Water level control unit having lower valve plate portion of valve element depending in articulated manner and floating body connected to lower valve plate portion

Abstract

A water level control unit (1) comprises a housing (2) having a flow channel (3). A valve element (7) is positioned so as to be rotatable inside the flow channel about the hinge axis (5) to close a lower section (LS) of the flow channel while dividing the flow channel into a first upstream side (FS) and a second downstream side (SS). The hinge shaft (5) is arranged at a height (y1) above the bottom of the flow channel. The valve element comprises a lower valve plate portion (7lo) depending from the hinge shaft in the closed position. A floating body (14) is provided on and connected to one side of the lower valve plate portion for moving the valve element from the closed position toward the open position according to an increase in water level (Lw) on a first upstream side in the flow passage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a water level control unit which can be used to control the water level of a surface area, such as a field of farmland, in combination with a culvert, a ditch or a drainage pipe and / or a drainage system. Background Art

[0002] Such a water level control unit is known in a number of embodiments. For example, it is known that a building with large concrete water level boxes is arranged around the outer end of a drainage pipe extending underground in a field. These large concrete water level boxes are then excavated to be embedded in the slope that delimits the field. In each water level box, a thick-walled hose is connected to the outer end of the drainage pipe. A rigid end connector is arranged at the free outer end of this thick-walled hose. The end connector is suspended at a certain height position below the upper part of the water level box by means of a chain. A measuring device is arranged in the water level box. The measuring device extends in a vertical direction and indicates different height positions of the end connector. By changing the length of the chain, the end connector can be positioned at a target height position. By changing the height position of the end connector, the height position of the outflow opening of the drainage pipe is also affected. This allows the farmer to manually change the minimum water level required for a field to be maintained, instead of letting all the water drain relatively quickly.

[0003] The disadvantage is that the drainage level needs to be changed manually. This is a labor-intensive and time-consuming task for the farmer, especially because all the level boxes need to be operated, and the number of level boxes is equal to the number of drainage pipes, which are usually set at intervals of only a few meters from each other. Another disadvantage is that large concrete level boxes must be dug around each outer end of the drainage pipe, which is both expensive and labor-intensive. In addition, with this system, the farmer is always behind. This is because the farmer never knows how much rain will fall on the field.

[0004] US-10,053,829 shows a water level box which can be connected to the outer end of a water pipe or pipeline, thereby allowing water to be transported downstream. A gate valve is arranged inside the water level box. Thus, the assembly of the water level box and the gate valve is configured so that water needs to flow over the upper edge of the gate valve to pass through the water level box. This type of water level box is called a gate riser, i.e. an overflow dam. The gate valve is here arranged to be able to rotate back and forth around the lower hinge axis inside the water level box. The gate valve can be actively rotated to change the height of its upper edge, so as to be set to fully closed, partially open or fully open. The designed operation method can be manual or automatic.

[0005] A disadvantage of this US application is the risk that dirt, contamination etc. accumulate increasingly in front of the gate valve and eventually even clog the pipe or duct.

[0006] The disadvantage of the manual version is that changing the drainage level is a time-consuming and laborious task, and since it is not known in advance how much rain will fall, it may always be done too late or too early.

[0007] The disadvantage of the automatic version is that it also requires an operable drive unit in combination with a water level sensor for actively rotating the gate valve between its respective positions; a control unit for operating the drive unit; and an energy source for operating the drive unit. All of this makes the construction cost too high to be provided in large quantities at the outer ends of all drainage pipes in, for example, a field of farmland. In addition, this makes the water level box relatively large and prone to malfunction.

[0008] CN-210263349-U discloses an automatically operated rainwater drainage weir, which is configured to be installed, for example, between a river and a culvert, and is preset to remain closed until a certain water level is first reached. To this end, the weir includes a multi-chamber box that defines a central drainage flow chamber that can be closed or opened by gate valve elements. These gate valve elements are plate-shaped and are connected to the stepped bottom part of the box in an articulated manner on their lower sides. In addition, these plate-shaped gate valve elements are connected to the lower end of a two-part lever arm, and the upper end of the lever arm is fixedly connected to a rotating shaft. Flotation tank chambers are arranged on both sides of the central drainage flow chamber. These flotation tank chambers are provided with relatively large inlet openings at their upper ends, which lead to the upstream side of the weir box, and relatively small outlet openings are provided at their lower ends, which lead to the downstream side of the weir box. The outer end of the rotating shaft is located above the flotation tank chamber, and each outer end carries a floating body fixedly connected thereto and suspended in the corresponding flotation tank chamber.

[0009] In the case of the initial closure of the gate valve, excess rainwater coming from a piece of land and trying to flow into the river will first accumulate inside the culvert on the upstream side in front of the closed gate valve element. After the water level rises to the height position of the inlet opening of the flotation tank chamber, the flotation tank chamber begins to be filled with this water. As a result, the floating body begins to exert an upwardly directed buoyancy force on the rotation axis, which in turn begins to push the gate valve element to rotate it around the hinge axis towards the open position, in which the gate valve element lies flat on the bottom of the central drainage flow chamber, allowing all the excess rainwater to flow into the river.

[0010] As soon as the water level drops below the height of the inlet opening again, no new water flows into the flotation cell chamber and the flotation cell chamber slowly empties via its outlet opening. This causes the floating body to return to the suspended position while the gate valve element is closed again.

[0011] This has the disadvantage that correct and safe functioning is not always guaranteed. In particular, there is a risk that the gate valve element remains open too long. This can be caused, for example, by the relatively small outlet opening being easily clogged by dirt etc. Furthermore, the force of the flowing water can be strong enough to keep the gate valve element in the open position immediately after opening. This risk can even increase if dirt etc. accumulates in front of and / or on top of the gate valve element and / or between the side edges.

[0012] Another disadvantage of this is that the exact time at which the gate valve element opens / closes is uncertain and depends not only on the height of the inlet opening of the flotation cell chamber to which the excess rainwater needs to reach, but also on the speed at which the flotation chamber is filled or emptied.

