Patent Application
20250215680
The invention relates to a module system for use as underground stormwater retention basin. The invention also relates to various additional parts for the system. The invention also relates to such underground stormwater retention basin, to a method of assembling three-dimensional units of the underground stormwater retention basin and for use of the underground stormwater retention basin.
The invention is not related so-called stormwater detention. In the present technical field of the invention, a difference exists between stormwater retention and stormwater detention. Systems for stormwater retention are capable of retaining stormwater for a relatively long period of time. Systems for stormwater detention are only capable of detaining water for a shorter period of time. If stormwater detention systems are to not only detain stormwater for a shorter period of time, but also are to retain stormwater for a longer period of time, a water-impermeable membrane is wrapped around modules only capable of water retention. The technical filed of the present invention defies use of a water-permeable membrane being wrapped around the modules for the modules to be water retaining, in contrary to only being water detaining.
Prior art underground stormwater retention systems are often provided with perforations and are therefore capable of only retaining stormwater a certain reduced period of time or capable of also detaining stormwater at a certain prolonged period of time. Such systems have a need for encapsulating the stormwater system in an elastomeric foil often called a geomembrane made of, as example, EPDM, PP, PEHD, or a textile sheet often called a geotextile. Such membranes do not constitute an integrated part of each of the stormwater detaining modules but are wrapped as huge foils around all the modules, during positioning in the ground, to make the stormwater detaining system watertight. Wrapping membranes around the modules is very cumbersome.
The present invention relates to a stormwater detaining system without perforations in the three-dimensional units constituting the modules for building the underground stormwater retention system, without a need for encapsulating the stormwater system in a geomembrane for making the modules watertight, capable of retaining water.
WO2009/140295 discloses modular units, associated component parts, and assemblies of the modular units and component parts, including filtration systems, that are useful for making and using underground water management systems. The component parts are not capable of detaining stormwater for a prolonged period of time. Furthermore, even embodiments being solid are not watertight when assembled.
US 2016/0312427 A discloses an embankment support with an upper side for receiving flowing water and directing the water along the operatively upper side of the embankment support, thereby dispersing the water in a desired direction. Sides of the embankment support may have a plurality of perforations to allow water penetration through the embankment support. The embankment support is not watertight.
U.S. Pat. No. 10,597,861 B discloses modular trays with a top surface and sides, preferably four-sides, and ending in a peripheral edge of the fides. Each side further defines respective corner legs positioned distant apart, centre legs. The top surface of each modular tray has a plurality of through holes in communication with an internal cavity. The holes provide for the passage of water or other fluids from above the tray through the top surface and into the internal cavity. The modular trays are not watertight.
WO2009/140295 A1 discloses arched module components for use in underground water management systems comprising a half-cube structure having a substantially square top face having a circular opening and pillars that extend downward from each corner. The pillars define four arches useful for making and using underground water management systems. The module components connect at distant ends of the pillars and do not provide any means for making the connection between the components watertight.
It may be an object of the invention to provide a module system capable of not only detaining water, but also for retaining water, for an increased period of time compared to prior art systems and without wrapping any membranes around the modules.
It may also be an object of the invention to provide a module system capable of being buried underground at a level closer to ground level than prior art systems.
It may also be an object of the invention to provide a module system capable of being transported and stored at reduced space and/or at reduced costs.
It may also be an object of the invention to provide a module system capable of being buried underground at locations with obstacles in the ground.
It may also be an object of the invention to provide a module system capable of being provided with additional parts suiting various needs of the system.
It may also be an object of the invention to provide a module system capable of only some modules, and not all modules, being dug out of the ground for possible access underneath the modules, and afterwards digging the modules, possible also or instead digging new modules, into the ground for re-establishing the module system in full.
The objects of the invention may be obtained by A unit for a module system for use as underground stormwater retention basin,
Assembling three-dimensional units for a module system for use as underground stormwater retention basin by using male through holes and female through holes provides an easy, fast and reliable assembly of the units constituting the module system.
Making the three-dimensional unit of at least two individual parts mutually connected along free edges in a watertight manner, that is by providing specific means for making the connection between free edges of the at least two individual parts water-tight, provides a three-dimensional unit capable of retaining an amount of stormwater, while at the same time obtaining the advantage of dividing the three-dimensional unit into smaller-sized parts during manufacture, eliminating the disadvantage of having to produce manufacture the three-dimensional unit as a monolithic structure.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention,
The female through hole and the male though hole having a support flange and outer circumference, respectively, for abutting various outer surfaces of one and the same ring-shaped seal provides a water-tight connection between neighbouring three-dimensional units, when the flange of a male through hole of one three-dimensional unit extends into the female through hole of another neighbouring three-dimensional unit.
According to a possible embodiment of the invention, at least three side surfaces have free side edges extending opposite to common boundaries between boundaries of the at least one main surface and the side surfaces,
Manufacturing the three-dimensional unit by semi-sized parts of a three-dimensional unit provides a possibility of manufacturing the there-dimensional unit faster, cheaper and with more features, as example, external or internal ribs for more stiffness of the unit.
The three-dimensional unit or part of a three-dimensional unit may be selected among the following unit shapes: a cuboid, such as a cube, and with right angles between all surfaces, a cuboid, such as a cube, and with non-right angles between at least some of the surfaces, a prism with polygonal cross-section of the at least one main surface, where the polygonal cross-section of the prism preferably being an equilateral triangular shape or an equilateral hexagonal shape, a cylinder with polygonal cross-section of the at least one main surface, where the polygonal cross-section of the cylinder preferably being an equilateral triangular shape or an equilateral hexagonal shape, a cylinder with a circular cross-section or an oval cross-section of the at least one main surface.
The three-dimensional unit may be manufactured by one of the following processes: casting or moulding as a full-sized module system unit having a geometry and size of a full-sized tree-dimensional unit, casting or moulding as a semi-sized module system unit having a geometry and size being a division of a full-sized three-dimensional unit.
Preferably, the three-dimensional unit, also with the proviso that the three-dimensional unit is made from at least two parts and is exhibiting at least two main surfaces, has at least one main surface capable of withstanding a load of at least 60 kN per m2, preferably a load of at least 150 kN per m2, possibly a load of at last 300 kN per m2, in a direction perpendicular to the at least one main surface.
