(19)
(11) EP 4 556 644 A1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(43) Date of publication:
21.05.2025 Bulletin 2025/21

(21) Application number: 24211077.3

(22) Date of filing: 06.11.2024
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC): 
E03F 5/04(2006.01)
 E03F 5/14(2006.01)
(52) Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC):
E03F 5/0404; E03F 5/14
(84) Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC ME MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR
Designated Extension States:
BA
Designated Validation States:
GE KH MA MD TN

(30) Priority: 17.11.2023 FI 20236280

(71) Applicant: Uponor Infra Oy
00240 Helsinki (FI)

(72) Inventors:
  • VALOLA, Jonne
    15561 Nastola (FI)
  • GRANATH, Rickard
    15561 Nastola (FI)

(74) Representative: Fenner, Seraina 
Georg Fischer AG Amsler-Laffon-Strasse 9
8201 Schaffhausen
8201 Schaffhausen (CH)

   


(54) RAINWATER FILTER HOUSING ASSEMBLY


(57) According to an example aspect, there is provided a rainwater filter housing assembly (100), comprising: an filter housing (110) defining a filtering volume, an outlet pipe (113) for a sealed engagement to an outlet (201) of a rainwater chamber (200), which outlet pipe (113) is in fluid connection with the filtering volume of the filter housing (110), and a filter rod (140) placed at least partially inside the filter housing (110) and to connect to one or more than one filter(s) (121, 122, 123) for installing the filter(s) (121, 122, 123) to and removing them from the filter housing (110).




Description

FIELD



[0001] The present invention relates to a rainwater filter housing assembly, a rainwater filtration system, a rainwater collection and filtration system, a filter replacement kit, a method for retrofitting a rainwater filtration system and a method for replacing one or more than one filter(s).

BACKGROUND



[0002] A rainwater chamber is designed to collect and store rainwater from driveways, yards or parking areas. The rainwater chamber usually comprise an outlet pipe for guiding rainwater from the rainwater chamber to a sewer system. Depending on conditions and an installation site, rainwater collected into the rainwater chamber may contain significant amounts of contaminants, such as leaves and sand, but also heavy metals, nutrients, oils and microplastics. In order to prevent these potentially harmful substances from being carried onwards from the chamber, and thereafter often leached untreated into the environment, the rainwater chamber should ideally have a filtering apparatus for collecting and retaining the majority of the contaminants. For example, the rainwater chamber can have a sieve-like sack or a perforated basket below a lid of the rainwater chamber for collecting contaminants.

[0003] However, the filtering apparatus is usually immediately clogged by contaminants. In addition, in order for rainwater filtering to be effective, the filtering apparatus needs to be implemented in a large number of rainwater chambers in a catchment area, a filter or a sieve of the filtering apparatus need to be changed on a regular basis and the filtering apparatus should be applicable to the millions of existing rainwater chambers, not just new rainwater chamber installations. The filter or sieve can be difficult to clean or change, which increases maintenance costs of the rainwater chamber. In addition, the filter or sieve may have a complex structure, which is difficult and expensive to manufacture.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a rainwater filtration system, which does not easily clog. A filter of the rainwater filtration system should be easy to change with low maintenance costs. The rainwater filtration system should have a simple structure and inexpensive to manufacture, so that it can be implemented in a large number of rainwater chambers.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY



[0005] An object of the present invention is this to mitigate at least some of the above-mentioned problems. An object of the present invention is to provide a rainwater filter housing assembly and a rainwater filtration system, which are inexpensive to manufacture. A further object is to provide a rainwater filtration system having a filter or filters, which is/are easy to change with low maintenance costs. An even further object is to provide a rainwater filtration system, which can be retrofitted into an existing rainwater chamber.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a rainwater filter housing assembly, comprising:
  • an filter housing defining a filtering volume,
  • an outlet pipe for a sealed engagement to an outlet of a rainwater chamber, which outlet pipe is in fluid connection with the filtering volume of the filter housing, and
  • a filter rod placed at least partially inside the filter housing and to connect to one or more than one filter(s) for installing the filter(s) to and removing them from the filter housing.


[0007] Significant benefits are gained with aid of the present method. The present rainwater filter housing assembly is simple and cost-effective. The filter housing can be retrofitted into an existing rainwater chamber. The filter housing can be permanently installed into the outlet of the rainwater chamber. After the installation of the filter housing, the filters can be easily and quickly replaced by means of the filter rod with low maintenance costs. Water that exits via the outlet pipe will contain less contaminants due to the filter(s). The effectiveness and target of filtration can be adjusted by using a combination of different filters.

[0008] One or more embodiments may comprise one or more features from the following itemized list:
  • the filter housing rod is extending through one or more than one filter(s)
  • the rainwater filter housing assembly further comprises a sieve for allowing passage of rainwater from outside the filter housing into the filtering volume
  • the sieve is connected to the filter rod
  • the filter housing is elongated along an elongation dimension
  • the rainwater filter housing assembly further comprises a filter holder inside the filter housing for providing a pressing force against the filters in the elongation dimension
  • the rainwater filter housing assembly further comprises a mounting rod
  • the mounting rod is connected to the filter housing for supporting the filter housing at a distance from a bottom of the rainwater chamber
  • the rainwater filter housing assembly further comprises a support mechanism
  • the support mechanism supports the filter housing at a distance from an inner wall of the rainwater chamber
  • the rainwater filter housing assembly further comprises a hat
  • the hat is connected to the filter housing for guiding rainwater falling into the rainwater chamber away from the filter housing
  • the hat comprises one or more than one passageway(s) configured to allow water in the rainwater chamber to bypass the filter(s) and flow to the outlet pipe
  • the rainwater filter housing assembly further comprises a water flow measuring device configured to determine when water flows through the passageway(s) of the hat


[0009] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a rainwater filtration system comprising the rainwater filter housing assembly and one or more than one filter(s) placed inside the filter housing.

