Flow system for generating counterflow

Abstract

The present invention relates to a flow system (1) comprising a pool (2) and at least one flow device (3) for generating a countercurrent (4) for an object (5) in the pool (2), wherein the flow device (3) comprises: at least one flow drive (6) 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 drive (6), wherein the drive channel inlet (9) and the drive channel outlet (10) is arranged below the waterline (11) of the pool (2), and wherein the drive channel outlet (10) is oriented to output countercurrent (4) in the countercurrent direction (12), wherein the flow device (3) or a combination (Z) of at least two flow devices (3) includes at least one bypass channel (13) having a bypass channel inlet (14) and a bypass channel outlet (15), wherein at least one bypass channel (13) is at least partially spaced from the outer edge (16) of the drive channel, and wherein the bypass channel outlet (15) is oriented substantially in the countercurrent 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 for an object in the pool, wherein the flow device comprises: at least one flow drive 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 drive, wherein the drive channel inlet and drive channel outlet are arranged below the waterline of the pool, and wherein the drive channel outlet is arranged to output countercurrent in the countercurrent direction. Background Technology

[0002] The purpose of a flow system, or counter-flow system, is to enable an object, typically a swimmer, to remain stationary in a pool or swimming pool by providing a counter-current. By applying a limited volumetric flow at a defined velocity in the water, the object can remain in a fixed, constant, or uniform position relative to the pool without reaching its edge.

[0003] Existing counter-flow systems typically include a single flow outlet or drive channel outlet from which the counter-flow is discharged towards the swimmer. Some counter-flow systems also use deflector elements to achieve directional counter-flow. A substantial drawback of known counter-flow systems is that, despite the use of deflector elements or appropriate outlet shapes, the actual cross-section or space of movement for the swimmer cannot achieve a sufficiently uniform flow. When used in a pool, well-known counter-flow systems also occupy a significant amount of space or produce a weak counter-flow.

[0004] The desired uniform or homogenized countercurrent is generally understood as a flow with little turbulence, vortices, and disturbances in the region of the object, and without asymmetric flow patterns. Pulsations can also interfere with movement in water.

[0005] This desired homogenized countercurrent is typically unattainable in known countercurrent systems. This can be explained by the fact that when a propeller is used to generate a countercurrent or flow as commonly done, vortices and non-uniform velocity distributions inherently impart this countercurrent. Similarly, deflecting the flow using an elbow can also impose vortices or non-uniform flow structures on the countercurrent, which is associated on the one hand with higher dissipation and thus loss of kinetic energy in the countercurrent, and on the other hand with disrupting or hindering the smooth movement of objects.

[0006] Some existing counterflow systems recognize these problems, but supply extremely uneven counterflow to the moving or reference space of the object. Furthermore, deflector elements or elbows cause significant losses of the flow's kinetic energy and pressure due to narrowing or widening of the flow cross-section, or due to the flow passing through the flow straightener opening and the associated increased friction or flow deflection. This necessitates more powerful flow actuators, which typically occupy a larger installation space.

[0007] Another known issue with backflow systems is product safety. One of the most common causes of death among young children is drowning in pools, including accidents caused by structural defects in backflow systems. For this reason, public pools typically have strict regulations in place when backflow systems are involved.

[0008] The hazards and consequent product safety defects are primarily caused by high negative pressure or suction pressure at the inlet of the drive channel in the counter-flow system. Inhalation, especially by children and debilitated individuals, increases the risk of drowning.

[0009] Another factor affecting product safety is that many well-known systems use propellers as flow drivers to provide countercurrent flow. Long hair poses a particular risk because, due to limited space in pools, many countercurrent flow systems must be configured very small, increasing the likelihood of hair being sucked into the propeller. Here, the greatest hazard, once again, is the potential for drowning caused by hair becoming stuck or trapped in the propeller.

[0010] Another potential hazard is becoming trapped below or behind the counter-current system.

