SYSTEM FOR REGULATING THE FLOW OF WATER

Abstract

 The present invention related to a system (1) for regulating the flow of water from a water container source, the system (1) comprising a water container (2) for holding water comprising a container inlet (8) adapted to receive water from the surroundings and a container outlet (10) adapted to release water to the surroundings, a regulation unit (3) arranged in an inner volume (9) of the water container (2), where the regulation unit (3) comprises a receptacle (15) having a unit inlet (21) adapted to receive water from the water container (2) and a unit outlet (22), a buoyancy device (24) comprising a first (27) and a second open end (28), a connecting piece (26) and a tube (25), wherein a first end (35) of the tube (25) is connected to the second open end (28) of the buoyancy device (24) and a second end (36) of the tube (25) is connected to the connecting piece (26), and wherein the connecting piece (26) interconnects the unit outlet (22) of the receptacle (15) and the container outlet (10) of the water container (2), wherein said buoyancy device (24) is adapted to float at the surface level of the water in the receptacle (15) and thus adapted to move vertically in the receptacle (15) relative to the surface level of water in the receptacle (15), and wherein the buoyancy device (24) comprises at least one opening (31,32) which is adapted to be below the surface level of the water in the receptacle (15) when the buoyancy device (24) floats at the surface level of the water. The present invention further relates to a regulation unit and a method regulating the flow of water.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for regulating the flow of water from a water container source, a regulation unit for regulating the flow of water and a method of regulating the flow of water from a water container source.

[0002] In recent years the concept of draining at least part of the rain water locally, e.g. on an industrial area or lot, instead of just releasing it to the public sewerage system, has gained increased interest, both as a result of economic and environmental concern. Managing the drainage locally, by e.g. regulating the flow of rainwater from the industrial area or lot, the sewerage system may be prevented from being overloaded in periods with large amounts of rain.

[0003] If managing the drainage of rainwater locally, certain flow ranges may need to be complied with, such as maximally 0.05 Us from a lot of 800-1200 m² in Denmark. The regulation of the flow of rainwater may be approached in different ways. One way may be by collecting rainwater in a container and draining the water through an outlet of a certain size, which results in a given flow of water. However, in order to eliminate variation in the flow of water as a function of the amount of water in the container, the water may be drained continuously from the surface level of the water. However, by draining the water from the surface level, there is a risk that the water outlet will be partly or completely clogged by impurities in the water.

[0004] To remedy the above-mentioned disadvantages, different systems have been provided. US 7,125,200 B1 relates to an apparatus for controlling the fluid flow rate from a drainage pond. The apparatus comprises a regulating system for providing regulation of the outlet flow rate of water from the drainage pond. The regulation system comprises a flow control module and a water-receiving module. Water from the pond is drained through the flow control module to the water-receiving module, which leads the water away from the pond. The flow control module may comprise an intake portion for leading water from the pond to the water-receiving module. The inlet end of the intake portion may be covered by a filter for stopping large debris. A flow control orifice is placed at the other end of the intake portion, where the size of the orifice determines the flow of water to the water-receiving module. The flow control module can move vertically relative to the water-receiving module in accordance with the position of the surface level of the water. Thus, the inlet end of the intake portion may thus be clogged by debris, whereby the flow of water away from the drainage pond may be affected.

[0005] Thus, known systems for regulating the flow of water do not provide a sufficiently low flow rate, and are sensitive to impurities in the water.

[0006] In accordance with the invention, there is provided a system for regulating the flow of water from a water container source, the system comprising

• a water container for holding water comprising a container inlet adapted to receive water from the surroundings and a container outlet adapted to release water to the surroundings,
• a regulation unit arranged in an inner volume of the water container, where the regulation unit comprises a receptacle having a unit inlet adapted to receive water from the water container and a unit outlet, a buoyancy device comprising a first and a second open end, a connecting piece and a tube, wherein a first end of the tube is connected to the second open end of the buoyancy device and a second end of the tube is connected to the connecting piece, and wherein the connecting piece interconnects the unit outlet of the receptacle and the container outlet of the water container,
• wherein said buoyancy device is adapted to float at the surface level of the water in the receptacle and thus adapted to move vertically in the receptacle relative to the surface level of water in the receptacle, and
• wherein the buoyancy device comprises at least one opening which is adapted to be below the surface level of the water in the receptacle when the buoyancy device floats at the surface level of the water.

[0007] Providing a regulation unit inside a water container, where a receptacle of the regulation unit isolates inter alia a buoyancy device and a tube from the surroundings, may be an advantage when a user is manipulating the inside of the water container e.g. when cleaning the inside of the water container, as the elements arranged in the inside of the receptacle is therefore not in risk of being damaged. Furthermore, providing the buoyancy device and a tube inside the inner volume of the receptacle has the advantage that turbulence in the water in the inner volume of the water container does not have an effect on the function of the elements inside the inner volume of the receptacle. Making use of a buoyancy device, which is adapted to float at the surface level of the water in the receptacle, ensures that water flows at a constant rate to the container outlet as the water flows from the surface level of the water.

[0008] Providing at least one opening, which is adapted to be below the surface level of the water, ensures that a constant flow of water is flowing through said at least one opening so that the flow may be predicted precisely. I.e. when said at least one opening is adapted to be below the surface level of the water, the maximum amount of water possible is constantly received by said at least one opening.