The cuboid according to the invention is capable of withstanding high loads. Load tests have been performed. One test is performed with a beam having a length of 600 mm and a width of 200 mm, the beam being placed in the middle of the top main surface of the cuboid and provided with a load of 117 kN per m2. Another test is performed with a square plate being 600 mm wide along each edge, the plate being placed in the middle of the top main surface of the cuboid and provided with a load of 150 kN per m2.
During the load test with the beam and with the square plate, a bending down of the top main surface and/or the side surfaces is as small as 1-10 mm, possible only 1-5 mm. Thus, the cuboid according to the invention may be installed underground with a layer of gravel being of a lesser thickness between the top main surface of the cuboid and a top surface of the road, pavement or other upper ground surface, with the cuboid still being able to withstand a required maximum load and the cuboid still being able to exhibit a required minimum bending down of the top main surface and/or of the side edges.
The three-dimensional unit according to the invention is preferably a full-sized cuboid made from an even number of semi-sized parts of a cuboid, said full-sized cuboid constituted by two substantially rectangular main surfaces being mutually parallel and four side surfaces each being perpendicular to the main surfaces and said numbers of semi-sized parts of a cuboid preferably being two parts, alternatively being four parts.
One or more objects of the invention may be obtained by the three-dimensional unit being a full-sized cuboid made from at least two semi-sized parts of the full-sized cuboid, said full-sized cuboid constituted by two substantially rectangular main surfaces being mutually parallel and four side surfaces,
According to a specifically preferred embodiment of a three-dimensional unit, the three-dimensional unit being a semi-sized part of a three-dimensional unit constituted by one substantially rectangular main surface and four side surfaces, said side surfaces extending perpendicular from edges between the one main surface and the side surfaces and opposite said side surfaces being mutually parallel,
Semi-sized cuboids have the advantage that the production costs are reduced. However, more importantly, specific and selected features like a geometrical shape of the through holes may be manufactures with closer tolerances and with features which may not be possible to produce if the cuboids are manufactures full-sized form start. Also, during transport and storage, it may be possible to stack the semi-sized cuboids in a manner reducing the volume necessary for transporting and storing a certain number of cuboids.
A preferred embodiment of the semi-sized cuboid according to the invention,
Semi-sized cuboids being semi-cubic provides a full-sized cuboid being cubic, when two semi-sized cuboids are assembled to form a full-sized cuboid. Cubic full-sized cuboids may be easier to assemble with each other because of possible orientation in any of six directions of the two main surfaces and the four side surfaces, depending on the layout of the through holes in the cube. Stacking a plurality of cuboids may also be easier.
The objects of the invention may also be obtained by a full-sized cuboid, where a length L1 of two first opposite parallel side surface in a direction parallel to the main surface and a length L2 of the two other second parallel side surfaces in a direction parallel to the main surfaces are the same, the semi-sized part of the cuboid thereby having substantially square main surfaces, and
Cubic full-sized cuboids may be easier to mutually assemble because of possible orientation in any of six directions of the two main surfaces and the four side surfaces, depending on the type of cuboids and on the layout of the through holes in the cube. Stacking a plurality of cuboids may also be easier when alle the cuboids are cubic.
According to a preferred embodiment of a three-dimensional unit according to the invention, the three-dimensional unit, also with the proviso that the three-dimensional unit is made from at least two parts and is exhibiting at least two main surfaces, at least one main surface is capable of withstanding a load of at least 60 kN per m2, preferably a load of at least 150 kN per m2, possibly a load of at least 300 kN per m2, in a direction perpendicular to the at least one main surface.
Cuboids capable of withstanding a load of at least 60 kN per m2 or even 150 kN per m2 or even 300 kN per m2 provides a possibility of positioning the cuboids underground with a reduced distance between an uppermost main surface of uppermost cuboids of a stack of cuboids constituting an underground stormwater retention basin and a ground level at the site, where the underground stormwater retention basin is situated. A reduced distance is less than 80 cm, which a distance often used with prior art cubes.
The reduced distance may even be less than 60 cm, or even less than 40 cm.
The distance between the uppermost main surface of uppermost cuboids and the ground level depends on the load of traffic or other loads above the underground stormwater retention basin. The larger the load, the larger the distance between the uppermost main surface of uppermost cuboids and the ground level often needs to be.
According to a preferred embodiment of a three-dimensional unit according to the invention, the three-dimensional unit, when all through holes and any other openings are closed so that any fluid inside an inner volume of the three-dimensional unit cannot escape from the unit, the three-dimensional unit is capable of withstanding a pressure inside the volume of the unit of at least 120000 N/m2, possibly at least 130000 N/m2, even possible at least 140000 N/m2, yet even possible more than 140000 N/m2.
Cuboids capable of withstanding an inner pressure at least 1.2 bars, or even at least 1.3 bars, or even at least 1.4 bars, or even more than 1.4 bars, ensures that the cuboids, when positioned underground, is capable of retaining any stormwater inside the cuboids, and that the stormwater will be retained inside the cuboids for a prolonged period of time. An insurance of stormwater being kept inside the cuboids for a prolonged period of time reduces, or even eliminates, the risk of stormwater seeping out from the cuboids.
Utility of the underground stormwater retention basin and management of the stormwater collected, retained and possibly stored in the underground stormwater retention basin may be enhanced by providing additional parts to be used together with the cuboids.
One possible additional part is a seal insert for being inserted into a full-sized cuboid,
A seal insert has the advantage that positioning, installation and maintaining in place a seal between neighbouring cuboids provides a safe manner of providing and over time ensuring a watertight connection between neighbouring cuboids.
The dimension of the seal, as example a diameter of a circular seal, to be used together with a seal insert according to the invention may vary depending on the size of the three-dimensional unit and/or depending on the of the amount of water and/or depending on the speed of flow of water that the underground stormwater retention water basin is required when transporting stormwater.
Preferably, standard-sized seals are used which correspond to standard-sized pipes already used for transporting water underground, not only standard-sized pipes for transporting stormwater, but also for standard-sized pipes transporting water supply and sewage water. Standard-sized pipes may be pipes with a seal connection for using seals with a standard-sized diameter of perhaps 110 mm, 160 mm, 200 mm, 250 mm, 315 mm or 425 mm. In the alternative, special-sized seals may be used corresponding to special-sized pipes.
