Rainwater hopper

Abstract

The rainwater hopper comprises a flow guide cover, the flow guide cover comprises a flow guide cover body and a plurality of flow guide plates, the flow guide cover body is provided with a water storage space, an opening is formed in the side face of the flow guide cover body and communicates with the water storage space, and the flow guide plates are connected to the flow guide cover body and extend into the water storage space; the flow guide plates extend in the direction from the edge of the flow guide cover to the center of the flow guide cover, and the multiple flow guide plates are distributed in the circumferential direction of the flow guide cover. One end of the ventilation pipe is connected to the flow guide cover body and communicates with the water storage space, and the other end of the ventilation pipe is used for communicating with the external environment; and the downpipe is connected to the bottom of the flow guide cover body and communicates with the water storage space. The water storage space is communicated with the external environment through the ventilation pipe, so that the air pressure in the water storage space is kept consistent with the external atmospheric pressure, and rainwater is rectified through the flow guide plate, so that the rainwater has a stable flow state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of rainwater system technology, specifically relating to a rainwater hopper. Background Technology

[0002] Gravity rainwater hoppers are simple, reliable, low-cost, and easy to maintain, making them widely used in confidential locations where unauthorized access is restricted. However, in large rooftop buildings such as long-span factories, warehouses, and public buildings, the catchment area is large, but the available space for rainwater downpipes is limited. This often necessitates connecting multiple rainwater hoppers to a single downpipe, forming a multi-hopper system. In multi-hopper systems, the rainwater hoppers interfere with and restrict each other. The air-water mixture within the gravity rainwater hopper generates air resistance, significantly consuming gravity power. Furthermore, the turbulent flow pattern causes additional power loss due to water impacting pipe bends and diameter changes, resulting in a significant reduction in the drainage capacity of the gravity rainwater hoppers. Consequently, multi-hopper gravity rainwater systems struggle to meet the drainage requirements of large rooftops. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application aims to provide a rainwater hopper that solves the problem that the drainage capacity of gravity rainwater hoppers is insufficient to meet the drainage requirements of large roofs.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application is implemented as follows: This invention provides a rainwater hopper, comprising: A flow guide cover includes a flow guide cover body and multiple flow guide plates. The flow guide cover body has a water storage space and an opening on the side of the flow guide cover body, which communicates with the water storage space. The flow guide plates are connected to the flow guide cover body and extend into the water storage space. The flow guide plates extend in a direction from the edge of the flow guide cover to the center, and multiple flow guide plates are distributed circumferentially along the flow guide cover. A vent pipe, one end of which is connected to the flow guide body and communicates with the water storage space, and the other end of which is used to communicate with the external environment; A downpipe is connected to the bottom of the guide shroud body and communicates with the water storage space.

[0005] Optionally, the flow guide shroud further includes a plurality of swirling plates, which are connected to the bottom of the flow guide shroud body and extend into the water storage space. The swirling plates extend in a direction from the edge of the flow guide shroud to the center, and the swirling plates and the flow guide plates are alternately arranged along the circumference of the flow guide shroud.

[0006] Optionally, one side of the guide plate is connected to the bottom of the shroud body, and the other side of the guide plate is connected to the top of the shroud body; Along the direction from the bottom to the top of the shroud, the height of the swirl plate is 1 / 3 to 1 / 2 of the height of the shroud.

[0007] Optionally, the side of the fairing body is provided with a plurality of grid strips, one end of the grid strips is connected to the top of the fairing body, the other end of the grid strips is connected to the bottom of the fairing body, and the plurality of grid strips are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the fairing.

[0008] Optionally, the grille bars are deflected counterclockwise or clockwise along the direction from the top to the bottom of the fairing; Along the direction from the edge of the shroud to the center, the deflector and the swirl plate deflect counterclockwise or clockwise.

[0009] Optionally, the downpipe has an inner wall with ribs protruding from it. The ribs extend at an angle to the axial direction of the downpipe and are spiral-shaped.

[0010] Optionally, the guide vane, the swirl vane, the grid strip, and the rib rotate in the same direction.

