ES1179559U - Collapsible rainwater harvesting system with linked deposit (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Folding rainwater harvesting system with linked deposit, characterized in that it comprises: - a rainwater collector (1) formed by a rainwater collection surface (1.1) flexible and impermeable, stiffened by a set of tubular rods (1.2), so that they constitute a fan mechanism for folding and unfolded from the pick-up surface (1.1) in the form of helical curved ruled surface. - a central tubular mast (1.7) that performs the structural support of the sensor assembly (1) and around which the rotation of the tubular rods (1.2) that serve as reinforcement of the catchment surface (1.1) for folding takes place and deployed from it. - a bonded tank (2) and cover (2.1) that, by means of a flange system (2.2, 2.3 and 2.4), hold the central tubular mast (1.7) vertically, making it integral with the connected tank (2). - a lid (2.1) with a lateral perforation (3) that allows the passage of water into the tank (2) to which it joins severally, by means of a sealing gasket, by means of easy-open mechanical fixings and which has an orifice (3) to which a system of sand filters (4) is attached that guarantee the cleaning of the collected water before entering the tank (2). - a tap (5) for extracting the water from the tank (2), located in the lower part thereof. - a variant based on the same operating principle with a catchment surface (6), consisting of fewer stiffening tubular rods (1.2) and a linked tank (7) with a geometry designed to be coupled to a vertical wall or wall. - a series of winds or cables fixed to the ends of stiffening tubular rods (1.2) and anchored to the ground by means of pegs or nails whose mission is to guarantee the stability of the system in the presence of gusts of wind. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Folding rainwater collection system with linked tank.

Technical sector 5

The present invention responds to the technical field of rainwater collection systems and whose function turns out to be the collection of rainwater for later storage and consumption. The system described consists of an impermeable surface, which is fan-folding, and a linked tank. It also includes its variant based on 10 the same operating system but with half of the collector surface and designed to be coupled to a vertical wall or facade.

Background of the invention

 fifteen

At present, a large number of systems developed can be found in order to capture water from precipitation for later consumption or use.

It is known that rainwater is suitable for human consumption, in the sense of not being harmful to the body. However. if it is required that the collected water can directly replace drinking water intake, the addition of salts and chlorination thereof must be taken into account. Therefore, an adequate collection and filtration of the rainwater collected, would be sufficient for the consumption destined for sanitation, irrigation or cleaning but, insufficient, for the direct replacement of drinking water. Therefore, the collection of rainfall may be, in certain countries, the best way to acquire water for consumption and, after a simple chemical treatment (chlorination), convert it into drinking water.

Taking into account the scarcity of water in many countries, it is essential to continue the study, innovation and improvement of these systems in order to obtain an efficient and economical model 30 to supply the most disadvantaged regions that lack adequate water resources that They hinder their development.

There are several antecedents of the inventive capacity that, however, do not invalidate the claimed model. As an example of the prior art, the 35 reference models can be mentioned:

ES1163409U, ES1066376U, ES1068393U.

The invention proposed in reference document ES1163409U, defines a system that, as a whole, performs the function of collecting water from precipitation through a collapsible collector, which is linked to a reservoir where the purification is carried out and Storage for later consumption. The system is formed by a base that fits into the tank and a foldable pyramidal trunk surface, formed by rods of material, preferably steel or aluminum, that would form the edges of the pyramidal trunk surface, consisting of a canvas of material flexible waterproof. In this system. The collected water will be conducted through hydraulic lines and a series of filters located, preferably, inside the tank and that will make rainwater a good suitable for consumption.

 fifty

Although the object of the invention just mentioned is very similar to that of the claimed model, the operation of said system is remarkably different. Both consist of a deposit and a tarp, however, both the structural form and the folding system base their operation on very different concepts. In addition, the claimed model presents a variant that allows its coupling to vertical façade walls or 5 walls.

In reference document ES1066376U a device for rainwater recovery is defined. The object of the invention is to achieve in a simple, natural way without structures or works, that small amounts of rainwater can be collected and allow its subsequent use for certain needs.