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

[0012] US4665572A discloses another example of a known counterflow system including a flow straightener or outlet diffuser. This flow straightener is designed to provide stratified counterflow, wherein a plate-type structure or deflecting element is formed in the outlet of the flow to divide and straighten the counterflow.

[0013] DE2401040A1 discloses a counter-flow system for swimming pools, wherein the water outlet nozzle has a suitable cross-section intended to provide swimmers with a more favorable cross-sectional shape for a water flow of equal intensity, and intended to require less effort. However, the problems and disadvantages described above in this counter-flow system have not been fully recognized. Summary of the Invention

[0014] Given the prior art, the objective of this invention can be viewed as providing a solution to the aforementioned drawbacks of known counterflow systems. Specifically, a more compact solution will be shown compared to existing technologies for providing homogenized counterflow to objects in a pool, without increasing the required drive power.

[0015] According to the present invention, the current objective is achieved by a flow device of a flow system or a combination of at least two flow devices, the 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 from the edge of the drive channel, and wherein the bypass channel outlet is oriented substantially in the countercurrent direction.

[0016] At least one bypass route provides two substantial advantages that help in achieving the objective.

[0017] First, the flow generated in the drive channel carries additional water through the bypass channel, resulting in a larger volumetric flow at the same drive power compared to a flow device without a bypass channel according to the invention. This allows the motor and / or flow drive components of the flow device according to the invention to be manufactured more compactly, thus providing a smaller and more economical flow device overall. The more compact flow device is also easier to transport and install, and occupies less space in the pool, providing more room for movement.

[0018] Secondly, at least one bypass channel provides an additional inflow path for entrained water, supplying additional water to the countercurrent or free jet from the drive channel. This results in the cross-section surrounding the object being extensively affected by the countercurrent over a large area. Without a bypass channel, the perimeter of the free jet capable of entraining surrounding water when a single free jet exits the drive channel would be limited to the outer perimeter of the free jet. When multiple free jets exit the outlet cross-section of the drive channel, they merge into a single free jet due to insufficient water volume between them. In both cases, this means that the cross-section with an approximately uniform countercurrent velocity distribution does not encompass the entire movement space of the object. In the case of a swimmer, this causes an unnatural swimming sensation because the velocity distribution of the countercurrent across the cross-section surrounding the swimmer is not uniform enough.

[0019] A free jet should be understood as a flow discharged into a free environment through the outlet opening of a drive channel and not confined by walls. The outflowing countercurrent has higher momentum than the water in the pool and therefore also has a different velocity. A shear layer forms between them, through which surrounding water is drawn in and entrained. The bypass channel is a slit in the outlet opening, which increases the perimeter that may form the shear layer while allowing sufficient water to flow in through the bypass channel so that water can be entrained. This has a beneficial effect on the volumetric flow of the countercurrent and the uniformity of its velocity distribution.

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

[0021] The advantage is that the volumetric flow of water passing through the bypass channel flows from the drive channel outlet into the core region of the countercurrent, causing the countercurrent to equalize or homogenize. This is because the flow in the core region is not unaffected by the external flow and therefore moves forward unimpeded. 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 boundary layers on the walls, there will always be some areas where the flow is slower than in other areas. The core region is the region unaffected by wall boundary layers, etc. The cross-section of the core region of the free jet decreases with increasing distance from the outlet opening due to the widening shear layer at the edge of the free jet. Because at least one bypass channel is spaced from the outer edge of the drive channel, and water is drawn away from it, the cross-section of the unimpeded core region has already decreased at the outlet opening. This causes homogenization, where, simultaneously, the flow actuator only needs to impart less energy to the flow to provide a countercurrent with sufficient velocity and cross-section.