[0010] One or more embodiments may comprise one or more features from the following itemized list:
  • the filter housing is elongated along an elongation dimension
  • the filter housing comprises two or more than two filters having different filter sizes
  • the filters are arranged sequentially along the elongation dimension
  • the rainwater filtration system comprises a filter for capturing microplastics having a particle size of 5 mm or less in length, preferably 100 µm or less in length
  • the rainwater filtration system comprises a filter for capturing coarser particles having a particle size more than 5 mm in length
  • the rainwater filtration system comprises an oil filter
  • the filter(s) is/are die-cut filters
  • (a) diameter(s) of the filter(s) is/are larger than an inner diameter of the filter housing perpendicularly to the elongation dimension
  • the filter(s) are selected from fibre filters or polymer foam filters


[0011] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a rainwater collection and filtration system comprising a rainwater chamber for collecting rainwater and the rainwater filtration system for installation into the rainwater chamber.

[0012] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a filter replacement kit for the rainwater filter housing assembly, wherein the filter replacement kit comprises the filter rod and one or more than one filter(s) connected to the filter rod.

[0013] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for retrofitting a rainwater filtration system to a rainwater chamber, comprising:
  • placing the rainwater filter housing assembly in the rainwater chamber,
  • connecting the outlet pipe to a sealed engagement to an outlet of the rainwater chamber,
  • providing one or more than one filter(s),
  • connecting the filter rod to the one or more than one filter(s), and
  • installing the filter rod with the one or more than one filter(s) inside the filter housing.


[0014] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for replacing one or more than one filter(s), comprising:
  • removing one or more than one filter(s) from the rainwater filtration system by the filter rod,
  • removing the one or more than one filter(s) from the filter rod,
  • providing one or more than one further filter(s),
  • connecting the filter rod with the one or more than one further filter(s), and
  • placing the filter rod with the one or more than one further filter(s) inside the filter housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS



[0015] 

FIGURE 1 illustrates an assembly consisting a filter housing, an outlet pipe, a mounting rod and a support mechanism;

FIGURE 2 illustrates a rainwater filter housing assembly;

FIGURE 3 illustrates a filter replacement kit;

FIGURE 4 illustrates an exploded view of a rainwater filtration system; and

FIGURE 5 illustrates a cross-section view of a rainwater collection and filtration system.


DETAILED DESCRIPTION



[0016] In the present context, the term "microplastics" refers to extremely small pieces of plastic debris in the environment resulting from the disposal and breakdown of consumer products and industrial waste. A microplastic particle have a particle size of 5 mm or less in length. By "length", it is meant the longest dimension of the particle.

[0017] In the present context, the term "filtering volume" refers to a volume enclosed by a filter housing, which volume is configured to receive (a) filter(s) and rainwater.

[0018] In the present context, the term "sealed engagement" refers to a watertight engagement between an outlet pipe of a filter housing and an outlet of a rainwater chamber. The sealed engagement may comprise a seal between mating surfaces of the outlet pipe and the outlet.

[0019] According to an aspect, there is provided a rainwater filter housing assembly 100, comprising:
  • an filter housing 110 defining a filtering volume,
  • an outlet pipe 113 for a sealed engagement to an outlet 201 of a rainwater chamber 200, which outlet pipe 113 is in fluid connection with the filtering volume of the filter housing 110, and
  • a filter rod 140 placed at least partially inside the filter housing 110 and to connect to one or more than one filter(s) 121, 122, 123 for installing the filter(s) 121, 122, 123 to and removing them from the filter housing 110.


[0020] The present rainwater filter housing assembly is simple and cost-effective. The filter housing can be retrofitted into an existing rainwater chamber. The filter housing can be permanently installed into the outlet of the rainwater chamber. After the installation of the filter housing, the filter(s) can be easily and quickly replaced by means of the filter rod with low maintenance costs. As the water level in the rainwater chamber rises above the outlet level, the resultant difference in hydrostatic pressure drives the water in the rainwater chamber through the filter(s) in the filter housing 110. Water that passes through the filter(s) 121, 122, 123 and exits via the outlet pipe 113 will contain less contaminants. The effectiveness and target of filtration can be adjusted by using a combination of different filter(s).

[0021] The filter housing 110 can be elongated along an elongation dimension, i.e. a length of the filter housing 110 can be larger than its width. The filter housing 110 can be elongated along the same dimension than the rainwater chamber 200, when the filter housing 110 is arranged inside the rainwater chamber 200. Thus, also the rainwater chamber 200 is elongated along the elongation dimension. The filter housing 110 can comprise a first end 111 and an opposite second end 112 in the elongation dimension. The first end 111 can be configured to be placed towards a bottom 202 of the rainwater chamber 200 and the second end 112 can be configured to be placed towards a top 203 of the rainwater chamber 200. By "bottom", it is meant a part or a plane of the rainwater chamber, which extends perpendicularly to the elongation dimension and is configured to be in contact with the rainwater. By "top", it is meant a part or a plane of the rainwater chamber, which is on an opposite side of the rainwater chamber than the bottom 202 and is configured to collect rainwater.

