JP7496220B2 - Water storage device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a water storage device for storing water in a waterway that has flooded due to heavy rain or other events.

In recent years, there has been an increase in the damage caused by flooding of roads due to localized heavy rains such as typhoons and torrential rains, which are urban disasters. Gutters are installed on the sides of roads to drain rainwater. However, when a large amount of rain falls temporarily, it flows over the ground surface (concrete or asphalt surfaces) and collects in the gutter. As a result, the drainage cannot keep up, and the rainwater overflows from the gutter, flooding the road.

Patent Document 1 discloses a flood prevention gutter structure that prevents flooding of roads due to heavy rain. This flood prevention gutter structure comprises a gutter and a water storage manhole block provided directly below the gutter. This water storage manhole block is connected to the gutter, and water in the gutter flows into the water storage manhole block. A drainage section is provided at the bottom of the water storage manhole block, and water stored in the water storage manhole block is drained from the drainage section into the ground. In this way, the flood prevention gutter structure prevents flooding of roads.

Patent Publication 2017-137746

The water storage manhole block in Patent Document 1 is installed underground. Therefore, installing a water storage manhole block underground that is large enough to prevent flooding during torrential rains requires a great deal of work and installation costs. In addition, the water stored in the water storage manhole block is discharged into the ground, so it cannot be drained in a short time. As a result, if torrential rain occurs and the water in the water storage manhole block has not been sufficiently drained, the water storage manhole block cannot function properly. Furthermore, the water in the gutter contains soil, so the soil accumulates in the water storage manhole block. Since the water storage manhole block is installed underground, it is difficult to remove the accumulated soil. If the accumulated soil cannot be removed, the volume of soil occupying the water storage manhole block increases, and the volume that can be stored decreases.

The present invention was made in consideration of these issues, and its purpose is to provide a water storage device that can reduce the workload and installation costs and prevent road flooding caused by rainwater.

To achieve the above objective, this invention provides a tank installed above ground that pumps up rainwater that flows through drainage channels (gutters) during rainfall and temporarily stores it.

Specifically, the first invention is
1. A water storage device, comprising:
A water storage tank having a tank for storing water and installed on the ground;
a water collecting mechanism including a water collecting pipe and a pump connected to the water collecting pipe, the water collecting mechanism collecting water from the waterway into the tank by the pump;
The tank is characterized in that it is provided with a drain mechanism that includes a drain pipe and an opening/closing mechanism for opening and closing the drain pipe, and that drains water from the tank.

In the first invention, for example, even if rainwater collects in a roadside gutter (waterway) and the water level in the gutter rises suddenly, a pump can pump the rainwater from the gutter into a tank, temporarily collecting some of the rainwater in the gutter. This makes it possible to prevent flooding of the road even in the event of localized heavy rain.

In addition, the drainage mechanism allows the water inside the tank to be drained. This means that even if the tank is full, the water can be drained quickly. As a result, it can also handle heavy rain that occurs repeatedly within a short period of time.

The water storage tank is installed on the ground. This reduces the workload and installation costs compared to installing the tank underground. Here, ground includes asphalt and concrete surfaces such as roads and sidewalks beside roads. Furthermore, since the water storage tank can be installed easily and quickly, it can be quickly installed in areas prone to flooding damage.

The second invention is the first invention,
A plurality of the water reservoirs are arranged adjacent to each other,
The tanks of adjacent water storage units are connected by connecting pipes so as to communicate with each other.

In the second invention, water in the tanks of adjacent water storage units can flow in and out of each other. This allows the water collection mechanism and drainage mechanism to be installed in any one of the multiple water storage units. This makes it possible to prevent an increase in the number of parts in the water storage device. Also, by adjusting the number of water storage units to be installed, the water storage capacity of the water storage device can be set. Therefore, there is no need to manufacture water storage units of a size that corresponds to the installation area. This allows the water storage units to be standardized, making it possible to reduce the workload and manufacturing costs involved in manufacturing the water storage device.

A third invention is the first or second invention,
A control unit that controls the water collecting mechanism and the drainage mechanism;
Further comprising a water level detection unit that detects the water level of the waterway,
The control unit is characterized in that, when the water level detection unit detects a first water level, the control unit activates the pump.