The device, itself, is based on a conventional umbrella or sunshade, of greater or lesser amplitude (obviously the greater its amplitude, the more water can be collected) which, in addition to its two normal folding and unfolding positions, has the particularity of being able to occupy a third position that corresponds to that of deployed upwards (concavity upwards of the pickup surface); that is to say, that the rods of the umbrella will be arranged in such a way that they can occupy a position in which the constituent surface of the umbrella or sunshade is with its concavity upwards, with which that surface will determine a geometry of cup type that will allow to collect water from 20 rain.

This water collected by the umbrella can be stored in one or more independent tanks, with no more than to connect inside the upper part of the corresponding mast, an angled connection so that, at its outlet end, a duct is coupled that will flow into a lower water storage tank that has previously been collected in the umbrella. In this way you can store small amounts of water collected from the rain, for your particular use.

However, the system does not have an easy portability or folding system for times of drought, or linked deposits or filters, so that, in order to obtain water potability, a much more complex process would have to be carried out than with the invention presented in the present document. In addition, as indicated in the aforementioned document itself, the system is focused on the collection of small amounts of water, unlike the model claimed here, whose focus, preferably but not limited to, is the use of 35 extra tanks. 500 liters capacity.

In reference document ES1068393U a device is defined for the collection and use of rainwater that, being intended to allow the collection of rainwater, its storage and subsequent use in the irrigation of plants, is characterized in that it is constituted from of a receiver with a filter in its upper part and an outlet in its bottom or lower part, which is faced by a floating sphere (preferably of porous material), with the particularity that this exit of the rainwater receiver is prolonged in a neck that flows into a water storage container (preferably buried) with a dipstick marking the level of water collected, in which a float valve 45 associated with a guide rod is provided, with the particularity that the One or more flexible conduits constituting communicators with a wick of hydrophilic material along the same, and with a plurality are derived from the storage container of small dowels housed in holes in the flexible duct where the micro-diffusers are placed for irrigation.

 fifty

As the invention itself indicates, its function is to capture rainwater for irrigation. In this way, the entire system is linked to an irrigation network. The reservoir and the irrigation network are buried and the system is neither portable nor foldable. The filtering and purification of water do not represent a point of interest for said invention.

 5

Description of the invention

The new folding rainwater collection system with linked tank, object of this Utility Model, is configured by a set of elements that constitute a rainwater collector and a linked tank. 10

The folding sensor consists of a linkage mechanism, coupled to a central tubular mast on which the rods pivot and which performs the function of structural pillar of the system. The linkage, which acts as a folding-unfolding mechanism of the impermeable collector surface, is attached to the central tubular mast by means of a collar that allows its pivoting movement with respect to it. In this way. the impermeable sensor surface is folded or deployed, by means of a pivotally rotating movement of the rods with respect to the central tubular mast generating a helical geometry capture surface (spatial fan mechanism).

 twenty

The tensioning rods of the impermeable collection surface will be made of a material that guarantees the best flexural stiffness relation to the own weight, as well as they must exhibit an adequate behavior to the meteorological agents (temperature, humidity and UV radiation).

 25

Each rod is attached to the central tubular pillar, which acts as a structural element of the system, by means of a collar that allows its pivoting movement with respect to it. This collar guarantees an angle of inclination between the rod and the central tubular mast so that the pickup surface, which is armed by the linkage system, has an adequate inclination to guarantee the correct runoff of the water collected towards the lid of the tank. System linked storage.

The deployed position of the pickup surface is guaranteed by fixing, by means of bolts or pins, the rotation with respect to the central tubular mast of the upper and lower rods, leaving the rest of the rods of the system in the relative positions required by the tension in the waterproof pickup surface.

The collection surface is attached to the rods by means of textile tunnels, made with the fabric itself or collection canvas, intended to house said rods. This surface is waterproof and suitable for contact with water intended for human consumption, 40 presenting adequate behavior to environmental agents (temperature, humidity and UV rays).