[0022] Another advantage of reducing the required motor drive power is that the backflow inevitably formed in the pool due to the deflection of the countercurrent at the rear wall is partially absorbed by at least one bypass channel inlet so that it can subsequently rejoin the countercurrent with its remaining undissipated and deflected flow velocity, thus guiding it back towards the swimmer. However, in known countercurrent systems, the countercurrent, and the subsequent deflected backflow, diffuse uncontrollably at the front wall of the pool where the flow device is typically located, or are deflected so that they cannot be mixed into the flow in 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 outlet are formed substantially in a straight line relative to their center. This has the advantage that backflow 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, whereby, due to the absence of bends and other deformations or deflections, the flow through the bypass channel and also filling the core region of the flow can be particularly lossless.

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

[0025] In one embodiment, the flow drive and motor can be located outside the orthographic 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, meaning that water can be carried from the front wall of the pool with particularly small losses.

[0026] Preferably, the outer edge of the drive channel has a cross-sectional shape representing the envelope of the object's projection onto a plane below the waterline. This allows for a suitable countercurrent to be provided, as the countercurrent only affects the relevant cross-section of the object. For example, a suitable countercurrent means that the swimmer's torso, which generates the greatest resistance to the countercurrent in a prone swimming position, is particularly affected by the flow. First, if the countercurrent flows only towards this area, less motor or drive power is required because less water surrounding the swimmer needs to be accelerated. Second, this provides more space for a backflow, which inevitably has a reverse velocity compared to the countercurrent, where the cross-flow of countercurrent and backflow always results in energy loss.

[0027] However, the appropriate countercurrent should primarily be understood as the maximum possible cross section of the countercurrent around the object, thereby enabling natural swimming motions or large-area flows around the object.

[0028] In one embodiment of the invention, the drive channel outlet may include a perforated plate with at least two holes through which countercurrent flows out, wherein the size and arrangement of the holes ensure that the countercurrent discharged from each hole is as uniform as possible or has an equal flow velocity. Therefore, the advantage obtained is that it can provide a more uniform countercurrent for swimmers or objects subjected to the flow. It should be noted that the holes may also discharge countercurrent at an angle.

[0029] In another embodiment, the drive channel has an elbow that continuously transforms the cross-section of the drive channel inlet into the cross-section of the drive channel outlet. The elbow provides the advantage that the internal flow of the flow device is deflected and thus subjected to a degree of pre-regulation, allowing for a more uniform counterflow to the objects subjected to the flow. For this purpose, the interior of the elbow can be equipped with deflecting plates, baffles, guide vanes, perforated plates, or other elements for flow guidance and flow equalization.

[0030] Furthermore, the elbow may have multiple flow channels, each connected to a hole in the perforated plate. Thus, the internal flow of the flow device is directed to each hole to achieve a specifically defined flow rate from each hole. The flow channels are not limited to a circular cross-section, and can also be, for example, elliptical or rectangular cross-sections. Some of the holes can be designed as bypass channels.

[0031] Furthermore, if the length and diameter gradient of the flow channels, as well as the curvature of the flow channels, depend on their relative positions to the flow actuator and the outlet of the drive channel, and are designed to allow equal flow velocities to be discharged from the orifices and / or to achieve a suitable swimming feel from the countercurrent, then an additional advantage is gained: the way the countercurrent impacts the object can be precisely defined. For achieving a suitable swimming feel, the key lies in controlling the exit velocity in a targeted manner. This may mean that the exit velocity must be higher at the edges of the flow.

[0032] In one embodiment, the housing may surround the flow drive and the drive channel inlet at intervals, wherein the length of the housing is adjustable to reach the bottom of the pool. On one hand, this has the advantage of isolating potentially hazardous components of the flow system from the user or swimmer. On the other hand, the adjustable length prevents the swimmer or object from remaining beneath the flow device.

[0033] In other embodiments, the housing may have a perforated boundary surface, wherein the perforation is sized such that each individual perforation is less than 1 cm. 2 The opening surface is preferably less than 0.5 cm. 2 The perforations have open surfaces. They can also have opening diameters of less than 8 mm or greater than 25 mm. When arranged over a large area and in full quantity, these perforations prevent the formation of localized flow peaks, under which high suction pressures can occur, potentially causing inhalation by swimmers or objects. Therefore, keeping the perforations small increases product safety.