In the third invention, when the water level detection unit detects the first water level, the pump is activated. As a result, for example, when the water level detection unit detects that the water level in the gutter has risen due to rainwater and reached the first water level, the pump can collect rainwater in the gutter into the tank. As a result, flooding of the road can be suppressed.

A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to the third aspect of the present invention,
The control unit opens the opening/closing mechanism when the water level detection unit no longer detects the first water level. In the fourth invention, for example, when the rain stops and the water level detection unit no longer detects the first water level, that is, when the water level in the gutter becomes lower than the first water level, the opening/closing mechanism opens. This allows the water in the tank to be drained. As a result, the water level in the tank can be lowered in preparation for the next rainfall.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is the method according to the first or second aspect of the present invention,
A raindrop detection sensor is provided in the water reservoir and detects raindrops.
The control unit is
When the raindrop detection sensor detects raindrops, the pump is operated.
When the raindrop detection sensor does not detect raindrops, the opening/closing mechanism is opened.

In the fifth invention, for example, when rainfall causes the raindrop detection sensor to detect raindrops, the pump can collect rainwater in the gutter into the tank. On the other hand, when the rain stops and the raindrop detection sensor no longer detects raindrops, the water in the tank can be drained.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is the method according to any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention,
The water storage device is characterized in that it has a planter for growing plants on the upper surface of the tank.

In the fifth invention, the scenery of the area in which the water storage device is installed can be improved by planting plants in the planters.

According to the present invention, even if the water level in a roadside waterway temporarily rises due to, for example, heavy rain, a portion of the rainwater in the waterway can be stored in the tank of the water storage device. This prevents the water level in the waterway from rising, thereby preventing flooding of the road. In addition, because the water storage device is installed on the ground, the installation work and installation costs of the water storage device can be reduced. Furthermore, if the water storage device is equipped with a planter, it can improve the aesthetic appearance of the town when installed in the city.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a part of a vertical section of a water storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention in a state where the device is installed; 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the water storage device as seen from the direction A in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the relationship between a controller and various devices. 10 is a flowchart showing control of a water collection mechanism and a drainage mechanism by a controller. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a part of a water storage device according to a first modified example. FIG. 5 is a view corresponding to FIG. 4 according to a first modified example. FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a water storage device according to a second modified example.

The following describes in detail an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

"overall structure"
As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the water storage device 1 includes a water storage section 8, a water collection mechanism 10, a drainage mechanism 20, a first water level sensor 15, a second water level sensor 16, and a controller 100. The water storage device 1 is installed on the ground. Specifically, the water storage device 1 is placed on the ground G, which is the ground, along a roadside gutter W. Here, the ground G is an asphalt surface, a concrete surface, or the like. When the water level in the gutter W rises due to rainfall, the water storage device 1 pumps up the water in the gutter W using the water collection mechanism 10 and temporarily stores it in the water storage section 8. When the water level in the gutter W drops, the water storage device 1 discharges the water in the tank 3 into the gutter W using the drainage mechanism 20.

<Water storage section>
The water storage section 8 is composed of a plurality of water storage vessels 2, 2, .... The plurality of water storage vessels 2, 2, ... are arranged in a row so as to be adjacent to each other. Adjacent water storage vessels 2, 2 are connected to each other by a connection pipe 4. Of the plurality of water storage vessels 2, 2, ..., a first water storage vessel 2a arranged at one end is provided with a water collection mechanism 10, and a second water storage vessel 2b arranged at the other end is provided with a drainage mechanism 20. Each water storage vessel 2 includes a casing 6, a tank 3, a planter 5, and a reinforcing member 14.

The casing 6 is a member that houses the tank 3 and the planter 5. The casing 6 is rectangular and has an open top. The casing 6 has through holes at positions that correspond to the various holes formed in the tank 3.

The tank 3 is a rectangular parallelepiped container that stores water. The top of the tank 3 is open. The tank 3 is placed on the bottom of the casing 6. The tank 3 is formed with a communication port 13, a sand discharge port 19, and an overflow port 9. The tank 3 provided in the first water storage 2a is the first tank 3a. The first tank 3a includes a water collection port 17. The tank 3 provided in the second water storage 2b is the second tank 3b. The second tank 3b includes a drainage port 18 and a second water level sensor 16, which will be described later.