[0011] Optionally, the end of the vent pipe away from the shroud is bent and has a vent, with the vent facing the ground.

[0012] Optionally, the height of the vent is not less than the roof overflow height.

[0013] Optionally, the vent is provided with an insect-proof net.

[0014] In the embodiments of this application, a vent pipe is provided at the top of the rainwater hopper. The vent pipe connects the water storage space inside the rainwater hopper with the external environment. When the instantaneous flow rate inside the rainwater hopper is too large and affects air circulation, gas is supplied to the water storage space or positive pressure gas is discharged through the vent pipe, so that the air pressure inside the water storage space is consistent with the external atmospheric pressure, preventing the generation of negative or positive pressure in the water storage space and reducing pipe cavitation caused by negative pressure. Furthermore, the rainwater is rectified by a guide plate, so that the rainwater has a stable flow pattern, reducing turbulence and increasing the flow velocity, thereby improving the drainage capacity of the gravity rainwater hopper and extending the service life of the rainwater hopper.

[0015] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this application will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a rainwater hopper according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2This is a side view of a rainwater hopper according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a top view of a rainwater hopper according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a top view of a rainwater hopper according to another embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a downpipe according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing the unfolded wall of the downpipe according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a rainwater harvesting system according to an embodiment of this application.

[0017] Reference numerals: 100: rainwater hopper; 10: deflector; 11: deflector body; 12: deflector plate; 13: swirl plate; 14: grid bar; 20: vent pipe; 21: vent; 30: downpipe; 31: rib; 200: rainwater suspension pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail. Examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0019] The terms "first" and "second" in the specification and claims of this application may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more. Furthermore, "and / or" in the specification and claims indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0020] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0021] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0022] This invention provides a rainwater hopper 100, comprising: a guide hood 10, the guide hood 10 including a guide hood 10 body and a plurality of guide plates 12, the guide hood 10 body having a water storage space, an opening on the side of the guide hood 10 body communicating with the water storage space, the guide plates 12 being connected to the guide hood 10 body and extending into the water storage space, the guide plates 12 extending along a direction from the edge to the center of the guide hood 10, and the plurality of guide plates 12 being distributed circumferentially along the guide hood 10; a vent pipe 20, one end of the vent pipe 20 being connected to the guide hood 10 body and communicating with the water storage space, and the other end of the vent pipe 20 being used to communicate with the external environment; and a drain pipe 30, the drain pipe 30 being connected to the bottom of the guide hood 10 body and communicating with the water storage space.

[0023] A single rainwater hopper 100 consists of a guide hood 10, a vent pipe 20, and a downpipe 30. The guide hood 10 is installed on the roof surface and has an opening on its side. The bottom of the opening is flush with the roof level, allowing rainwater to enter the guide hood 10 through the opening. The downpipe 30 is connected to the bottom of the guide hood 10 and extends to the ground or connects to a rainwater collection system. Rainwater from the roof enters the rainwater hopper 100 through the guide hood 10 and is discharged to the ground or into the rainwater collection system through the downpipe 30. The cross-section of the guide hood 10 is typically circular. The downpipe 30 is connected to the center of the circular guide hood 10 and is coaxially arranged with the circular guide hood 10. Rainwater around the rainwater hopper 100 flows evenly into the guide hood 10 from all directions.

[0024] The flow guide shroud 10 includes a shroud 10 body and multiple flow guide plates 12. The flow guide plates 12 are symmetrically arranged around the central downpipe 30 and extend from the edge of the shroud 10 to the opening of the downpipe 30. The flow guide plates 12 divide the water storage space inside the shroud 10 body into multiple fan-shaped spaces. The outer side of each fan-shaped space is connected to the opening on the side of the shroud 10 body, and the inner side is connected to the opening of the downpipe 30. Rainwater enters the water storage space inside the shroud 10 body from the side opening, and then flows into the downpipe 30 along the fan-shaped spaces formed by the flow guide plates 12. This rectifies the flow of rainwater entering the shroud 10. The originally disordered rainwater has a more uniform flow pattern after being guided by the flow guide plates 12, which is beneficial to improving drainage efficiency and reducing noise. For example, in this embodiment, the included angle between two adjacent guide plates 12 is 45°. The eight guide plates 12 divide the water storage space inside the guide shroud 10 into eight fan-shaped spaces. Rainwater flowing in from all sides flows towards the opening of the downpipe 30 under the guidance of the guide plates 12. In practical applications, the number and included angle of the guide plates 12 can be flexibly adjusted as needed.