[0009] Providing a buoyancy device comprising a first open end, has the advantage that in case a large amount of water is introduced into the receptacle due to a large amount of water in the water container, the water may also flow out through the first open end of the buoyancy device so that the total amount of water flowing out from the receptacle may be increased.

[0010] Providing a connecting piece to interconnect the unit outlet of the receptacle and the container outlet of the water container may have the advantage that the regulation unit may be arranged in different types of water containers. I.e. the water container only has to be amended/adjusted to be able to receive the connecting piece and possibly a further element to help support and/or fix the regulation unit relative to the water container. The connecting piece may comprise a flexible or solid material. A solid material would provide easy mounting as the user only has to adjust the connecting piece relative to the container outlet of the water container. Furthermore, a solid material would ensure that the connecting piece is difficult to damage. As the connecting piece interconnects the unit outlet of the receptacle and the container outlet of the water container, the connecting piece may fit tightly in said unit outlet and said container outlet to prevent unintended water leakage. Alternatively, sealing material may be arranged between the connecting piece and the unit outlet of the receptacle and/or between the connecting piece and the container outlet of the water container. The sealing material may be an O-ring or have a different shape depending on the periphery of the connecting piece, the unit outlet of the receptacle and the container outlet of the water container, respectively.

[0011] The water container source may be a water reservoir and may as such be an open or closed water container/reservoir.

[0012] Thus, the present invention provides a solution, which results in a constant flow rate and which does not get contaminated.

[0013] In an embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the first open end of the buoyancy device can be larger than the cross-sectional area of the second open end of the buoyancy device. Therefore, orienting the buoyancy device such that said first open end is arranged above and the second open end is arranged below the surface level of the water, would increase the floating capability and stability of the buoyancy device at the surface level of the water. The floating capability and stability depends on the shape and size of the buoyancy device.

[0014] The buoyancy device may comprise the shape of a funnel.

[0015] In an embodiment, the unit inlet of the receptacle can comprise one or more inlet holes, the one or more inlet holes can have a width being shorter than the width of the at least one opening of the buoyancy device.

[0016] The one or more inlet holes of the unit inlet of the receptacle may e.g. have the shape as circular holes, square holes or may be many-sided. However, the inlet holes may also have an extended shape with a width and a length, where the length is larger than the width. Thus, having more than one inlet hole with an extended shape and being parallel with each other may result in that the unit inlet of the receptacle may have the shape as a grating.

[0017] Having a width of each of the one or more inlet holes that is shorter than the width of the at least one opening has the advantage that only impurities in the water in the inner volume of the water container, which have a width that is shorter than the width of the at least one opening, will pass the inlet holes. Thus, only impurities which will not clog the at least one opening will reach the at least one opening.

[0018] As a result, the one or more inlet holes of the unit inlet of the receptacle may collect impurities above a certain size from the water. Thus, said unit inlet may be cleaned regularly e.g. by use of a broom or similar. As the receptacle isolates the buoyancy device and the tube, the cleaning of the unit inlet of the receptacle will not have an effect on the buoyancy device and the tube arranged inside the receptacle.

[0019] Thus, a system is provided which prevents impurities from affecting the flow of water out of the water container, and which provides an easy way of carrying out maintenance.

[0020] In an embodiment, the total cross-sectional area of the unit inlet of the receptacle can be larger than the total cross-sectional area of the at least one opening of the buoyancy device. The width of said at least one inlet hole in the unit inlet may, as stated previously, be smaller than the width of said at least one opening. Thus, impurities of a size that may clog the at least one opening will be caught by the unit inlet and thus the one or more inlet holes. Therefore, the unit inlet and thus the one or more inlet holes may be clogged with time and have to be cleaned e.g. by use of a broom. Advantageously, the total cross-sectional area of the unit inlet may be made larger than the total cross-sectional area of said at least one opening so that a large amount of impurities may be caught by the unit inlet before the flow of water through said at least one opening is affected. The cross-sectional area of the unit inlet may be twice as large as the total cross-sectional area of the at least one opening, or at least ten times as large, or even larger - of course depending on the required flow of water and of the size of the receptacle.

[0021] In an embodiment, the unit inlet of the receptacle can be arranged vertically below the container inlet and/or container outlet of the water container. Providing the unit inlet below the container inlet and/or container outlet of the water container has the advantage that the unit inlet of the receptacle is arranged below the surface level of the water in the water container when the system is operated, so that the unit inlet does not come in contact with the upper surface of the water where most of the impurities are situated. Thus, the level of clogging of the unit inlet of the receptacle is limited.

[0022] In an embodiment, the buoyancy device can comprise two or more openings, said openings can be arranged symmetrically in relation to a longitudinal axis of the buoyancy device. Providing a buoyancy device comprising two or more openings instead of just one may increase the mechanical strength of the buoyancy device. In case only one opening is provided in the buoyancy device, the mechanical strength of the buoyancy device may decrease with an increase in size of the opening and the buoyancy device may deform. A deformation may have an effect on the functioning of the buoyancy device such as on the outlet flow rate. Thus, having two or more openings in the buoyancy device may be advantageous.