[0013] JP-2019 / 120120 shows a flap gate for closing an outlet between a river, lake, etc. and the ocean. The purpose of the flap gate is to prevent seawater from flowing back toward a river, lake, etc. when the water level on the downstream side of the ocean is high, especially during a tsunami or storm surge at sea. The flap gate includes a flap door, which is suspended from a hinge shaft via a support arm. The flap door can rotate from a closed position to an open position around the hinge shaft toward the downstream side of the ocean, and the flap door can rotate from an open position to a closed position around the hinge shaft toward the upstream side of the river or lake. Under the influence of the increased water pressure on the side of the river, lake, etc., the flap door is rotated to the open position toward the downstream side of the ocean. Under the influence of the higher water level on the ocean side, the flap door is rotated to the closed position toward the upstream side of the river, lake, etc.

[0014] The support arms extend from both sides of the hinge shaft. A balancing block is provided between the free upper ends of the support arms. A floating body is attached to the river, lake, etc. side of the flap door. A sealing rubber is installed around the circumferential edge of the flap door facing the water outlet.

[0015] In the closed position, the center of buoyancy of the floating body is located upstream of the hinge axis, so that even when the water level on the upstream side of the river, lake, etc. begins to rise when the sea level is higher, the buoyancy of the floating body helps to keep the flap door closed.

[0016] In the open position, the center of buoyancy of the floating body is located downstream of the hinge axis, so that when the water level on the upstream side of the river, lake, etc. begins to rise at a lower sea level, the buoyancy of the floating body also helps to open the flap door.

[0017] A disadvantage is that with this known flap gate it is not possible to buffer the water on the upstream side of a river, lake, etc. Even a slight water pressure on the upstream side of a river, lake, etc. causes the flap gate to swing open in the direction of the downstream side of the sea, especially because not only the water pressure but also the buoyancy of the flowing water and the floating body also act in the same downward direction.

[0018] Another disadvantage is that only the water level on the upstream side of the river, lake, etc. drops below the height of the floating body, and the flap door cannot be completely closed. In order to achieve this complete closure, the water level on the downstream side of the ocean first needs to rise high enough.

[0019] A further disadvantage is that when the flap door of JP-2019 / 120120 reaches the closed position, there is a risk of it being stuck in the closed position. This may happen when the water level on the upstream side of a river, lake, etc. starts to rise when the sea level is also high, because at this time in the closed position, the buoyancy center of the floating body is located upstream of the hinge axis, so that even if the water level on the downstream sea side drops again, the buoyancy of the floating body will act to keep the flap door closed. This will result in the water of the river, lake, etc. not being able to be discharged toward the sea until someone comes and pushes the flap door to rotate far enough toward the downstream side of the sea so that the buoyancy center of the floating body is again located downstream of the hinge axis.

[0020] Finally, it should be noted that with this known flap gate, fresh water can only be discharged from the upstream side to the downstream side. If water is desired to flow in the opposite direction, this is only possible if the flap gate is manually pushed and rotated to the open position and held in this position. Summary of the invention

[0021] The present invention aims to at least partially overcome these disadvantages or to provide a usable alternative.In particular, the present invention aims to provide an automatically operated water level control unit which is reliable, economical and user-friendly and which can be easily adjusted to specific local conditions.

[0022] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a water level control unit according to claim 1. The unit is configured to be installed inside or on a drainage pipe and / or a culvert, ditch or outlet of a drainage system in a water collecting surface area, and comprises: a housing defining a flow channel having a lower section and an upper section; and a valve element positioned to be rotatable around an articulation axis inside the flow channel between a closed position and an open position. The valve element is configured such that when in the closed position, the valve element closes the lower section of the flow channel while dividing the flow channel into a first upstream side and a second downstream side, and the valve element opens the lower section when in the open position. A floating body is provided for moving the valve element in accordance with a rise in the water level. The articulation axis of the valve element is arranged at a height above the bottom of the flow channel. The valve element comprises a lower valve sheet portion suspended from the articulation axis in the closed position. The floating body is arranged on one side of the lower valve sheet portion and connected to it at a height position between the articulation axis and the bottom of the flow channel.

[0023] According to the present invention, the lower valve plate portion suspended from the hinge axis in the closed position can rotate around the hinge axis toward the first upstream side to rotate from the closed position to the open position and open, wherein the floating body is configured to move the valve element from the closed position to the open position according to the rise of the water level on the first upstream side in the flow channel.

[0024] In addition, according to the present invention, the floating body can be configured such that when the water level on the first upstream side reaches a water level corresponding to the height position at which the floating body is located, due to the effect of buoyancy, the floating body begins to pull the lower valve plate portion toward the first upstream side and move it from a closed position to an open position. At the same time, the floating body causes the lower valve plate portion to rotate through the water level on the first upstream side and opens the lower section of the flow channel to allow water to flow to the second downstream side.

[0025] The invention thus provides a reliable, economical and user-friendly automatically operated water level control unit which can be easily installed and then adjusted to specific local conditions. Since the lower valve plate portion of the valve element is automatically pushed back to the closed position again by the water flowing from the first upstream side to the second downstream side when the floating body is no longer subject to the upwardly directed buoyancy due to the drop in the water level on the first upstream side, a proper, rapid and safe closing can always be ensured when the water level on the first upstream side drops below the height position of the floating body again.

[0026] Furthermore, the force exerted by the water flowing from the first downstream side to the second downstream side has a self-cleaning effect on any dirt, contaminants etc. attempting to accumulate on the first upstream side in front of and / or between the side edges of the lower valve plate portion of the valve element.

[0027] Since the opening / closing of the lower valve plate part of the valve element only depends on the water level itself reaching the height position of the floating body on the first upstream side when the water level rises on the first upstream side, the opening / closing time of the lower valve plate part of the valve element can be accurately determined.