[0025] Furthermore, during drainage by the gravity rainwater hopper 100, a gas-liquid mixture flow is formed inside the rainwater hopper 100, carrying away the air inside the rainwater hopper 100. This results in localized positive or negative pressure within the rainwater hopper 100. Under normal circumstances, the air inside the rainwater hopper 100 can circulate through the opening on the side of the deflector hood 10, preventing abnormal pressure inside the rainwater hopper 100 from affecting drainage. However, when rainfall is heavy and the roof drainage capacity is insufficient, the water depth on the roof continues to rise, which may submerge the deflector hood 10. This causes the opening on the side of the deflector hood 10 to be completely immersed in water, resulting in a full-flow state inside the rainwater hopper 100 and the pipes. This prevents the rainwater hopper 100 from regulating air pressure, thereby creating air resistance and reducing the drainage capacity of the rainwater hopper 100.

[0026] In this embodiment, the top of the guide shroud 10 is connected to a vent pipe 20. The bottom of the vent pipe 20 is connected to the water storage space inside the guide shroud 10, and the top is connected to the outside atmosphere. The vent pipe 20 connects the water storage space with the atmospheric environment to maintain the air pressure balance inside the rainwater hopper 100, allowing the rainwater inside the rainwater hopper 100 to maintain a gravity flow state. This accelerates the drainage speed, allows the water to flow smoothly, and avoids the "water hammer" and "whistling" sounds caused by the violent mixing of water and air inside the pipe by balancing the air pressure. At the same time, it reduces pipe cavitation caused by negative pressure and extends the service life of the pipe. Eliminating air pressure resistance allows the water to flow downwards without resistance, thereby significantly improving the drainage capacity of the rainwater pipe, avoiding "air stagnation" in the pipe that leads to water flow obstruction or siltation, and reducing the risk of roof water accumulation.

[0027] The opening of the vent pipe 20 is higher than that of the deflector 10. Even when rainfall is heavy and the deflector 10 is submerged by roof water, the vent pipe 20 remains above the water level, allowing normal ventilation to be maintained. The elevation of the vent pipe 20 opening can be designed based on local historical rainfall data to ensure that the rainwater hopper 100 remains open to the atmosphere during heavy rainfall exceeding the design return period. This ensures that the rainwater hopper 100 maintains a normal air pressure level under extreme weather conditions, preventing localized pressure anomalies from affecting drainage capacity.

[0028] In practical applications, the vent pipe 20 can be installed at any position on the main body of the deflector hood 10. The vent pipe 20 extends upward so that the elevation of the vent 21 exceeds the maximum depth of water accumulation on the roof. The water storage space inside the deflector hood 10 is connected to the outside atmosphere through the vent pipe 20. The vent pipe 20 can be a straight pipe or a curved pipe, as long as the elevation of the pipe opening exceeds the design value and it will not be submerged by roof water. Preferably, the vent pipe 20 is connected to the top of the deflector hood 10, so that atmospheric pressure is evenly applied to the water surface in the water storage space. At the same time, the sides of the deflector hood 10 are used entirely for collecting rainwater, improving drainage efficiency.

[0029] The ends of the downpipes 30 of multiple rainwater hoppers 100 are connected to the rainwater collection system via rainwater suspension pipes 200, forming a multi-hopper system. This reduces the number of roof rainwater downpipes and alleviates the overall pressure on the planar pipelines. In a multi-hopper system composed of gravity rainwater hoppers 100, the individual rainwater hoppers 100 may interfere with each other, resulting in problems such as water level rise, pressure difference, and air resistance, which affect the drainage efficiency of the drainage system. In this embodiment, on the one hand, the pressure difference problem is improved by setting up a vent pipe 20, and on the other hand, the rainwater flow pattern is optimized in conjunction with the guide plate 12 to improve the drainage capacity of a single rainwater hopper 100, thereby improving the drainage capacity of the entire multi-hopper system.