[0022] The filter housing 110 can comprise two portions: a first portion for receiving filter(s) 121, 122, 123 and rainwater and a second portion for receiving rainwater. When viewed from the bottom 202 towards the top 203 of the rainwater chamber, the first portion is before the second portion, when the filter housing 110 is installed in the rainwater chamber 200. The outlet pipe 113 can be connected to the second portion. The second portion can be configured to receive rainwater filtered by the filter(s) 121, 122, 123.

[0023] The filter housing 110 can comprise plastic, such as polyethylene (PE). The filter housing 110 can be manufactured by extruding or injection molding.

[0024] The outlet pipe 113 can be configured to extend in an angle to the elongation dimension. The outlet pipe 113 can extend for example, substantially perpendicularly to the elongation dimension of the filter housing 110.

[0025] The outlet pipe 113 can be an inseparable part, which is formed to the filter housing 110 during manufacturing of the filter housing 110. Alternatively, the outlet pipe 113 can be a separated part, which is connected to a sealed engagement to the filter housing 110 after manufacturing of the filter housing 110.

[0026] The outlet pipe 113 can be dimensioned to join to the outlet 201 of the rainwater chamber 200. An outer diameter of the outlet pipe 113 can be the same or smaller than an inner diameter of the outlet 201.

[0027] The outlet pipe 113 can have a seal 114, such as a rubber seal, around an outer surface of the outlet pipe 113. By "outlet surface", it is meant a surface of the outlet pipe 113, which surface is configured to set in contact with the outlet 201 of the rainwater chamber 200. The seal 114 enables tightening of the outlet pipe 113 inside the outlet 201 and forming the sealed engagement between the outlet pipe 113 and the outlet 201.

[0028] The filter rod 140 can extend through one or more than one filter(s) 121, 122, 123. Thus, the one or more than one filter(s) 121, 122, 123 can be arranged around the filter rod. Then, the filter(s) 121, 122, 123 can comprise (a) hole(s) through which the filter rod 140 can be inserted.

[0029] The filter rod 140 can extend along the elongation dimension, when the filter holder assembly 100 is connected to the rainwater chamber 200. Preferably, a length of the filter rod 140 is at least a length of the filter(s) 121, 122, 123 or the filter housing 110. The filter rod 140 can extend from the first end 111 of the filter housing 110 to the top 203 of the rainwater chamber 200 or a ground surface level. A long filter rod 140 enables easy remove of the filter(s), because there is no need to reach so deep into the rainwater chamber.

[0030] The filter rod 140 can comprise one or more than one parts. The filter rod 140 can comprise a plurality of filter rod parts connected together along the elongation dimension. A number of the filter rod parts depends on a depth of the rainwater chamber 200. By "depth", it is meant a distance between the bottom 202 and the top 203 of the rainwater chamber 200. This enables of forming a filter rod having a sufficient length in every rainwater chamber.

[0031] A length of the filter rod 140 or the filter rod part can be for example, 100 to 900 mm, preferably 700 mm.

[0032] The filter rod 140 can comprise a first end and an opposite second end in the elongation dimension. The first end can be configured to be placed towards the bottom 202 of the rainwater chamber 200 and the second end can be configured to be placed towards the top 203 of the rainwater chamber 200, when the filter rod 140 is installed at least partially inside the filter housing 110.

[0033] The rainwater filter housing assembly 100 can further comprise a sieve 130 for allowing passage of rainwater from outside the filter housing 110 into the filtering volume, which sieve 130 is connected to the filter rod 140. The sieve 130 can also prevent leaves and other larger contaminants from entering into the filter housing 110.

[0034] The sieve 130 can be a round cup-shaped part. The sieve 130 can comprise a plurality of holes. The sieve 130 can comprise plastic, such as polyethylene (PE). The sieve 130 can be manufactured by extruding or injection molding.

[0035] The sieve 130 can have a diameter perpendicularly to the elongation dimension, when the sieve 130 is installed to the rainwater filter housing assembly 100. The diameter can be the largest diameter of the sieve 130. The diameter of the sieve 130 can be the same or smaller than an inner diameter of the filter housing 110 perpendicularly to the elongation dimension. By "inner diameter", it is meant the largest diameter of the filtering volume of the filter housing 110 perpendicularly to the elongation dimension. This enables removing and inserting the sieve from and to the filter housing 110 through the filter housing 110. Preferably, the diameter of the sieve 130 is the same than the inner diameter of the filter housing 110. Thus, the sieve 130 can form a plug at the first end 111 of the filter housing 110 and prevent rainwater for bypassing the sieve 130.

[0036] The filter rod 140 can extend through the sieve 130. Preferably, the sieve 130 is connected to the first end of the filter rod 140. Then, the sieve 130 enables lifting of the filter(s) 121, 122, 123 by the filter rod 140, because the filter(s) 121, 122, 123 can rest on the sieve 130. The sieve 130 can be connected to the filter rod 140 by a filter locking nut. When the filter locking nut is opened, the sieve 130 can be detached from the filter rod 140. After that, then the filter(s) 121, 122, 123 can be removed from the filter rod 140 via the first end of the filter rod 140.