Even in the alternative, a seal with a diameter of 500 mm, and being able to withstand a pressure of at least 2.5 bar, may be used for allowing as much water as possible to be passed through the three-dimensional units according to the invention an to be transported along the underwater module system according to the invention.
Another possible additional part is a cover for being inserted into a full-sized cuboid,
A cover has the advantage that cuboids positioned in a stack of plurality of cuboids and positioned either at the top, at the side or at the bottom of the stack of cuboids, even if the cuboid is a cuboid of the second type, may be closed to the exterior of the cuboid.
Another possible additional part is a grate for being inserted into a full-sized cuboid,
A grate has the advantage that cuboids positioned in a stack of plurality of cuboids and positioned either at the top, at the side or at the bottom of the stack of cuboids, even if the cuboid is a cuboid of the second type, may prevent debris from the outside being passed from the exterior to the cuboid or being passed between neighbouring cuboids.
Another possible additional part is a shroud to be inserted into a full-sized cuboid,
A shroud has the advantage that debris and/or water may be prevented, may be allowed or may be partly allowed and/or prevented from passing between neighbouring cuboids.
Another possible additional part is a bucket insert to be inserted into a full-sized cuboid,
A bucket insert has the advantage that debris from the ground via the storm water being passed form the ground towards the module system, may be prevented from passing to the entire module system by being collected in a bucket of a cuboids close to the ground.
Another possible additional part is a wick insert to be inserted into a full-sized cuboid,
A wick insert has the advantage that water from a cuboid close to the ground may be passed to possible plants situated above the cuboid, where the wick insert is inserted.
Another possible part is a bottom plate intended for being inserted into a three-dimensional unit for covering a bottom of the three-dimensional unit, the bottom plate having
A bottom plate may cover any spaces formed between support ribs of the three-dimensional unit. The spaces may unintentionally retain debris being passed into the three-dimensional unit by stormwater passing into or passing through the unit. A bottom plate with a central section and with grooves for interacting with the ribs covers the spaces and eliminates debris being retained in the spaces formed between the ribs of the three-dimensional unit.
The objects of the invention may also be obtained by an underground stormwater retention basin comprising module system parts according to the invention, and the underground stormwater retention basin constituted by a plurality of full-sized cuboids according to the invention being buried in the ground below a ground level of the site, where the retention basin is situated, a number of the plurality of cuboids constituting uppermost cuboids towards the ground level, and a distance between an upper main surface of at least one of the uppermost cuboids and the ground level being less than 80 cm, preferably less than 60 cm, more preferred less than 40 cm.
The objects of the invention may also be obtained by a method of building an underground stormwater retention basin comprising module system parts according to the invention, and the underground stormwater retention basin constituted by a plurality of full-sized cuboids according to the invention, the method comprising the steps of:
The objects of the invention may also be obtained by a method of building an underground stormwater retention basin comprising module system parts according to the invention, and the underground stormwater retention basin constituted by a plurality of full-sized cuboids according to the invention, the method comprising the steps of:
The object of the invention may furthermore be obtained by a use of a plurality of module system parts according to the invention for building an underground stormwater retention basin constituted by a plurality of full-sized cuboids according to the invention.
An internal size of a through-hole relative to an external size of the side surface, where the trough hole is provided, is at least 50% preferably at least about 80%.
An internal void volume relative to an external volume of the full-sized cuboids is at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, preferably at least 95%.
A volume of an interior of a three-dimensional unit for a module part according to the invention is preferably at least 100 litres, possibly at least 200 litres, possibly between 200 litres and 400 litres. As example, a three-dimensional unit for a modular part may be a cube a length of the side edges being approximately 60 centimetres resulting in an internal volume of about 200 litres. If the internal volume of the modular part is much larger than 400 litres, the module part may become so large and possibly heavy that the modular part becomes difficult to handle, at least becomes difficult to handle manually.
In the embodiment of the cuboids shown, all the cuboids are shaped substantially as cubes, that is, all six surfaces of the cuboids are of substantially the same size. In alternative embodiments of the cuboids, the cuboids may be shaped as non-cubic cuboids, that is, two end surfaces are the same size and four side surfaces are the same size, however, the four side surfaces not the same size as the two end surfaces.
The centre cuboid is provided with seal inserts (see
One side surface 3 has a semi-sized through hole 8 intended for constituting part of a full-sized female through hole (see
The semi-sized female through hole 8 has a support flange 10 extending along a circumference of the semi-sized through hole 8. The support flange 10 is intended for limiting an axial extension of a ring-shaped seal (not shown) intended for sealing against an inner circumference of the female through hole 8 and against an outer circumference of a male through hole of another cuboid when the female through hole of one cuboid is engaging with a male through hole of neighbouring cuboid.
Another side surface 4 has a semi-sized through hole 9 constituting part of a full-sized male through hole (see
The semi-sized male through hole 9 has a flange 11 intended for being inserted into a semi-sized female through hole 8 of a neighbouring cuboid (not shown). The flange 11 has a recess 12. The recess 12 is intended for holding a ring-shaped seal (not shown) intended for sealing against an outer circumference of the recess 12 and against the inner circumference of a female through hole of neighbouring cuboid when the male through hole of one cuboid is engaging with a female through hole of another cuboid.
At selected two corner positions of the side surfaces 3,4,5, protrusions 13 are provided. The protrusions 13 are intended for engaging with corresponding indentions at selected other corner positions of side surfaces of an opposite semi-sized cuboid (not shown) which the one semi-sized shown is to be attached to for forming a full-sized cuboid.
At selected corner positions of the side surfaces 3,4,6, indentions 14 are provided. The indentions 14 are intended for engaging with corresponding protrusions at selected corner positions of side surfaces of an opposite semi-sized cuboid (not shown) which the one semi-sized shown is to be attached to for forming a full-sized cuboid.