The communication port 13 is provided on each of the adjacent tanks 3, 3 on the first side surface 7 where the tanks 3, 3 face each other. The communication port 13 is provided near the lower end of the first side surface 7. One end of the connection pipe 4 is connected to the communication port 13 of one of the adjacent tanks 3, 3. The other end of the connection pipe 4 is connected to the communication port 13 of the other tank 3. In other words, the adjacent tanks 3, 3 are connected to each other by the connection pipe 4 so as to communicate with each other. In this way, the water in the tanks 3, 3 of the adjacent water storage tanks 2, 2 flows in and out of each other.

The water collection port 17 is provided on the side opposite the first side surface 7 of the first tank 3a. The water collection port 17 is a hole to which the water collection pipe 11 is connected.

The drain outlet 18 is provided on the side surface of the second tank 3b that faces the first side surface 7. The drain outlet 18 is provided near the lower end of the side surface. The drain outlet 18 is a hole through which the drain pipe 21 is provided.

The sand discharge port 19 is provided near the bottom of one side of each tank 3. The sand discharge port 19 is a hole for discharging sand accumulated inside each tank 3 to the outside. The sand discharge port 19 is normally closed and is configured to be opened when discharging sand, etc.

The overflow port 9 is provided at the upper end of the first side surface 7 of each tank 3. The overflow port 9 is always open. Even if the tank 3 is full of water, water is drained from the overflow port 9.

The planter 5 is a container for growing plants. The planter 5 is placed so as to cover the opening of the tank 3. That is, when the planter 5 is stored in the casing 6, it is placed so as to overlap the tank 3. The bottom surface of the planter 5 is provided with a plurality of triangular pyramid-shaped protrusions 31 that protrude downward. The protrusions 31 have mesh portions 32 formed in a net shape. The planter 5 is configured so that the soil in the planter 5 can absorb the water in the tank 3 through the mesh portions 32.

The reinforcing member 14 is a metallic member that reinforces the casing 6. The reinforcing member 14 is formed in a mesh shape. The reinforcing member 14 is provided so as to surround the peripheral wall of the casing 6. The mesh shape of the reinforcing member 14 improves the design of the water storage tank 2. In addition, if the plant growing in the planter 5 is a climbing plant, it will grow by wrapping around the reinforcing member, improving the design of the casing 6.

<Water collection mechanism>
The water collection mechanism 10 includes a water collection pipe 11 and a pump 12. One end of the water collection pipe 11 is connected to a water collection port 17. The other end of the water collection pipe 11 is connected to the pump 12. The pump 12 is disposed on the bottom surface of the inside of the gutter W.

Drainage mechanism
The drainage mechanism 20 includes a drainage pipe 21 and a valve 22 .

One end of the drain pipe 21 is connected to the drain outlet 18. The other end of the drain pipe 21 is disposed in the gutter W.

The valve 22 is an opening/closing mechanism that opens and closes the drain pipe 21. The valve 22 is provided in the drain pipe 21. The valve 22 is composed of an electromagnetic valve. The opening and closing of the valve 22 is controlled by the controller 100 described below. Specifically, when the valve 22 is open, the drain pipe 21 is opened, so that the water storage device 1 can drain water from the tank 3. On the other hand, when the valve 22 is closed, the drain pipe 21 is closed, so that the water storage device 1 can store water in the tank 3.

<Water level sensor>
The first water level sensor 15 and the second water level sensor 16 are sensors that detect the water level.

The first water level sensor 15 is a water level detector that detects the water level in the gutter W. The first water level sensor 15 is installed at a height position of the first water level from the bottom surface of the gutter W. Here, the first water level is set to an arbitrary height. The first water level sensor 15 is a capacitance type level sensor. When the water level in the gutter W rises and the electrodes of the first water level sensor 15 are immersed in water, the capacitance value of the first water level sensor 15 changes. This change causes the first water level sensor 15 to send a signal to the controller 100 indicating that the first water level has been detected. When the water level in the gutter W falls and the electrodes of the first water level sensor 15 are positioned above the first water level, the capacitance value of the first water level sensor 15 changes. This change causes the first water level sensor 15 to send a signal to the controller 100 indicating that the first water level is no longer being detected.

