Device for the collection and controlled use of rainwater

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for the collection and controlled use of rainwater comprising an extendable capture surface (2) which, via manual or automated means, unfolds from an initial non-use position, housed in a casing (3), to a final extended position suitable for collecting water. The device further comprises a filtering system (14, 15) as a primary treatment of the water collected in the device (1) and, preferably, a control unit (13) that manages the automated unfolding of said capture surface (2), which can be programmed according to different weather conditions detected by a sensor (10), and stores data in the cloud. The capture surface (2) is waterproof or water-repellent, and the water runs into the casing (3) through a slot (3a) towards an inner collection gutter (16).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] DEVICE FOR THE CONTROLLED COLLECTION AND USE OF RAINWATER

[0003] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention, as stated in the present descriptive report, refers to a device for the collection and controlled use of rainwater that provides, to the function for which it is intended, advantages and characteristics, which are described in detail below.

[0005] The object of the present invention is a device whose purpose is to utilize rainwater by recovering and accumulating it through a collection surface that, manually or automatically, deploys and extends when it rains, collecting the water for use, either directly or stored in a tank. This device is particularly noteworthy for including, among other features, a filtration system for the collected water and, optionally, a self-cleaning system for the surface, as well as its treatment with hygienic properties. It also includes a control unit that, where applicable, manages the automatic deployment of the collection surface, allowing control of the quantity and quality of water collected and the storage of data on said collection in the cloud. This even allows for the use of the collected water for food purposes.Applicable in industrial, agricultural, and urban settings.

[0006] FIELD OF APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The field of application of the present invention falls within the technical sector concerning the industry dedicated to the manufacture of apparatus, systems and devices for the recovery and collection of rainwater, focusing particularly on extendable and automatic systems.

[0008] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION With reference to the current state of the art, it should be mentioned that, although rainwater collection systems are known, in most cases they are fixed installations without extension mechanisms that simply collect rainwater in some type of tank for storage and later use when it rains.

[0009] This means that these systems typically do not have a significant water collection capacity, since for this they would need a large catchment area which has the disadvantage of occupying a large unused space when it does not rain.

[0010] To solve this problem, a device for collecting and utilizing rainwater is known from document PCT / ES2016 / 070016, whose owner is the applicant of the present invention. This device basically comprises an impermeable and extendable collection surface that, through mechanical and / or motorized means, unfolds from an initial resting position in which it occupies minimal space, to a final extended position that covers a wide area suitable for collecting rainwater. It may also have a sensor that automatically activates motorized means for unfolding said surface.In its preferred embodiment, said device comprises a drawer or support structure, where the collection surface wound on a drum is housed and collected, and a carriage to which it is attached at its other end, so that it extends with the displacement of said carriage linked to articulated extension arms or guides and preferably supported by pillars with bearings.

[0011] While this device successfully achieves its objective of improving existing rainwater harvesting and utilization systems, it does present several areas for improvement. Specifically, there are aspects related to the quality of the collected water and the device's operating controls, as deploying the device is not always appropriate when it rains. For example, heavy rain, strong winds, or hail could damage the device.

[0012] More specifically, neither the aforementioned device nor those previously known or existing to date take into account the quality of the collected water when it comes into contact with contaminated surfaces. They also lack a hygienic collection surface to prevent contamination, as well as self-cleaning mechanisms to avoid contamination from any debris that may fall. Furthermore, they do not distinguish between clean rainwater and muddy rainwater that may fall under certain circumstances.

[0013] The objective of the present invention is, therefore, to provide an improved water collection and utilization device that has means and systems to control the type of water collected and ensure its quality so that it can be used in different applications, including food applications.

[0014] Furthermore, and with reference to the current state of the art, it should be noted that, at least as far as the applicant is concerned, there is no known device with technical, structural and constitutive characteristics equal to or similar to those claimed herein.

[0015] EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The device for the collection and controlled use of rainwater proposed by the invention is configured as an ideal solution to achieve the objectives indicated above, with the characterizing details that make it possible and that distinguish it being conveniently included in the final claims that accompany this description.

[0017] Specifically, what the invention proposes, as previously mentioned, is a device of the type that, in the manner already known from the aforementioned document, is formed from an extendable collection surface that, through manual or motorized means, is deployed to cover a wide area for collecting rainwater and allowing its use either directly or by transferring it to an accumulation tank, comprising for this purpose, in a preferred embodiment, a box or support structure, provided with a drum where the collection surface formed by a roll-up cover is housed and collected, there being a carriage fixed to its opposite end, so that, when a sensor detects rain, the collection surface is extended by the displacement of said carriage from an initial rest position where it is rolled up inside the box to a final water collection position where it is extended in front of the box.