[0028] Advantageously, water (e.g., rainwater or irrigation water) dripping onto an open field or other type of open surface area can be kept locked at a target desired water level that is higher than the elevation of the drainage system itself designed for that field or other type of surface area. Thus, for example, a large amount of additional surface water can be stored underground, thereby raising the groundwater level while preventing the water from evaporating quickly again. This is particularly important in this era of climate change and may even help reduce sea level rise.

[0029] During the dry season, the present invention makes it possible to use precious rainwater more efficiently and save expensive irrigation water. This can help prevent land or other types of surface areas from drying out. Farmland can thus remain moist, which can help plants growing thereon to grow luxuriantly, thereby increasing yields. In hotter regions, the productive growing season can be extended. In addition, the necessity for groundwater irrigation will also be reduced.

[0030] During rainy seasons, such as monsoons, the invention makes it possible to prevent overfilling of rivers, streams, canals, etc. This can help prevent flooding or at least reduce the damage caused by natural disasters, which is becoming increasingly important due to global climate change.

[0031] By the same token, the invention can also be used to temporarily lock rainwater in gutters and / or on (green) flat roofs. By buffering the amount of rainwater on the roofs, these roofs can remain cooler and / or greener, while helping to release drains during heavy rains.

[0032] In addition to being useful for (temporarily) locking large amounts of surface water on a first upstream side of the unit and only draining the excess surface water each time the water level on the first upstream side reaches the height position of the floating body, the present invention provides another important advantage of reverse irrigation, namely that the present invention can also be used to irrigate an open piece of farmland or other type of open surface area via a drainage system designed for the piece of farmland or other type of surface area. This is because the depending lower valve plate portion of the valve element has full freedom to be pushed open from the closed position to the open position when water is also provided on the second downstream side. As long as the water supply on the second downstream side causes the water level on the second downstream side to be higher than the water level on the first upstream side, the water pressure difference will continue to exert an opening force on the lower valve plate portion and continue to push it open to allow water to flow through the unit to the piece of farmland or other type of surface area, thereby irrigating in the opposite direction.

[0033] Therefore, a bidirectionally operating water level control unit is obtained, which can lock water in the direction from the first upstream side to the second downstream side until a certain water level is reached, and can provide complete freedom for water to flow in the opposite direction from the second upstream side to the first upstream side.

[0034] It should be noted that the water level control unit and / or the drainage system connected thereto can be easily flushed clean, for example regularly or when a blockage is detected. This can be done, for example, with the aid of a high-pressure cleaner.

[0035] The invention can be easily adapted to existing systems, for example installed in or on the outer end of a (drainage) pipe or culvert. However, it is also possible to arrange the unit inside a ditch or the like, or to integrate the unit into an outlet or a barrier wall, such as an upwardly projecting roof edge or corner. The unit is economical in construction, easy to arrange and requires little maintenance. After arrangement, the unit can be quickly and easily set to the target water level open state.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the floating body can be arranged at and connected to the first upstream side of the lower valve plate portion at a height position between the hinge axis and the bottom of the flow channel. Therefore, advantageously, such a position enables the floating body to exert an upwardly directed buoyant force to the lower valve plate portion of the valve element in a reliable and protected position, and at this position, the upwardly directed buoyant force has a relatively large effective arm relative to the hinge axis.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, a first height-adjustable connection system may be provided between the floating body and the first upstream side of the lower valve sheet portion, the first height-adjustable connection system being configured to change the water level to be reached by the first upstream side for the floating body to start pulling the lower valve sheet portion towards the first upstream side from the closed position to the open position. Thus, advantageously, the height position of the floating body may be easily adapted to local conditions and / or changing weather conditions whenever necessary. The height adjustment may be performed manually, but it may also be performed automatically by providing an operable drive unit on the first height-adjustable connection system.

[0038] In particular, the first height-adjustable connection system may include a complementary mounting device, which can be fixedly mounted on the lower valve plate part while extending perpendicular to the hinge axis, and the complementary mounting device is configured to mount the floating body on the lower valve plate part at different height positions between the hinge axis and the bottom of the flow channel.

[0039] In another or alternative preferred embodiment, the valve element can be configured to keep the upper section of the flow channel open when in the closed position. Thus, advantageously, an overflow is provided for discharging a large amount of water or for the case where the valve element cannot be opened for some reason.

[0040] In a preferred further or alternative embodiment, a dividing wall may be provided between the lower section and the upper section, the dividing wall protruding towards the first upstream side, and wherein the dividing wall is configured for abutting the floating body and / or the lower valve plate portion against the dividing wall in the open position. Thus, advantageously, an automatic stop is provided for the opening rotation, while the floating body and the lower valve plate portion obtain a somewhat protected position during drainage from the first downstream side towards the second downstream side.

[0041] In another or alternative preferred embodiment, the hinge axis can extend between the lower section and the upper section. Therefore, advantageously, the entire upper section can keep water from overflowing unhindered.

[0042] In another preferred embodiment, the valve element may further comprise an upper valve plate portion extending upwardly from the hinge axis in the closed position. If the water level on the first upstream side subsequently rises above the height of the hinge axis, the water pressure on the first upstream side will then begin to exert an additional opening force on the upper valve plate portion in a direction away from the first upstream side and towards the second downstream side, thereby, together with the pulling force already exerted by the floating element on the lower valve plate portion, causing the valve element to rotate about the hinge axis from the closed position to the open position and open. This may be necessary, for example, in the event of a rapid rise in the water level on the first upstream side and / or in the event that the lower valve plate portion is hindered by debris or the like for some reason and cannot be smoothly and quickly rotated open.

[0043] In a preferred further or alternative embodiment, a second height-adjustable connection system may be provided between the valve element and the articulation axis. This makes it possible to vary the surface area relationship between the lower and upper valve plate portions extending from opposite sides of the articulation axis. Thus, the opening and closing forces of the valve element may be varied and, if desired, the entire valve element may be balanced.