The second water level sensor 16 detects the water level in the second tank 3b. The second water level sensor 16 is provided on the side of the second tank 3b at a height position from the bottom surface to the second water level. The second water level is a height position relatively close to the top end of the tank. The second water level sensor 16 is a capacitance type level sensor. When the water level in the second tank 3b rises to the second water level and the electrodes of the second water level sensor 16 are immersed in water, the capacitance value of the second water level sensor 16 changes. This change causes the second water level sensor 16 to send a signal to the controller 100 indicating that the second water level has been detected.

<controller>
The controller 100 is a control unit that controls the water collection mechanism 10 and the drainage mechanism 20. As shown in Fig. 3, the controller 100 receives signals from the first water level sensor 15 and the second water level sensor 16, thereby controlling the operation/non-operation of the pump 12 (i.e., ON/OFF of the operation of the pump 12) and the opening/closing of the valve 22.

<<Control of water collection and drainage mechanisms>>
Next, the control of the water collection mechanism 10 and the drainage mechanism 20 of the water storage device 1 will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

In step ST1, the controller 100 determines whether the power of the pump 12 is ON. When the power of the pump 12 is ON, step ST2 is performed. When the power of the pump 12 is not ON, the control of the water collection mechanism 10 and the drainage mechanism 20 ends.

In step ST2, the controller 100 determines whether the first water level sensor 15 has detected the water level in the gutter W. In step ST2, when the first water level sensor 15 has detected water in the gutter W, i.e., when the water level in the gutter W is equal to or higher than the first water level, step ST4 is performed. In step ST2, when the first water level sensor 15 has not detected water in the gutter W, i.e., when the water level in the gutter W is below the first water level, step ST3 is performed.

In step ST3, the controller 100 turns off the pump 12 and opens the valve 22. This causes the water in the tanks 3, 3, ... to be drained into the gutter W. Because the water level in the gutter W is below the first water level, even if the water in the tanks 3, 3, ... flows into the gutter W, the water is unlikely to overflow from the gutter W. Furthermore, by draining the water from the tanks 3, 3, ..., it is possible to prepare for the next occurrence of heavy rain, etc.

In step ST4, the controller 100 determines whether the second water level sensor 16 has detected water in the second tank 3b. When the second water level sensor 16 has detected water in the second tank 3b, i.e., when the water level in the second tank 3b is equal to or higher than the second water level, step ST5 is performed. When the second water level sensor 16 has not detected water in the second tank 3b, i.e., when the water level in the second tank 3b is lower than the second water level, step ST6 is performed.

In step ST5, the controller 100 turns off the pump 12 and closes the valve 22. This prevents water from flowing into the tanks 3, 3, .... As a result, overflow of water from the tanks 3, 3, ... can be prevented. Then, step is performed.

In step ST6, the controller 100 turns on the pump and closes the valve 22. The pump 12 starts pumping water from the gutter W. The pumped water flows into the first tank 3a via the water collection pipe 11. The water that has flowed into the first tank 3a flows into the tank 3 of the reservoir 2 adjacent to the first reservoir 2a via the connecting pipe 4. Furthermore, water flows into the tank 3 of the reservoir 2 adjacent to the reservoir 2 via the connecting pipe 4. In this way, water is stored in all the tanks 3, 3, ... of the water storage device 1 via the connecting pipes 4, 4, .... Then, step ST2 is performed.

In step ST7, the controller 100 determines whether the power supply to the pump 12 is OFF. When the power supply to the pump 12 is OFF, the control of the water collection mechanism 10 and the drainage mechanism 20 ends. When the power supply to the pump 12 is not OFF, step ST2 is performed.

--Effects of the embodiment--
In an embodiment, the water storage device 1 has a tank 3 for storing water, and includes a water storage tank 2 installed on the ground G, a water collection mechanism 10 that collects water from a waterway into the tank 3 using the pump 12, and a drainage mechanism 20 that includes a drainage pipe 21 and an opening/closing mechanism (valve 22) that opens and closes the drainage pipe 21, and drains water from the tank 3.

In this configuration, even if rainwater accumulates in a roadside gutter W, which is a waterway beside the road, due to torrential rain, causing the water level in the gutter W to rise suddenly, the pump 12 can store the water in the gutter W in the tank 3. This makes it possible to prevent flooding of the road even in the event of localized torrential rain.