[0018] And, based on this already known configuration, the device that is the subject of the present invention is distinguished, essentially, by the fact that it comprises, at least, a system for filtering the collected water as a primary treatment and, optionally, a self-cleaning system for the collection surface, as well as a treatment of the same with hygienic properties, to control the quality and hygiene of the collected water, even allowing the use of the collected water for food use, being, in any case, applicable in industrial, agricultural and urban areas.

[0019] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the invention where the drive is motorized, the device also comprises a control unit that manages the automatic deployment of the collection surface, allowing the management of when it opens and when it does not, to control the quantity and quality of water it collects according to the different weather conditions that may occur when it rains, as well as storing data in the cloud about said water collection.

[0020] More specifically, the control unit of the rainwater harvesting and management device, equipped with a timer and an algorithm for convenient programming, determines whether the motor that deploys the collection surface should be activated. This allows the device to be programmed to collect rainwater in the appropriate quantity and quality. For example, it is programmed to distinguish between the first rainwater and a light shower or a downpour. In all cases, it is programmed to maintain or return to its resting position in strong winds, hail, or other adverse weather conditions. Furthermore, the control unit enables the device to store rainfall data in the cloud and allow access to it, for example, through a dedicated app on any mobile device.

[0021] Furthermore, it is worth noting that, although the device will normally be activated by the rain sensor, it can optionally be activated remotely, thanks to the control unit's cloud connection.

[0022] Furthermore, as a filtration system for the collected water or primary treatment, the device specifically comprises two types of filters. An initial filter located at the water inlet to the device, and a final filter located at the outlet of said water for its use or transfer to the storage tank.

[0023] For this purpose, preferably, the collection surface, formed by the aforementioned roll-up cover, is arranged so that the water that falls on it, instead of accumulating in it and being collected from it for use, flows over said collection surface towards a gutter provided inside the box or support structure where it is rolled up, so that the collected water quickly ceases to be exposed to contamination, the first filter of said filtration system being installed at the water entrance to the box, behind the very slot through which said cover emerges and through which the water enters its interior.

[0024] For its part, the second filter is incorporated into an outlet drain provided at one end of the aforementioned gutter through which the water is conducted, thanks to the fact that its lower base has a certain downward slope towards said end, being from there conducted, through the corresponding conduit, either for direct use, or for accumulation in a tank or towards the rainwater drainage network.

[0025] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the groove through which the collection surface emerges includes a brush or similar element that serves as a self-cleaning system. Each time the cover forming the collection surface is extended and passes through the groove in the drawer, it is cleaned by rubbing against the brush. Optionally, this system also includes means for altering the surface to provide hygienic properties, such as a disinfectant diffuser.

[0026] Furthermore, although preferably the water penetrates the box, as it flows over the catchment surface, through the same slot through which said surface emerges, in one embodiment option, the existence of a gate is foreseen, specifically designed for said penetration of the water into the interior of the box being directed to the inner channel.

[0027] In any case, preferably, the cover forming the collection surface, although ideally waterproof, may alternatively be made of or impregnated with water-repellent material, thus facilitating the rapid runoff of rainwater as it falls on it towards the groove of the collection box. However, in any case, preferably, the surface, in its extended water collection position, should be slightly inclined downwards towards the groove of the collection box to further facilitate this flow of water into the groove.

[0028] The device's support structure or housing is preferably made of a watertight casing, especially since the collection surface is closed again after rain to prevent contamination of the collected water. Ideally, the carriage to which the distal end of the surface is attached for extension into the collection position has a rubber gasket that fits snugly against the housing in its resting position.

[0029] Ideally, the drawer also has a safety system consisting of a non-return valve or overflow to allow water to escape in case of excessive accumulation inside.

[0030] Finally, it should be noted that the device is intended for installation, preferably, on flat roofs – whether accessible or not – of buildings that, regardless of our system, wish to obtain a sustainability certificate, e.g., BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method). However, it can also be integrated into any other building and / or green area, as just another piece of urban infrastructure.

