. This has the advantage that an over the entire length substantially waterproof embodiment of the flood protection system can be achieved.

A particularly preferred embodiment provides that the sealing element designed as an inflatable tube can be inserted into the longitudinal groove in the non-inflated state, wherein a section of the tube protrudes from the longitudinal groove in the inflated state. Further, a valve or the like may be provided on the hose, can be filled with the air in the hose or discharged from this. Of course, it is also conceivable to form the sealing element in a different manner, for example in the manner of a filling or swelling material, as long as it is ensured that the sealing element retains its sealing properties.

The tube or the sealing element may preferably extend over the entire length of the longitudinal groove.

Another preferred embodiment provides that the masculine connection element is designed as a cylinder or cylinder-shaped and the female connection element as a complementary hollow cylinder, wherein the female connection element may comprise the cylinder radially beyond half of its circumference. In other words, the hollow cylinder surrounds the cylinder at least in such a way that a slipping or easy release of the connecting elements is prevented. In a preferred embodiment, therefore, the cylindrical connecting part must be inserted from above into the hollow cylinder. After this process, the component can be filled with a fluid, preferably with water, if necessary, via means provided on the component. The means are preferably mounted so that the fluid inlet is arranged in an upper region of the component and the fluid outlet in a lower region of the component.

The components themselves may be formed prismatic with two mutually parallel, in principle congruent flank surfaces. On the one hand, this increases the stability of the component and, on the other hand, ensures that the component or the flood protection system can be stored or stored in a space-saving manner when not in use.

The front and the rear surface of the component can each be slightly inclined, with the surfaces to extend upward to each other, so that there is an upwardly tapering cross-section.

Another particularly preferred embodiment provides that at least one gripping element can be provided on the component, which is preferably designed as a recessed grip. With the help of this recessed grip, the component can be handled more easily during assembly or disassembly of the flood protection wall.

Fig. 1

ein Bauelement eines Hochwasserschutzsystems;

Fig. 2

mehrere zu einer Wasserschutzwand zusammengefügte Bauelemente;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Teilschnittdarstellung des Verbindungsbereichs zweier Bauelemente mit darin angeordnetem Dichtelement.

Fig. 4

die Seitenansicht auf eine Seitenfläche eines Bauelements mit in der Längsnut angeordnetem Dichtelement.

In the drawings show:

Fig. 1

a structural element of a flood protection system;

Fig. 2

a plurality of assembled to a water protection wall components;

Fig. 3

a schematic partial sectional view of the connection region of two components with arranged therein sealing element.

Fig. 4

the side view of a side surface of a component with arranged in the longitudinal groove sealing element.

Fig. 1 shows a component 2 of a flood protection system, wherein the component 2 was produced in one piece by injection molding. The component has connecting means 3 and 4, the connecting means 3 being designed as a masculine connecting part or cylinder and the connecting means 4 being designed as a complementary female part or hollow cylinder. The connecting means 3 and 4 are arranged on the lateral ends or the lateral flank surfaces.

On the outside, from the component 2 pioneering side of the pin extends to an outwardly open longitudinal groove. 5 in which a sealing element can be arranged. The longitudinal groove 5 extends over the entire height of the pin. The connecting means 4 designed as a hollow cylinder has an adjoining space 6, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the hollow cylinder and opens outward on the flank surface.

On the front surface 7 and on the rear surface 8 of the component 2 extend ribs 9, wherein the ribs 9 on the one hand represent a reduction in weight and on the other advantages in the production by injection molding, since with the help of the ribs 9, a faster cooling of the component. 2 can be achieved in the manufacturing process. In addition, the ribs 9 additionally serve to reinforce the robustness of the component 2 or to increase the stability of the component 2. A horizontally extending edge 10 divides the component 2 into a straight bottom portion 11 and an adjoining top portion 12, wherein the front surface 7 and the rear surface 8, which define the upper portion 12 as far as possible, are each slightly inclined and upwards towards each other, so that there is an upwardly tapering cross section for the component 2.

In the upper region 12 of the component 2 grip recesses 13 are further arranged which allow easier handling of the device, both in the filled and unfilled state.

Via a fluid inlet, not shown, for example, a filling opening 27 with screw cap, the component 2 can be filled with, for example, water to increase the stability of the component 2. Via a fluid outlet 14, the water can then be removed or discharged from the component 2 again.

Fig. 2 shows a flood protection system 1 which discloses a multi-component flood protection wall 15 formed. The components are connected to one another via the connecting elements arranged laterally on the flank surfaces. In the connection region of two components, for example, the connection region 16, comes after installation of the flood protection wall 15, the sealing element to the plant, as in Fig. 3 shown. Furthermore, the connecting means 3 and 4 may be formed in a manner and have corresponding formations that a directional change angle α in the range of about 10-15 ° (or more) is possible between two juxtaposed components 2. This makes it possible to follow, for example, even curved flow or road courses, with components 2 arranged side by side. The necessary complementary shape or pivotal design of the connecting means 3 and 4 is known to those skilled in the art, of course.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic partial sectional view of the connecting portion 16 acc. Fig. 2 , wherein between the components 17 and 18, the sealing element 19 is arranged. The sealing element 19 is in the in Fig. 1 arranged longitudinal groove of the component 17 is arranged and seals the connecting portion 16 at least partially. The sealing element 19 is acted upon after insertion via a valve 20 shown schematically with air and filled. The sealing element 19 is an inflatable tube which completely seals the area between the longitudinal groove and the corresponding wall section 21 of the hollow cylinder. The female connection means 22 or the hollow cylinder surrounds or engages behind the masculine connection means 23 or the pin in such a way that an accidental separation or displacement of the connection region occurs 16 is suppressed. The extending in the connection region 16 sealing element 19 is thus securely held in the longitudinal groove of the pin. This secure fit of the sealing element 19 can still be ensured even if it should come to heavy demands on the flood protection wall due to larger amounts of water.