In addition, by opening the valve 22, which is the opening/closing mechanism, the water in the tank 3 can be quickly drained when the tank 3 is full. This makes it possible to deal with heavy rain that occurs repeatedly within a short period of time. Also, the soil that has accumulated in the tank 3 can be discharged not only from the sand discharge outlet 19 but also from the drain pipe 21. This reduces the workload of removing the soil from the tank 3. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the accumulation of soil in the tank 3 from reducing the water storage capacity of the tank 3.

In addition, the water reservoir 2 is installed on the ground G. Therefore, the workload and installation costs can be reduced compared to digging the ground and installing the water reservoir 2 underground. This allows for a rapid response to areas prone to flood damage. Here, the ground G includes asphalt surfaces and concrete surfaces such as roads and sidewalks beside roads.

In this embodiment, the water storage device 1 includes a plurality of water storage tanks 2 arranged adjacent to each other, and the tanks 3, 3 of the adjacent water storage tanks 2, 2 are connected to each other by a connecting pipe 4 so that they are in communication with each other.

In this configuration, water can flow in and out of the tanks 3, 3 of adjacent water storage units 2, 2. Therefore, the pump 12 and the valve 22 can be installed in any one of the multiple water storage units 2, 2, .... As a result, the increase in the number of parts in the water storage device 1 can be suppressed. In addition, the water storage capacity of the water storage device 1 can be set by adjusting the number of water storage units 2 to be installed. Therefore, there is no need to design the water storage unit 2 based on the location or area where the water storage device 1 is to be installed. In other words, since the water storage units 2 can be standardized, the workload and manufacturing costs of manufacturing the water storage device 1 can be reduced.

In this embodiment, the water storage device 1 further includes a control unit (controller 100) that controls the water collection mechanism 10 and the drainage mechanism 20, and a water level detection unit (first water level sensor 15) that detects the water level in the waterway, and the control unit (controller 100) is characterized in that it operates the pump 12 when the water level detection unit (first water level sensor 15) detects the first water level.

In this embodiment, the first water level sensor 15, which is the water level detection unit, is installed in the gutter W. The first water level sensor 15 detects a first water level in the gutter W. The first water level is the mounting height position of the water level sensor. When the first water level sensor 15 detects the first water level, the controller 100, which is the control unit, turns on the operation of the pump 12. This makes it possible to prevent the water level in the gutter W from exceeding the first water level. As a result, flooding of the road can be prevented.

In addition, the height position of the first water level can be freely set. That is, by setting the first water level to a relatively low height position, flooding due to heavy rain can be prevented early. On the other hand, by setting the first water level to a relatively high height position, the operating time of the pump 12 can be reduced. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of power consumed by operating the pump 12. As a result, when the power supplied to the pump 12 is supplied from a replaceable battery, the frequency of replacing the battery can be reduced, and thus a situation in which the battery runs out of power during heavy rain can be avoided.

In this embodiment, the control unit (controller 100) of the water storage device 1 opens the opening/closing mechanism (valve 22) when the water level detection unit (first water level sensor 15) no longer detects the first water level. In this embodiment, when the water level in the gutter W falls below the first water level, the controller 100 opens the valve 22. This allows the water in the tank 3 to be drained. As a result, the water level in the tank 3 can be lowered in preparation for the next rainfall.

In this embodiment, the water storage device 1 is characterized by having a planter 5 for growing plants on the upper surface of the tank 3.

In this embodiment, by planting plants in the planters 5, the aesthetics of the area in which the water storage device 1 is installed can be improved. In other words, as a new urban function, the water storage device 1 reduces flood damage caused by heavy rain and improves the cityscape.

<<Variation 1>>
As shown in Fig. 5, the water storage device 1 of the first modification includes a raindrop detection sensor 30. The raindrop detection sensor 30 is a sensor that detects raindrops. The raindrop detection sensor 30 is provided on the outer surface of the casing 6. The water storage device 1 of the first modification does not include the second water level sensor 16 that detects the water level in the tank 3. Differences from the above embodiment will be specifically described below with reference to Fig. 6.