[0034] Brief description of the attached figures Advantageous and non-limiting embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the flow device of the flow system.

[0036] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A front view of the flow device in the image.

[0037] Figure 3 Show Figure 1 and Figure 2 The perforated plate of the flow device shown is in detail.

[0038] Figure 4 A specific embodiment of the elbow member is shown.

[0039] Figure 5 This illustrates a flow system with flow devices in a pool.

[0040] Figure 6 A front view showing the swimmer in a freestyle stroke, the outline of the outer edge of the drive channel, and the outline of the cross-section of the countercurrent through which water flows.

[0041] Figure 7 A front view showing the outline of a person in a walking or running motion, the outer edge of the drive channel, and the outline of the cross-section of the countercurrent through which water flows.

[0042] Figure 8 A front view showing a horse in a walking or running motion, the outline of the outer edge of the drive channel, and the outline of the cross-section of the water flowing against the current through it.

[0043] Figure 9 A front view showing the outline of the dog in a swimming motion, the outer edge of the drive channel, and the outline of the cross-section of the water flowing against the current through it.

[0044] Figure 10 An embodiment of a flow device with a housing is shown.

[0045] Figure 11 An embodiment of a flow system in which the flow device terminates flatly with the front wall of the pool is shown.

[0046] Figure 12 An embodiment of a flow system in which the drive channel 8 extends into the pool is shown.

[0047] Figure 13 An embodiment of a flow system is shown in which a drive channel extends outside a pool, wherein the drive channel inlet draws water in a region of the sidewall of the pool.

[0048] Figure 14 A specific embodiment of the flow device is shown, wherein ten bypass channels are arranged in a funnel-shaped drive channel outlet.

[0049] Figure 15A specific embodiment of the flow device is shown, in which eight drive channel outlets are traversed by a grid-shaped bypass channel.

[0050] Figure 16 An embodiment of a flow device that does not conform to the present invention is shown, wherein the drive channel is formed in an X shape.

[0051] Figure 17 A specific embodiment of the flow device is shown, illustrating a flow device with two drive channels.

[0052] Figure 18 Shown in the pool Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the flow device.

[0053] Figure 19 Show Figure 1 The flow device and the complete flow in the pool from the drive channel and the bypass channel.

[0054] Figure 20 Shown in top view Figure 19 The flow system. Detailed Implementation

[0055] Figure 1 A flow device 3 is shown, comprising: a flow drive 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 drive 6, wherein the drive channel inlet 9 and drive channel outlet 10 are arranged below the waterline 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, 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. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the bypass channel 13 penetrates the drive channel 8. It should be noted that the bypass channel 13 can also be openly connected to the outer edge 16 of the drive channel. Figure 19 The following describes the flow system in the case of a pool and object 5. Figure 1 The flow device described in the text. Figure 20 Shown in top view Figure 19 The flow system is described. The intake direction 24 of the bypass channel 13 and the intake direction 25 of the drive channel 8 are described, and the flow direction 27 of the drive channel 8 and the flow direction 26 of the bypass channel 13 are also described.

[0056] The flow drive 6 can also be understood as multiple propellers, pump wheels, impellers, or other working machines, which can be either flow machines or positive displacement machines. The flow drive 6 can be driven by a single motor 7 or by multiple motors interconnected by gear mechanisms or other machine elements. It should be noted that the flow drive 6 and motors 7 are not necessarily arranged inside the water tank 2. Therefore, one or more motors 7 can also be housed outside the water tank 2. Similarly, the flow drive 6 can also be located outside the water tank 2 because only the drive channel inlet 9, drive channel outlet 10, and at least one bypass channel 13 must be located below the waterline 11 to allow water to be drawn from and drained from the water tank 2.

