Flow system for generating counter flow

Abstract

The invention relates to a flow system (1) comprising a pool (2) and at least one flow device (3) for generating a counter flow (4) for an object (5) in the pool (2) wherein the flow device (3) comprises the following: at least one flow driver (6) driven by at least one motor (7) of the flow device (3); a pressure difference can be generated between the at least one drive channel inlet (9) and the at least one drive channel outlet (10) by means of the flow drive (6), the drive channel inlet (9) and the drive channel outlet (10) being arranged below a waterline (11) of the pool (2), and the drive channel outlet (10) being oriented to output a reverse flow (4) in a reverse flow direction (12), wherein the flow device (3) or the combination (Z) of at least two flow devices (3) comprises at least one bypass channel (13) having a bypass channel inlet (14) and a bypass channel outlet (15), where the at least one bypass channel (13) is at least partially spaced from the drive channel outer edge (16), and where the bypass channel outlet (15) is oriented substantially in the counter-flow direction (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a flow system comprising a pool and at least one flow device for generating a countercurrent in the pool for an object, wherein the flow device comprises: at least one flow driver driven by at least one motor of the flow device; and at least one drive channel, wherein a pressure difference can be generated between at least one drive channel inlet and at least one drive channel outlet by the flow driver, wherein the drive channel inlet and the drive channel outlet are arranged below the waterline of the pool, and wherein the drive channel outlet is arranged to output the countercurrent along the countercurrent direction. Background Art

[0002] The purpose of a flow system or a counterflow system is to enable an object, usually a person performing a swimming motion, to stay in a fixed position in a pool or a swimming pool by providing a countercurrent. By applying a defined volume flow at a defined flow velocity in the water, the object can stay in a fixed, constant or consistent position relative to the pool without reaching the edge of the pool.

[0003] Prior art counterflow systems typically include a single flow outlet or drive channel outlet from which the countercurrent is discharged in the direction of the swimmer. In some counterflow systems, deflector elements are also used to obtain a directed countercurrent. A substantial disadvantage of known counterflow systems is that, despite the use of deflector elements or the adoption of a suitable outlet shape, the actual movement cross-section or movement space of the swimmer still cannot obtain a sufficiently uniform flow. When used in a pool, well-known counterflow systems also take up a large amount of space or generate a relatively weak countercurrent.

[0004] A desired uniform or homogenized countercurrent is generally understood to be a flow with small turbulence, vortices and disturbances in the area of the object and without an asymmetric flow pattern. Pulsations can also interfere with movement in the water.

[0005] This desired homogenized countercurrent generally cannot be achieved in known counterflow systems. This situation can be explained by the fact that when a countercurrent or a flow is generated using a propeller as is common, vortices and non-uniform velocity distributions are inherently imparted to the countercurrent. Similarly, deflecting the flow by means of elbows can also impose vortices or non-uniform flow structures on the countercurrent, which is on the one hand associated with higher dissipation and thus a loss of the kinetic energy of the countercurrent, and on the other hand can interfere with or impede the smooth movement of the object.

[0006] Some of the counterflow systems in the prior art recognize these problems, but supply an extremely uneven counterflow to the movement space or reference space of the object. In addition, deflector elements or elbows cause a large loss of the kinetic energy of the flow and pressure loss, which is due to the narrowing or widening of the flow cross-section, or due to the flow through the openings of the flow straightener and the associated increased friction or flow deflection. This requires a flow driver with greater power, which usually occupies a large installation space.

[0007] Another problem with known counterflow systems is product safety. One of the most common causes of death in young children is drowning in a pool, including accidents caused by structural hazards in the counterflow system. For this reason, public pools usually enforce strict regulations when it comes to counterflow systems.

[0008] The hazards and thus the product safety defects are mainly caused by the high negative pressure or suction pressure at the inlet of the drive channel of the counterflow system. Suction, especially in children and the frail, increases the risk of drowning.

[0009] Another factor affecting product safety is that many well-known systems use a propeller as a flow driver to provide counterflow. Long hair poses a particular risk because, due to the limited space in the pool, many counterflow systems have to be configured very small, which increases the likelihood of hair being sucked into the propeller. Here, the greatest hazard is again the possible drowning caused by hair getting stuck or trapped in the propeller.

[0010] Another potential hazard is becoming trapped under or behind the counterflow system.

[0011] A counterflow system according to the prior art is disclosed in EP3653275A1. The counterflow system is configured with a propeller coupled to an electric motor, and a channel is connected to the propeller, through which water is fed into the pool. The outlet nozzle can be configured such that the cross-section of the opening is elliptical.