In step ST11, the controller 100 determines whether the power of the pump 12 is ON. When the power of the pump 12 is ON, step ST12 is performed. When the power of the pump 12 is not ON, the control of the water collection mechanism 10 and the drainage mechanism 20 ends.

In step ST12, the controller 100 determines whether the raindrop detection sensor 30 has detected raindrops. When the raindrop detection sensor 30 detects raindrops, i.e., when rainfall has occurred, step ST14 is performed. When the raindrop detection sensor 30 does not detect raindrops, i.e., when rainfall has not occurred, step ST13 is performed.

In step ST13, the controller 100 turns off the pump 12 and opens the valve 22. As a result, if water has accumulated in the tanks 3, 3, ..., the water is drained into the gutter W. By draining the water from the tanks 3, 3, ..., it is possible to prepare for the next occurrence of heavy rain, etc.

In step ST14, the controller 100 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed. The predetermined time is an arbitrarily determined time, for example, a predicted time until the rainwater in the gutter W rises to a predetermined water level. The predetermined water level is an arbitrarily determined water level in the gutter W. The predicted time is calculated, for example, based on the amount of precipitation per fixed time. When the predetermined time has elapsed, step ST15 is performed. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, step ST14 is performed again.

In step ST15, the controller 100 determines whether the raindrop detection sensor 30 has detected raindrops. When the raindrop detection sensor 30 detects raindrops, i.e., if the rain continues to fall until the predetermined time has elapsed, step ST16 is performed. When the raindrop detection sensor 30 does not detect raindrops, i.e., if the rain has stopped before the predetermined time has elapsed, step ST13 is performed.

In step ST16, the controller 100 turns on the pump and closes the valve 22. The pump 12 starts pumping water from the gutter W. The pumped water flows into the first tank 3a via the water collection pipe 11, and is stored in all the tanks 3, 3, ... of the water storage device 1 via the connecting pipes 4, 4, .... Then, step ST12 is performed.

In step ST17, the controller 100 determines whether the power supply to the pump 12 is OFF. When the power supply to the pump 12 is OFF, the control of the water collection mechanism 10 and the drainage mechanism 20 ends. When the power supply to the pump 12 is not OFF, step ST12 is performed.

According to this modified example, when rainfall continues for a predetermined period of time, the pump 12 is activated and rainwater in the gutter W is collected in the tank 3. This allows for a rapid response to sudden heavy rainfall. As a result, flooding of roads can be prevented.

In addition, when the raindrop detection sensor 30 does not detect raindrops, i.e. when the rain stops, the valve 22 opens and the water in the tank 3 is drained. This allows the water level in the tank 3 to be lowered in preparation for the next rainfall.

In addition, the pump 12 and valve 22 can be controlled by the raindrop detection sensor 30 alone. This reduces the number of parts to be attached to the water storage tank 2. As a result, manufacturing costs and the burden of installation work can be reduced.

<<Variation 2>>
As shown in FIG. 7, the water storage device 1 of the modified example 2 has a casing 6, a tank 3, and a planter 5 integrally formed. Specifically, a hollow portion 24 is formed inside the water storage device 2. A recess 25 is formed on the upper surface of the casing 6. The hollow portion 24 corresponds to a tank for storing rainwater. The recess 25 corresponds to a planter for growing plants. As in the above embodiment, in the water storage device 1 of the modified example 2, a plurality of water storage devices 2, 2, ... are arranged adjacent to each other, and the adjacent water storage devices 2, 2 are connected to each other by a connection pipe 4. The water storage device 2 of the modified example 2 is provided with a communication port 13, an overflow port 9, and a sand discharge port 19. The water storage device 2 arranged at one end is provided with a water collection port 17. The water storage device 2 arranged at the other end is provided with a drainage port 18. A convex portion 31 is formed on the bottom surface of the recess 25. The plants growing in the recess 25 receive water from the rainwater stored in the hollow portion 24 through the protrusion 31 .