[0023] Arranging the two or more openings symmetrically in relation to a longitudinal axis of the buoyancy device may facilitate that the buoyancy device floats with more stability in the water.

[0024] In an embodiment, the buoyancy device can be produced with a preset number of openings. The user may therefore open the preset number of openings depending on the desired flow rate of water out of the receptacle. Thus, only one type of buoyancy device has to be produced, which may reduce the difficulty and expenses in producing the buoyancy device.

[0025] A longitudinal axis of the buoyancy device may be defined as a longitudinal axis of the buoyancy device as a whole, or as a centre axis of the first and/or second open end of the buoyancy device depending on whether the axes of the first and second open end of the buoyancy device are coincident or not.

[0026] In an embodiment, the flow rate of water from the water container can be between 0.01 Us and 3 Us. Currently in Denmark, the flow rate of water from a lot of 800-1200 m² is restricted to maximally 0.05 Us. Thus, advantageously the flow rate of water from the water container and thus from the regulation unit may be as low as 0.01 L/s. However, at peak periods with large amounts of water in the water container, a larger flow of water is desired, such as 3 L/s or even larger. A flow rate of 0.1 Us may be achieved by applying three circular openings with a diameter of 8 mm.

[0027] In an embodiment, the regulation unit can further comprise a floating unit being connected to the buoyancy device, where the floating unit can comprise a density lower than the density of the water.

[0028] In an embodiment, the floating unit can be connected to the first open end of the buoyancy device and can be adapted to at least in part cover said first open end.

[0029] In case the flow of water into the water container and therefore into the regulation unit is large, the regulation unit may become completely or almost completely filled with water for which reason the buoyancy device reaches an upper position in the receptacle, if the at least one opening is not designed to receive water at the same rate as is being introduced into the water container. In such a case, the water will surround the buoyancy device and come in contact with the first open end of the buoyancy device, which first open end will also receive the water. A floating unit may be arranged at the first open end of the buoyancy device and comprise a shape so that the flow of water into said first open end can be regulated to a predefined maximum flow rate. Said flow of water may be regulated to e.g. a factor of ten or by ten percent relative to what is received through the at least one opening, or may completely cover said first open end. However, it is foreseen within the present invention that the predefined maximum flow rate may of course be varied.

[0030] The floating unit may have a shape that supports the desired predefined maximum flow rate, i.e. that the floating unit may have a similar shape as said first open end of the floating unit if said first open end is to be blocked completely, or may comprise holes or have a shape different from the inner periphery of said first open end, if a flow of water is to be received by said first open end.

[0031] The density of the floating unit may be lower than the density of water such that in a case where the buoyancy device is surrounded by water, the buoyancy device and tube do not drop to the lower end of the receptacle, but is kept at the upper end by the floating unit. Without a floating unit, the buoyancy device and tube may drop to the lower end of the receptacle, and not float on said surface level, before the surface level has dropped to the lower end of the receptacle. In the period in between, the regulation unit would not function correctly.

[0032] In an embodiment, the buoyancy device can have a density lower than water, so that the buoyancy device would not risk dropping to the lower end of the receptacle if surrounded by water.

[0033] Thus, the present invention provides a system that may regulate the flow of water in situations with large amounts of water.

[0034] In an embodiment, the regulation unit can comprise a weight. The weight may be arranged adjacent the second open end of the buoyancy device. Providing a regulation unit comprising a weight has the advantage that the buoyancy device may be lowered further into the water without sinking than without the weight, which may increase the stability of the buoyancy device floating on the upper surface of the water. Furthermore, making use of a weight may ensure that the at least one opening is kept under the surface level of the water and thus receives a constant flow of water without being affected by e.g. turbulence in the water.

[0035] The weight may be produced of a material and of a weight and shape which depends on the density of the water, the size and shape of the buoyancy device, the material of the buoyancy device, and on the position of the at least one opening, so that the buoyancy device may maintain stable in the water and the at least one opening is kept below the surface level of the water.

[0036] In an embodiment, the tube can comprise a flexible material. This may facilitate that the buoyancy device floats freely on the upper surface of the water without being limited in movement by the tube. Therefore, the buoyancy device adjust instantly relative to a disturbance in the water. Providing a flexible tube may also result in that the buoyancy device may easily move from an upper position to a lower position in the receptacle without being limited or manipulated by the tube, but that the tube arranges itself in the receptacle depending on the level of water in the receptacle as it may flow freely in the water without affecting the flow capacity of the regulation unit. It is foreseen within the present invention that the tube may comprise a solid material and may comprise a telescopic arrangement such that it allows the buoyancy device to move vertically relative to the surface level of water in the receptacle.

[0037] In an embodiment, the regulation unit can be arranged releasably in the water container. The regulation unit may comprise a clicking system or locking system for mounting the regulation unit in a releasable manner in the water container. The clicking or locking system may comprise a first element arranged on the receptacle and a second element arranged on the inner wall of the water container, the first and second element being adapted to engage each other in a releasable manner such that the regulation unit is fixed relative to the water container when the first and second element engage each other, and such that the regulation unit and the water container may be released from each other again. A first element on the receptacle may be arranged at the bottom or side part of the receptacle. Arranging the regulation unit releasably in the water container has the advantage that the regulation unit may easily and fast be demounted/released from the water container if the regulation unit is to be replaced or temporarily removed. Thus, the regulation unit may be removed without use of tools. Thus, a minimal stop of operation is required if work is to be done on the regulation unit or water container. The regulation unit may therefore be fixed relative to the container by the clicking or locking system and by the connecting piece jointly.