[0012] Another example of a known counterflow system including a flow straightener or outlet diffuser is disclosed in US4665572A. This flow straightener is designed to provide a stratified counterflow, where a thin plate type structure or deflector element is formed in the outlet of the flow to divide and straighten the counterflow.

[0013] DE2401040A1 discloses a counterflow system for a swimming pool, where the water outlet nozzle has a suitable cross-section, which is intended to provide a more favorable cross-sectional shape of the water flow with the same intensity to the swimmer and is intended to require less effort. However, the problems and disadvantages described above are not fully recognized in this counterflow system either. Summary of the Invention

[0014] In view of the prior art, the object of the present invention can be seen as providing a solution to the above-mentioned drawbacks of known counter-current systems. Primarily, a more compact solution will be shown for providing a homogenized counter-current for objects in a pool, where the drive power required for this is not increased as compared to the prior art.

[0015] According to the present invention, the current object is solved by a flow device of the flow system or a combination of at least two flow devices, said flow device comprising at least one bypass channel having at least one bypass channel inlet and one bypass channel outlet, wherein the at least one bypass channel is at least partially spaced apart from the drive channel edge, and wherein the bypass channel outlet is oriented substantially in the counter-current direction.

[0016] The at least one bypass channel provides two substantial advantages that contribute to solving the object.

[0017] Firstly, the flow generated in the drive channel will carry additional water through the bypass channel, such that, compared to a flow device without a bypass channel according to the present invention, at the same drive power, the resulting counter-current provides a greater volume flow. This enables the motor and / or the flow driver of the flow device according to the present invention to be made more compact, so that overall a smaller and more economical flow device can be provided. The more compact flow device is also easier to transport and install, and occupies less space in the pool, providing more movement space for the object.

[0018] Secondly, the at least one bypass channel provides an additional inflow path for the entrained water, which supplies additional water to the counter-current or the free jet from the drive channel. This enables the cross-section around the object to be extensively subjected to the counter-current over a large area. If no bypass channel is provided, then when a single free jet exits from the drive channel, the perimeter of the free jet that can entrain the surrounding water will be limited to the outer perimeter of the free jet. When multiple free jets exit from the outlet cross-section of the drive channel, due to insufficient water volume between the free jets, these free jets will merge into a single free jet. In both cases, this means that the cross-section with an approximately uniform counter-current velocity distribution does not cover the entire movement space of the object. In the case of a swimming person, this causes an unnatural swimming sensation because the velocity distribution of the cross-section of the counter-current around the swimming person is not uniform enough.

[0019] A free jet is to be understood as a flow that is discharged through an outlet opening of a drive channel into a free environment and is not restricted by walls. The outflowing countercurrent has a higher momentum compared to the water in the pool and thus also a different velocity. A shear layer is formed between them, and the surrounding water is sucked in and entrained through the shear layer. The bypass channel is a gap in the outlet opening, which can increase the perimeter where the shear layer may form, while allowing sufficient water to flow in via the bypass channel so that the water can be entrained. This has a beneficial effect on the volume flow of the countercurrent and the uniformity of its velocity distribution.

[0020] The following points out other minor advantages that can be provided by at least one bypass channel when appropriately dimensioned.

[0021] The advantage can be achieved as the volume flow of water flowing through the bypass channel flows from the outlet of the drive channel into the core region of the countercurrent, which causes an equalization or homogenization of the countercurrent because the flow in the core region is not unaffected by the external flow and thus does not move forward unhindered. The core region of the flow is understood as the region at the outlet of the drive channel, where due to wall friction and the formation of a boundary layer on the wall, there will always be regions where the flow is slower than in other regions. The core region is the region not affected by wall boundary layers, etc. The cross-section of the core region of the free jet decreases with the distance from the outlet opening due to the widened shear layer at the edge of the free jet. Since at least one bypass channel is spaced apart from the outer edge of the drive channel and water is sucked away from it, the cross-section of the unhindered core region has already decreased at the outlet opening. This causes homogenization, where at the same time, the flow driver only needs to impart less energy to the flow to provide a countercurrent with sufficient velocity and sufficient cross-section.

[0022] Another effect that can reduce the required motor drive power is that the recirculation that inevitably forms in the pool due to the deflection of the countercurrent at the rear wall of the pool is partially absorbed by at least one bypass channel inlet and then re-enters the countercurrent with its remaining undissipated and deflected flow velocity, thus being redirected to the swimmer again. However, in known countercurrent systems, the countercurrent and the subsequent deflected recirculation spread uncontrollably at the front wall of the pool where the flow device is usually placed, or are deflected in such a way that they cannot be mixed into the flow of the drive channel in a guided manner by means of the bypass channel.