[0037] The rainwater filter housing assembly 100 can further comprise a filter holder 150 inside the filter housing 110 for providing a pressing force against the filter(s) 121, 122, 123 in the elongation dimension. By "pressing force", it is meant the force or a weight of the filter holder 150, which the filter holder 150 directs to the filter(s) 121, 122, 123, when the filter holder 150 is arranged on the filter(s). The filter holder 150 can be configured to provide the pressing force towards the first end 111 of the filter housing 110. The filter holder secures that the filter(s) stay in place and do(es) not move inside the filter housing due to water pressure.

[0038] The filter holder 150 can be connected to the filter rod 140. For example, the filter rod 140 can extend through the filter holder 150. Then, the filter holder 150 can be removed from and inserted to the filter housing 110 by the filter holder 150.

[0039] The filter holder 150 can comprise a plate-like portion and a rod-like portion. The plate-like portion can extend in a plane perpendicularly to the elongation dimension. The rod-like portion can be connected to the plate-like portion and extend along the elongation dimension. The plate-like portion can comprise a plurality of holes. Thus, water can flow through the plate-like portion. When the filter housing 110 comprises two portions, namely the said first portion and the second portion, the plate-like portion can be arranged between the said portions. The plate-like portion and rod-like portion can comprise holes in the middle of them for receiving the filter rod 140.

[0040] The filter holder 150 can comprise plastic, such as polyethylene (PE). The filter holder 150 can be manufactured by extruding or injection molding.

[0041] The filter holder assembly 100 can further comprise a mounting rod 170, which is connected to the filter housing 110 for supporting the filter housing 110 at a distance from a bottom 202 of the rainwater chamber 200. The bottom 202 of the rainwater chamber can be covered by leaves, thrashes or other bigger debris. Lifting the filter housing 110 at a distance from the bottom 202 prevents the filter holder assembly from being clogged by the said debris. In addition, the mounting rod secures the filter holder at a preferred distance from the bottom 202. The mounting rod 170 can be used for inserting the filter housing 110 to and removing the filter housing 110 from the rainwater chamber 200, when the filter housing 110 is connected to the mounting rod 170.

[0042] The mounting rod 170 can be configured to extend along the elongation dimension, when the filter holder assembly 100 is connected to the rainwater chamber 200. The mounting rod 170 can extend from the bottom 202 of the rainwater chamber to the top 203 of the rainwater chamber or a ground surface level. The mounting rod 170 can comprise a first end and an opposite second end in the elongation dimension. The first end can be placed on the bottom 202 of the rainwater chamber 200 and the second end can extend towards the top 203 of the rainwater chamber 200.

[0043] The mounting rod 170 can comprise one or more than one parts. The mounting rod 170 can comprise a plurality of mounting rod parts connected together along the elongation dimension. A number of the mounting rod parts depends on the depth of the rainwater chamber. This enables of forming a mounting rod having a sufficient length in every rainwater chamber. A length of the mounting rod 170 or one mounting rod part can be for example, 100 to 900 mm, preferably 700 mm.

[0044] The filter housing 110 can be adjustable connected to the mounting rod 170. Thus, it is possible to change a location of the filtering housing 110 at the mounting rod by removing the filter housing 110 from the mounting rod 170 and attaching the filter housing 110 again to a different location along the elongation dimension of the mounting rod 170. Alternatively, the filter housing 110 can be connected to the mounting rod 170 so that it can be moved along the mounting rod. Thus, an installation height of the filter housing 110 from the bottom 202 of the rainwater chamber can be adjusted to the level of the outlet pipe, i.e. the distance of the first end 111 of the filter housing 110 from the bottom 202 of the rainwater chamber and the outlet pipe 113 can be adjusted.

[0045] The mounting rod 170 can be connected to the filter housing 110 directly or via one or more than one mounting parts 171, 172, which is/are connected to the mounting rod 170.

[0046] The mounting rod 170 can comprise stainless steel.

[0047] The filter holder assembly can further comprise a support mechanism 180 for supporting the filter housing 110 at a distance from an inner wall of the rainwater chamber 200. The support mechanics supports the filter housing in place and supports it against the inner wall of the rainwater chamber. By "inner wall", it is meant a wall of the rainwater chamber 200, which extends along the elongation dimension and is configured to be in contact with rainwater.

[0048] The support mechanism 180 can be connected to the filter housing 110 and/or the mounting rod 170 directly or via one or more than one mounting parts 171, 172.

[0049] The support mechanism 180 can comprise two plates, which are hingedly connected together. The plates can be connected to the mounting rod 170 via mounting parts 171, 172. The structure of the support mechanism 180 can be adjustable to different rainwater chamber diameters 200. Lengths of the plates can be longer in rainwater chambers 200 having larger diameters than rainwater chambers 200 having smaller diameters. The distance of the filter housing 110 from the inner wall of the rainwater chamber can be adjusted by adjusting an angle between the plates.

[0050] The support mechanism 180 can comprise stainless steel.

[0051] The filter holder assembly can further comprise a hat 160, which is connected to the filter housing 110 for guiding rainwater falling into the rainwater chamber 200 away from the filter housing 110. Then, all rainwater entering the rainwater chamber will, in normal conditions, enter the filter holder 110 from below, i.e. from the first end 111 of the filter holder 110.