In this modified water storage tank 2, the hollow portion 24 corresponding to the tank and the recess 25 corresponding to the planter are integrally formed, which reduces manufacturing costs and simplifies the manufacturing process. This shortens the manufacturing period, allowing water collection devices 1 to be quickly deployed in areas where they are needed. Furthermore, because they are integrally formed, the weight of the water storage tank 2 can be reduced. This reduces the workload of transporting multiple water storage tanks 2, 2, ...
Other Embodiments
In the above embodiment and the above modified example, the water storage device 1 includes a plurality of water reservoirs 2, but is not limited to this. The water storage device 1 may include only one water reservoir 2.

In the above embodiment and modified example, multiple water reservoirs 2, 2, ... are arranged in a row, and the water reservoir 2 located at one end is equipped with one water collection mechanism 10, and the water reservoir 2 located at the other end is equipped with one drainage mechanism 20, but this is not limited to the above. The water collection mechanism 10 and the drainage mechanism 20 may be provided in at least one of the multiple water reservoirs 2. In addition, the water collection mechanism 10 and the drainage mechanism 20 may be provided in the same water reservoir 2.

In the above embodiment and modified example, the multiple water reservoirs 2, 2, ... are arranged in a row, but this is not limited to this. For example, the multiple water reservoirs 2, 2, ... may be arranged in a cross shape. In this case, the tanks 3 of the water reservoirs 2 at the intersections have connecting pipes 4 connected to each side.

In the above embodiment and the above modified example, the casing 6 is formed into a rectangular parallelepiped, but is not limited to this. For example, it may be shaped like a truncated square pyramid, a truncated elliptical pyramid, or a trapezoidal column.

In the above embodiment and the above modified example, the shape of the protrusion 31 is not limited to a triangular pyramid. It may be in any shape that protrudes from the bottom surface of the planter 5 into the tank 3, and may be in the shape of a cone, a square pyramid, or a cylinder.

In the above embodiment and modified example, the first water level sensor 15 is of a capacitance type, but is not limited to this. The first water level sensor 15 may be, for example, a guided pulse type level sensor. The first water level sensor 15 may also be, for example, an acceleration sensor. In this case, the acceleration sensor is attached in the gutter W. When the water level in the gutter W rises to the mounting height position of the acceleration sensor and the water in the gutter W touches the acceleration sensor, the acceleration sensor sends a signal to the controller 100. The controller 100 receives this signal and operates the pump 12.

In the above embodiment and the above modified example, the controller 100 controls the pump 12 and the valve 22 by the first water level sensor 15 and the second water level sensor 16, but is not limited thereto. The controller 100 may control the operation of the pump 12 and the opening and closing of the valve 22 based on a signal input from the outside. Here, the signal input from the outside may be a signal that an operator directly instructs to turn on/off the operation of the pump 12 and to open/close the valve 22, or a signal that automatically instructs to turn on/off the operation of the pump 12 and to open/close the valve 22 based on precipitation and rainfall information observed at rainfall observation stations in each region and information on expected precipitation and rainfall announced by a specified organization. Therefore, the water level in the tank 3 can be adjusted. For example, even if the tank 3 is full after the rain stops, it is possible to maintain the water storage state in the tank 3 without draining. As a result, even if the weather remains sunny for a while after the rain stops, the plant in the planter 5 can absorb the water in the tank 3. As a result, the operation of spraying water on the planter 5 can be eliminated. The water in the tank 3 can also be used to extinguish a fire in a nearby building, for example.

The water reservoir 2 may be provided with a drain outlet that can be opened and closed manually. This makes it possible to deal with situations where the drain pipe 21 cannot be opened or closed due to a malfunction of the valve 22.

In the above embodiment and the above modified example, the waterway is a gutter W, but is not limited to this. The waterway may be any place where water flows or is stored, and may be, for example, a drainage channel, irrigation canal, river, reservoir, or water tank. The water storage device 1 may also be installed for purposes such as creating a green space in an urban area or as a flower bed in an arcade.

In the above embodiment and the above modified example, the water storage device 1 is installed near the waterway, but is not limited to this. The water storage device 1 may be installed in a location where water can be pumped up from the waterway by the pump 12.

The drainage mechanism 20 may be equipped with a drainage pump to promote drainage. The drainage pump can be used to forcibly drain water from the tank 3, making it possible to deal with sudden heavy rain.

The planter 5 does not have to have a protrusion 31 that can collect water from the tank 3. In other words, the planter 5 does not have to be structured to collect water from the tank 3.