[0023] Preferably, the bypass channel inlet is arranged behind the bypass channel outlet facing the countercurrent direction, and the bypass channel inlet and the bypass channel outlet are formed substantially in a straight line with respect to their centers. This has the advantage that the recirculation deflected by the front wall of the pool can be absorbed particularly effectively by at least one bypass channel inlet. The straightness of the bypass channel causes a specifically guided and regulated countercurrent, wherein the flow passing through the bypass channel and also filling the core region of the flow can be particularly lossless due to the absence of bends and other deformations or deflections.

[0024] The center can be understood as the center equidistant from the edges of the respective bypass channel inlet and bypass channel outlet. The term "straight" refers to the geometry of the connecting line or center line of the respective centers.

[0025] In one embodiment, the flow driver and the motor can be located outside the front projection of the bypass channel outlet, wherein the bypass channel inlet is arranged spaced apart from the pool. This has the advantage that the bypass channel is free of deflection, which means that water can be carried from the front wall of the pool with particularly little loss.

[0026] Preferably, the outer edge of the drive channel has a cross-sectional shape of an envelope of the front projection of the object below the water line. Thus, a countercurrent suitable for the object can be provided, because only the relevant cross-section around the object is subjected to the countercurrent. For example, a suitable countercurrent means that the torso of a swimmer who generates the greatest resistance to the countercurrent in the prone swimming position is particularly affected by the flow. Firstly, if the countercurrent only flows against this area, less motor power or driving power is required, because less water around the swimmer needs to be accelerated. Secondly, this provides more space for the recirculation, which inevitably has a reverse flow velocity compared to the countercurrent, and energy losses always occur when the countercurrent and the recirculation cross each other.

[0027] However, a suitable countercurrent should mainly be understood as the largest possible cross-section of the countercurrent around the object, so as to achieve a natural swimming motion or a large-area flow around the object.

[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the drive channel outlet may include a perforated plate with at least two holes, and the countercurrent flows out through the holes, wherein the size and arrangement of the holes are such that the countercurrent discharged from each hole can be as uniform as possible or have an equal flow velocity. Thus, the advantage obtained is that a more uniform countercurrent can be provided for the swimmer or object subjected to the flow. It should be noted that the holes can also discharge the countercurrent at a certain angle.

[0029] In another embodiment, the drive channel has an elbow, where the elbow continuously transforms the cross-section of the drive channel inlet into the cross-section of the drive channel outlet. The advantage provided by the elbow is that the internal flow of the flow device is deflected and thus undergoes a certain degree of preconditioning, such that a more uniform countercurrent can be provided for the object subjected to the flow. For this purpose, the interior of the elbow can be equipped with deflection plates, baffles, guide vanes, perforated plates, or other elements for flow guidance and flow equalization.

[0030] Furthermore, the elbow can have a plurality of flow channels, where the flow channels are respectively connected to the holes of the perforated plate. Thus, the internal flow of the flow device is guided to each hole in order to obtain a particularly defined flow velocity from each hole. The flow channels are not limited to a circular cross-section and can also be, for example, an oval or rectangular cross-section. Some of the holes can be designed as bypass channels.

[0031] In addition, an advantage can also be obtained if the length and diameter gradient of the flow channels and the flow channel curvature depend on their relative positions with respect to the flow driver and the drive channel outlet and are designed such that equal flow velocities are respectively discharged from the holes and / or a countercurrent adapted to the swimming sensation is achieved, such that how the countercurrent impacts the object can be defined particularly precisely. For obtaining a suitable swimming sensation, it is crucial to manipulate the departure velocity in a targeted manner. This can mean that the departure velocity must be higher in the marginal zone of the flow.

[0032] In one embodiment, the housing can surround the flow driver and the drive channel inlet at a certain spacing, where the length of the housing is adjustable to reach the bottom of the pool. On the one hand, this has the advantage that the elements of the flow system that pose a potential hazard can be isolated from the user or swimmer. On the other hand, the length adjustability can prevent swimmers or swimming objects from staying under the flow device.

[0033] In other embodiments, the housing can have a perforated boundary surface, where the size of the perforations is such that the individual perforations have an opening surface smaller than 1 cm 2 preferably smaller than 0.5 cm 2 of the opening surface. The perforations can also have an opening diameter smaller than 8 mm or larger than 25 mm. When arranged over a larger area and in their total number, these perforations prevent the formation of local flow peaks, under which high suction pressures can occur, which can thus cause the inhalation of swimmers or objects. Thus, keeping the perforations small increases the product safety.