The tank, linked to the system, consists of a lid that is attached to it by removable joints or closures that guarantee that the lid is jointly attached to the tank, while allowing maintenance and cleaning operations of the tank. To establish a favorable seal, disabling the entry of particles or objects into the tank, a seal between the tank and the lid will be placed.

The central tubular mast will cross said cover through its geometric center and will rest on the bottom of the tank by means of a flange type element for pipes, located and integral to the bottom

of the deposit. Therefore, the central tubular mast will rest on both the lid and the bottom of the tank linked to the system. In this way, the linked tank will act, mechanically, as a recess of the central tubular mast.

The water collected by runoff from the collecting surface is therefore directed towards the tank lid, which has a hole that allows the collected water to enter the linked storage tank.

In order to obtain the greatest possible clarity in the water stored in the linked tank and, to facilitate the greater extent, the subsequent process of its purification, a series of filters are placed in the orifice of the water inlet in the lid of the linked tank. sand that prevent the passage of particles and produce a higher quality of collected water.

For the extraction of water stored in the tank linked to the system, an easily accessible tap will be available at the bottom of the tank. fifteen

The water obtained is suitable for irrigation, sanitation and cleaning and by means of timely chlorination, it will be suitable for human consumption.

In order to avoid displacements or the system to tilt due to gusts of wind, which can exert excessive force on the collector surface, preferably a series of winds or tension cables will be included, in equal or lesser number to the number of tension rods of the pickup surface. These winds will be fixed from the end of each rod to the ground by means of picks.

 25

Therefore, a rainwater collection and storage system is obtained for subsequent human consumption, at a very economical price due to the use of commercial parts, easy maintenance and cleaning, and with the possibility of being folded in a simple, practical way and effective in times of drought.

 30

Also described in this document is a variant of the model that requires the presence of a vertical wall or wall that acts as a structural support for the system and whose operation is similar to that described. The fundamental difference is that the variant deploys half of the collector surface (180º) and the linked tank is attached to the vertical wall that serves as a structural support for the system. 35

Brief description of the drawings

In order to help a better understanding of the features of the invention according to a preferred example of practical realization thereof. as an integral part 40 of said description, a series of drawings is provided where, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented:

Figure 1 - Overall perspective view of the deployed collection system.

 Four. Five

Figure 2 - Detailed perspective view of the folding-unfolding system of the pickup surface.

Figure 3 - Detailed perspective view of the linked tank, its lid and water filter. fifty

Figure 4 - Detailed perspective view of the fastening and embedding of the mast at the bottom of the tank.

Figure 5 - Overall perspective view of the folded system without the pickup canvas.

 5

Figure 6 - Overall perspective view of the variant of the deployed collection system.

Figure 7 - Overall perspective view of the folded system variant without the pickup canvas.

 10

Detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention

In view of the figures provided, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention (Fig. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7), and of indefinite dimensions, the folding rainwater collection system with linked tank, consists of two main subsets or 15 different parts: rainwater collector (1) and linked tank for storage of collected water (2).

The rainwater collector (1) is a rainwater collection surface (1.1), preferably made of a flexible flexible polymeric material, with a good resistance to environmental degradation, high temperatures and UV solar radiation.

The impermeable surface of rainwater collection (1.1), is stiffened by rods (1.2), preferably of tubular section, by tunnels made in the fabric of the impermeable surface itself. 25

The rods have a high specific stiffness such as that presented, in an enunciative and non-limiting manner, the tubes made of glass fiber reinforced polyester.

The tailoring tunnels, made in the fabric of the pickup surface (1.1) house in a tight manner to the rods (1.2), which stiffens the pickup surface (1.1) by tension in the tissue. Therefore, the textile pattern made for the waterproof fabric (1.1), will take into account the geometry of the unfolded surface and the preparation of said tunnels to make the union with the rods (1.2).

 35

On the other hand, in Fig. 2 it is observed that each one of these rods (1.2) is connected by a section reduction (1.5) made of PVC to a Y connection of basic plumbing (1.4) also made of PVC making this Last, the function of the collar between the rod (1.2) and the central tubular mast (1.7).