[0031] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] To complement the description being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, a sheet of drawings is attached to this descriptive memorandum as an integral part thereof, in which the following has been represented for illustrative and non-limiting purposes:

[0033] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an example of the device for the collection and controlled use of rainwater that is the subject of the invention, which has been represented with the collection surface in the extended water collection position, showing its general configuration and main parts;

[0034] Figure 2 shows a schematic front elevation view of the example device shown in Figure 1;

[0035] Figure number 3.- Shows a schematic top plan view of the example of the device shown in figures 1 and 2, in this case represented with the collection surface in a rolled position inside the box and showing some of the main internal elements represented in a dashed line;

[0036] Figure number 4.- Shows a schematic front elevation view of the device drawer, according to the example shown in the preceding figures, in this case represented without including the carriage or the collection surface, showing the main elements that it comprises internally, represented with a dashed line;

[0037] Figure 5 shows again a schematic perspective view of the drawer of the device of the invention, also without including the carriage or the collection surface, showing some of the main elements it comprises internally, represented with a dashed line; and

[0038] Figure number 6.- Shows another schematic perspective view of the device drawer, in this case an example of the same with a water inlet gate inside.

[0039] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0040] In view of the aforementioned figures, and in accordance with the numbering adopted, one can observe in them an example of a non-limiting embodiment of the device for the collection and controlled use of rainwater of the invention, which comprises what is described in detail below.

[0041] Thus, as can be seen in these figures, the device (1) of the invention is configured, essentially, from an extendable collection surface (2) which, through manual means (not shown) or automated means, such as a motor (6) linked to a rain sensor (10), is deployed from an initial rest position, in which it occupies a minimum space (Fig.3) housed in a drawer (3) or support structure, to a final extended position that covers an extension area suitable for collecting rainwater (Fig.

[0042] 1).

[0043] And, based on this already known configuration, the device is essentially distinguished by the particularity of comprising, at least, a filtration system (14, 15) that acts as a primary treatment of the rainwater collected in the device (1), and preferably also a control unit (13) that manages, where appropriate, the motor (6) or automatic deployment of said collection surface (2) and is programmable to manage its operation and control the quantity and quality of water collected according to different meteorological conditions captured by the sensor (10), as well as storing data in a cloud APP about said water collection,

[0044] In any case, preferably, the rainwater filtration system comprises two filters, an initial one (14), located at the water inlet to the device, and a final one (15), located at the water outlet of the device for use or transfer to a storage tank (not shown).

[0045] Preferably, the control unit (13) comprising the device (1) includes at least a programmable timer and algorithm to determine whether the motor (6) that deploys the collection surface (2) should be started based on various meteorological parameters. Furthermore, preferably, the control unit (13) has an internet communication module and, for example, via a dedicated app, is capable of remotely controlling the motor (6) or the automatic deployment of the device independently of the sensor signal (10).Preferably, in an embodiment where the catchment surface (2) is a rollable cover on a drum (4) housed inside the box (3) and emerging through a slot (3a) provided therein, a carriage (5) being fixed to its opposite end, so that the catchment surface (2) is extended by the displacement of said carriage (5) preferably supported on pillars with bearings (9), said catchment surface (2) is arranged so that the water falling on it flows into the inside of the box (3) where it is collected and from there redirected, for use or accumulation in a tank, through a water outlet conduit (11).

[0046] Preferably, as shown in the examples in Figures 1 and 5, the rainwater that falls and flows over the catchment surface (2) enters the box (3) through the slot (3a) through which the surface emerges.

[0047] However, in an alternative embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the rainwater that falls and flows over the catchment surface (2) enters the box (3) through a lower gate (3b), to which it is directed, for example, through an opening made for this purpose.

[0048] In any case, to facilitate the flow of water over said surface, preferably the catchment surface (2) is either made of impermeable material or of water-repellent material or of material covered with a treatment that makes it water-repellent.

[0049] And, preferably, inside the box (3) a channel (16) is provided for collecting the water that enters through the slot (3a) or through the gate (3b) from the catchment surface (2).

[0050] The gutter (16) has its lower base inclined towards one end where a drainage hole (17) is provided for the water which connects with the water outlet conduit (11), as can be clearly seen in figure 4.

[0051] It should be mentioned that, preferably, the carriage (5) is linked to articulated extension arms (7), or to two guides (8), both elements being represented in the same figure 1, although it should be understood that, generally, it includes either one or the other.