[0034] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0035] The advantageous and non-limiting embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0036] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the flow device of the flow system.

[0037] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a front view of the flow device in

[0038] Figure 3 shows Figure 1 and Figure 2 a detailed cross-section of the perforated plate of the flow device shown in

[0039] Figure 4 shows a specific embodiment of an elbow

[0040] Figure 5 shows a flow system having a flow device in a pool

[0041] Figure 6 a front view showing a swimmer in a freestyle stroke, the profile of the outer edge of the drive channel, and the profile of a cross-section of a countercurrent through which water flows

[0042] Figure 7 a front view showing a person in a walking or running motion, the profile of the outer edge of the drive channel, and the profile of a cross-section of a countercurrent through which water flows

[0043] Figure 8 a front view showing a horse in a walking or running motion, the profile of the outer edge of the drive channel, and the profile of a cross-section of a countercurrent through which water flows

[0044] Figure 9 a front view showing a dog in a swimming motion, the profile of the outer edge of the drive channel, and the profile of a cross-section of a countercurrent through which water flows

[0045] Figure 10 shows an embodiment of a flow device having a housing

[0046] Figure 11 shows an embodiment of a flow system in which the flow device terminates flush with the front wall of the pool

[0047] Figure 12 shows an embodiment of a flow system in which the drive channel 8 extends into the pool

[0048] Figure 13 shows an embodiment of a flow system in which the drive channel extends outside the pool, and the drive channel inlet draws water in the region of the side wall of the pool

[0049] Figure 14 shows a specific embodiment of a flow device in which ten bypass channels are arranged in the funnel-shaped drive channel outlet

[0050] Figure 15Shows a specific embodiment of a flow device, in which eight drive channel outlets are penetrated by bypass channels in a grid shape.

[0051] Figure 16 Shows a specific embodiment of a flow device, in which the drive channels are formed in an X shape.

[0052] Figure 17 Shows a specific embodiment of a flow device, in which a flow device having two drive channels is illustrated.

[0053] Figure 18 Shows in a pool Figure 10 cross-sectional view of the flow device.

[0054] Figure 19 Shows Figure 1 the flow device and the complete flow in the pool from the drive channels and the bypass channels.

[0055] Figure 20 Shows in a top view Figure 19 the flow system. Detailed Description

[0056] Figure 1 Shows a flow device 3, which includes: a flow driver 6 driven by at least one motor 7 of the flow device 3; and a drive channel 8, wherein a pressure difference can be generated between at least one drive channel inlet 9 and at least one drive channel outlet 10 by the flow driver 6, wherein the drive channel inlet 9 and the drive channel outlet 10 are arranged below the water line 11 of the pool 2, and wherein the drive channel outlet 10 is arranged to output the countercurrent 4 along the countercurrent direction 12. The flow device 3 has three bypass channels 13, wherein each bypass channel includes a bypass channel inlet 14 and a bypass channel outlet 15, and wherein each bypass channel 13 is spaced apart from the outer edge 16 of the drive channel. The bypass channel outlet 15 is oriented along the countercurrent direction 12. In Figure 1 the embodiment shown, the bypass channel 13 penetrates the drive channel 8. It should be noted that the bypass channel 13 can also be open-connected to the outer edge 16 of the drive channel. In Figure 19 the case of a flow system having a pool and an object 5, the flow device described in Figure 1 is illustrated. Figure 20 Shows in a top view Figure 19 the flow system. The suction direction 24 of the bypass channel 13 and the suction direction 25 of the drive channel 8 are illustrated, and the flow direction 27 of the drive channel 8 and the flow direction 26 of the bypass channel 13 are also illustrated.

[0057] The flow driver 6 can also be understood as multiple propellers, impellers, impellers, or other working machines, which can be either flow machines or positive displacement machines. The flow driver 6 can be driven by a single motor 7 or by multiple motors, which are interconnected by a gear mechanism or other machine elements. It should be noted that the flow driver 6 and the motor 7 are not necessarily arranged inside the pool 2. Therefore, one or more motors 7 can also be housed outside the pool 2. Similarly, the flow driver 6 can also be located outside the pool 2, because only the drive channel inlet 9, the drive channel outlet 10, and at least one bypass channel 13 must be located below the water line 11 in order to be able to suck water from the pool 2 and drain it again.

[0058] The motor 7 of the flow device 3 can also be an internal combustion engine, a turbine engine, or even an electric motor. A 24-volt DC motor connected to a standard 230-volt power supply is preferably used. For example, the reverse flow that can be generated by such a motor can reach 1.45 meters per second.