Engagement between the protrusions 13 and the indentions 14 maintain two semi-sized cuboids in position in relation to each other to form a full-sized cuboid (see
Along a free side edge of one closed side surface 5, a longitudinal bead 15 is provided. Along a free side edge of another closed side surface 6, opposite to the one closed side surface 5 with the bead 15, a longitudinal groove 16 is provided. The longitudinal bead 15 and the longitudinal groove 16 are intended for engaging a corresponding groove and bead, respectively, along free side edges of side surfaces of another semi-sized cuboid (not shown), which together with the semi-sized cuboid shown forms a full-sized cuboid.
An elastomeric liner (not shown), such as rubber or another watertight elastomer, may be provided in the groove 16. If mutual engagement between a bead 15 and a groove 16 along free edges of the one semi-sized cuboid shown and another semi-sized cuboid (not shown), which together form a full-sized cuboid, is not watertight, mutual engagement between free side edges of the semi-sized cuboid shown and the other cuboid may become watertight if an elastomeric liner is provided in the grooves 16 of the cuboids.
The semi-sized cuboid of the first type is possibly made from plastic such as polypropylene (PP), preferably with fibres, as example glass fibres, preferably between 0.1 mm and 10 mm long, embedded within the plastic. A thickness of the main surface and of the side surfaces is preferably between 2 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 5 mm. A length L1 of the one pair of opposing side edges of the main surface is possibly between 400 mm and 1000 mm. A length L2 of the one pair of opposing side edges of the main surface is possibly between 400 mm and 1000 mm. A length L3 of the side surface, in a direction perpendicular to the main surface is preferably between 200 mm and 500 mm. The semi-sized cuboid possibly has a volume within the main surface, inner sides of the side surfaces incl. plane areas which possible through holes expand of between 0.6 m3 and 2 m3, preferably between 0.5 m3 and 1 m3.
The full-sized first type cuboid is intended as a water duct module and/or a water retention module and/or a water detention module of the module system of a stormwater retention basin. In the embodiment shown, at least the side surfaces 3,4,5,6 are made as a sandwich structure. Each side surface is constituted by opposing face plates 17,18 mutually connected by support ribs 19. Thereby, rigidity of the main surfaces and the side surfaces is increased, better capable of withstanding load from the ground and from possible other cuboids positioned above the one cuboid, when the one cuboid together with other cuboids constitute the module system of a stormwater retention basin.
At each corner of the cuboid, locking recesses 20 are provided. The locking recesses 20 are intended for engaging with locking pins of a corner locking part (see
An inner circumference of the ring-shaped seal is sealing against the outer circumference of the recess and an outer circumference of the ring-shaped seal is sealing against the inner circumference of the female through hole. Thereby, mutual engagement between the flange of the male through hole and the female through hole is made watertight.
The semi-sized through holes 28 in the side surfaces 23,24,25,26 are intended for constituting part of a full-sized female through hole (see
The semi-sized female through holes 28 and the full-sized female through hole 29 has a support flange 30 extending along a circumference of the through holes 28,29. The support flange 30 is intended for limiting an axial extension of a ring-shaped seal (not shown) for sealing against an inner circumference of the female through holes 28,29 and against an outer circumference of a male through hole of another cuboid when the female through hole of one cuboid is engaging with a male through hole of neighbouring cuboid.
At selected corner positions of the side surfaces 23,24,25 protrusions 33 are provided. The protrusions 33 are intended for engaging with corresponding indentions at selected other corner positions of side surfaces of an opposite semi-sized cuboid (not shown) which the one semi-sized shown is to be attached to for forming a full-sized cuboid.
At selected corner positions of the side surfaces 23,24,26 indentions 14 are provided. The indentions 14 are intended for engaging with corresponding protrusions 13 at selected corner positions of side surfaces of an opposite semi-sized cuboid (not shown) which the one semi-sized shown is to be attached to for forming a full-sized cuboid.
Engagement between the protrusions 13 and the indentions 14 maintain two semi-sized cuboids in position in relation to each other to form a full-sized cuboid (see
The semi-sized cuboid of the first type is possibly made from plastic such as PP, preferably with fibres, as example glass fibres, embedded within the PP. A thickness of the main surface and of the side surfaces is preferably between 2 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 5 mm. A length L1 of the one pair of opposing side edges of the main surface is possibly between 400 mm and 1000 mm. A length L2 of the one pair of opposing side edges of the main surface is possibly between 400 mm and 1000 mm. A length L3 of the side surface, in a direction perpendicular to the main surface is preferably between 200 mm and 500 mm. The semi-sized cuboid possibly has a volume within the main surface, inner sides of the side surfaces incl. plane areas which possible through holes expand of between 0.6 m3 and 2 m3, preferably between 0.5 m3 and 1 m3.
The full-sized second type cuboid is intended as a water duct and/or a water retention module of the modular rain stormwater management system. In the embodiment shown, at least the side surfaces 23,24,25,26 are made as a sandwich structure. Each surface is constituted by opposing face plates 32,338 mutually connected by support ribs 34.
Thereby, rigidity of at least the side surfaces 23,24,25,26 and possibly also the main surfaces 22 is increased, better capable of withstanding load from the ground and from possible other cuboids positioned above the one cuboid, when the one cuboid together with other cuboids constitute the modular rain stormwater management system.
At each corner of the cuboid, locking recesses 35 are provided. The locking recesses 35 are intended for engaging with at least one locking pin of a corner locking part (see
One side surface 3 has a semi-sized through hole 8 intended for constituting part of a full-sized male through hole capable of engaging with a corresponding male through hole of a neighbouring cuboid (not shown). Another side surface 4 has a semi-sized through hole 9 constituting part of a full-sized female through hole capable of engaging with a corresponding female through hole of a neighbouring cuboid (not shown).
The preferred embodiment shown in
The semi-sized through holes 28 in the side surfaces 23,24,25,26 are intended for constituting part of a full-sized female through hole for engagement with a corresponding male through hole of a neighbouring cuboid (not shown). The full-sized through holes 29 in the main surface 22 for engagement with a corresponding male through hole of a neighbouring cuboid (not shown).
Also, the possibility of manufacturing a main surface having a stiffness and a strength needed is enhances, when the main surface is aa part being separate from the side surfaces. Especially for cuboids intended for being uppermost cuboids in a module system from an underground stormwater retention basin are prone to the largest load form traffic on the ground. Cuboids being the uppermost cuboids may preferably be made with a main surface 2A being separate from the side surfaces in order to provide a main surface 2A having an utmost rigidity and strength towards load on the ground.