[0038] In an embodiment, the system can comprise a sand trap. The water container may comprise the sand trap. The sand trap may be arranged at the bottom of the water container below the regulation unit so that the regulation unit is not affected by the sand trap. Thus, the sand trap may accumulate at one position in the water container, and may easily be removed from the water container without affecting the regulation unit.

[0039] In an embodiment, the water can be rainwater. Instead of just releasing the rainwater to the public sewerage system, an interest for draining the rainwater locally has increased, both as a result of economic and environmental concern.

[0040] In accordance with the invention, there is further provided a regulation unit for regulating the flow of water, said regulation unit comprising

• a receptacle having a unit inlet adapted to receive water from the surroundings and a unit outlet,
• a buoyancy device comprising a first and a second open end,
• a connecting piece, and
• a tube, wherein a first end of the tube is connected to the second open end of the buoyancy device and a second end of the tube is connected to the connecting piece, and wherein the connecting piece interconnects the unit outlet of the receptacle with the surroundings,
• wherein said buoyancy device is adapted to float at the surface level of the water in the receptacle and thus adapted to move vertically in the receptacle relative to the surface level of water in the receptacle, and
• wherein the buoyancy device comprises at least one opening which is adapted to be below the surface level of the water in the receptacle when the buoyancy device floats at the surface level of the water.

[0041] In an embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the first open end of the buoyancy device can be larger than the cross-sectional area of the second open end of the buoyancy device.

[0042] In accordance with the invention, there is further provided a method of regulating the flow of water from a water container source, the method comprising the steps of

• providing a water container comprising a container inlet and a container outlet,
• providing a regulation unit in an inner volume of the water container, where the regulation unit comprises a receptacle having a unit inlet and a unit outlet, a buoyancy device comprising a first and a second open end, a connecting piece and a tube, wherein a first end of the tube is connected to the second open end of the buoyancy device and a second end of the tube is connected to the connecting piece, and wherein the connecting piece interconnects the unit outlet of the receptacle and the container outlet of the water container,
• providing a flow of water from the surroundings to the container inlet of the water container so that water is introduced in the inner volume of the water container,
• exposing the unit inlet of the receptacle to the water, whereby water is introduced in an inner volume of the receptacle,
• releasing water from the inner volume of the receptacle via the buoyancy device, through the tube and connecting piece to the container outlet of the water container,
• wherein releasing water from the inner volume of the receptacle comprises said buoyancy device floating at the surface level of the water in the receptacle thus moving vertically in the receptacle relative to the surface level of water in the receptacle, and
• the water being released to the tube through at least one opening in the buoyancy device, said at least one opening being adapted to be below the surface level of the water in the receptacle when the buoyancy device floats at the surface level of the water.

[0043] The structure and function of the system for regulating the flow of water from a water container source and the method of using it will be described in more detail below with references to exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings wherein,
Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the system for regulating the flow of water from a water container source, where the buoyancy device is at an upper position in the receptacle.
Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of the system for regulating the flow of water from a water container source, where the buoyancy device is at a lower position in the receptacle.
Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of where the receptacle is arranged releasably in the water container.
Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of the buoyancy device in a cross-sectional view seen from the side.
Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of the buoyancy device in a cross-sectional view seen from the top.

[0044] In the figures, embodiments of the regulation unit are illustrated together with the water container. The person skilled in the art will understand that the illustrated dimension of the regulation unit relative to the water container is not to be understood as exhaustive and that one size of regulation unit can be used with several different sizes of water containers. Furthermore, the skilled person will understand that the illustrated dimension of the buoyancy device and tube relative to the receptacle of the regulation unit is not to be understood as exhaustive and that different sizes of receptacles can be used with several different sizes of buoyancy devices and tubes.

[0045] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of the system for regulating the flow of water from a water container source 1, where the buoyancy device is at an upper position in the receptacle.

[0046] The system 1 for regulating the flow of water from a water container source may comprise a water container 2 and a regulation unit 3. The water container 2 may comprise an elongated shape with a first 4, second 5, third (not shown) and fourth (not shown) side part and a top 6 and bottom part 7. However, the water container 2 may e.g. also comprise a cylindrical shape and/or not be elongated. Different shapes and sizes of the water container 2 are foreseen within the present invention. The width/diameter of said system 1 and thus of the water container 2 may be as low as 0.42 m and is therefore easy to install at most locations.

[0047] The water container 2 may comprise a container inlet 8 for introducing water from the surroundings into an inner volume 9 of the water container 2 and a container outlet 10 for releasing water to the surroundings. The container inlet 8 may be arranged vertically above the container outlet 10 of the water container 2.

[0048] The container outlet 10 of the water container 2 is illustrated as comprising a curved part 11 followed by a straight part 12, so that said container outlet 10 may function as a water seal. Arranging the container inlet 8 above the container outlet 10 ensures that the water seal may function by having water in the curved part 11 of the container outlet 10 and thus sealing the container outlet 10 after the water has reached a lower water level 13 for the first time.