[0059] In Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the flow driver 6 is a propeller arranged inside the drive channel 8. The flow driver 6 is rotated by the motor 7 in order to achieve the pressure difference necessary to apply a flow rate to the water in the pool 2. The motor 7 is connected to the flow driver 6 via a drive shaft. The motor 7 is cooled by the water flowing through its outer wall to ensure continuous operation. The flow driver 6 is spaced so far from the drive channel inlet 9 and the drive channel outlet 10 that even the long hair of the swimmer 5 cannot be entangled, thus ensuring maximum product safety. Long hair can be understood as hair having a length of 40, 50, or 60 cm or even longer.

[0060] As illustrated in Figure 10 As illustrated, the drive channel 8, its drive channel inlet 9, and the flow driver 6 can be surrounded by the housing 20 at intervals. The drive channel inlet 9 is arranged at a distance from the bottom of the housing so that water can flow into the drive channel inlet 9 unobstructed. The housing 20 has an adjustable length so that it can contact the bottom of the pool 2 in the operating position to prevent the swimmer 5 from staying and getting stuck under the flow device 3. Preferably, the adjustable length of the housing 20 can be adapted to a pool depth of 1.2 to 1.6 meters, but lengths of 2 or 3 meters are also possible. In Figure 18 In the case of the flow system 1 having the pool 2 and the object 5, the flow device 3 described in Figure 10 is illustrated.

[0061] Figure 10The housing 20 of the flow device 3 in is configured with perforations over a large area of its boundary surface, with the exception of the reinforcing ribs, which provide the housing 20 with high resistance to external impacts. These perforations mainly act as sieves or filters to capture debris from the water in order to keep the flow driver 6 and the motor 7, as well as the drive channel 8 and the bypass channel 13, clean. Secondly, the fine-mesh perforations provide protection for the swimmer or the swimming object 5 so that no part of their body can come into contact with the flow driver 6. Preferably, the minimum distance that can be reached by a body part of the swimmer or the swimming object 5 to the swimming driver 6 along the shortest path is at least 40 centimeters long. The perforations are configured such that even children cannot insert their fingers through the perforations. The perforations preferably have a diameter of no more than 3 or 8 millimeters, and the flow velocity at the housing 20 is preferably less than 0.3 or less than 0.5 meters per second. The size of the perforations, as well as their number and distribution, can also be determined according to public pool rules. According to this law, the force applied to a standard hair when pulled must not exceed 25 Newtons.

[0062] The perforations can be hole-shaped or grid-shaped. The size, position, and distribution of individual perforations can depend on the flow driver 6 and the flow pattern around it in order to compensate for local flow peaks and achieve uniform suction across the entire perforated boundary surface. For example, smaller holes can be provided towards the drive channel inlet 9, which become larger as the distance from the drive channel inlet 9 increases. The boundary surface of the housing 20 can also be configured with folds, which increase its surface area and thus reduce flow losses.

[0063] It should be noted that the part of the housing 20 in contact with the ground can be designed with weight elements, such as sand or lead balls, which can be placed in a deformable membrane. Thus, the unevenness or gaps at the bottom of the pool 2 can be compensated for, and additionally, the floating of the flow device 3 can be prevented. Furthermore, due to the movable weights, the flow device 3 has increased stability in the operating position. Similarly, it makes the installation in the pool 2 easier because the weight elements can be added only when the flow device 3 is placed in the pool 2.

[0064] Figure 1 The flow driver 6 and the motor 7 of the flow device 3 are arranged along the longitudinal axis so as to occupy the smallest possible surface area in the pool 2. In order to discharge the countercurrent 4 in the desired countercurrent direction 12, an elbow 19 is provided in the drive channel 8, where the elbow 19 continuously transforms the cross-section of the drive channel inlet 9 into the cross-section of the drive channel outlet 10. The elbow 19 can be equipped with guide plates, bends, deflection plates, internal flow straighteners, W-shaped collectors, or Y-shaped collectors to specifically deflect the internal flow of the flow device 3. Figure 14 The flow device 3 without an elbow is shown.

[0065] The bypass channel inlet 14 is arranged facing the countercurrent direction 12, behind the corresponding bypass channel outlet 15, and the corresponding bypass channel inlet 14 and bypass channel outlet 15 are formed substantially in a straight line with respect to their center 17. Shown in a front view Figure 1 of the flow device 3 Figure 2 clearly illustrates this feature. In the front view, the three bypass channels 13 are free of bends, and the bypass channel inlets 14 and bypass channel outlets 15 are arranged one after another. It should also be understood that the bypass channels 13 can also be arranged at a certain angle with respect to the countercurrent direction 12. The bypass channel inlets 14 can be designed with rounded corners or chamfers for low-loss inflow.