The main surface part 2a shown in
The preferred embodiment shown in
Also, the possibility of manufacturing a main surface having a stiffness and a strength needed is enhances, when the main surface is aa part being separate from the side surfaces. Especially for cuboids intended for being uppermost cuboids in a module system from an underground stormwater retention basin are prone to the largest load form traffic on the ground. Cuboids being the uppermost cuboids may preferably be made with a main surface 2A being separate from the side surfaces in order to provide a main surface 2A having an utmost rigidity and strength towards load on the ground.
The preferred embodiment shown in
One side surface 3 has a semi-sized through hole 8 intended for constituting part of a full-sized male through hole capable of engaging with a corresponding male through hole of a neighbouring cuboid (not shown). Another side surface 4 has a semi-sized through hole 9 constituting part of a full-sized female through hole capable of engaging with a corresponding female through hole of a neighbouring cuboid (not shown).
The preferred embodiment shown in
Also, the possibility of manufacturing a main surface having a stiffness and a strength needed is enhances, when the main surface is aa part being separate from the side surfaces. Especially for cuboids intended for being uppermost cuboids in a module system from an underground stormwater retention basin are prone to the largest load form traffic on the ground. Cuboids being the uppermost cuboids may preferably be made with a main surface 2A being separate from the side surfaces in order to provide a main surface 2A having an utmost rigidity and strength towards load on the ground.
The main surface part 2a shown in
The preferred embodiment shown in
In all embodiments of cuboids shown, any ribs provide for increased rigidity of the cuboid have the same thickness along the entire extension of the ribs. However, in alternative embodiments of the ribs, some of the ribs may be thicker than other of the ribs, depending on the position within the cuboid and depending on any requirement for increased stiffness of the cuboid at some positions relative to other positions.
Each of the ribs, or some of the ribs, may have an increased thickness at a base of the rib, proximate to where the rib extends from a main surface or a side surface, compared to at a tip of the rib, distant from where the rib extends from a main surface or a side surface, The stiffness provides by such rib may also be higher compare to ribs with the same thickness at the base as at the tip, and possibly, when manufacturing the cuboid by injection moulding, the cuboid may be easier to extract from the mould, if the ribs have a shape with a base of the rib having a larger thickness than the tip of the rib.
The seal has a middle linear section 37 for inserting in a middle part of the recess 16 of a semi-sized first type cuboid (see
By providing end sections 38,39 of the seal, said end sections 38,39 corresponding to the shape of part of the recess along the female through hole and the male through hole, respectively, of a first type cuboid, a full-sized cuboid made from two semi-sized cuboids mutually joined and with a seal as shown in
The ring-shaped seal (not shown), provided between an outer circumference of a male flange and an inner circumference of a female flange of two neighbouring cuboids mutually connected, makes the mutual connection of the flanges watertight. Together with the seal shown in
Male flanges 42 extend circumferentially along the seal insert 40 on each side of the rib 41 and extend along a longitudinal direction of the centre axis A of the seal inert 40. The flanges 42 are dimensioned so that the flanges 42 extend a certain distance, preferably between 10 mmm and 50 mm, into female through holes when the seal insert 40 is engaging with the female through holes of neighbouring second type cuboids.
An outer diameter of the male flange 42 is preferably 500 mm, which is the same diameter as an outer diameter of one of a plurality of standard sized drain pipes. Another diameter of the male flange 42 may be selected, possibly being the same diameter as an outer diameter of another one of a plurality of standard sized drain pipes.
Each of the flanges 42 has a recess 43. Each of the recess 43 are intended for holding a ring-shaped seal (not shown) for sealing against an outer circumference of one of the recess 43 and against inner circumferences of female through holes of cuboids when the flanges 42 engage with female through holes of the cuboids.
A male flange 46 extends circumferentially along the seal insert 44 on one side of the end rib 45 and extend along a longitudinal direction of the centre axis A of the seal insert 50. The flange 46 is dimensioned so that the flange of the seal insert 44 extends a certain distance, preferably between 10 mmm and 50 mm, into a female through hole of the cuboid when the flange 46 is engaging with the female through hole.
The flange has a recess 47. The recess 47 is intended for holding a ring-shaped seal (not shown) for sealing against an outer circumference of the recess 47 and against an inner circumference of a female through hole of a cuboid when the flange 46 is engaging with a female through hole of the cuboid.
Male flanges 42 extend circumferentially along the seal insert 40 on each side of the rib 41 and extend along a longitudinal direction of the centre axis A of the seal inert 40. The flanges 42 are dimensioned so that the flanges 42 extend a certain distance, preferably between 10 mm and 50 mm, into female through holes when the seal insert 40 is engaging with the female through holes of neighbouring second type cuboids.
Each of the flanges 42 has a recess 43. Each of the recess 43 are intended for holding a ring-shaped seal (not shown) for sealing against an outer circumference of one of the recess 43 and against inner circumferences of female through holes of cuboids when the flanges 42 is engaging with female through holes of the cuboids.
An outer diameter of the male flange 42 is preferably 500 mm, which is the same diameter as an outer diameter of one of a plurality of standard sized drain pipes. Another diameter of the male flange 42 may be selected, possibly being the same diameter as an outer diameter of another one of a plurality of standard sized drain pipes.
The insert 44 shown in
The insert 44 shown in
The seal insert 44 with the grate 48 as shown in
The seal insert 44 with the grate 48 as shown in
The seal insert 44 with the grate 48 as shown in
Male flanges 42 extend circumferentially along the seal insert 40 on each side of the rib 41 and extend along a longitudinal direction of the centre axis A of the seal inert 40. The flanges 42 are dimensioned so that the flanges 42 extend a certain distance, preferably between 10 mm and 50 mm, into female through holes when the seal insert 40 is engaging with the female through holes of neighbouring second type cuboids.
Each of the flanges 42 has a recess 43. Each of the recesses 43 are intended for holding a ring-shaped seal (not shown) for sealing against an outer circumference of one of the recesses 43 and against inner circumferences of female through holes of cuboids when the flanges 42 are engaging with female through holes of the cuboids.