[0049] The inner side 14 of the bottom part 7 of the water container 2 may function as a sand trap, so that sand and other impurities may sink and accumulate at said inner side 14. The regulation unit 3 may be arranged above said inner side 14 of the bottom part 7 so that the regulation unit 3 is not in risk of coming into contact with the sand and/or other impurities located at said inner side 14 of the bottom part 7 of the water container 2. At regular intervals, the water container 2 may be opened e.g. by removing the top part 6 of the water container 2 or by opening/removing a door/opening in the side 4, 5 or top part 6 of the water container 2 so that the water container 2 may be entered e.g. by a tube to suck out the contents of the sand trap. By arranging the sand trap at the inner side 14 of the bottom part 7 of the water container 2 and arranging the regulation unit 3 away from said inner side 14, the regulation unit 3 is not in risk of being damaged by work with removing the contents of the sand trap.

[0050] The regulation unit 3 may be arranged inside the inner volume 9 of the water container 2. The regulation unit 3 may comprise a receptacle 15 which may comprise an elongated shape with a first 16, second 17, third (not shown) and fourth (not shown) side part and a top 18 and bottom part 19. However, the receptacle 15 may e.g. also comprise a cylindrical shape and/or not be elongated. Different shapes and sizes of the water container 2 are foreseen within the present invention. The top part 18 of the receptacle 15 may be a plate with bent sides such as a hat as also illustrated in Fig. 1, which may be removed. In a case of maintenance of the regulation unit 3, the inner volume 20 of the receptacle 15 may therefore easily and quickly be entered.

[0051] The receptacle 15 of the regulation unit 3 may comprise a unit inlet 21 adapted to receive water from the inner volume 9 of the water container 2 and introduce the water into the inner volume 20 of the regulation unit 3, and a unit outlet 22. The unit inlet 21 of the receptacle 14 may be arranged on one of the side parts 16, 17 of the receptacle 15, however, other locations such as on the bottom part 19 of the receptacle 15 is foreseen within the present invention.

[0052] The unit inlet 21 of the receptacle 15 may be arranged vertically below the container inlet 8 and/or the container outlet 10 of the water container 2 such that said unit inlet 21 may be correctly located below the surface level of the water in the water container 2 after the initial introduction of the water into the water container 2 to a level above said unit inlet 21 of the receptacle 15. Thus, said unit inlet 21 may not come into contact with the surface level of the water in the water container 2, which is an advantage as the largest part of the impurities in the water is located in or near said surface level of the water.

[0053] The unit inlet 21 of the receptacle 15 may comprise one or more inlet holes 23. The one or more inlet holes 23 may comprise an elongated shape with a width and a length, where the length may be larger than the width. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the one or more inlet holes 23 comprising an elongated shape may together form a grating with the inlet holes 23 extending in a vertical direction. Thus, the user may clean the unit inlet 21 of the receptacle 15 by use of e.g. a broom or similar after having removed the top part 6 of the water container 2 or by opening/removing a door/opening in the side 4, 5 or top part 6 of the water container 2, without damaging the regulation unit 3.

[0054] The regulation unit 3 may further comprise a buoyancy device 24, a tube 25 and a connecting piece 26 arranged in the inner volume 20 of the regulation unit 3.

[0055] The buoyancy device 24 may comprise a first open end 27 and a second open end 28 where the cross-sectional area of the first open end 27 may be larger than the cross-sectional area of the second open end 28. The buoyancy device 24 may therefore float freely on the surface level of the water with said first open end 27 being above the surface level of the water and the second open end 28 being below the surface level of the water. The first open end 27 of the buoyancy device 24 may be defined by a collar 29 with the shape of a cylinder with open ends as illustrated in Fig. 1 or comprise two or more sides, where the two or more sides may be parallel. Towards said second open end 28 of the buoyancy device 24, the buoyancy device 24 narrows and may be defined by a member 30 with the shape of a cylinder with open ends as illustrated in Fig. 1 or comprise two or more sides, where the two or more sides may be parallel. However, within the present invention it is foreseen that the buoyancy device 24 may have other shapes. The buoyancy device 24 may e.g. not comprise a collar 29, but instead sides that narrow constantly towards the second open end 28 of the buoyancy device 24. It is foreseen within the present invention that the buoyancy device 24 may comprise a shape where the cross-sectional area of the first open end 27 is equal to or smaller than the cross-sectional area of the second open end 28. In such a case, the buoyancy device 24 may not in itself float in the surface level of the water due to its shape and/or may not be stable on the surface level of the water, but may be provided with one or more floating elements which stabilise the buoyancy device 24 and maintain it at the surface level of the water.

[0056] The longitudinal axis of the first open end 27 of the buoyancy device 24 may extend in a different direction than the longitudinal axis of the second open end 28 of the buoyancy device 24, or may be parallel with, but not coincide with, the longitudinal axis of the second open end 28 of the buoyancy device 24, which is illustrated in Fig. 1. Thus, the longitudinal axis of said second open end 28 may be positioned away from the side of the receptacle 15 in which the unit outlet 22 is located, such that there is minimal risk of collision with said unit outlet 22, and such that the tube 25 is exposed to minimal stress.