[0052] The hat 160 can be connected to the filter rod 140. For example, the filter rod 140 can extend through the hat 160. Then, the hat 160 can be removed from and inserted to the filter housing by the filter holder 150. The hat 160 can comprise a hole in the middle of it for receiving the filter rod 140.

[0053] The hat 160 can have a diameter perpendicularly to the elongation dimension, when the hat 160 is installed to the rainwater filter housing assembly 100. The diameter can be the largest diameter of the hat 160. The diameter of the hat 160 can be the same or larger than an outer diameter of the filter housing 110 perpendicularly to the elongation dimension. By "outer diameter", it is meant the largest diameter of the filter housing 110 perpendicularly to the elongation dimension.

[0054] The hat 160 can comprise one or more than one passageway(s) 161 configured to allow water in the rainwater chamber 200 to bypass the filter(s) 121, 122, 123 and flow directly to the outlet pipe 113. Thus, in an overflow situation, when the amount of water entering the rainwater chamber 200 exceeds the capacity of water that can flow out through the filter(s) 121, 122, 123, the water level rises to the level of the hat 160. The passageway(s) 161 allow the water to bypass directly to the outlet pipe 113 via the second portion of the filter housing 110. In this situation, rainwater enters the filter housing 110 from above the outlet pipe 113.

[0055] The passageway(s) 161 can be for example, (a) hole(s) formed on the hat 160. Preferably, the hat 160 comprises two or more than two passageways 161. The passageways 161 can be formed at opposite sides of the hat 160 perpendicularly to the elongation dimension, when the hat 160 is connected to the rainwater filter housing assembly 100.

[0056] The hat 160 can comprise plastic, such as polyethylene (PE). The hat 160 can be manufactured by extruding or injection molding.

[0057] The rainwater filter housing assembly 100 can further comprise a water flow measuring device configured to determine when water flows through the passageway(s) 161 of the hat 160. The water flow measuring device can comprise a transmitter for transmitting the results of the determination to an outside location. Thus, the water flow measuring device enables determining when the filter(s) is/are clogged and indicate, that the filter(s) should be changed.

[0058] According to a second aspect, there is provided a rainwater filtration system 101 comprising a rainwater filter housing assembly 100 as described above and one or more than one filter(s) 121, 122, 123 placed inside the filter housing 110.

[0059] The present rainwater filtration system provides a simple and cost-effective filtering solution. The system enables filtering microplastics and other environmentally harmful particles from rainwater. The system can be retrofitted into an existing rainwater chamber. The filter housing can be permanently installed into the outlet of the rainwater chamber. The filters can be easily and quickly replaced by means of the filter rod with low maintenance costs. As the water level in the rainwater chamber rises above the outlet level, the resultant difference in hydrostatic pressure drives the water in the rainwater chamber through the filter(s) in the filter housing. Water that passes through the filter(s) and exits via the outlet pipe will contain less contaminants. The effectiveness and target of filtration can be adjusted by using a combination of different filter(s). The replaceable filter(s) are simple and very cost effective and can be recycled as energy waste.

[0060] The filter housing 110 can be elongated along an elongation dimension and comprise two or more than two filters 121, 122, 123 having different filter sizes, which filters 121, 122, 123 are arranged sequentially along the elongation dimension. Thus, the effectiveness and target of filtration can be adjusted by using a combination of different filters.

[0061] The rainwater filtration system 101 can comprise a filter 121 for capturing microplastics having a particle size of 5 mm or less in length, preferably 100 µm or less in length. Thus, the rainwater filtration system can remove microplastics and other small particles from rainwater. Then, rainwater leached from the rainwater chamber is cleaner.

[0062] The rainwater filtration system 101 can comprise a filter 122 for capturing coarser particles having a particle size more than 5 mm in length. Thus, the rainwater filtration system can remove bigger particles than microplastic particles from rainwater. Then, rainwater leached from the rainwater chamber is cleaner.

[0063] The rainwater filtration system 101 can comprise an oil filter 123. Thus, the rainwater filtration system can remove oil and petroleum products from rainwater. Then, rainwater leached from the rainwater chamber is cleaner.

[0064] The filter 121 for capturing microplastics can be placed between the first end 111 of the filter housing 110 or the sieve 130 and the filter 122 for capturing coarser particles. The oil filter 123 can be placed between the filter 122 for capturing coarser particles and the outlet pipe 113.

[0065] The filter(s) 121, 122, 123 can be die-cut filters. Thus, the filter(s) 121, 122, 123 can be cut from a piece of material, such as a sheet or a plate, by a die.

[0066] The filter(s) 121, 122, 123 can be selected from fibre filters or polymer foam filters. For example, the filter 121 for capturing microplastics can be a fiber filter and/or the filter 122 for capturing coarser particles can be a polyester foam filter.

[0067] Preferably, the filter(s) 121, 122, 123 have (a) cylinder shape(s). The filter(s) 121, 122, 123 can have (a) hole(s) in the middle of the filter(s) 121, 122, 123. The filter rod 140 can be inserted the hole. A diameter of the hole can be adjusted so that the filter(s) 121, 122, 123 set(s) closely around the filter rod 140.