The seal insert 40 has a grate 48 constituting an integrate part of the seal insert 40. The grate is made up by perforations 48 in a surface extending within the extension of the rib 41. Water passing from one cuboid to another neighbouring cuboid, both of which are mutually connected by the seal insert 40, has to pass the grate 48. The grate 48 is a mechanical grate but may be supplemented by a biological filter or a chemical filter, depending on any needs for filtering water passing from the one cuboid to the neighbouring cuboid or passing from a cuboid to surroundings outside the cuboid.
An outer diameter of the male flange 42 is preferably 500 mm, which is the same diameter as an outer diameter of one of a plurality of standard sized drain pipes. Another diameter of the male flange 42 may be selected, possibly being the same diameter as an outer diameter of another one of a plurality of standard sized drain pipes.
The part 44 as shown in
An end rib 51 extend circumferentially along the cover 50 and extend outwards in relation to a longitudinal axis A of the cover 50. The end rib 51 is intended for providing a stop limiting insertion of the cover 50 into the female through hole of a cuboid.
A male flange 52 extends circumferentially along the cover 50 on one side of the end rib 41 and extend along a longitudinal direction of the centre axis A of the cover. The flange 52 is dimensioned so that the flange 62 extends a certain distance, preferably between 10 mm and 50 mm, into a female through hole of the cuboid when the flange 52 is engaging with the female through hole.
The flange has a recess 53. The recess 53 is intended for holding a ring-shaped seal (not shown) for sealing against an outer circumference of the recess 53 and against an inner circumference of a female through hole of a cuboid when the flange 52 is engaging with a female through hole of the cuboid.
An inside surface of the cover 50, intended for facing an interior of a cuboid, is provided with ribs 54 extending radially and circumferentially. The ribs 54 assist in the cover being capable of withstanding forces acting on the cover from the exterior.
An end rib 51 extend circumferentially along the cover 50 and extend outwards in relation to a longitudinal axis A of the cover 50. The end rib 51 is intended for providing a stop limiting insertion of the cover 50 into the female through hole of a cuboid.
A male flange 52 extends circumferentially along the cover 50 on one side of the end rib 41 and extend along a longitudinal direction of the centre axis A of the cover. The flange 52 is dimensioned so that the flange 62 extends a certain distance, preferably between 10 mm and 50 mm, into a female through hole of the cuboid when the flange 52 is engaging with the female through hole.
The flange has a recess 53. The recess 53 is intended for holding a ring-shaped seal (not shown) for sealing against an outer circumference of the recess 53 and against an inner circumference of a female through hole of a cuboid when the flange 52 is engaging with a female through hole of the cuboid.
An inside surface of the cover 50, intended for facing an interior of a cuboid, is provided with ribs 54 extending radially and circumferentially. The ribs 54 assist in the cover being capable of withstanding forces acting on the cover from the exterior.
In the embodiment shown, some of the ribs 54 have a circular shape, each with various diameters. The various diameters of the circular ribs correspond to diameters of standard sized drain pipes. Standard sizes often used for drain pipes have outer diameters of a little larger than either 110 mm, 160 mm or 250 mm. Accordingly, inner diameters of the three circular ribs shown are suited for having standard sized pips with an outer diameter of either 110 mm, 160 mm or 250 mm attached to the cover. If needed, a drain pipe of standard diameter may be fitted into the cover by cutting away, possibly by an electrical jigsaw, part of the cover within boundaries of the circular rib 54 having the size corresponding to the diameter of the drain pipe to be fitted.
In the embodiment shown in
An outer diameter of the male flange 52 is preferably 500 mm, which is the same diameter as an outer diameter of one of a plurality of standard sized drain pipes. Another diameter of the male flange 52 may be selected, possibly being the same diameter as an outer diameter of another one of a plurality of standard sized drain pipes.
An end rib 51 extend circumferentially along the cover 50 and extend outwards in relation to a longitudinal axis A of the cover 50. The end rib 51 is intended for providing a stop limiting insertion of the cover 50 into the female through hole of a cuboid.
A male flange 52 extends circumferentially along the cover 50 on one side of the end rib 41 and extend along a longitudinal direction of the centre axis A of the cover. The flange 52 is dimensioned so that the flange 62 extends a certain distance, preferably between 10 mm and 50 mm, into a female through hole of the cuboid when the flange 52 is engaging with the female through hole.
The flange has a recess 53. The recess 53 is intended for holding a ring-shaped seal (not shown) for sealing against an outer circumference of the recess 53 and against an inner circumference of a female through hole of a cuboid when the flange 52 is engaging with a female through hole of the cuboid.
An inside surface of the cover 50, intended for facing an interior of a cuboid, is provided with ribs 54 extending radially and circumferentially. The ribs 54 assist in the cover being capable of withstanding forces acting on the cover from the exterior.
In the embodiment shown in
An outer diameter of the male flange 52 is preferably 500 mm, which is the same diameter as an outer diameter of one of a plurality of standard sized drain pipes. Another diameter of the male flange 52 may be selected, possibly being the same diameter as an outer diameter of another one of a plurality of standard sized drain pipes.
The seal insert 55 with shroud 56 has a circular centre rib 57. The centre rib 56 extends circumferentially along the seal insert 55. The centre rib 57 is providing a stop limiting insertion of the seal insert 55 into female through holes of neighbouring cuboids.
Male flanges 58 of the seal insert 55 extend circumferentially along the seal insert 55 on each side of the centre rib 57. The flanges 58 are dimensioned so that the flanges of the seal insert 55 extend a certain distance, preferably between 10 mm and 50 mm, into female through holes of the neighbouring cuboids when the seal insert 55 is engaging with the female through holes.
The shroud 56 of the seal insert 55 extends in extension of the one flange 58. The shroud 58 extends from the one flange 58 to an opening 59 of the shroud.
In the embodiment shown, the opening 59 of the shroud 56 is rectangular apart from a bottom edge 60 shaped as part of circle and with a circumference corresponding to part of the circumference of an entire circular hole through the seal insert 55. The opening 59 of the shroud 56 has side tracks 61 and a top track 62 for guiding and holding a grate or a screen (see
An outer diameter of the male flange 52 is preferably 500 mm, which is the same diameter as an outer diameter of one of a plurality of standard sized drain pipes. Another diameter of the male flange 52 may be selected, possibly being the same diameter as an outer diameter of another one of a plurality of standard sized drain pipes.