[0057] The buoyancy device 24 may comprise at least one opening. In the embodiment of Fig. 1, a first 31, second 32 and third (not shown) opening is provided in the collar 29 of the buoyancy device 24. Said openings 31, 32 may be adapted to be below the surface level of the water in the receptacle 15 such that a maximal and constant flow of water through said openings 31, 32 is achieved. The width of said openings 31, 32 may be larger than the width of the one or more inlet holes 23 in the receptacle 15 such that impurities in the inner volume 9 of the water container 2 will not clog said openings 31, 32 of the buoyancy device 24. Furthermore, the total cross-sectional area of the unit inlet 21 and thus of the inlet holes 23 may be larger than the total cross-sectional area of said openings 31, 32 of the buoyancy device 24.

[0058] A weight 33 may be arranged on the buoyancy device 24 to lower the buoyancy device 24 further into the water than would be possible without the weight 33. Thus, the stability of the buoyancy device 24 when it is floating on the surface level of the water may be increased, and may ensure that the first 31, second 32 and third openings are kept under the surface level of the water and thus receives a constant flow of water, and is thus minimally affected by e.g. turbulence in the water.

[0059] Therefore, the weight 33 may be produced of a material and of a weight and shape which depends on the density of the water, the size and shape of the buoyancy device 24, the material of the buoyancy device 24, and on the position of said openings 31, 32, so that the buoyancy device 24 may maintain stable in the water and said openings 31, 32 are below the surface level of the water.

[0060] The buoyancy device 24 may comprise a floating unit 34 such as to ensure that the buoyancy device 24 may not accidentally drop towards the bottom part 19 of the receptacle 15 in case the buoyancy device 24 is surrounded with water, which may result in that it loses its capability to float. Thus, the floating unit 34 may have a buoyance to keep both the buoyancy device 24 and the tube 25 floating. The shape of the outer periphery of the floating unit 34 may be similar to the inner periphery of the first open end 27 of the buoyancy device 24, and the size may be equal to or smaller than for the buoyancy device 24. In such a case, the user may arrange the floating unit 34 inside said first open end 27 such that no water will flow through the first open end 27 if the user wants the flow of water to remain constant at all times. Alternatively, the user may arrange the floating unit 34 such that it does not block completely said first open end 27, but is arranged vertically above the buoyancy device or adjacent to the outer surface of said first open end 27. Thus, the floating unit 34 may block said first open end 27 in part relative to what the flow of water into said first open end 27 should be e.g. an increase of 10% relative to the flow of water through said openings 31, 32 of the buoyancy device 24, or not block the first open end 27 at all if the maximum possible flow of water out of the water container is desired. The situation where the floating unit 34 does not block said first open end 27 may be obtained by the floating unit 34 having a size smaller than said first open end 27, or a shape, which is different from the shape of said first open end 27. The floating unit 34 may be connected to the buoyance device 24 by use of a bolt 34' or similar type of extended member to fix the floating unit 34.

[0061] The tube 25 may comprise a flexible and water-impermeable material. The tube 25 may be open in both a first 35 and a second end 36. The first end 35 of the tube 25 may be connected to the second open end 28 of the buoyancy device 24 in a water tight manner such that water only enters the first end 35 of the tube 25 via the buoyancy device 24. The second end 36 of the tube 25 may be connected to the connecting piece 26 in a watertight manner such that water only exits said second end 36 of the tube 25 and through the connecting piece 26. The tube 25 may have a length such that the buoyancy device 24 is allowed to move vertically in the receptacle 15 without being effected by the tube 25.

[0062] The connecting piece 26 may interconnect the unit outlet 22 of the receptacle 15 and the container outlet 10 of the water container 2. The connecting piece 26 may therefore lead water received from the tube 25 to the container outlet 10. The connecting piece 26 may fit tightly in said unit outlet 22 and said container outlet 10 so as to prevent unintended water leakage. Sealing material may be arranged between the connecting piece 26 and the unit outlet 22 of the receptacle 15 and/or between the connecting piece 26 and the container outlet 10 of the water container 2. The sealing material may be an O-ring or have a different shape depending on the periphery of the connecting piece 26, the unit outlet 22 of the receptacle 15 and the container outlet 10 of the water container 2, respectively. Said container outlet 10 may also comprise a coupling/coupler 37 e.g. arranged at the connection point between the water container 2 and the container outlet 10. The coupling/coupler 37 may be water impermeable and comprise a centre opening 38, which fits in size with the outer periphery of the connecting piece 26, such that a watertight seal may exist between the coupling/coupler 37 and the connecting piece 26, and between the coupling/coupler 37 and the container outlet 10.

[0063] The connecting piece 26 may comprise a flexible or solid material. A solid material may provide easy mounting of the regulation unit 3 in the water container 2 as the user does not have to adjust the connecting piece 26 relative to the container outlet 10 and/or coupling/coupler 38 of the water container 2. Furthermore, a solid material would ensure that the connecting piece 26 is difficult to damage.