[0066] It should be noted that the surfaces of the bypass channel inlets 14 and bypass channel outlets 15 can have different shapes and sizes.

[0067] For example, the bypass channel outlet 14 can be smaller than the bypass channel inlet 15 to create a nozzle effect, where the flow velocity through the bypass channel 13 increases towards the smaller surface area.

[0068] Furthermore, the flow driver 6 and the motor 7 are located outside the front projection of the bypass channel outlet 15. In other words, there are no large components in the path of the flow through the bypass channel 13 that would adversely affect the flow by means of necessary deflections or reorientations or narrowings. It should be noted that, for example, the motor 7 can be located above the bypass channel 13 or outside the pool 2, and only a thin drive shaft can pass through the front projection to connect to the flow driver 6. It is not a mandatory requirement that the flow driver 6 and the motor 7 be located outside the front projection of the bypass channel outlet 15. Such an example is shown in the Figure 14 flow device 3.

[0069] The front projection can be understood as in the front view of the flow device 3, as shown in the Figure 2 where no other components penetrate in the projection of the bypass channel outlet 15.

[0070] Another feature that the flow device 3 can have is a perforated plate 18 provided in the drive channel outlet 10. Wherein the perforated plate 18 is formed with at least two holes through which the countercurrent 4 flows out, and the size and arrangement of the holes are such that as uniform a countercurrent 4 as possible is provided. Figure 3 Shown Figure 1 and Figure 2Detailed cross-section of the perforated plate 18 of the flow device 3 as shown. It can be seen that the holes near the bypass channel 13 are formed with a smaller diameter in order to accelerate the leaving velocity from them by means of the nozzle effect, and thus, by appropriate sizing of the remaining elements of the flow device 3, a particularly large amount of water is sucked away from the bypass channel 13. It should be noted that the perforated plate 18 can be designed in a grid-like or reticulated manner. The holes in the perforated plate 18 can also be covered by a mesh or grid. It should further be noted that the holes can also be formed in a conical shape.

[0071] It can also be seen in Figure 3 that the holes connected by rounded corners may project from a plane. The degree to which individual holes project from the plane may vary in order to facilitate the diversion of water from the bypass channel 13.

[0072] Rounded corners are preferably formed not only on the outer side of the holes but also on the inner side. This has the advantage that less loss is generated when the flow is deflected into the holes. It should also be noted that the holes can also have a smooth transition with the perforated plate 18 or the mentioned plane. The perforated plate 18 can also be bent from the plane in order to further equalize the countercurrent 4.

[0073] The holes of the perforated plate 18 can also discharge their respective flows at an angle in order to provide a suitable cross-sectional shape of the countercurrent 4. A distribution device, for example in the form of a ball valve-like insert, can also be provided in the holes in order to change the angle or reduce or close individual holes. The protruding holes can thus also be designed as nozzles or diffusers in order to further equalize the countercurrent 4 and / or adjust the cross-section of the countercurrent 4.

[0074] It should also be noted that the perforated plate 18 itself can already be curved or can be deformed at an angle. Thus, in one embodiment of the perforated plate, the surface of the perforated plate in which the holes are arranged can be curved in order to guide the water flow or the countercurrent in a targeted manner. This allows for a larger cross-section to be achieved in the relevant flow region or in the cross-section of the countercurrent 23 of the applicable object 5. The drive channel outlet can also be configured by a plurality of curved surfaces that slope outwards, where the bypass channel 13 is substantially aligned along the flow direction.

[0075] It should be noted that the holes in the perforated plate 18 can also be designed with closure elements, where the closure elements can change the diameter of the holes or reversibly close them in order to adapt the cross-section of the countercurrent 4 to different sizes of swimmers and the distance of the swimmer 5 from the flow device 3.

[0076] Figure 4A specific embodiment of the elbow 19 of the flow device 3 is illustrated in a sectional view. A plurality of flow channels 21 are provided, where the flow channels 21 are each separately connected to the holes of the perforated plate 18. It is particularly preferred that the length and diameter gradient of the flow channels 21 and the flow channel curvature depend on their relative positions with respect to the flow driver 6 and the drive channel outlet 10, such that equal flow velocities leave the holes. A particular advantage of this embodiment is that the flow channels 21 provide a relatively long distance for dissipating the swirling flow imposed by the elbow 19 or by the flow driver 6. Additionally, by dividing the flow among the plurality of flow channels 21, the imposed swirls are split at an early stage and weakened by the flow channel walls and internal flow friction. The flow channels 21 are guided in such a way that they do not conflict with the bypass channels 13.