[0068] Diameter(s) of the filter(s) 121, 122, 123 can be larger than an inner diameter of the filter housing 110 perpendicularly to the elongation dimension. By "diameter(s) of filters" it is meant (an) initial cross-section(s) of the filter(s) before the filter(s) is/are inserted in the filtering housing 110. By "inner diameter", it is meant the largest diameter of the filtering volume of the filter housing 110 perpendicularly to the elongation dimension. For example, the diameter(s) of the filter(s) 121, 122, 123 can be 1 to 2 mm larger than the inner diameter of the filter housing 110. This enables placing the filter(s) firmly against the inner walls of the filter housing so that water cannot bypass the filter(s).

[0069] According to an aspect, there is provided a rainwater collection and filtration system comprising a rainwater chamber 200 for collecting rainwater and the rainwater filtration system 101 as described above for installation into the rainwater chamber 200.

[0070] According to an aspect, there is provided a filter replacement kit 102 for the rainwater filter housing assembly 100 as described above, wherein the filter replacement kit 102 comprises the filter rod 140 and one or more than one filter(s) 121, 122, 123 connected to the filter rod 140.

[0071] The filter replacement kit 102 can further comprise the sieve 130, the hat 160 and the filter holder as described above.

[0072] According to an aspect, there is provided a method for retrofitting a rainwater filtration system 101 to a rainwater chamber 200, comprising:
  • placing the rainwater filter housing assembly 100 as described above in the rainwater chamber 200,
  • connecting the outlet pipe 113 to a sealed engagement to an outlet 201 of the rainwater chamber 200,
  • providing one or more than one filter(s) 121, 122, 123,
  • connecting the filter rod 140 to the one or more than one filter(s) 121, 122, 123, and
  • installing the filter rod 140 with the one or more than one filter(s) 121, 122, 123 inside the filter housing 110.


[0073] The method enables retrofitting the rainwater filtration system 101 to a rainwater chamber. By the method, the rainwater filter housing assembly 100 can be easily connected to the outlet 201 of the rainwater chamber 200 and the one more than one filter(s) 121, 122, 123 can be inserted inside the filter housing. The method does not require any modifications to an existing rainwater chamber and can be done without tools.

[0074] The method can further comprise one or more features from the following itemized list:
  • connecting the sieve 130 to the filter rod 140
  • inserting the filter holder 150 inside the filter housing 110 for providing a pressing force against the filters 121, 122, 123 in the elongation dimension
  • connecting the mounting rod 170 to the filter housing 110 for supporting the filter housing 110 at a distance from a bottom 202 of the rainwater chamber 200
  • providing a support mechanism 180 for supporting the filter housing 110 at a distance from an inner wall of the rainwater chamber 200
  • connecting a hat 160 to the filter housing 110 for guiding rainwater falling into the rainwater chamber 200 away from the filter housing 110
  • providing a water flow measuring device configured to determine when water flows through the passageway(s) 161 of the hat 160


[0075] According to an aspect, there is provided a method for replacing one or more than one filter(s) 121, 122, 123, comprising:
  • removing one or more than one filter(s) 121, 122, 123 from the rainwater filtration system 101 as described above by the filter rod 140,
  • removing the one or more than one filter(s) 121, 122, 123 from the filter rod 140,
  • providing one or more than one further filter(s) 121, 122, 123,
  • connecting the filter rod 140 with the one or more than one further filter(s) 121, 122, 123, and
  • placing the filter rod 140 with the one or more than one further filter(s) 121, 122, 123 inside the filter housing 110.


[0076] The method enables chancing the filter(s) with a low maintenance costs. By the method, the filter(s) can be easily removed from the filter housing 110 and replaced by (a) new filter(s). The method does not require removing the filter housing 110 and can be done without tools.

[0077] The method can further comprise one or more features from the following itemized list:
  • connecting the sieve 130 to the filter rod 140
  • inserting the filter holder 150 inside the filter housing 110 for providing a pressing force against the filters 121, 122, 123 in the elongation dimension
  • connecting the mounting rod 170 to the filter housing 110 for supporting the filter housing 110 at a distance from a bottom 202 of the rainwater chamber 200
  • providing a support mechanism 180 for supporting the filter housing 110 at a distance from an inner wall of the rainwater chamber 200
  • connecting a hat 160 to the filter housing 110 for guiding rainwater falling into the rainwater chamber 200 away from the filter housing 110
  • providing a water flow measuring device configured to determine when water flows through the passageway(s) 161 of the hat 160

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS



[0078] FIGURE 1 illustrates an assembly consisting a filter housing 110, an outlet pipe 113, a mounting rod 170 and a support mechanism 180. The filter housing 110 is elongated along an elongation dimension. The outlet pipe 113 is connected to the filter housing 110 and extends perpendicularly to the elongation dimension. The mounting rod 170 is connected to the filter housing 110 and extends along the elongation dimension. The mounting rod 170 is connected to the filter housing via a first mounting part 171. The support mechanism 180 comprises two plates hingedly connected together. The plates are connected to the mounting rod 170 via the first mounting part 171 and a second mounting part 172. The assembly can be permanently installed into the rainwater chamber by connecting the outlet pipe 113 to an outlet of the rainwater chamber.