[0044] In a preferred further or alternative embodiment, the housing may include an inwardly projecting abutment at the lower section of the flow channel, and the inwardly projecting abutment is configured to be abutted by the lower valve plate portion in the closed position. Thus, the exact position of the valve element in the closed position is known, which makes it easier to control and set the opening condition and behavior. By making the abutment form a valve seat, the sealing of the lower valve plate portion of the valve element in the closed position can be advantageously improved.

[0045] Instead of or in addition to the inwardly projecting abutments, other types of retaining / blocking devices may be provided at the lower section of the flow channel and configured to temporarily retain the lower valve disc portion in the closed position until the water level on the first upstream side of the flow channel rises to a sufficient degree that the floating body pulls the valve element toward the open position. As an example, a permanent or operable retaining magnet may be arranged below or at the lower section of the flow channel, the retaining magnet being configured to hold the lower valve disc portion against or by the retaining magnet in the closed position using a certain magnetic force. Therefore, the exact position of the valve element in the closed position is also known, which makes it easier to control and set the opening conditions and behavior.

[0046] Furthermore, the inwardly projecting abutment or retaining / blocking means can be positioned at a distance x from the hinge axis so that the lower valve plate portion in the closed position hangs down in an inclined angled manner towards the first upstream side while being held in place against the abutment or by the retaining / blocking means. Thus, advantageously, the lower valve plate portion does not hang down vertically in the closed position, and the floating body connected to the first upstream side of the lower valve plate portion has a relatively large horizontal arm relative to the hinge axis for immediately starting to apply a sufficiently large opening force to the lower valve plate portion when the water level on the first upstream side reaches the height position of the floating body. Conversely, using the present invention, it is also easier to open the lower valve plate portion for irrigation purposes by actively providing water on the second downstream side of the lower valve plate portion.

[0047] The invention also relates to the assembly of a water level control unit of the invention with a drainage pipe of a water collecting surface area and / or a culvert, ditch or outlet of a drainage system and also to a method of controlling a water level by means of a water level control unit of the invention.

[0048] Further preferred embodiments of the invention are stated in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] The invention will be explained in more detail below by describing some exemplary embodiments in a non-limiting manner with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0050] - Figure 1a to Figure 1d A water level control unit according to the present invention is shown, wherein a first upstream side of a lower valve plate portion of a valve element of the water level control unit has different water levels, thereby achieving different closed positions and open positions;

[0051] - Figure 2a to Figure 2b The various uses of the units are shown when mounted to the outer end of a drain pipe in a ditch that is either pre-filled with water or about to dry up;

[0052] - Figure 3a A pipe insertion embodiment of a water level control unit configured to be inserted into a tubular pipe is shown;

[0053] - Figure 3b Shows Figure 3a an enlarged view of a valve element in FIG.

[0054] - Figure 3c Shows Figure 3a A view of the unit shortly before it is placed inside the pipe;

[0055] - Figure 4 A pipe-insertion double-acting variant is shown;

[0056] - Figure 5A ditch-inserted double-acting variant is shown;

[0057] - Figure 6 An angled variant is shown;

[0058] - Figure 7a and Figure 7b A variant embodiment of a water level control unit for use along a straight roof edge or at a roof corner is shown;

[0059] - Figure 8 A front perspective view showing another variant embodiment of a water level control unit for mounting on the outer end of a pipe;

[0060] - Figures 9a to 9d Shows Figure 8 A water level control unit in which a first upstream side of a lower valve plate portion of a valve element of the water level control unit has different water levels, thereby achieving different closing positions and opening positions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] FIG. 1 shows a water level control unit which is assigned the reference numeral 1. The unit 1 comprises a housing 2 which delimits a flow channel 3 which here extends around a horizontal center axis. An articulation axis 5 is arranged at a central position inside the housing 2 at a height y1 above the bottom of the flow channel 3. The articulation axis 5 here also extends in the horizontal direction, but perpendicularly to the center axis. A plate-shaped valve element 7 can be moved about the articulation axis 5 in a closed position ( Figure 1a and Figure 1b ) and the open position ( Figure 1c and Figure 1d The plate-shaped valve element 7 includes a lower valve plate portion 710 and an upper valve plate portion 7up located on opposite sides of the hinge shaft 5.

[0062] An abutment 10 is provided at the bottom of the flow channel 3. The abutment 10 is positioned below the hinge shaft 5 at a distance x1 from the hinge shaft in the horizontal direction, so that the lower valve plate portion 710 hangs from the hinge shaft 5 at an inclined angle orientation α under the action of its own weight in the closed position while being blocked by the abutment 10.

[0063] The flow passage 3 is defined to have a lower section LS and an upper section US. The lower section LS is a portion that can be closed and opened by the valve element 7. The upper section US is a portion that is kept open so that overflow can be formed.

[0064] The flow channel 3 is also defined with a first upstream side FS and a second downstream side SS. The first upstream side is formed here by the upstream drainage side and the downstream irrigation side of the unit 1 (located to the right of the valve element 7 in FIG. 1 ), while the second downstream side is formed here by the downstream drainage side and the upstream irrigation side of the unit 1 (located to the left of the valve element 7 in FIG. 1 ).

[0065] The overall width and length dimensions of the lower and upper flap portions 7 lo , 7 up are complementary to the cross-sectional profile of the lower section LS of the flow channel 3 , viewed from a line extending through the hinge axis 5 and the abutment 10 .

[0066] The lower valve plate part 710 is connected to a floating body 14 at the first upstream side FS. The floating body 14 may be formed by a hollow body inflated or filled with air or gas, but may also be filled or formed with any material having the ability to float on water. The floating body 14 is connected to the lower valve plate part 710 at a position between the hinge axis 5 and the adjacent member 10, and when the valve element 7 is in the closed position, the floating body is located at a height y2 above the bottom of the flow channel 3 and is horizontally spaced from the hinge axis 5 by a distance x2.