[0030] In addition, in some optional embodiments, the flow guide 10 also includes a plurality of swirl plates 13, which are connected to the bottom of the body of the flow guide 10 and extend into the water storage space. The swirl plates 13 extend in a direction from the edge of the flow guide 10 to the center, and the swirl plates 13 and the flow guide plates 12 are alternately arranged in the circumference of the flow guide 10.

[0031] Between every two adjacent guide plates 12, a swirl plate 13 is provided. The swirl plate 13 is located at the bottom of the guide shroud 10 and extends upward. Based on the guide plates 12 dividing the water storage space into multiple fan-shaped spaces, each fan-shaped space is equipped with a swirl plate 13, which further plays a role in rectifying the flow. When rainwater flows into the guide shroud 10, it is first separated by the guide plates 12, and then the swirl plate 13 at the bottom guides the rainwater a second time, further stabilizing the flow of the rainwater, reducing the generation of turbulence, and increasing the flow velocity of the rainwater in the downpipe 30. Because the swirl plate 13 and the guide plate 12 are arranged alternately, the rainwater undergoes multiple rectifications within the guide shroud 10, and finally flows into the downpipe 30 in a relatively stable and high-speed state, effectively improving the drainage efficiency of the rainwater hopper 100.

[0032] like Figure 4 As shown, eight guide plates 12 and eight swirl plates 13 are spaced apart around the downpipe 30 at the center of the guide shroud 10. The angle between adjacent guide plates 12 and swirl plates 13 is 22.5°, allowing rainwater to be fully rectified within the guide shroud 10. When rainwater flows in from the opening on the side of the guide shroud 10, it is first divided into multiple flow directions by the guide plates 12. Then, when the rainwater in each flow direction passes through the swirl plates 13, it is guided by the secondary effect of the swirl plates 13, making the flow of rainwater more stable and reducing turbulence. At the same time, the arrangement of the swirl plates 13 also increases the flow velocity of rainwater in the downpipe 30, because after passing through the swirl plates 13, the rainwater rushes towards the downpipe 30 with a relatively concentrated force, thereby improving drainage efficiency. The rainwater hopper 100 maintains good drainage performance when dealing with rainwater inflow from different directions. Regardless of the direction from which the rainwater flows in, it can be effectively guided and rectified by the guide plate 12 and the swirl plate 13. In practical applications, the number and angle of the guide plate 12 and the swirl plate 13 can be flexibly adjusted according to specific drainage needs and roof structure to achieve the best drainage effect.

[0033] In some embodiments, multiple swirl plates 13 may be provided at intervals between every two adjacent guide plates 12. When the size of the guide shroud 10 is large or the distance between two adjacent guide plates 12 is large, the effect of setting only one swirl plate 13 on the rectification of rainwater is limited. The number of swirl plates 13 can be increased according to the actual situation to ensure that the rainwater flowing into the guide shroud 10 is fully rectified. The rectified rainwater has a more consistent movement state when it flows into the downpipe 30.

[0034] In some alternative embodiments, one side of the guide plate 12 is connected to the bottom of the body of the shroud 10, and the other side of the guide plate 12 is connected to the top of the body of the shroud 10; the height of the swirl plate 13 is less than the height of the guide plate 12 along the direction from the bottom to the top of the shroud 10.

[0035] Specifically, the guide plate 12 is connected between the top and bottom of the guide shroud 10. The height of the guide plate 12 is equal to the height of the water storage space inside the guide shroud 10. The height of the swirl plate 13 is less than the height of the guide plate 12, and also less than the height of the water storage space. The guide plate 12 and the swirl plate 13 perform secondary classification and rectification of the rainwater flowing into the guide shroud 10. The guide plate 12 first separates the rainwater flowing into the guide shroud 10 from different directions into various relatively independent fan-shaped spaces, and rectifyes them separately, so that the rainwater flowing into the guide shroud 10 from different directions all flows towards the central downpipe 30. The direction of the rainwater flow is uniformly directed towards the opening of the downpipe 30 in the center of the guide shroud 10. After being diverted by the guide plate 12, the rainwater is further adjusted by the swirl plate 13 at the bottom.