[0079] FIGURE 2 illustrates a rainwater filter housing assembly 100. The rainwater filter housing assembly 100 comprises a filter housing 110, an outlet pipe 113, a mounting rod 170 and a support mechanism 180. The filter housing 110 is elongated along an elongation dimension. The filter housing 110 has a first end 111 and a second end 112 in the elongation dimension. The outlet pipe 113 is connected to the filter housing 110 and extends perpendicularly to the elongation dimension. The outlet pipe 113 has a seal 114 around an outer surface of the outlet pipe 113. The mounting rod 170 is connected to the filter housing 110 and extends along the elongation dimension. The mounting rod 170 is connected to the filter housing via a first mounting part 171. The support mechanism 180 comprises two plates hingedly connected together. The plates are connected to the mounting rod 170 via the first mounting part 171 and a second mounting part 172. The rainwater filter housing assembly 100 further comprises a filter rod 140 placed partially inside the filter housing 110. The filter rod 140 is configured to be connected to one or more than one filter(s) 121, 122, 123 for installing the filter(s) 121, 122, 123 to and removing them from the filter housing 110. The filter assembly 110 further comprises a sieve 130. The sieve 130 is connected to the filter rod 140 and is in contact with the first end 111 of the filter house 110. The rainwater filter housing assembly 100 further comprises a hat 160. The hat 160 is connected to the filter rod 140, which extends through the hat 160. The hat 160 is in contact with the second end 112 of the filter housing 110. The hat 160 comprises a plurality of passageways 161. The rainwater filter housing assembly 100 can be permanently installed into the rainwater chamber by connecting the outlet pipe 113 to an outlet of the rainwater chamber. One or more than one filter(s) can be connected to the filter rod 140 for installing the filter(s) to and removing them from the filter housing 110.

[0080] FIGURE 3 illustrates a filter replacement kit 102. The filter replacement kit 102 comprises a filter rod 140 and three filters 121, 122, 123 connected to the filter rod 140. The filter rod 140 extends along an elongation dimension. The filter rod 140 extends through the filters 121, 122, 123. A sieve 130 and a hat 160 are connected to the filter rod 140. The filters 121, 122, 123 are connected to the filter rod 140 between the sieve 130 and the hat 160. The filter replacement kit 102 further comprises a filter holder 150 for providing a pressing force against the filters 121, 122, 123 in the elongation dimension. The filter rod 140 extends also through the filter holder 150. The filter holder 150 is arranged between the filters 121, 122, 123 and the hat 160.

[0081] FIGURE 4 illustrates an exploded view of a rainwater filtration system. The rainwater filtration system comprises a filter housing 110, an outlet pipe 113, three filters 121, 122, 123, a sieve 130, a filter rod 140, a filter holder 150, a hat 160, a mounting rod 170, two mounting parts 171, 172 and a support mechanism 180.

[0082] FIGURE 5 illustrates a cross-section view of a rainwater collection and rainwater filtration system. The system comprises a rainwater chamber 200 and a rainwater filtration system 101 installed into the rainwater chamber 200. The rainwater chamber 200 is elongated along an elongation dimension and comprises an outlet 201, which is connected to the rainwater chamber 200 and is elongated perpendicularly to the elongation dimension. The rainwater filtration system 101 comprises a filter housing 110, which extends along the elongation dimension. The filter housing 110 has a first end 111 and a second end 112 in the elongation dimension. The filter housing 110 comprises an outlet pipe 113, which is connected to the filter housing 110 and extends perpendicularly to the elongation dimension. The outlet pipe 113 is connected to the outlet 201 of the rainwater chamber 200. The rainwater filtration system 101 further comprises a filter rod 140, which placed partially inside the filter housing 110. The filter rod is connected to filters 121, 122, 123 for installing the filters 121, 122, 123 to and removing them from the filter housing 110. The filter assembly 110 further comprises a sieve 130. The sieve 130 is connected to the filter rod 140 and is in contact with the first end 111 of the filter house 110. The rainwater filter housing assembly 100 further comprises a hat 160. The hat 160 is connected to the filter rod 140, which extends through the hat 160. The hat 160 is in contact with the second end 112 of the filter housing 110. The filter assembly 110 further comprises a mounting rod 170 and a support mechanism 180. The mounting rod 170 extends along the elongation dimension and is connected to the filter housing 110 for supporting the filter housing 110 at a distance from a bottom 202 of the rainwater chamber 200. The mounting rod 170 is connected to the filter housing via a mounting part 171. The support mechanism 180 supports the filter housing 110 at a distance from an inner wall of the rainwater chamber 200. The support mechanism 180 comprises two plates hingedly connected together. The plates are connected to the mounting rod 170 via the first mounting part 171 and a second mounting part 172.

[0083] It is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosed are not limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but are extended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0084] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of lengths, widths, shapes, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention.

[0085] The verbs "to comprise" and "to include" are used in this document as open limitations that neither exclude nor require the existence of also un-recited features. The features recited in depending claims are mutually freely combinable unless otherwise explicitly stated. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the use of "a" or "an", i.e. a singular form, throughout this document does not exclude a plurality.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST



[0086] 
100
rainwater filter housing assembly
101
rainwater filtration system
102
filter replacement kit
110
filter housing
111
first end
112
second end
113
outlet pipe
114
seal
121
filter
122
filter
123
filter
130
sieve
140
filter rod
150
filter holder
160
hat
161
passageway
170
mounting rod
171
first mounting part
172
second mounting part
180
support mechanism
200
rainwater chamber
201
outlet
202
bottom
203
top



Claims

1. A rainwater filter housing assembly (100), comprising:

- an filter housing (110) defining a filtering volume,

- an outlet pipe (113) for a sealed engagement to an outlet (201) of a rainwater chamber (200), which outlet pipe (113) is in fluid connection with the filtering volume of the filter housing (110), and

- a filter rod (140) placed at least partially inside the filter housing (110) and to connect to one or more than one filter(s) (121, 122, 123) for installing the filter(s) (121, 122, 123) to and removing them from the filter housing (110).