Water is allowed passing from one cuboid to another neighbouring cuboid, both of which are mutually connected by the seal insert with shroud, has to pass the grate. The grate may be a mechanical grate, a grate with a biological filter or a grate with a chemical filter, depending on the needs for filtering water passing from the one cuboid to the neighbouring cuboid.
Water is prevented from passing from one cuboid to another neighbouring cuboid, both of which are mutually connected by the seal insert with shroud. In the embodiment, the screen is entirely closed within the entire circumference of the screen, providing a full prevention of water passing.
In an alternative embodiment, the screen is only partly closed within the circumference of the screen, partly allowed water passing from one cuboid to another neighbouring cuboid, both of which are mutually connected by the seal insert with shroud.
One example is that an upper part of the screen is not closed. Water in the cuboid, at a level above the not-closed upper part of the screen, is allowed passing from one cuboid to another neighbouring cuboid, both of which are mutually connected by the seal insert with shroud. Water at a level below the not-closed upper part of the screen, is prevented from passing from the one cuboid to the other neighbouring cuboid.
Possible debris in water and with a density higher than the water may thereby be prevented by the screen from passing from one cuboid to another neighbouring cuboid, both of which are mutually connected by the seal insert with shroud, while water is still allowed passing form the one cuboid to the other neighbouring cuboid.
Another example is that a lower part of the screen is not closed. Water in the cuboid, at a level below the not-closed lower part of the screen, is allowed passing from one cuboid to another neighbouring cuboid, both of which are mutually connected by the seal insert with shroud. Water at a level above the not-closed lower part of the screen is prevented from passing from the one cuboid to the other neighbouring cuboid.
Possible debris in water and with a density higher than the water may thereby be prevented by the screen from passing from one cuboid to another neighbouring cuboid, both of which are mutually connected by the seal insert with shroud, while water is still allowed passing from the one cuboid to the other neighbouring cuboid.
Yet another example is that a centre part of the screen is not closed. Water in the cuboid, at a centre level between an upper part of the screen and a lower part of the screen, is allowed passing from one cuboid to another neighbouring cuboid, both of which are mutually connected by the seal insert with shroud.
Both water at a level below the not-closed centre part of the screen, and possibly holding debris with a density higher than water, and water at a level above the not-closed centre part of the screen, and possibly holding debris with a density lower than water, is prevented from passing from the one cuboid to the other neighbouring cuboid, while water is still allowed passing from the one cuboid to the other neighbouring cuboid.
The bucket insert 71 is intended for collecting debris possibly being passed from ground level to a cuboid of the modular system in which the bucket insert is inserted. A pipe 73 has a top grate 74 intended for being placed at ground level, preventing larger debris from passing to the cuboids of the modular system. The pipe 73 leads from the grate 74 to a bucket 75. The bucket 75 is supported by at a bottom of the bucket 75 by a cover 50 (see
Perforations 76 are provided along a side surface of the bucket 75. The perforations 76 allow water to pass from inside the bucket to outside the bucket and into the cuboid where the bucket 75 is inserted. The bottom of the bucket is not provided with perforations and is intended for collecting any debris, which may have passed the grate 74. The bucket 75 may be lifted out of the cuboid by removing the grate 74, attaching a gripping tool (not shown) to the bucket 75 and lifting the bucket 75 out of the cuboid along the pipe 73. The pipe 73 is supported by a support ring 77 (see
The wick insert 72 is intended for passing water possible passing or being retained or being contained in the cuboid, where wick material 78 is inserted, and to a top surface of the wick material. Perforations 79 are provided along a side surface of the wick insert 72. The perforations 79 allow water to pass from inside the cuboid where the wick insert 72 is inserted and to the wick material 78. The wick material may, as example, be
A plant such as grass, bushes or a tree may be planted in soil above the wick material. The soil is provided between the ground and the top of the cuboid, where the wick material is inserted. Because of perforations of the wick insert, and because of the wick material, any water in the cuboid may be passed from the cuboid, through the perforations, along the wick material 78, to the soil above the cuboid and from the soil to the plant planted in the soil. The wick insert 72 is supported by a support ring 79 similar to the support ring 77 for the bucket insert 71.
The cover 80 of the support ring 77 has a flange 82 having an outer diameter D2 corresponding to an inner diameter of the female through hole of the cuboid, which the support ring 77 is intended for being attached to. The circular flange 81 of the support ring 77 has an outer diameter D2 corresponding to an inner diameter of a standard drain pipe. Thereby, a standard drain pipe may be fitted to a cuboid by the support ring being attached to the cuboid and the standard drain pipe being fitted to the circular flange 81.
In the embodiment shown, the outer diameter D2 of the circular flange is 250 mm, corresponding to one size of standard drain pipes used for sewage or water drainage.
An outer diameter of the male flange 82 is preferably 500 mm, which is the same diameter as an outer diameter of one of a plurality of standard sized drain pipes. Another diameter of the male flange 82 may be selected, possibly being the same diameter as an outer diameter of another one of a plurality of standard sized drain pipes.
The cover 80 of the support ring 77 has a flange 82 having an outer diameter D3 corresponding to an inner diameter of the female through hole of the cuboid, which the support ring 77 is intended for being attached to. The circular flange 81 of the support ring 77 has an outer diameter D2 corresponding to an inner diameter of a standard drain pipe. Thereby, a standard drain pipe may be fitted to a cuboid by the support ring being attached to the cuboid and the standard drain pipe being fitted to the circular flange 81.
In the embodiment shown, the outer diameter D3 of the circular flange is 450 mm, corresponding to another size of standard drain pipes used for sewage or water drainage.
An outer diameter of the male flange 82 is preferably 500 mm, which is the same diameter as an outer diameter of one of a plurality of standard sized drain pipes. Another diameter of the male flange 82 may be selected, possibly being the same diameter as an outer diameter of another one of a plurality of standard sized drain pipes.