[0064] In Fig. 1, the buoyance device 24 is illustrated as being located at the top part 18 of the receptacle 15, and is therefore located at a top position in the receptacle 15. Thus, the water level in the receptacle 15 may be between a first level 39 in which the buoyance device 24 when floating freely on the surface level of the water reaches the top part 18 of the receptacle 15, and a second level 40 or above in which the receptacle 15 is completely filled with water. In the embodiment of Fig. 1, the buoyance device 24 is illustrated as comprising a floating unit 34, which is arranged in and blocking the first open end 27 of the buoyance device 24. Thus, the buoyance device 24 may only receive water from the inner volume 20 of the receptacle 15 through the openings 31, 32 and will not drop towards the bottom part 19 of the receptacle 15 due to the floating unit 34. The water may reach the illustrated first 39 or second level 40 in a period of a large flow of water via the container inlet 8 to the inner volume 9 on the water container 2. Thus, the water will flow through the openings 31, 32 of the buoyance device 24 via the tube 25 and connecting piece 26 through the container outlet 10 to the surroundings.

[0065] Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of the system 1 for regulating the flow of water from a water container source, where the buoyancy device 24 is at a lower position in the receptacle 15. For the similar parts, similar reference numbers are used.

[0066] In Fig. 2, the water level has reached a third level 41. This third level 41 may be reached by e.g. dropping from the first level 39 as illustrated in Fig. 1. The drop from the first level 39 to the third level 41 may take place when the flow of water into the inner volume 9 of the water container 2 is lower than the flow of water out of the water container 2 via the regulation unit 3. When the surface level of the water has reached the third level 41, the flow of water out of the water container stops. The reason for the stop of water flow out of the water container 2 is the shape and position of the container outlet 10. The container outlet 10 may comprise a curved part 11 followed by a straight part 12, so that said container outlet 10 may function as a water seal.

[0067] In the embodiment of Fig. 2, the water fills part of the curved part 11 of the container outlet 10 up to a lower edge 42 of the straight part 12 of the container outlet 10, so that no water flows out of the water container 2.

[0068] Fig. 3 shows an embodiment where the receptacle 15 may be arranged releasable in the water container 2. For similar parts as in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, similar reference numbers are used. Furthermore, the buoyancy device 24 and the tube 25 are not shown for simplicity.

[0069] In Fig. 3, the regulation unit 15 is illustrated in both solid and broken lines. The regulation unit 3 illustrated in solid lines is the situation where the regulation unit 3 is fixed to the water container 2 and therefore in operational mode, while the illustration in broken lines is the situation where the regulation unit 3 is being removed or installed in the inner volume 9 of the water container 2.

[0070] A clicking or locking system 43 may be located in the bottom part 19 of the receptacle 15. The clicking or locking system 43 may comprise a first element arranged on the receptacle 15 and a second element arranged on an inner wall 44 of the water container 2 and may be a rod or plate or other elongated member extending from said inner wall 44 towards the centre of the water container 2. The first and second element may be adapted to engage each other in a releasable manner such that the regulation unit 3 is fixed relative to the water container 2 when the first and second element engage each other, and such that the regulation unit 3 and the water container 2 may be released from each other again. The first element may be arranged on the bottom part 19 of the receptacle 15 and may be a recess whereas the second element may be a protrusion. Arranging the regulation unit 3 releasably in the water container 2 has the advantage that the regulation unit 3 may easily and fast be demounted/released from the water container 2 if the regulation unit 3 is to be replaced or temporarily removed. Thus, a minimal stop of operation is required if the regulation unit 3 or water container 2 is to be e.g. repaired. The regulation unit 3 may therefore be fixed/carried relative to the water container 2 by the clicking or locking system 43 and by the connecting piece 26, jointly.

[0071] Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of the buoyancy device 24 in a cross-sectional view seen from the side. For similar parts as shown in Fig. 1-3, similar reference numbers are used.

[0072] In Fig. 4, a first 31, second 32 and third (not shown) opening is provided in the collar 29 of the buoyancy device 24. Said openings 31, 32 may be symmetrically arranged relative to a central axis A of the first open end 27 of the buoyancy device 24 as illustrated in Fig. 4. However, it is foreseen within the present invention that said openings 31, 32 may also/instead be symmetrically arranged relative to a central axis B of the second open end 28 of the buoyancy device 24, or not be symmetrically arranged at all if the size and number of said openings 31,32 do not compromise the stability of the buoyancy device 24.

[0073] Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of the buoyancy device 24 in a cross-sectional view seen from the top. For similar part as in the previous Figs., similar reference numbers are used.

[0074] In Fig. 5, the weight 33 is shown as comprising a shape that allows it to be located inside the collar 29 of the buoyancy device 24. Thus, the weight 33 comprises a first straight edge 45, a first 46 and second curved edge 47 which follow the inner periphery 48 of the collar 29 and a third curved edge 49, which follow the curvature of the second open end 28 of the buoyancy device 24. However, other shapes and sizes of the weight are foreseen within the present invention. The weight may be fixed to the collar 29 of the buoyancy device 24 by at least one, but in the embodiment of Fig. 5 by a first 50 and a second bolt 51 each introduced through an opening 50', 51' in the collar 29 into an opening 50",51" in the weight 33.