[0057] The motor 7 of the flow device 3 can also be an internal combustion engine, a turbine engine, or even an electric motor. Preferably, a 24-volt DC motor connected to a standard 230-volt power supply is used. For example, the reverse current that can be generated by such a motor can reach 1.45 meters per second.

[0058] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment described, the flow drive 6 is a propeller arranged inside the drive channel 8. The flow drive 6 is rotated by a motor 7 to achieve the pressure differential necessary to apply a flow rate to the water in the pool 2. The motor 7 is connected to the flow drive 6 via a drive shaft. The motor 7 is cooled by water flowing over its outer wall to ensure continuous operation. The flow drive 6 is spaced so far from the drive channel inlet 9 and drive channel outlet 10 that even the long hair of a swimmer 5 cannot get tangled, thus ensuring maximum product safety. Long hair can be understood as hair with a length of 40, 50, or 60 cm or even longer.

[0059] As in Figure 10 As described, the drive channel 8, its drive channel inlet 9, and the flow drive 6 can be spaced apart by the housing 20. The drive channel inlet 9 is arranged spaced apart from the bottom of the housing, allowing water to flow into the drive channel inlet 9 without obstruction. The housing 20 is adjustable in length so that it can contact the bottom of the pool 2 in the operating position to prevent the swimmer 5 from remaining 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. Figure 18 In the case of a flow system 1 having a pool 2 and an object 5, the following explanation is given. Figure 10 The flow device 3 described in the text.

[0060] Figure 10The housing 20 of the flow device 3 is extensively perforated, except for reinforcing ribs, providing high resistance to external impacts. These perforations primarily act as sieves or filters to trap debris from the water, keeping the flow drive 6, motor 7, drive channel 8, and bypass channel 13 clean. Secondly, the fine mesh perforations protect the swimmer or swimming object 5, ensuring no part of their body can contact the flow drive 6. Preferably, the minimum distance that a part of the swimmer's or swimming object 5 can reach the flow drive 6 via a minimal path is at least 40 cm. The perforations are configured so that even children cannot insert their fingers through them. The perforations preferably have a diameter not exceeding 3 or 8 mm, and the flow velocity at the housing 20 is preferably less than 0.3 or less than 0.5 m / s. The size, number, and distribution of the perforations can also be determined according to public swimming pool regulations. According to this law, the force applied to a standard hair when pulled must not exceed 25 Newtons.

[0061] The perforations can be hole-shaped or grid-like. The size, location, and distribution of individual perforations can be determined based on the flow drive 6 and the surrounding flow pattern to compensate for local flow peaks and achieve uniform intake across the entire perforation boundary surface. For example, smaller perforations can be provided towards the drive channel inlet 9, and these perforations can gradually increase in size with increasing distance from the drive channel inlet 9. The boundary surface of the housing 20 can also be configured with folds, which increase its surface area and thus reduce flow losses.

[0062] It should be noted that the portion 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 within a deformable membrane. Therefore, unevenness or gaps at the bottom of the pool 2 can be compensated for, and additionally, the flow device 3 can be prevented from floating. Furthermore, due to the removable weight, the flow device 3 has increased stability in the operating position. Similarly, installation in the pool 2 is easier because the weight elements can be added only when the flow device 3 is placed in the pool 2.

[0063] Figure 1 The flow drive 6 and motor 7 of the flow device 3 are arranged along the longitudinal axis to occupy the smallest possible surface area in the pool 2. To discharge the counterflow 4 in the desired counterflow direction 12, an elbow 19 is provided in the drive channel 8, 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. The elbow 19 may be equipped with a guide plate, a bend, a deflector, an internal flow straightener, a W-shaped collector, or a Y-shaped collector to specifically deflect the internal flow of the flow device 3. Figure 14 The flow device 3 without the elbow is shown.