 40

The Y connection (1.4) has, at its junction with the rod (1.2), an inclination of 67º, in order to guarantee the correct runoff of the water towards the tank cover (2.1).

On the outer end of the rods (1.2) a plug (1.3) is placed, preferably made of PVC, which ensures that the waterproof tarp (1.1) does not come out due to excessive wind force and, in turn, protects it from being torn due to the sharp edges of the rods (1.2).

Each plug joint (1.3), rod (1.2), Y-connection (1.4) and section reduction (1.5), form a unit, which is repeated to create the structure of the collapsible collection surface 50. In a preferred embodiment, with an enunciative and non-limiting nature, the model that

it is claimed that it consists of nine of these units, while, in the case of the variant presented in this utility model, defined in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, only five units will be used.

The union of the rods (1.2) with the reductions (1.5) and the Y-connections (1.4) is preferably carried out by means of a structural adhesive that will be reinforced by a mechanical connection with a rivet to ensure the uniqueness of the structure. The plugs (1.3) are placed under pressure at the ends of the rods (1.2), so that they can be removed if it is desired to remove the impermeable sensor surface (1.1).

 10

In order to achieve the folding-unfolding of the collection system with a mechanism of the spatial fan type or propeller surface, these units constituted by the rods (1.2), plug (1.3), Y-connection (1.4) and reduction (1.5), they are inserted in a central tubular mast (1.7), of circular section and preferably made of fiberglass reinforced polyester, one above the other, so that they rotate freely on the central tubular mast (1.7), thus allowing the movement to unfold or collect the pickup surface (1.1).

In the upper part of the central tubular mast (1.7), there is a plug (1.6), preferably made of PVC, which performs the complete packing by pressure of the collection structure (1) against the cover (2.1) of the linked tank of storage (2). twenty

The deployed position of the sensor (1) is achieved by means of a spatial fan movement or deployment of a helical surface thanks to the rotation of the rod units around the central mast (1.7), thus the deployed surface corresponding to a warped ruled surface in propeller with octagonal floor. 25

On the other hand, the folding position (Fig. 5) would be that corresponding to the Y-connections (1.4), all of them arranged parallel to one another without making any rotation.

In order to keep the rainwater collector deployed (Fig. 1), without the same store being automatically collected by the tension of the collection fabric (1.1), said position is preferably fixed by means of pins or bolts that cross the connections in Y (1.4) and the central mast (1.7) in the first and last of the rod units, thus preventing the movement of rotation of both around the central tubular mast (1.7) and remaining the rest in their corresponding position at 45 ° each one due to the tension of the collection canvas (1.1). 35

To proceed with the folding of the rainwater collector (Fig. 5), simply remove the pin or bolt from the Y connection (1.4) of the lower rod unit and fold the structure by rotating the rod units.

 40

As can be seen in the detail view of Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the central tubular mast (1.7) is attached to the cylindrical tank (2 and 2.1), by means of a flange system (2.2, 2.3 and 2.4) to ensure vertical position

The cover (2.1) of the linked tank (2), has a central hole of equal size to that of the diameter 45 of the central tubular mast (1.7) through which it will pass to the bottom of the tank (2). The flanges (2.2 and 2.3), by way of pass-through elements, behave like elements that embrace the mast and, by threading with themselves, fix the structure, in an upright position, to the cover (2.1). However, to fully guarantee this verticality in the central tubular mast (1.7), another flange (2.4) will be placed in the geometric center of the bottom of the tank (2), of such

so that the central tubular mast (1.7) cannot slide over the bottom if it remains fixed, housed in the flange (2.4).