 
2. The rainwater filter housing assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the filter housing rod (140) is extending through one or more than one filter(s) (121, 122, 123).
 
3. The rainwater filter housing assembly (100) of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a sieve (130) for allowing passage of rainwater from outside the filter housing (110) into the filtering volume, which sieve (130) is connected to the filter rod (140).
 
4. The rainwater filter housing assembly (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filter housing (110) is elongated along an elongation dimension, and the rainwater filter housing assembly (100) further comprises a filter holder (150) inside the filter housing (110) for providing a pressing force against the filters (121, 122, 123) in the elongation dimension.
 
5. The rainwater filter housing assembly (100) of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a mounting rod (170), which is connected to the filter housing (110) for supporting the filter housing (110) at a distance from a bottom (202) of the rainwater chamber (200).
 
6. The rainwater filter housing assembly (100) of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a support mechanism (180) for supporting the filter housing (110) at a distance from an inner wall of the rainwater chamber (200).
 
7. The rainwater filter housing assembly (100) of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a hat (160), which is connected to the filter housing (110) for guiding rainwater falling into the rainwater chamber (200) away from the filter housing (110).
 
8. The rainwater filter housing assembly (100) of claim 7, wherein the hat (160) comprises one or more than one passageway(s) (161) configured to allow water in the rainwater chamber (200) to bypass the filter(s) (121, 122, 123) and flow to the outlet pipe (113).
 
9. The rainwater filter housing assembly (100) of claim 8, further comprising a water flow measuring device configured to determine when water flows through the passageway(s) (161) of the hat (160).
 
10. A rainwater filtration system (101) comprising the rainwater filter housing assembly (100) of any one of the preceding claims 1 to 9 and one or more than one filter(s) (121, 122, 123) placed inside the filter housing (110).
 
11. The rainwater filtration system (101) of claim 10, wherein the filter housing (110) is elongated along an elongation dimension and comprises two or more than two filters (121, 122, 123) having different filter sizes, which filters (121, 122, 123) are arranged sequentially along the elongation dimension.
 
12. The rainwater filtration system (101) of any one of the preceding claims 10 to 11, comprising a filter (121) for capturing microplastics having a particle size of 5 mm or less in length, preferably 100 µm or less in length.
 
13. The rainwater filtration system (101) of any one of the preceding claims 10 to 12, comprising a filter (122) for capturing coarser particles having a particle size more than 5 mm in length.
 
14. The rainwater filtration system (101) of any one of the preceding claims 10 to 13, comprising an oil filter (123).
 
15. The rainwater filtration system (101) of any one of the preceding claims 10 to 14, wherein the filter(s) (121, 122, 123) is/are die-cut filters.
 
16. The rainwater filtration system (101) of any one of the preceding claims 10 to 15, wherein (a) diameter(s) of the filter(s) (121, 122, 123) is/are larger than an inner diameter of the filter housing (110) perpendicularly to the elongation dimension.
 
17. The rainwater filtration system (101) of any one of the preceding claims 10 to 16, wherein the filter(s) (121, 122, 123) are selected from fibre filters or polymer foam filters.
 
18. A rainwater collection and filtration system comprising a rainwater chamber (200) for collecting rainwater and the rainwater filtration system (101) of any one of the preceding claims 10 to 17 for installation into the rainwater chamber (200).
 
19. A filter replacement kit (102) for the rainwater filter housing assembly (100) of any one of the preceding claims 1 to 9, wherein the filter replacement kit (102) comprises the filter rod (140) and one or more than one filter(s) (121, 122, 123) connected to the filter rod (140).
 
20. A method for retrofitting a rainwater filtration system (101) to a rainwater chamber (200), comprising:

- placing the rainwater filter housing assembly (100) of any one of the preceding claims 1 to 9 in the rainwater chamber (200),

- connecting the outlet pipe (113) to a sealed engagement to an outlet (201) of the rainwater chamber (200),

- providing one or more than one filter(s) (121, 122, 123),

- connecting the filter rod (140) to the one or more than one filter(s) (121, 122, 123), and

- installing the filter rod (140) with the one or more than one filter(s) (121, 122, 123) inside the filter housing (110).


 
21. A method for replacing one or more than one filter(s) (121, 122, 123), comprising:

- removing one or more than one filter(s) (121, 122, 123) from the rainwater filtration system (101) of any one of the preceding claims 10 to 17 by the filter rod (140),

- removing the one or more than one filter(s) (121, 122, 123) from the filter rod (140),

- providing one or more than one further filter(s) (121, 122, 123),

- connecting the filter rod (140) with the one or more than one further filter(s) (121, 122, 123), and

- placing the filter rod (140) with the one or more than one further filter(s) (121, 122, 123) inside the filter housing (110).


 




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