[0077] Now refer to Figure 5 , which illustrates the entire flow system 1, Figure 1 and Figure 2 in which the flow device 3 is arranged in the pool 2. It should be noted that in the region where the object 5 (in the case of Figure 5 , the object 5 is the swimmer 5 swimming at a certain distance from the flow device 3), the cross-section 23 of the countercurrent 4 gradually widens from the drive channel outlet 10 towards the swimmer 5. Thus, the drive channel outlet 10 does not have to be the same size as the swimmer 5, although it is preferred that the drive channel outlet 10 has a cross-sectional shape that is the lateral flat projection of the swimmer 5 in the prone swimming position with the arms crossed in front of the body below the waterline 11. When the countercurrent 4 reaches the swimmer 5, it has widened to such an extent that all common swimming strokes, such as breaststroke, butterfly, and crawl, can be reliably and specifically affected by the flow without being affected by unnecessary flow. The crawl stroke with the outlet shape described above is illustrated in Figure 6 .

[0078] It should also be mentioned that the cross-sectional shape of the drive channel outlet 10 or the outer edge 16 of the drive channel of the drive channel can also be formed as a round hole, an ellipse, or a slot. Similarly, with regard to the geometric design of at least one drive channel outlet 10, the size, number, orientation, and cross-sectional shape of the bypass channels 13 can also be used to determine how far the countercurrent 4 widens until it reaches the swimmer 5 and which cross-section of the countercurrent 4 actually reaches the swimmer 5. In this way, by sucking water through the bypass channels 13 and giving a suitable distribution, a non-circular cross-section of the countercurrent 4 can possibly be obtained, even from a circular cross-section at the drive channel outlet. It should be noted that the edge conditions of the water surface or the waterline 11 also affect the shape of the cross-section of the countercurrent 23.

[0079] Figure 6 The outer edge 16 of the drive channel is shown by a dashed line and the cross-section of the countercurrent 23 is shown by a solid line. The same applies to Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9, where the outer edges 16 of the respective drive channels and thus the cross-section of the countercurrent 23 are each adapted to the object 5. Specifically, the respective object 5 is a walking human 5 in Figure 7 , a swimming or walking horse 5 in Figure 8 , and a swimming dog 5 in Figure 9 .

[0080] Figure 11 Shows an embodiment of the flow system 1 in which the flow device 3 terminates flush or flush with the front wall of the pool. It should also be understood that the pool 2 has a recess or depression in which the flow device 3 is located.

[0081] Figure 12 Shows other embodiments of the flow system 1 in which the drive channel 8 extends into the pool 2. It should be noted that the drive channel 8 can also be arranged at any position in the pool 2.

[0082] Figure 13 Shows yet another embodiment of the flow system 1 in which the drive channel 8 extends outside the pool 2, where the drive channel inlet 9 draws water in the region of the side wall of the pool 2.

[0083] Figure 14 Describes another embodiment of the flow device 3, in which ten bypass channels 13 are arranged in the funnel-shaped drive channel outlet 10. It should be noted that in the front projection, the flow driver and the motor 9 are arranged one after another.

[0084] Figure 15 Describes another embodiment of the flow device 3, in which eight drive channel outlets 10 are penetrated by grid-shaped bypass channels 13. It should be noted that the bypass channels 13 are connected to the imaginary outer edge 16 of the drive channel (illustrated by a dashed line), where the bypass channels 13 are still at least partially spaced apart from the imaginary outer edge 16 of the drive channel.

[0085] Figure 16 Describes another embodiment of the flow device 3, in which the drive channel outlet 10 is formed in an X shape, and describes another embodiment of four groove-type bypass channels 13, which are at least partially spaced apart from the imaginary outer edge 16 of the drive channel (shown as a dashed line).

[0086] Figure 17 Describes another embodiment of the flow device 3, in which the flow device 3 having two drive channels 8 is illustrated. The two drive channels 8 are penetrated by the bypass channels 13 at the center. It should be noted that in order to obtain the embodiment shown in Figure 17 , two separate flow devices 3 can also be combined in the combination Z. For example, any number of Figure 16 flow devices 3 can also be arranged adjacent to each other to obtain a flow system 1 that can discharge the countercurrent 4 from the entire wall of the pool 2.

[0087] It should also be noted that the flow driver can also be designed to have multiple counter-rotating propellers or be designed as a propeller with guide vanes in order to reduce the vortices imposed on the counter-current.