[0064] The bypass channel inlet 14 is positioned facing the counter-current direction 12, located 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 relative to their center 17. (Seen in front view) Figure 1 The flow device 3 Figure 2 This feature is clearly illustrated. In the front view, the three bypass channels 13 are straight, with the bypass channel inlet 14 and bypass channel outlet 15 arranged sequentially, one following the other. It should also be understood that the bypass channels 13 can also be arranged at an angle relative to the countercurrent direction 12. The bypass channel inlet 14 can be designed with rounded or chamfered corners for low-loss inflow.

[0065] It should be noted that the surfaces of the bypass access entrance 14 and the bypass access exit 15 may have different shapes and sizes.

[0066] For example, the bypass channel outlet 15 can be smaller than the bypass channel inlet 14 in order to produce a nozzle effect, wherein the flow velocity through the bypass channel 13 increases toward a smaller surface area.

[0067] Furthermore, the flow drive 6 and motor 7 are located outside the orthographic projection of the bypass channel outlet 15. In other words, there are no bulky components in the path of the flow through the bypass channel 13 that would adversely affect the flow by causing necessary deflection, reorientation, or narrowing. It should be noted that, for example, the motor 7 could be located above the bypass channel 13 or outside the pool 2, and only a thin drive shaft could be connected to the flow drive 6 through the orthographic projection. It is not mandatory that the flow drive 6 and motor 7 be located outside the orthographic projection of the bypass channel outlet 15. One such example is... Figure 14 The flow device 3 is shown in the figure.

[0068] The orthographic projection can be understood as the front view of the flow device 3, such as in... Figure 2 As shown, no other components penetrate the projection of the bypass channel outlet 15.

[0069] Another feature of the flow device 3 may be a perforated plate 18 provided in the drive channel outlet 10. The perforated plate 18 is formed with at least two holes through which the counterflow 4 flows out, wherein the size and arrangement of the holes provide the counterflow 4 as uniformly as possible. Figure 3 Show Figure 1 and Figure 2The diagram shows a detailed cross-section of the perforated plate 18 of the flow device 3. It can be seen that the holes near the bypass channel 13 are designed with a smaller diameter to facilitate a nozzle effect and accelerate the flow from these holes. Therefore, by appropriately designing the dimensions of the other components of the flow device 3, a significant amount of water is drawn away from the bypass channel 13. It should be noted that the perforated plate 18 can be designed in a mesh or grid pattern. The holes in the perforated plate 18 can also be covered by a mesh or grid. It should be further noted that the holes can also be formed in a conical shape.

[0070] exist Figure 3 As can also be seen, holes connected by rounded corners may protrude from a plane. The degree to which individual holes protrude from this plane may vary to facilitate the drainage of water from bypass channel 13.

[0071] The fillet is preferably formed not only on the outside of the hole but also on the inside. This has the advantage of reducing losses when the flow deflects into the hole. It should also be noted that the hole can also smoothly transition to the perforated plate 18 or the aforementioned plane. The perforated plate 18 can also be bent from the plane to further homogenize the counterflow 4.

[0072] The holes in the perforated plate 18 can also discharge their respective flows at an angle to provide a suitable cross-sectional shape for the counterflow 4. Distribution devices, for example in the form of ball valve-shaped inserts, can also be provided in the holes to change the angle or reduce or close individual holes. The protruding holes can therefore also be designed as nozzles or diffusers to further homogenize the counterflow 4 and / or adjust its cross-section.

[0073] It should also be noted that the perforated plate 18 itself may already be curved or deformable at an angle. Therefore, in one embodiment of the perforated plate, the surface of the perforated plate in which the holes are arranged may be curved to guide the water flow or counterflow in a targeted manner. This allows for a larger cross-section in the relevant flow region or in the cross-section of the counterflow 23 of the applicable object 5. The drive channel outlet may also be configured by multiple outwardly inclined curved surfaces, wherein the bypass channel 13 is substantially aligned along the flow direction.

[0074] It should be noted that the holes in the perforated plate 18 can also be designed with closing elements, wherein the closing elements can change the diameter of the holes or reversibly close them so that the cross section of the counterflow 4 is suitable for swimmers of different sizes and the distance of swimmers 5 from the flow device 3.