[0052] In any case, preferably, the initial filter (14) of the filtration system is installed at the water inlet in the box (3), after the slot (3a) or the gate (3b) through which it enters to fall into the gutter (16). And, the final filter (15) is incorporated into the drain (17) of the gutter (16). Both filters are shown more clearly in figures 3 and 5.

[0053] Furthermore, preferably, the groove (3a) of the drawer (3) through which the collection surface (2) emerges comprises a brush (18) as a self-cleaning system for said surface, by rubbing against it each time it is extended. Optionally, it may also comprise means for altering said surface with hygienic properties, for example, a disinfectant diffuser. The aforementioned brush (18) is clearly shown in Figure 4.

[0054] Preferably, the drawer (3) is a watertight housing except for the slot (3a) which is airtight with the carriage (5) in the closed rest position, which, in turn, has a rubber gasket (19) attached to its face that fits in front of the drawer (3) covering said slot (3a).

[0055] Finally, preferably, the drawer (3) includes a non-return valve or relief valve (20) as a safety system to allow water to escape in case of excessive accumulation inside.

[0056] Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as the manner of putting it into practice, it is not considered necessary to make its explanation more extensive so that any expert in the field can understand its scope and the advantages that derive from it.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Device for the collection and controlled use of rainwater comprising an extendable collection surface (2) which, by manual or automated means, such as a motor (6) linked to a rain sensor (10), is deployed from an initial rest position, in which it occupies a minimal space housed in a box (3) or support structure, to a final extended position which covers an area suitable for collecting rainwater, and wherein the collection surface (2) consists of a roll-up cover inside the box (3) and which emerges through a slot (3a) provided therein and wherein the water flowing over the collection surface (2) enters the box (3) through the slot (3a) itself or through a lower gate (3b); there being a carriage (5) fixed to its opposite end, such that the collection surface (2) is extended by the displacement of said carriage (5);where the catchment surface (2) is arranged so that the water falling on it flows into a channel (16) provided inside the box (3) where it is collected and from there redirected, for use or accumulation, through a water outlet conduit (11), and where the channel has its lower base inclined towards one end where a water drainage hole (17) is provided; a filtration system as primary treatment of rainwater collected in the device (1) comprising two filters, an initial one (14), located at the water inlet to the device, and a final one (15) located at the water outlet for its use or transfer to a storage tank; and where the device is characterized in that the initial filter (14) of the filtering system is installed at the water inlet in the drawer (3) after the slot (3a) or the gate (3b) through which it enters to fall into the gutter (16); and the final filter (15) is incorporated in the drain (17) of the gutter (16).

2. Device for the collection and controlled use of rainwater, according to claim 1, characterized in that, when it includes automated drive means, such as a motor (6) linked to a rain sensor (10), it comprises a control unit (13) that manages the automatic deployment of said collection surface (2) and is programmable to manage its drive and control the quantity and quality of water collected according to different meteorological conditions captured by the sensor (10), as well as storing data in a cloud APP about said water collection.

3. Device for the collection and controlled use of rainwater, according to claim 2, characterized in that the control unit (13) includes a programmable timer and algorithm to determine whether the motor (6) that deploys the collection surface (2) should be started or not based on different meteorological parameters.

4. Device for the collection and controlled use of rainwater, according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the control unit (13) has an internet communication module and is suitable for managing the remote operation of the device deployment automation independently of the sensor signal (10).

5. Device for the collection and controlled use of rainwater, according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that the collection surface (2) is made of impermeable material.

6. Device for the collection and controlled use of rainwater, according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the collection surface (2) is made of water-repellent material or covered with a treatment that makes it water-repellent.

7. Device for the collection and controlled use of rainwater, according to claim 1, characterized in that, in the groove (3a) of the box (3) through which the collection surface (2) emerges, it comprises a brush (18) as a self-cleaning system of said surface.

8. Device for the collection and controlled use of rainwater, according to claim 7, characterized in that it further comprises means for altering the collection surface (2) with hygienic properties, such as a disinfectant diffuser.

9. Device for the collection and controlled use of rainwater, according to any of claims 7 to 8, characterized in that the drawer (3) is a watertight casing except for the slot (3a) and the carriage (5) has a rubber gasket (19) attached to its face that fits in front of the drawer (3) covering said slot (3a).

10. Device for the collection and controlled use of rainwater, according to any of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the box (3) includes a non-return valve or overflow (20) as a safety system to allow the water to escape in case of excessive accumulation inside.

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