[0088] Similarly, at least one bypass channel can be covered with a circular radius in order to achieve a more favorable inflow or outflow of water therefrom. The drive channel inlet and / or the drive channel outlet can also be provided with a circular radius.

[0089] Another way to obtain a vortex-free flow is to use two opposing drive channels that fit in a Y or T shape, each having its own flow driver. Vortices are generated in opposite directions and have the same magnitude through each flow driver to discharge an overall vortex-free flow.

[0090] It is also conceivable to provide adjustable deflector elements or closing elements on the drive channel and / or the bypass channel. This would allow two separate counter-currents to be effectively provided for two swimmers or swimming objects in the same pool at the same time. Thus, by means of the adjustable closing element, a strong and a weak counter-current can be provided for the respective swimmer or swimming object. It is also conceivable to direct the counter-current to the edge region of the pool in order to obtain an annular flow without changing the mounting angle of the flow device.

[0091] It should also be mentioned that the flow system can firstly be provided as an in-built system, where the flow device is integrally installed in the pool, and secondly, the flow system can also be provided such that the flow device is removable from the pool, where it can be designed to hang on the edge of the pool.

[0092] Finally, it should be noted that in one embodiment, the outer edge of the drive channel can have a cross-sectional shape that is the envelope of the combined lateral flat projections of swimmers in breaststroke, butterfly and crawl strokes below the water line. Thus, a particularly effective counter-current is provided from the drive channel outlet, since only the most relevant cross-section of the swimmer is subjected to the counter-current.

Claims

1. A flow system (1) comprising a pool (2) and at least one flow device (3) for generating a countercurrent flow (4) in the pool (2) for an object (5), wherein the flow device (3) comprises: At least one flow driver (6), which is driven by at least one motor (7) of the flow device (3); And at least one drive channel (8), wherein a pressure difference can be generated between at least one drive channel inlet (9) and at least one drive channel outlet (10) by the flow driver (6), wherein the drive channel inlet (9) and the drive channel outlet (10) are arranged below the water line (11) of the pool (2), and wherein the drive channel outlet (10) is configured to output the countercurrent (4) in the countercurrent direction (12); It is characterized in that The flow device (3) or a combination (Z) of at least two flow devices (3) includes at least one bypass channel (13), the bypass channel (13) having at least one bypass channel inlet (14) and a bypass channel outlet (15), wherein the at least one bypass channel (13) is at least partially spaced apart from the outer edge (16) of the drive channel, and wherein the bypass channel outlet (15) is oriented substantially in the countercurrent direction (12).

2. The flow system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bypass channel inlet (14) is arranged facing the countercurrent direction (12), behind the bypass channel outlet (15), and the bypass channel inlet (14) and the bypass channel outlet (15) are formed substantially in a straight line with respect to their centers (17).

3. The flow system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The flow driver (6) and the motor (7) are located outside the front projection of the bypass channel outlet (15), and the bypass channel inlet (14) is spaced apart from the pool (2).

4. The flow system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The outer edge (16) of the drive channel outlet has the cross-sectional shape of the envelope of the front projection of the object (5) below the water line (11).

5. The flow system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The drive channel outlet (10) has a perforated plate (18) with at least two holes, and the countercurrent (4) flows out through the holes, wherein the size and arrangement of the holes are such that the countercurrent (4) discharged from each hole has as uniform a flow rate as possible or an equal flow rate.

6. The flow system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The drive channel (8) has an elbow (19), wherein the elbow (19) continuously transforms the cross-section of the drive channel inlet (9) into the cross-section of the drive channel outlet (10).

7. The flow system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, A housing (20) surrounds the flow driver (6) and the drive channel inlet (9) at a distance, wherein the length of the housing (20) is adjustable to reach the bottom of the pool (2).

8. The flow system (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The housing (20) has a bounding surface with perforations, where the perforations are dimensioned such that individual perforations have an opening surface of less than 1 cm 2 and preferably less than 0.5 cm 2 of opening surface, or have an opening diameter of less than 8 mm or greater than 25 mm.

9. The flow system (1) according to claims 5 and 6, characterized in that, The elbow (19) has a plurality of flow channels (21), wherein the flow channels (21) are respectively connected to the holes of the perforated plate (18).

10. The flow system (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The length, diameter gradient and curvature of the flow channels (21) depend on their relative positions with respect to the flow driver (6) and the drive channel outlet (10), such that equal flow rates are discharged from the holes and / or a countercurrent adapted to the swimming sensation is achieved.

Images