In addition, the central tubular mast (1.7), consists of an outer tubular reinforcement (1.8) in its part located inside the tank (2). This reinforcement (1.8) is another tube, concentric with the central tubular mast 5 (1.7), preferably made of fiberglass reinforced polyester. which has an inner diameter equal to the outer diameter of the central tubular mast (1.7), in order to house and reinforce the structure. This structural improvement is carried out since it is on these elements (1.8 and 1.7) on which all the effort and weight of the collection system (1) falls. 10

The water collected by the collection system (1) flows through runoff through the tarp (1.1) to reach the lid (2.1) of the linked tank (2). In said lid (2.1) there is a hole made (3) through which water enters the tank (2). According to a preferred embodiment. the union between both elements, cover (2.1) and linked tank (2), will be by means of removable mechanical joints 15 to facilitate the separation between them for cleaning and maintenance purposes, as well as to prevent their spontaneous opening. In order to establish a favorable seal, disabling the entry of particles or objects into the tank, a seal between the upper edge of the tank and the lower base of the lid will be placed. twenty

Because the collected water can carry particles or dust from the environment, a series of sand filters (4) are placed to ensure the clarity of the water collected and stored in the linked tank (2)

 25

To be able to extract the water from the tank (2), a tap (5) is available at the bottom of the tank (2) located at a certain height with respect to the bottom of the tank, so that the dirt of the water and the Creation of silts are deposited and sedimented by gravity at the bottom of the tank (2), preventing them from altering the quality of the water by extracting it by the tap (5).

 30

The variant cited in this document (Fig. 6 and Fig. 7) is based on the same operation as defined above with the difference that the catchment surface (6) is formed by five rod units (1.2), Y (1.4), reduction of section (1.5) and plug (1.3), producing the total deployment of the collection system by means of a 180º rotation in the plan of the linkage system. The fixing system, the elements and the materials are preferably the same as explained above. However, the tank (7) has a different geometry designed to better fit a vertical wall or wall. The catchment surface, for the position deployed in the described variant, can be observed in Fig. 6 while the folded position can be observed in Fig. 7.

 40

In order to prevent displacement or the system from tilting due to gusts of wind, which can exert excessive force on the pickup canvas, preferably a series of winds or tension cables in equal or lesser number to the number of rod units will be included . These winds will be fixed from the end of each rod to the ground where they will be anchored by pickets. Four. Five

The described embodiment constitutes only an example of the present invention, therefore, the specific details, terms and phrases used in the present description, are not to be considered as limiting, but are only to be understood as enunciative so as to serve as basis for the corresponding claims and as a base 50

representative that provides an understandable description as well as sufficient information to the person skilled in the art to apply the present invention.

With the folding rainwater collection system with linked tank presented here, significant improvements are achieved with respect to the current state of the art. 5

Thanks to its folding mode and its great functionality, it can be a very useful product in areas with variable climate, with periods of abundant rain for short periods of time and long periods of drought. It is also low cost, both in production and maintenance, fully portable, reliable and robust to be suitable for use in isolated areas and in countries with limited economic resources.

Claims (12)