The support ring 77 support the pipe 73 shown in
The support ring 77 has a support surface 80 with a circular shape. Alternatively, the centre plate has a rectangular shape. The support surface 80 is intended for being supported on an upper outer surface of a cuboid (see
The other flange 82 is intended for being inserted into a female through hole in the upper surface of a cuboid. The one flange 81 is intended for supporting an inner circumference of, as example, a pipe 73 as shown in
The support ring 83 has a support surface 84 with a rectangular shape. Alternatively, the support surface has a circular shape. The support surface 84 is intended for being placed on an upper outer surface of a cuboid. The support ring 83 has one circular flange 85 with a relatively large diameter and extending upwards from the support surface 84 and another flange 86 with a relatively small diameter and extending downwards from the support surface 84.
The other flange 86 is intended for being inserted into a female through hole in the upper surface of the cuboid. The one flange 85 is intended for supporting an outer circumference of, as example, a pipe 73 or for supporting other elements extending between the support ring and the ground level beneath which the cuboid is buried.
Braces 90 are provided at top sides of the uppermost cuboids to the left and to the right in the figure. The braces 90 are constituted by an S-shaped profile with an upper section 91 of the S-shaped profile extending along an edge of the upper surfaces of the uppermost cuboids to the left and to the right and in the figure and with a middle section 92 of the S-shaped profile extending along side surfaces of these uppermost cuboids. A lower section 93 of the S-shaped braces extends outwards from the middle section 92.
Troughs 94 are provided along side surfaces of the lowermost cuboids to the left and to the right in the figure. The troughs 91 are constituted by an L-shaped profile with an upward section 95 of the L-shaped profile extending along side surfaces of the lowermost cuboids to the left and to the right and with a lateral section 96 of the L-shaped profile extending perpendicular to the upward section 95 and outwards in extension of lowermost surfaces of the lowermost cuboids to the left and to the right.
Rods 97 are attached to the lower section 93 of the S-shaped braces 90 and to the upward extending sections 95 of the L-shaped troughs 94. The rods 97 connect the braces 90 with the troughs 94 so that the uppermost cuboids cannot displace form the throughs 94. When the cuboids are buried in the ground, the troughs 94 are filled with soil and the soil extends upwards along the side surfaces of the cuboids.
If possible underground forces beneath the cuboids, as example forces from underground water situated beneath the stack of cuboids and the troughs, try to force the stack of cuboids and the troughs upwards the soil in and above the troughs will prevent the troughs from displacing upwards by the possible underground forces.
Because the braces 90 along the upper edged of the uppermost cuboids to the left and to the right in the figure are connected with the troughs 94 via the rods 07, the braces 90 and the uppermost cuboids to the left and to the right are prevented from displacing upwards. Because all the cuboids in the stack of cuboids are mutually connected, also the remaining cuboids in the stack of cuboids are prevented from displacing upwards when possible underground forces try to force the stack of cuboids upwards.
In the embodiment of the bottom plate 100 shown, the grooves 103 of the side sections 102 are dimensioned and mutually distanced at a distance d for interaction with support ribs 19 of a cuboid as shown in
The bottom plate 100 is intended for providing a plane surface in a bottom of a cuboid. The cuboid as shown in, as example,
Providing a bottom plate 100 in the bottom of the cuboid avoids, or at least minimizes, debris collecting in the bottom of the cuboid. Accordingly, the bottom of the cuboid will not collect and store debris, or at least an amount of debris will be minimal. This is an advantage in avoiding any debris in the bottom of the cuboid being collected and possibly limiting flow of stormwater passing into or passing through the cuboid.
The intermediate extension 107 of the locking member 105 interacts with corresponding cavities 110,111 in the upper part and the lower part, respectively, of the cuboid. In an alternative embodiment, only the cavities 108,109 which the enlarged ends 105,106 of the locking member 104 interact with, is provided in the upper part and the lower part, respectively, of the cuboid. The enlarged ends 105,106 of the locking member 104 may have other shapes than a trapeze as shown in the embodiment, as example a shape as a triangle, a parallelogram or other polygonals, or may have more or less rounded shapes.
In the embodiment shown a width w of the intermediate section 107 is 10 mm and the length is 116 mm. A width of the enlarged end sections 105, 106 is at least 1.5 times larger, preferably at least 2 times larger, than the width w of the intermediate section.
The locking member shown in the figure is intended for being inserted into the cavities of the upper part and the lower part of the cuboid when the upper part and the lower part has been assembled edge to edge. A plurality of locking members is provided along the edges, where the upper part and the lower part of the cuboid are assembled. The plurality of locking members locks the upper part and the lower part together, avoiding the upper part and the lower part being released from each other when in the ground.
The layout shows that layout of the module system may be designed depending on any exterior obstacles which may be present underground in situ where the module system is to be provided. Sewage ducts, central heat ducts, vent ducts, gas and water pipes, electrical and telecommunication wiring and other underground obstacles may be evaded by the module system. Obstacles may also be roots of trees, foundations of building, poles for road barriers, trash bins or other above-ground-based appliances.
Another advantage of the cuboids shown is that if it becomes necessary to dig out one or more cuboids to access possible installations underground, and situated underneath the module system, a cuboid may be dug out and replaced it with a new other cuboid, if the other new cuboid is of the type shown in
Once one or more already buried cuboids have been dug out of the ground, and after the possible installations underneath the module system have been maintained, one or more new cuboids must be installed to replace the cuboids having been dug out to gain access to the installations. This is possible using a cuboid with only female through holes, because no flanges extend outside the side surfaces of the cuboid. Such flanges, if provided, would otherwise obstruct passage of a cuboid between two, three or four neighbouring cuboids, sideways to the new cuboid, and already placed in the ground.
While the present disclosure has been illustrated and described with respect to a particular embodiment thereof, it should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications to this disclosure may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22174236.4 | May 2022 | EP | regional |
| 23153470.2 | Jan 2023 | EP | regional |
This application is a National Stage application of International Patent Application No. PCT/DK2023/050122, filed on May 17, 2023, which claims priority to European Patent Application No. 22174236.4, filed May 19, 2022, and 23153470.2, filed Jan. 26, 2023, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/DK2023/050122 | 5/17/2023 | WO |