[0067] A partition wall 17 is provided just above the level of the hinge shaft 5. The partition wall 17 extends from the hinge shaft 5 toward the first upstream side FS in the horizontal direction.

[0068] The inner filter 18 extends between the free outer end of the partition wall 17 and the bottom of the flow channel 3 in an obliquely angled manner towards the first upstream side FS.

[0069] An advantageous method of operation will now be described with respect to the embodiment of FIG. 1 .

[0070] exist Figure 1a 1 shows a completely dry unit 1. Since the weight of the lower valve disc portion 710 is greater than the weight of the upper valve disc portion 7up, a clockwise torque is applied to the valve element 7 to keep the valve element against the abutment 10 in the closed position.

[0071] exist Figure 1b 1 shows a situation where water enters the unit 1 from the first upstream side FS (forming the upstream drainage side in this case), when the water accumulates in front of the closed valve element 7 to a water level Lw1 that is below the initial height position y2 of the floating body 14 when the valve element 7 is in the closed position. Since the deadweight of the lower valve plate portion 7lo is greater than the deadweight of the upper valve plate portion 7up and the water pressure acting on the valve element 7 on the first upstream side, a greater clockwise torque is applied to the valve element 7, so that the valve element is held in the closed position against the adjacent member 10 in a more sealed manner.

[0072] exist Figure 1c1 shows a situation where water continues to enter the unit 1 from the first upstream side FS, at which time water accumulates in front of the closed valve element 7 and causes the water level Lw2 to rise to above the initial height position y2 of the floating body 14. The floating body 14, as it begins to float on the rising water level Lw2, applies a corresponding upwardly directed pulling force F to the lower valve plate portion 710 of the valve element 7, so that the lower valve plate portion rotates counterclockwise to a semi-open position against the gravity and also against the water pressure acting on the valve element 7 on the first upstream side. In this semi-open position, water can begin to be discharged toward the second downstream side SS (forming the downstream drainage side in this case) via the partially opened lower section LS of the flow channel 3.

[0073] exist Figure 1d , a situation is shown in which a higher water level Lw3 is provided to the unit 1 on the first upstream side FS. This higher water level Lw3 is even higher than the height y1 of the hinge axis 5. In this case, the valve element 7 is fully open, wherein the floating body 14 is positioned against the partition wall 17 and wherein both the lower valve plate part 7lo and the upper valve plate part 7up are in a horizontal position. In this way, the water discharged to the second downstream side SS advantageously exerts an additional opening force on the upper valve plate part 7up. In addition, the clockwise moment generated by the buoyancy F also acts on the valve element 7, which causes the valve element 7 to be held more firmly against the partition wall 17 when in the closed position. In this fully open position, water can be discharged toward the second downstream side SS with a higher capacity via the lower section LS of the flow channel 3, which is now fully opened.

[0074] In case more water is provided to the first upstream side FS, the already opened upper section US is also automatically used to discharge water towards the second downstream side SS. This may be important in case of heavy rains, monsoons, floods etc.

[0075] After the water level of the discharge water supplied to the first upstream side FS drops again to below the initial height position y2 of the floating body 14 when the valve element 7 is in the closed position, the valve element 7 exerts a counterclockwise torque on the valve element 7 to return it to the sealed closed position against the adjacent member 10 due to the fact that the deadweight of the lower valve plate part 7lo is greater than the deadweight of the upper valve plate part 7up and the water pressure still acting on the valve element 7 on the first upstream side.

[0076] In dry conditions, it is also possible to use the unit 1 according to the invention for irrigation in the opposite direction. This can be done by Figure 1a3, which forms the upstream irrigation side. As soon as the irrigation water then reaches the closed valve element 7, the water pressure starts to act on the lower valve plate portion 710 of the valve element 7. After the water pressure is high enough to be able to overcome the weight of the valve element 7 itself, the valve element 7 is caused to rotate counterclockwise to a semi-open position. In this semi-open position, irrigation water can flow from the second downstream side SS to the first upstream side FS (forming the downstream irrigation side in this case) via the opened lower section LS of the flow channel 3. In this reverse irrigation situation, the buoyancy of the floating body 14 does not play a role in the opening behavior of the valve element 7.

[0077] exist Figure 2a and Figure 2b In the example of a unit arranged inside the free outlet ends of regularly spaced drain pipes 20a-20c and having a lower valve plate part of a valve element 7a-7c suspended in an articulated manner is schematically shown. To this end, the housing of each unit comprises a sealing device, which is configured to be fitted in a sealed manner inside the drain pipe 20a-22c. The outlet end of the drain pipe 20a-22c ends above a ditch 21. A culvert 22 is provided midway in the ditch 21, the flow opening 23 of which can be controlled. In Figure 2a In the embodiment, the opening 23 is substantially closed, however in Figure 2b In the embodiment, the opening 23 is partially open.

[0078] exist Figure 2a and Figure 2b The upper half of the diagram shows that the upstream portion 21us of the ditch 21, that is, the upstream of the culvert 22, is filled with a relatively large amount of water to a level above the outlet end of the drain pipe 20a, however Figure 2a and Figure 2b The lower part of FIG. 2 shows a situation where the downstream part 21ds of the ditch 21, ie, downstream of the culvert 22, is filled with a relatively small amount of water only to a level far below the outlet ends of the drainage pipes 20b and 20c.

[0079] Since the water level in the upstream part 21us of the ditch 21 is higher, water starts to flow from the ditch 21 into the drain pipe 20a, pushing open the corresponding valve element 7a. Then, the water will distribute itself on the length of the drain pipe 20a and irrigate the surrounding land from there. Figure 2b The same situation is also shown in .

[0080] Due to the lower water level in the downstream portion 21ds of the ditch 21, water that falls on the land above the drain pipes 20b and 20c may drain into these drain pipes 20b and 20c and begin to accumulate in front of the corresponding shut-off valve elements 7b and 7c. Figure 2aAfter the water level inside the drain pipes 20b and 20c then reaches the level of the floating body on the lower valve plate portion of the valve elements 7b and 7c, the floating body will pull the valve element 7 to the open position so that the water can be discharged into the downstream portion 21ds of the ditch 21. This Figure 2b Shown in.