1. Folding rainwater collection system with linked tank, characterized in that it comprises:  5 - A rainwater collector (1) formed by a flexible and impermeable rainwater collection surface (1.1), stiffened by a set of tubular rods (1.2), so that they constitute a fan mechanism for folding and deployment of the collection surface (1.1) in the form of a helical warped ruled surface.  10 - A central tubular mast (1.7) that performs the structural support of the sensor assembly (1) and around which the rotation of the tubular rods (1.2) takes place that serve as reinforcement of the pickup surface (1.1) for folding and deployed it. - A linked tank (2) and its cover (2.1) which, by means of a flange system (2.2, 15 2.3 and 2.4) vertically hold the central tubular mast (1.7) making it integral with the linked tank (2). - A cover (2.1) with a lateral perforation (3) that allows the passage of water into the tank (2) to which it joins jointly, through the intermediation of a seal of 20 tightness, by means of mechanical fasteners that are easy to open and have of a hole (3) to which a system of sand filters (4) is attached that guarantee the cleaning of the collected water before entering the tank (2). - A tap (5) for extracting water from the tank (2), located at the bottom of it. 25 - A variant based on the same principle of operation with a collection surface (6), consisting of less stiffening tubular rods (1.2) and a linked tank (7) with a geometry designed to be coupled to a vertical wall or wall. 30 - A series of winds or cables fixed to the ends of stiffening tubular rods (1.2) and anchored to the ground by means of picks or nails whose mission is to guarantee the stability of the system against gusts of wind.  35 2. Folding rainwater collection system with linked tank, according to claim 1, characterized in that the stiffening of the flexible collector surface (1.1) is carried out thanks to the set of stiffening tubular rods (1.2) to which the collector surface is attached (1.1) through tunnels made in said pickup surface (1.1) and a plug (1.3) located at the end of each of the stiffener tubular rods 40 (1.2) that allows the removal of the pickup surface (1.1) to cleaning and maintenance operations. 3. Folding rainwater collection system with linked tank, according to claim 1 and 2, characterized in that the mechanism for opening and closing the collector (1) 45 is of a three-dimensional fan type, thanks to the Y-shaped rotary collar connection (1.4 ) that exists between the stiffening tubular rods (1.2) and the central tubular mast (1.7) so that the pickup surface (1.1) acquires, in a deployed configuration, the geometry corresponding to a warped helical surface.  fifty 4. Folding rainwater collection system with a linked tank, according to claim 3, characterized in that the Y-collar connections (1.4) between the stiffening tubular rods (1.2) and the central tubular mast (1.7) force the Flexible collection surface (1.1) acquires the proper inclination to guarantee the gravity runoff of the collected water that is directed to the lid (2.1) of the linked tank (2). 5 5. Folding rainwater collection system with linked tank, according to claim 1, characterized in that the central tubular mast (1.7) joins the linked tank (2) jointly through the flanges through walls (2 .2 and 2.3) located in the cover (2.1) and by the flange (2.4) that is fixed in the bottom of the linked tank (2). 10 6. Folding rainwater collection system with a linked tank, according to claim 5, characterized in that the central tubular mast (1.7) has a tubular structural reinforcement (1.8) between the cable ties (2.2 and 2.3) located in the cover ( 2.1) and the flange (2.4) that is fixed at the bottom of the linked tank (2). fifteen 7. Folding rainwater collection system with linked tank, according to claim 5, characterized in that the packing of all the elements connected to the central tubular mast (1.7) is made between the flange (2.4) fixed to the bottom of the linked tank (2 ) and a plug (1 6) located at the upper end of the central tubular mast (1.7) 20 8. Folding rainwater collection system with linked tank, according to claim 1, characterized in that it consists of a cover (2.1) that joins in a solidary manner through a seal to the linked tank (2) by means of closing mechanisms commercial tongue-type mechanics that allow opening for maintenance and cleaning operations of the tank (2). 9. Folding rainwater collection system with linked tank, according to claim 8, characterized in that the cover (2.1) has two holes, one in its geometric center where the cable ties (2.2 and 2.3) that hold the mast are located central tubular 30 (1.7), guaranteeing its verticality, and a second hole (3) that, acting as a sump of the collected water, holds a filter element (4) that will remain inside the tank (2) when it is covered and whose mission is to retain the solid particles that the collected water could carry before entering the linked tank (2).  35 10. Folding rainwater collection system with linked tank, according to claim 1, characterized in that in order to be able to extract the water from the tank (2), it has a tap (5) at the bottom located at a certain height with respect to the bottom of the tank (2) in order that the dirt of the water and the creation of silts are deposited and sedimented by gravity at the bottom of the tank (2). 40 11. Folding rainwater collection system with linked tank, according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a variant or model that bases its operation on the same system defined above with the difference that the collection surface (6) is formed by a smaller number of units of stiffening tubular rods 45 (1.2) and their corresponding connections to the tubular mast and, the reservoir (7) has a different geometry designed to better fit a vertical wall or wall. 12. Folding rainwater collection system with linked tank, according to claim 1, characterized in that in order to avoid displacements of the system and Increase its stability in the event of wind gusts mainly when the tank (2) is almost empty, a series of tensioners or winds of rope or cable may be included between the end of the rods (1.2) and the ground to which they will be anchored by picks or nails.