[0075] Figure 4A specific embodiment of the elbow 19 of the flow device 3 is illustrated in cross-sectional view. A plurality of flow channels 21 are provided, each connected to a hole in the perforated plate 18. Particularly preferred is that the length and diameter gradient of the flow channels 21, as well as the curvature of the flow channels, depend on their relative positions with respect to the flow drive 6 and the drive channel outlet 10, such that equal flow velocities exit the holes. A particular advantage of this embodiment is that the flow channels 21 provide a longer distance for dissipating vortex flows applied by the elbow 19 or by the flow drive 6. Furthermore, by dividing the flow among the plurality of flow channels 21, the applied vortices are segmented in an early stage and reduced by the flow channel walls and internal flow friction. The flow channels 21 are guided so as not to collide with the bypass channel 13.

[0076] Now for reference Figure 5 This figure illustrates the entire flow system 1. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The flow device 3 is arranged in the pool 2. It should be noted that in object 5 (in...) Figure 5 In this case, object 5 is the area where swimmer 5 (swimmering at a certain distance from the flow device 3) is located, and the cross section 23 of the countercurrent 4 gradually widens from the drive channel outlet 10 towards swimmer 5. Therefore, the drive channel outlet 10 does not need to be the same size as swimmer 5, although it is preferable that the drive channel outlet 10 has a cross-sectional shape that is a laterally flat projection of swimmer 5 below the waterline 11 in a prone swimming position with arms crossed in front of the body. When the countercurrent 4 reaches swimmer 5, it has widened to a degree that all common swimming strokes, such as breaststroke, butterfly, and freestyle, can be reliably and specifically affected by the flow without being subjected to unnecessary flow effects. Figure 6 The text describes the crawling motion when using the outlet shape described above.

[0077] 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 can also be formed as a circular hole, an ellipse, or a slot. Similarly, regarding the geometry 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 wide the countercurrent 4 extends until it reaches the swimmer 5 and which cross-section of the countercurrent 4 actually reaches the swimmer 5. In this way, by drawing water through the bypass channels 13, even if the cross-section at the drive channel outlet is circular, a non-circular cross-section of the countercurrent 4 can be obtained, provided the distribution is appropriate. It should be noted that the edge conditions of the water surface or waterline 11 also affect the shape of the cross-section of the countercurrent 23.

[0078] Figure 6 The outer edge 16 of the drive channel is shown as a dashed line, and the cross-section of the counterflow 23 is shown as a solid line. The same applies to... Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9The cross-section of the outer edge 16 of each driving channel and therefore the counterflow 23 applies to object 5 in each case. Specifically, the respective object 5 in Figure 7 The middle one is a walking human 5, in Figure 8 The fifth horse is either swimming or walking, and... Figure 9 The dog in the middle is swimming. (5)

[0079] Figure 11 An embodiment of the flow system 1 in which the flow device 3 terminates flush with or parallel to the front wall of the pool is shown. It should also be understood that the pool 2 has a recess or indentation in which the flow device 3 is located.

[0080] Figure 12 Other embodiments of the flow system 1 in which the drive channel 8 extends into the pool 2 are shown. It should be noted that the drive channel 8 can also be arranged at any location in the pool 2.

[0081] Figure 13 Another embodiment of a flow system 1 is shown in which the drive channel 8 extends outside the pool 2, wherein the drive channel inlet 9 draws water in the region of the side wall of the pool 2.

[0082] Figure 14 Another embodiment of the flow device 3 is described, wherein ten bypass channels 13 are arranged in a funnel-shaped drive channel outlet 10. It should be noted that in a frontal projection, the flow drive element and the motor 7 are arranged sequentially, one behind the other.