[0081] exist Figure 3a to Figure 3c , an embodiment in which the housing 2 and the flow channel 3 have a substantially rectangular cross-sectional profile with rounded corners is shown. This has the advantage that the valve element 7 can also be made into a substantially rectangular plate with rounded corners and a width dimension complementary to the width dimension of the flow channel 3.

[0082] exist Figure 3a to Figure 3c , the inclined angled closed position of the valve element 7 is shown, wherein the lower valve plate portion 7lo of the valve element completely closes the lower section LS of the flow channel 3, and wherein the upper valve plate portion 7up of the valve element partially closes the upper section US of the flow channel 3.

[0083] The floating body 14 is mounted to the lower valve plate part 71o at the first upstream side FS by means of a first height-adjustable connection system 30. The first height-adjustable connection system 30 here comprises a left and a right mounting screw with a thickened head, which are screwed into the lower valve plate part 71o and extend through a longitudinal slit 31 extending perpendicularly to the hinge axis 5. Thus, the floating body 14 can be mounted to the lower valve plate part 71o at different height positions.

[0084] The valve element 7 is also provided with a second height-adjustable connection system 32, which here comprises mounting rails extending along two opposite side edges of the valve element, which are here located on the second downstream side SS. The mounting rails are provided with a plurality of holes 33, in which the pins of the articulation axis 5 can be arranged. The thickened head ends of the pins then lie outside the housing against the side walls while protruding through complementary openings in the side walls of the housing 2. Thus, the position of the valve element 7 relative to the articulation axis 5 is adjustable, so that the valve element 7 in the closed position can be at a steeper or more gradual angle and, therefore, the surface area of ​​the lower valve plate portion 7lo and the surface area of ​​the upper valve plate portion 7up can be quickly and easily increased or reduced relative to each other.

[0085] Along the outer edge of the valve element 7 there is provided a sealing rubber 34 which is configured to abut against the inner bottom and the side walls of the housing 2 in a sealing manner in the closed position.

[0086] At the outer end of the housing 2, blocking / sealing means 35 are provided which are complementary to the pipe 20 into which the unit 1 is to be inserted. These means 35 are here formed by outwardly projecting flange portions which are provided beside the bottom and the side walls of the housing 2 and which together define a three-quarter circle, so that when the unit 1 is inserted into the pipe 20, no water can escape from below or to the sides of the unit 1.

[0087] Furthermore, a removable anti-intrusion cover 37 is provided at the outer end of the housing 2 at the first upstream side FS. The anti-intrusion cover 37 comprises an outer grille 38 of relatively coarse mesh and an inner filter 39 of relatively fine mesh. The grille 38 covers the entire cross section of the duct 20 (respectively the flow channel 3) and serves to prevent relatively large foreign objects from entering the unit 1. The filter 39 covers only the lower section LS of the flow channel 3 and serves to filter out any debris that may hinder or obstruct the normal operation of the valve element 7. The cover 37 can be easily and quickly removed for regular cleaning.

[0088] exist Figure 4 A double-acting variant is shown in FIG, wherein the unit 1 comprises two mirrored and height-adjustable valve elements 7 located on opposite sides of the unit 1, one valve element 7 being oriented with its height-adjustable floating body 14 towards a first upstream side FS, while the other valve element 7' is oriented with its height-adjustable floating body 14' towards a second downstream side SS. This enables active control of the water level in both directions, with the desired water level being reached first before the respective valve element 7, 7' can be pulled towards the open position.

[0089] exist Figure 5 , a double-acting variant configured to be arranged inside a ditch is shown. For this purpose, blocking / sealing means 40 complementary to the ditch into which the unit 1 is to be inserted are provided at the outer end of the housing 2. These means 40 are here formed by outwardly projecting flange portions, which are arranged beside the bottom and the side walls of the housing 2 and together define a slightly triangular shape. When the unit 1 is lowered into the ditch, the plate-like flange portions can penetrate the ground walls defining the ditch to a certain extent, so that no water can escape from below or to the sides of the unit 1. In order to lift and lower the unit, a lifting ring 42 is provided on the top of the housing 2.

[0090] exist Figure 6 A variant is shown in the figure, in which the valve element 7, in addition to the lower valve plate part 7lo against which the floating body 14 is mounted on the first upstream side FS, also includes an upper valve plate part 7up at a vertical angle, which is configured to automatically close the upper section US of the flow channel 3 when the lower valve plate part 7lo of the valve element 7 is rotated toward the open position of the lower section LS of the flow channel 3.

[0091] exist Figure 7a and Figure 7b Such a variant is shown in Figure 7b , in which the valve element 7 only includes a lower valve flap portion 7lo hanging from the hinge axis 5. The hinge axis is located at height y1. On the first upstream side FS of the valve element 7, the floating body 14 is fixedly mounted on the lower valve flap portion, and the height y2 where the buoyancy center is located is lower than the height of the hinge axis 5. The dimensions of the lower valve flap portion 7lo are set here such that in the shown closed position, they completely cover the corresponding outlet opening of the drainage system of the water collection surface area (such as a roof). The housing 2 is shaped here such that they can be easily integrated into the upright side wall (such as a roof edge) surrounding the water collection surface area. The housing 2 includes a blocking wall 70 that extends upward until the horizontal height y1 of the hinge axis 5. The outlet opening is provided at the upper central position of these blocking walls 70 and is defined by a U-shaped frame 71. The circumferential side and the lower edge of the lower valve flap portion 7lo abut against the U-shaped frame in a sealed manner in the closed position.