Valve 22 is an electromagnetic valve, but may also be an electrically operated valve with adjustable flow rate.

In the above embodiment and modified example, the second water level sensor 16 may not be provided. In this case, when the first water level sensor 15 detects the first water level, the controller 100 turns on the operation of the pump 12. Even if the tanks 3, 3, ... are filled to capacity, the excess water in the tank 3 is discharged from the overflow port 9. Also, when the tanks 3, 3, ... are filled to capacity, the operator may turn off the operation of the pump 12.

The control of the water collection mechanism 10 and the drainage mechanism 20 is not limited to the control according to the above embodiment and the above modified example. The water collection mechanism 10 and the drainage mechanism 20 may be controlled so that when the water level in the waterway rises above the first water level, the rainwater in the waterway is pumped up to the tank 3 by the pump 12, and when the water level falls to a level where the road is not flooded, the water in the tank 3 is discharged.

The control of the water collection mechanism 10 and the drainage mechanism 20 may be started and ended by a raindrop detection sensor. Specifically, the water storage device 1 is equipped with a raindrop detection sensor, and the water collection mechanism 10 and the drainage mechanism 20 may be started when the raindrop detection sensor detects raindrops and ended when the raindrop detection sensor no longer detects raindrops.

In the above embodiment and the above modified example, the water collecting device 1 is described as being installed on the ground G, which is above ground, but this is not limited thereto. The water collecting device 1 may be installed on any device that is installed on the ground, such as the exterior wall of a building.

The current supplied to the various components of the water storage device 1 may be current from a commercial power source, or current from a rechargeable battery such as a solar cell. If current is supplied from a solar cell, a solar panel may be installed in the water storage device 1.

Note that the above embodiments are essentially preferred examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, its applications, or its uses.

As described above, the present invention is useful for a water storage device for storing water in a waterway that has flooded due to heavy rain or the like.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Water storage device 2 Water storage tank 3 Tank 4 Connecting pipe 5 Planter 10 Water collection mechanism 11 Water collection pipe 12 Pump 15 First water level sensor (water level detection unit)
20 Drainage mechanism 21 Drainage pipe 22 Valve (opening/closing mechanism)
30 Raindrop detection sensor 100 Controller (control unit)

Claims (6)

A water storage tank having a tank for storing water and installed on the ground;
a water collecting mechanism including a water collecting pipe and a pump connected to the water collecting pipe, the water collecting mechanism collecting water from the waterway into the tank by the pump;
A drainage mechanism for draining water from the tank, the drainage mechanism including a drain pipe and an opening/closing mechanism for opening and closing the drain pipe ; a sand discharge port provided in the tank for discharging sediment accumulated in the tank to the outside;
a control unit for controlling the water collecting mechanism and the drainage mechanism;
Equipped with
the drainage mechanism is a mechanism for discharging water stored in the tank into the water channel,
Water stored in the tank is discharged into the waterway via the drain pipe.
A water storage device characterized by: A water storage tank having a tank for storing water and installed on the ground;
a water collecting mechanism including a water collecting pipe and a pump connected to the water collecting pipe, the water collecting mechanism collecting water from the waterway into the tank by the pump;
A drainage mechanism for draining water from the tank, the drainage mechanism including a drain pipe and an opening/closing mechanism for opening and closing the drain pipe;
A control unit that controls the water collecting mechanism and the drainage mechanism;
A raindrop detection sensor is provided in the water reservoir and detects raindrops.
The control unit is
When the raindrop detection sensor detects raindrops, the pump is operated.
The water storage device according to claim 1, wherein the opening and closing mechanism is opened when the raindrop detection sensor does not detect raindrops. In claim 1 or 2 ,
A plurality of the water reservoirs are arranged adjacent to each other,
A water storage device characterized in that the tanks of adjacent water storage devices are connected by connecting pipes so that they communicate with each other. In any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
Further comprising a water level detection unit that detects the water level of the waterway,
The water storage device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit activates the pump when the water level detection unit detects a first water level. In claim 4 ,
The water storage device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit opens the opening/closing mechanism when the water level detection unit no longer detects the first water level. In any one of claims 1 to 5,
The water storage device is characterized in that the water storage device is provided with a planter for growing plants on the upper surface of the tank.

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