[0036] Furthermore, the height of the swirl plate 13 is 1 / 3 to 1 / 2 of that of the guide plate 12. When the rainwater flow rate is small and the flow velocity is low, it can more fully adjust the flow state of the rainwater. When the rainfall is large and the rainwater flow rate and flow velocity are large, it can change the flow state of the rainwater and reduce turbulence while having a smaller impact on the flow velocity and flow rate.

[0037] In addition, in some optional embodiments, the side of the diffuser 10 body is provided with a plurality of grid strips 14, one end of the grid strip 14 is connected to the top of the diffuser 10 body, and the other end of the grid strip 14 is connected to the bottom of the diffuser 10 body, and the plurality of grid strips 14 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the diffuser 10.

[0038] The main body of the flow guide hood 10 includes a top plate, a bottom plate, and grid bars 14. The grid bars 14 are arranged on the side of the main body of the flow guide hood 10 and connected between the top plate and the bottom plate. While rainwater enters the water storage space through the gaps between the grid bars 14, the grid bars 14 can also perform preliminary guidance and diversion of the rainwater, so that the rainwater can be evenly dispersed in all directions during the process of entering the flow guide hood 10, and filter out some garbage and debris washed by the rainwater, preventing these substances from entering the rainwater hopper 100 and causing blockage, which would affect the normal operation of the drainage system.

[0039] Additionally, in some alternative embodiments, the grid 14 deflects counterclockwise or clockwise along the direction from the top to the bottom of the shroud 10; and the deflector 12 and the swirl plate 13 deflect counterclockwise or clockwise along the direction from the edge to the center of the shroud 10.

[0040] Figures 2-4The diagram shows the front view and cross-sectional view of the flow deflector 10. The grid bars 14, guide plates 12, and swirl plates 13 all rotate at a certain angle, allowing rainwater flowing through the structure to acquire a certain rotational force. After entering the flow deflector 10, the rainwater forms a vortex under the action of the grid bars 14, guide plates 12, and swirl plates 13, and then enters the downpipe 30. Along the direction from the top to the bottom of the flow deflector 10, the grid bars 14 deflect counterclockwise or clockwise, and all the grid bars 14 are distributed parallel to each other on the side of the flow deflector 10, with each grid bar 14 rotating at the same angle. Simultaneously, along the direction from the edge to the center of the flow deflector 10, the guide plates 12 and swirl plates 13 also deflect counterclockwise or clockwise, with the same rotation angle. This, combined with the deflection direction of the grid bars 14, allows the rainwater to form an orderly vortex within the flow deflector 10, reducing turbulence and improving drainage efficiency. When the grid 14, the guide plate 12 and the swirl plate 13 rotate clockwise, the rainwater forms a clockwise vortex in the guide shroud 10. When the grid 14, the guide plate 12 and the swirl plate 13 rotate counterclockwise, the rainwater forms a counterclockwise vortex in the guide shroud 10.

[0041] In addition, in some alternative embodiments, the drain pipe 30 has an inner wall with ribs 31 on the inner wall. The ribs 31 protrude from the inner wall, and the extension direction of the ribs 31 forms an angle with the axial direction of the drain pipe 30. The ribs 31 are spiral in shape.

[0042] like Figure 5-6 As shown, the inner wall of the downpipe 30 is provided with spiral ribs 31. When rainwater falls down the downpipe 30, it flows along the ribs 31 under the guidance of the ribs 31, forming a spiral water flow. This keeps the rainwater in the downpipe 30 in a relatively stable flow state, increases the drainage speed, and changes the flow state of the rainwater, causing the rainwater to swirl down along the inner wall of the downpipe 30, reducing the friction and collision between the rainwater and the inner wall of the downpipe 30, thereby reducing noise and energy loss.