Fig. 4 shows in side view, the side surface 24 of the device 17 acc. Fig. 3 with the arranged in the longitudinal groove 25 sealing element 19, which is shown obliquely for clarity. The sealing element 19 extends over the entire height of the pin or the masculine connecting means 23. The valve 20 is at least slightly over the upper edge 26 of the component 17 and the pin and thus ensures easier handling.

The hose, if it is inserted all the way down into the longitudinal groove 25 and then inflated, not only in the longitudinal groove form a seal, but because of the outwardly convex formation of the hose in the bottom surface portion of the device (not shown), even down , Thus, the tightness is guaranteed in this area.

Furthermore, 2 recesses 28 may be present on the bottom surface of the device. The recesses 28 serve to improve the stability and slip resistance of the components 2. Thus, for example, in places which are exposed to a repeated risk of flooding, anchors attached to the ground and fitting into the recesses 28 may be present.

Furthermore, suitable sealing floor mats 29 may be provided from an elastic material, which can be placed under the components 2 also. Thus, it can be prevented in particular in uneven ground, that water penetrates between the bottom surface and the ground. In soft soils, for example on grass, it should, however, usually not be necessary.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Flood Protection System

2

module

3

connecting means

4

connecting means

5

longitudinal groove

6

Outbuildings

7

front surface

8th

rear surface

9

ribs

10

edge

11

floor area

12

upper area

13

grip

14

fluid flow

15

Flood protection wall

16

connecting area

17

module

18

module

19

sealing element

20

Valve

21

wall section

22

connecting means

23

connecting means

24

side surface

25

longitudinal groove

26

upper edge

27

fill opening

28

recess

29

Seal floor mat

α

Deflection angle

Claims (16)

1. Flood protection system (1) comprising transportable structural elements (2, 17, 18) which can be filled with and emptied of fluid and which in order to form a flood protection wall (15) are adjoined to each other with their lateral ends and held together in the adjoined position by means of connection means (3, 4, 22, 23), whereby between two structural elements (2, 17, 18) arranged in a row the connection means (3, 4, 22, 23) have swivel joint-like recesses which allow a direction changing angle (α) within the range of at least 10-15°, and also have a sealing element (19), with which the gap or connection area (16) between the two adjoining structural elements (2, 17, 18) can be sealed off at least in parts, characterised in that the sealing element (19) is in the form of an inflatable hose.
2. Flood protection system in accordance with claim 1 characterised in that the connection means (3, 4, 22, 23) are designed to complement the shape of each other.
3. Flood protection system in accordance with claim 1 characterised in that each structural element (2, 17, 18) comprises at least one female connection part provided on one of the flank surfaces of the structural element (2, 17, 18) and at least one male connection part arranged on the other flank surface.
4. Flood protection system in accordance with claim 3 characterised in that the female connection part is designed as a recess in the area of the relevant flank surface and the male connection part is designed as a projection from the relevant flank surface which can be inserted into the recess.
5. Flood protection system in accordance with claim 3 or 4 characterised in that the recess has a round cross-section.
6. Flood protection system in accordance with claim 4 of 5 characterised in that the recess is designed to be channel-like and originating from the recess is a slit-like secondary space (6) which extends in the longitudinal direction of the recess and is open to the outside on the flank surface.
7. Flood protection system in accordance with any one of claims 3 to 6 characterised in that the female connection part and the male connection part extend over the entire height of the relevant flank surface.
8. Flood protection system in accordance with any one of claims 3 to 7 characterised in that the male connection part is designed as a peg which on the outside of the peg, facing away from the structural element (2, 17, 18) has a longitudinal groove (5, 25) open to the outside extends into which the inflatable hose can be inserted.
9. Flood protection system in accordance with claim 8 characterised in that the inflatable hose is inserted into the longitudinal groove (5, 25) in the non-inflated state.
10. Flood protection system in accordance with claim 8 or 9 characterised in that the hose extends over the entire length of the longitudinal groove (5, 25).
11. Flood protection system in accordance with any one of claims 3 to 10 characterised in that the male connection element is designed as a cylinder and the female connection element is designed as a hollow cylinder, whereby the female connection element radially covers the cylinder over half of its circumference.
12. Flood protection system in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 11 characterised in that the structural elements (2, 17, 18) are designed as prism-like with two parallel, in principle congruent flank surfaces.
13. Flood protection system in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 12 characterised in that the structural elements (2, 17, 18) each have a front surface (7) and a rear surface (8) which are each oblique and run towards each other in the upward direction so that a cross-section of the structural element (2, 17, 18) tapering towards the top is created.
14. Flood protection system in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 13 characterised in that at least one grip element is provided on the structural element (2, 17, 18) which is preferably designed as a grip recess (13).
15. Flood protection system in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 14 characterised in that on the base surfaces of the structural element (2, 17, 18) there are recesses (28) serving to anchor the structural elements (2, 17, 18) on the ground.
16. Flood protection system in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 15 characterised in that the structural elements (2, 17, 18) can be positioned on elastic sealing base mats (29).

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