[0092] In Figure 8 and FIG. 9, a variant is shown in which the housing 2 includes a blocking wall 70 installed in front of the flow channel 3. An outlet opening is provided inside the blocking wall 70. The outlet opening is defined by a sealing frame 71. The hinge axis 5 is located at the intermediate height position y1 of the outlet opening. The valve element 7 is mounted to be rotatable about the hinge axis 5 between a closed position ( Figure 9a ) and an open position ( Figure 9b to Figure 9d ).

[0093] The valve element 7 includes: a lower valve flap portion 7lo that, in the closed position, hangs from the hinge axis 5 while covering the lower section LS of the outlet opening; and an upper valve flap portion 7up that, in the closed position, extends upward from the hinge axis 5 while covering the upper section US of the outlet opening.

[0094] On the first upstream side FS of the valve element 7, the floating body 14 is fixedly mounted on the lower valve flap portion 7lo. When the valve element 7 is in the closed position, the buoyancy center of the floating body 14 is located at height y2. As can be seen, y2 < y1, that is, in the closed position, the floating body 14 itself is located below the hinge axis 5.

[0095] In the closed position, the edge of the lower valve flap portion 7lo is blocked by the sealing frame 71 on the first upstream side FS of the blocking wall 70 and abuts against the sealing frame in a sealed manner, while the edge of the upper valve flap portion 7up is blocked by the sealing frame 71 on the second downstream side SS of the blocking wall 70 and abuts against the sealing frame in a sealed manner. In the closed position, the lower valve flap portion 7lo and the upper valve flap portion 7up together completely cover the outlet opening. See Figure 9a .

[0096] When the water level Lw1 on the first upstream side FS starts to rise to a level higher than the initial height level y2 of the floating body 14, the floating body 14 starts to apply an upwardly directed pulling force F to the lower valve plate portion 7lo. This causes the valve element 7 to rotate around the hinge axis 5 (clockwise in FIG. 9) to open. Then, the edge of the lower valve plate portion 7lo rotates away from the sealing frame 71 toward the first upstream side FS of the barrier wall 70, while the edge of the upper valve plate portion 7up rotates away from the sealing frame 71 toward the second downstream side SS of the barrier wall 70. See FIG. Figure 9b Then, water starts to flow from the first upstream side FS via the partially opened outlet opening to the second downstream side SS.

[0097] When the water level Lw2 on the first upstream side FS further rises to a level higher than the height level y1 of the hinge shaft 5, the upwardly directed pulling force F exerted by the floating body 14 on the lower valve plate portion 7lo increases. In addition, the water pressure of the water above the height level y1 of the hinge shaft 5 then also begins to exert a thrust force P on the upper valve plate portion 7up. This together causes the valve element 7 to further rotate around the hinge shaft 5 (clockwise in FIG. 9 ) and open. See FIG. Fig.9c Then more water starts to flow from the first upstream side FS via the half-open outlet opening to the second downstream side SS.

[0098] Then, when the water level Lw3 of the first upstream side FS rises further, the upwardly directed pulling force F exerted by the floating body 14 on the lower valve plate portion 71o further increases, and then, the thrust P exerted by the water above the height level y1 of the hinge shaft 5 also increases. The valve element 7 can then be in the fully open position, that is, in the horizontal position here, as shown in FIG. Figure 9d The water then even starts to flow over the valve element 7, ie through the upper section US, from the first upstream side FS to the second downstream side SS.

[0099] In addition to the embodiments shown and described, there are many possible variations. For example, the size and shape of the various components can be changed. It is also possible to combine the advantageous aspects of the embodiments shown. In addition to using a roughly rectangular flow channel and valve element, they can also have any other desired shape, such as a circle, a triangle, an ellipse, etc. The valve element, the floating body, the adjacent parts, the valve seat, the sealing rubber, etc. can also have various desired shapes, thicknesses, etc. Various materials can be used for the various components of the unit. However, they are preferably made of aluminum, stainless steel, plastic, etc. In addition to using the unit in a pipeline or a ditch, the unit can also be arranged in the flow opening of a culvert, or installed on the outer end of a pipeline, etc. In addition to making the floating body adjustable in height relative to the lower valve plate portion of the valve element, the floating body can also be fixedly connected to the lower valve plate portion of the valve element. In addition to only unilaterally arranging the floating body on the first upstream side of the valve element, an additional floating body can also be arranged on the second downstream side of the valve element. Thus, a double-sided floating body is obtained, that is, there are floating bodies on the opposite sides of the valve element. If desired, the lower valve plate portion of the valve element may also be weighted, offset, etc. in a direction away from the first upstream side so as to reduce the opening torque / movement of the valve element during drainage when the water level begins to rise on the first upstream side (e.g., when it starts to rain). Such weighting, offset, etc. may help prevent the valve element from flapping at too high a frequency between the closed position and the open position. When the water level on the first upstream side drops again (e.g., when it stops raining again), it may also help accelerate the closing torque / movement of the valve element against the sealing seat. In addition, when the water level on the second downstream side rises, for example, when it is necessary to irrigate water in the opposite direction from the second downstream side toward the first upstream side, weighting may also help reduce the opening torque / movement of the valve element. If desired, an operable lock may also be provided, which is configured to temporarily lock the valve element in the closed position when necessary.

[0100] It should be understood that various changes and modifications may be made to the currently preferred embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention, and therefore, these changes and modifications are obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, such changes and modifications are intended to be covered in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A water level control unit (1) configured to be installed inside or on a drainage pipe and / or a culvert, ditch or outlet of a drainage system in a water collecting surface area, the unit comprising: A housing (2) defining a flow channel (3) having a lower section (LS) and an upper section (US); a valve element (7) positioned to be rotatable about an articulation axis (5) inside the flow channel (3) between a closed position and an open position, wherein the valve element (7) is configured such that, in the closed position, the valve element closes the lower section (LS) of the flow channel (3) while dividing the flow channel (3) into a first upstream side (FS) and a second downstream side (SS), and the valve element is configured to open the lower section (LS) in the open position; and a floating body (14) for moving the valve element (7) according to the rise of the water level (Lw), in, - the articulation axis (5) of the valve element (7) is arranged at a height (y1) above the bottom of the flow channel (3), - the valve element (7) comprises a lower valve plate portion (710) depending from the hinge axis (5) in the closed position, - the floating body (14) is arranged on and connected to one side (FS) of the lower valve plate portion (710) at a height position (y2) between the hinge shaft (5) and the bottom of the flow channel (3), The invention is characterized in that the lower valve plate portion (710a) suspended from the hinge shaft (5) in the closed position can rotate around the hinge shaft (5) toward the first upstream side (FS) to rotate from the closed position to the open position to open, The floating body (14) is configured to move the valve element (7) from the closed position toward the open position according to a rise in a water level (Lw) at the first upstream side (FS) in the flow passage (3).