[0043] In some alternative embodiments, the deflector 12, swirl plate 13, grid 14 and rib 31 rotate in the same direction.

[0044] In this embodiment, after rainwater enters the rainwater hopper 100, it passes sequentially through the grid 14, guide plate 12, swirl plate 13, and rib 31. The grid 14, guide plate 12, swirl plate 13, and rib 31 all rotate in the same direction, forming a series of guiding structures. This causes the rainwater to deflect according to the rotation direction of the guiding structures, forming a spiral flow. This rectifys the turbulent rainwater, reduces collisions between the rainwater and the wall of the downpipe 30, increases the flow velocity, and reduces the noise generated by the rainwater flowing within the rainwater hopper 100. Since the guide plate 12, swirl plate 13, grid 14, and rib 31 rotate in the same direction, the rainwater receives consistent guidance within the guide hood 10 and the downpipe 30, avoiding flow turbulence and reduced drainage efficiency caused by inconsistent rotation directions.

[0045] In practical applications, the rotation direction of the guide plate 12, swirl plate 13, grid 14, and rib 31 is determined by the geographical location of the project, aligning with the direction of the Coriolis force generated by the Earth's rotation. When the project is located in the Northern Hemisphere, the rotation direction of the guide plate 12, swirl plate 13, grid 14, and rib 31 is counterclockwise; when the project is located in the Southern Hemisphere, the rotation direction is clockwise. This improves the applicability and drainage efficiency of the rainwater hopper 100 in different regions.

[0046] In some alternative embodiments, the end of the vent 20 away from the shroud 10 is bent and provided with a vent 21 facing the ground.

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, the vent pipe 20 is a curved pipe that extends from the top of the deflector 10 and bends 180°, so that the vent 21 of the vent pipe 20 faces the ground. This prevents debris falling from the roof from easily entering the vent pipe 20 and the downpipe 30 connected below it, thus reducing the frequency of clogging and maintenance of the rainwater collection system. At the same time, in strong winds, the ground-facing vent 21 effectively reduces the impact of wind on the airflow inside the vent pipe 20, ensuring stable ventilation.

[0048] In some alternative embodiments, the height of the vent 21 is not less than the roof overflow height.

[0049] The roof overflow height is the maximum height of water accumulation on the roof. Exceeding this height, rainwater will overflow the parapet wall and flow directly down. The height of the vent 21 of the vent pipe 20 must not be less than this height. The roof overflow height is determined by the upper edge of the overflow vent on the parapet wall, while the maximum overflow height is limited by the allowable water depth of the roof. The vent pipe 20 opening must not be lower than the upper edge of the overflow vent on the parapet wall to ensure that the vent 21 is always open and will not be submerged by roof water. When the vent 21 faces the ground, its elevation should be greater than the roof overflow height.

[0050] In some alternative embodiments, the vent 21 is provided with an insect-proof net.

[0051] Insect nets can prevent insects and other small animals from entering the ventilation tube 20 and causing blockage or affecting the ventilation effect. Insect nets can be net covers, plastic covers, silicone covers, etc.

[0052] This embodiment provides a rainwater hopper with a vent pipe at its top. The vent pipe connects the water storage space inside the rainwater hopper to the external environment. When the instantaneous flow rate inside the rainwater hopper is too high and affects air circulation, gas is supplied to the water storage space or positive pressure gas is discharged through the vent pipe. This ensures that the air pressure inside the water storage space is consistent with the external atmospheric pressure, preventing negative or positive pressure from forming within the water storage space and reducing pipe cavitation caused by negative pressure. Furthermore, a baffle plate rectifies the rainwater flow, ensuring a stable flow pattern, reducing turbulence, and increasing the flow velocity. This, in turn, enhances the drainage capacity of the gravity rainwater hopper and extends its service life.

[0053] In the early stages of rainfall, the grid, guide plate, and swirl plate sequentially rectify the rainwater entering the rainwater hopper. Under the guidance of the above structures, the water flows in a clockwise or counterclockwise rotating manner and merges into the downpipe. The spiral ribs inside can further guide the rainwater, thereby giving the rainwater a stable flow state and increasing the flow velocity.