[0075] Modifications and combinations of the above principles and designs are foreseen within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. System (1) for regulating the flow of water from a water container source, the system (1) comprising

- a water container (2) for holding water comprising a container inlet (8) adapted to receive water from the surroundings and a container outlet (10) adapted to release water to the surroundings,

- a regulation unit (3) arranged in an inner volume (9) of the water container (2), where the regulation unit (3) comprises a receptacle (15) having a unit inlet (21) adapted to receive water from the water container (2) and a unit outlet (22), a buoyancy device (24) comprising a first (27) and a second open end (28), a connecting piece (26) and a tube (25), wherein a first end (35) of the tube (25) is connected to the second open end (28) of the buoyancy device (24) and a second end (36) of the tube (25) is connected to the connecting piece (26), and wherein the connecting piece (26) interconnects the unit outlet (22) of the receptacle (15) and the container outlet (10) of the water container (2),
characterised in that

- said buoyancy device (24) is adapted to float at the surface level of the water in the receptacle (15) and thus adapted to move vertically in the receptacle (15) relative to the surface level of water in the receptacle (15), and

- wherein the buoyancy device (24) comprises at least one opening (31,32) which is adapted to be below the surface level of the water in the receptacle (15) when the buoyancy device (24) floats at the surface level of the water.

2. System (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the cross-sectional area of the first open end (27) of the buoyancy device (24) is larger than the cross-sectional area of the second open (28) end of the buoyancy device (24).

3. System (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the unit inlet (21) of the receptacle (15) comprises one or more inlet holes (23), the one or more inlet holes (23) having a width being shorter than the width of the at least one opening (31,32) of the buoyancy device (24).

4. System (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the total cross-sectional area of the unit inlet (21) of the receptacle (15) is larger than the total cross-sectional area of the at least one opening (31,32) of the buoyancy device (24).

5. System (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the unit inlet (21) of the receptacle (15) is arranged vertically below the container inlet (8) and/or container outlet (10) of the water container (2).

6. System (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the buoyancy device (24) comprises two or more openings (31,32), said openings (31,32) being arranged symmetrically in relation to a longitudinal axis of the buoyancy device (24).

7. System (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the flow rate of water from the water container (2) is between 0.01 Us and 3 L/s.

8. System (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the regulation unit (3) further comprises a floating unit (34) being connected to the buoyancy device (24), where the floating unit (34) comprises a density lower than the density of the water.

9. System (1) according to claim 8, characterised in that the floating unit (34) is connected to the first open end (27) of the buoyancy device (24) and is adapted to at least in part cover said first open end (27).

10. System (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the regulation unit (3) comprises a weight (33).

11. System (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the tube (25) comprises a flexible material.

12. System (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the regulation unit (3) is arranged releasably in the water container (2).

13. System (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the water is rain water.

14. Regulation unit (3) for regulating the flow of water, said regulation unit (3) comprising

- a receptacle (15) having a unit inlet (21) adapted to receive water from the surroundings and a unit outlet (22),

- a buoyancy device (24) comprising a first (27) and a second open end (28),

- a connecting piece (26), and

- a tube (25), wherein a first end (35) of the tube (25) is connected to the second open end (28) of the buoyancy device (24) and a second end (36) of the tube (25) is connected to the connecting piece (26), and wherein the connecting piece (26) interconnects the unit outlet (22) of the receptacle (15) with the surroundings,
characterised in that

- said buoyancy device (24) is adapted to float at the surface level of the water in the receptacle (15) and thus adapted to move vertically in the receptacle (15) relative to the surface level of water in the receptacle (15), and

- wherein the buoyancy device (24) comprises at least one opening (31,32) which is adapted to be below the surface level of the water in the receptacle (15) when the buoyancy device (24) floats at the surface level of the water.

15. Method of regulating the flow of water from a water container source, the method comprising the steps of

- providing a water container (2) comprising a container inlet (8) and a container outlet (10),

- providing a regulation unit (3) in an inner volume (9) of the water container (2), where the regulation unit (3) comprises a receptacle (15) having a unit inlet (21) and a unit outlet (22), a buoyancy device (24) comprising a first (27) and a second open end (28), a connecting piece (26) and a tube (25), wherein a first end (35) of the tube (25) is connected to the second open end (28) of the buoyancy device (24) and a second end (36) of the tube (25) is connected to the connecting piece (26), and wherein the connecting piece (26) interconnects the unit outlet (22) of the receptacle (15) and the container outlet (10) of the water container (2),

- providing a flow of water from the surroundings to the container inlet (8) of the water container (2) so that water is introduced in the inner volume (9) of the water container (2),

- exposing the unit inlet (21) of the receptacle (15) to the water, whereby water is introduced in an inner volume (20) of the receptacle (15),

- releasing water from the inner volume (20) of the receptacle (15) via the buoyancy device (24), through the tube (25) and connecting piece (26) to the container outlet (10) of the water container (2),
characterised in that

- releasing water from the inner volume (20) of the receptacle (15) comprises said buoyancy device (24) floating at the surface level of the water in the receptacle (15) and thus moving vertically in the receptacle (15) relative to the surface level of water in the receptacle (15), and

- the water being released to the tube (25) through at least one opening (31,32) in the buoyancy device (24), said at least one opening (31,32) being adapted to be below the surface level of the water in the receptacle (15) when the buoyancy device (24) floats at the surface level of the water.

Drawing