2. The water level control unit according to claim 1, wherein: The floating body (14) is configured such that when the water level (Lw) of the first upstream side (FS) reaches a water level corresponding to the height position (y2) at which the floating body (14) is located, buoyancy begins to act on the floating body (14), causing the floating body (14) to start pulling the lower valve plate portion (7lo) toward the first upstream side (FS) and move from the closed position to the open position. At the same time, the floating body causes the lower valve plate portion (7lo) to rotate through the water level (Lw) of the first upstream side (FS) and open the lower section (LS) of the flow channel (3) to allow water to flow to the second downstream side (SS).

3. The water level control unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The floating body (14) is disposed at and connected to the first upstream side (FS) of the lower valve plate portion (710) at a height position (y2) between the hinge shaft (5) and the bottom of the flow passage (3).

4. A water level control unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: A first height-adjustable connection system (30, 31) is provided between the floating body (14) and the lower valve plate portion (7lo), and the first height-adjustable connection system (30, 31) is configured to change a water level (Lw) to be reached by the first upstream side (FS), which water level is used to enable the floating body (14) to start pulling the lower valve plate portion (7lo) toward the first upstream side (FS) and move from the closed position to the open position.

5. The water level control unit according to claim 4, wherein: The first height-adjustable connection system (30, 31) comprises a complementary mounting device, which can be fixedly mounted on the lower valve plate portion (7lo) while extending perpendicularly to the hinge axis (5), and the complementary mounting device is configured to mount the floating body (14) on the lower valve plate portion (7lo) at different height positions between the hinge axis (5) and the bottom of the flow channel (3).

6. A water level control unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: The valve element (7) is configured to keep at least a portion of the upper section (US) of the flow channel (3) open when in the closed position.

7. A water level control unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: A partition wall (17) is arranged between the lower section and the upper section (US), the partition wall (17) protruding towards the first upstream side (FS), and wherein the partition wall (17) is configured to cause the floating body (14) and / or the lower valve plate part (710) to abut against the partition wall in the open position.

8. A water level control unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: The articulation axis (5) extends between the lower section (LS) and the upper section (US).

9. The water level control unit according to claim 8, wherein: The valve element (7) further comprises an upper valve plate portion (7up) extending upward from the hinge shaft (5) in the closed position.

10. The water level control unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: A second height-adjustable connection system (32, 33) is provided between the valve element (7) and the articulated axis (5).

11. The water level control unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein The shell (2) includes a retaining / blocking device at the lower section (LS) of the flow channel (3), in particular, the retaining / blocking device is an inwardly protruding adjacent member (10), more particularly, the retaining / blocking device forms a valve seat, and the retaining / blocking device is configured to retain the lower valve plate part (7lo) in the closed position and / or be abutted by the lower valve plate part.

12. The water level control unit according to claim 11, wherein: The retaining / blocking means, in particular the inwardly projecting abutment (10), is positioned at a distance (x1) from the hinge axis (5) so that the lower valve plate portion (7lo) depends in an inclined angled manner towards the first upstream side (FS) in the closed position.

13. A water level control unit according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 12, wherein: The housing (2) comprises an external blocking or sealing device configured to fit inside a culvert, ditch or outlet of a pipeline in a blocking or sealing manner.

14. A water level control unit according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 12, wherein: The housing (2) comprises an internal blocking or sealing device configured to fit in a sealed manner on a culvert, ditch or outlet of a pipeline.

15. The water level control unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein The flow channel (3) is covered on the first downstream side and / or the second downstream side (FS, SS) by a filter (18, 39) and / or a grid (37).

16. Assembly of a drainage pipe of a water collecting surface area and / or a culvert, ditch or outlet of a drainage system with a water level control unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

17. A method for controlling a water level by means of a water level control unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: - installing the unit (1) inside or on a drainage pipe in a water collecting surface area and / or a culvert, ditch or outlet of a drainage system; - positioning the floating body (14) between the hinge shaft (5) and the bottom of the flow channel (3) at a height position (y2) corresponding to a target water level (Lw) of the first upstream side (FS), wherein the target water level needs to be reached and then, due to the buoyancy starting to act on the floating body (14), the floating body starts to pull the lower valve plate part (710) toward the first upstream side (FS) and moves from the closed position to the open position by the water level (Lw) of the first upstream side; and - Passively and automatically control the water level by: Each time the water level (Lw) on the first upstream side (FS) of the lower valve plate portion (7lo) reaches the height position (y2) where the floating body (14) is located, due to the buoyancy acting on the floating body (14), the floating body (14) pulls the lower valve plate portion (7lo) toward the first upstream side (FS) and moves from the closed position to the open position by the water level (Lw) on the first upstream side, while at least opening the lower section (LS) of the flow channel (3) to allow water to flow toward the second downstream side (SS); Each time the water level (Lw) on the first upstream side (FS) of the lower valve plate portion (7lo) drops below the height position (y2) at which the floating body (14) is located, the buoyancy on the floating body (14) drops again, causing the lower valve plate portion (7lo) to move back again from the open position to the closed position, while at least closing the lower section (LS) of the flow channel (3) to again block the water on the first upstream side (FS) from being discharged toward the second downstream side (SS).

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