[0054] As rainfall increases, the drainage volume of the rainwater system increases, resulting in a complex air-water mixture flow inside the pipes. During heavy rain or storms, when the system drains water rapidly, local positive or negative pressure may be generated inside the pipes. The vent pipe can discharge high-pressure air to prevent positive pressure from obstructing the downward flow of water, thereby accelerating the drainage speed and allowing the water to flow out smoothly. It also balances the air pressure to prevent the "water hammer" or "whistling" sound caused by the violent mixing of water and air inside the pipes. At the same time, it reduces pipe cavitation caused by negative pressure and extends the service life of the pipes.

[0055] Once the water depth reaches the top elevation of the drain hood, both the rainwater hopper and the pipes are in a full-flow state. As the water flows downwards, a negative pressure forms inside the pipes, creating air resistance and slowing the flow rate. The vent pipe opening is higher than the upper edge of the overflow outlet, ensuring that the rainwater drainage system remains open to the atmosphere during heavy rainfall exceeding the design return period. Air quickly enters the pipe, continuously replenishing the rainwater hopper, counteracting the negative pressure, and positive pressure is simultaneously discharged, balancing the positive and negative air pressures inside the pipes, eliminating air pressure resistance, and allowing water to flow downwards without resistance. This significantly improves the drainage capacity of the rainwater pipes, prevents water flow obstruction or siltation caused by "stuck air" in the pipes, and reduces the risk of roof flooding.

[0056] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0057] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this application, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A rainwater hopper, characterized in that, include: A flow guide cover includes a flow guide cover body and multiple flow guide plates. The flow guide cover body has a water storage space and an opening on the side of the flow guide cover body, which communicates with the water storage space. The flow guide plates are connected to the flow guide cover body and extend into the water storage space. The flow guide plates extend in a direction from the edge of the flow guide cover to the center, and multiple flow guide plates are distributed circumferentially along the flow guide cover. A vent pipe, one end of which is connected to the flow guide body and communicates with the water storage space, and the other end of which is used to communicate with the external environment; A downpipe is connected to the bottom of the guide shroud body and communicates with the water storage space.

2. The rainwater hopper according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow guide shroud also includes multiple swirling plates, which are connected to the bottom of the flow guide shroud body and extend into the water storage space. The swirling plates extend from the edge of the flow guide shroud to the center, and the swirling plates and the flow guide plates are alternately arranged along the circumference of the flow guide shroud.

3. The rainwater hopper according to claim 2, characterized in that, One side of the guide plate is connected to the bottom of the guide shield body, and the other side of the guide plate is connected to the top of the guide shield body; Along the direction from the bottom to the top of the shroud, the height of the swirl plate is 1 / 3 to 1 / 2 of the height of the shroud.

4. The rainwater hopper according to claim 3, characterized in that, The side of the fairing body is provided with multiple grid strips. One end of each grid strip is connected to the top of the fairing body, and the other end of each grid strip is connected to the bottom of the fairing body. The multiple grid strips are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the fairing.

5. The rainwater hopper according to claim 4, characterized in that, The grille deflects counterclockwise or clockwise along the direction from the top to the bottom of the fairing; Along the direction from the edge of the shroud to the center, the deflector and the swirl plate deflect counterclockwise or clockwise.

6. The rainwater hopper according to claim 5, characterized in that, The downpipe has an inner wall with ribs protruding from it. The ribs extend at an angle to the axial direction of the downpipe and are spiral-shaped.

7. The rainwater hopper according to claim 6, characterized in that, The guide plate, the swirl plate, the grid bar, and the rib rotate in the same direction.

8. The rainwater hopper according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end of the vent pipe away from the shroud is bent and has a vent, which faces the ground.

9. The rainwater hopper according to claim 8, characterized in that, The height of the vent shall not be less than the roof overflow height.

10. The rainwater hopper according to claim 8, characterized in that, The vent is equipped with an insect-proof net.

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