[0083] Figure 15 Another embodiment of the flow device 3 is illustrated, wherein eight drive channel outlets 10 are traversed by a grid-shaped bypass channel 13. Note that the bypass channel 13 connects to the imaginary drive channel outer edge 16 (illustrated by dashed lines), wherein the bypass channel 13 is still at least partially spaced from the imaginary drive channel outer edge 16.

[0084] Figure 16 An embodiment of the flow device 3 that does not conform to the present invention is illustrated, wherein the drive channel outlet 10 is formed in an X shape, and another embodiment of four groove-type bypass channels 13 is illustrated, which are at least partially spaced from the imaginary drive channel outer edge 16 (shown as dashed lines) of the drive channel.

[0085] Figure 17 Another embodiment of the flow device 3 is described, wherein the flow device 3 has two drive channels 8. The two drive channels 8 are connected at the center by a bypass channel 13. It should be noted that in order to obtain Figure 17 In the embodiment shown, two separate flow devices 3 can also be combined in combination Z. For example, any number of... Figure 16The flow devices 3 can also be arranged close to each other to obtain a flow system 1 that can discharge counterflow 4 from the entire wall of the pool 2.

[0086] It should also be noted that flow-driven components can also be designed with multiple counter-rotating propellers or with guide vanes to reduce vortices applied to the counter-flow.

[0087] Similarly, at least one bypass channel can be covered with a circular radius to allow for more favorable inflow or outflow of water. The drive channel inlet and / or drive channel outlet can also be provided with a circular radius.

[0088] Another way to obtain a vortex-free flow is to use two opposing drive channels that fit together in a Y or T shape, each with its own flow drive element. Vortices are generated in opposite directions and are discharged through each flow drive element of the same size to produce an overall vortex-free flow.

[0089] It is also conceivable to provide adjustable deflector or closure elements in the drive channel and / or bypass channel. This would allow for the efficient provision of two separate countercurrents for two swimmers or swimming objects in the same pool at the same time. Thus, with the aid of adjustable closure elements, strong and weak countercurrents can be provided for their respective swimmers or swimming objects. It is also conceivable to guide the countercurrents to the edge area of ​​the pool to obtain a loop flow without changing the installation angle of the flow device.

[0090] It should also be mentioned that the flow system can be provided firstly as a built-in system, in which the flow device is integrally installed in the pool; secondly, the flow system can also be provided so that the flow device is removable from the pool, in which case it can be designed to be suspended on the edge of the pool.

[0091] Finally, it should be noted that in one embodiment, the outer edge of the drive channel may have a cross-sectional shape that is an envelope of the swimmer's laterally flat projection below the waterline in breaststroke, butterfly, and freestyle. Therefore, a particularly effective countercurrent is provided from the drive channel outlet, as the countercurrent occurs only around the most relevant cross-section of the swimmer.

Claims

1. A flow system (1) comprising a pool (2) and at least one flow device (3) for generating a countercurrent (4) for an object (5) in the pool (2), wherein the flow device (3) comprises: At least one flow drive (6) 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 a flow drive element (6), wherein the drive channel inlet (9) and drive channel outlet (10) are arranged below the waterline (11) of the pool (2), and wherein the drive channel outlet (10) is configured to output the countercurrent (4) in the countercurrent direction (12). Its features are, The flow device (3) or a combination (Z) of at least two flow devices (3) includes at least one bypass channel (13) having at least one bypass channel inlet (14) and one bypass channel outlet (15), wherein the at least one bypass channel (13) is at least partially spaced from the outer edge (16) of the drive channel, and wherein the bypass channel outlet (15) is oriented substantially along the countercurrent direction (12), wherein the drive channel (8) of the flow device (3) or the combination (Z) of at least two flow devices is penetrated by the at least one bypass channel (13).

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

3. The flow system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow drive (6) and the motor (7) are located outside the frontal 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 claim 1, characterized in that, The outer edge (16) of the drive channel has the cross-sectional shape of the envelope of the object (5) projected onto the plane below the waterline (11).

5. The flow system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive channel outlet (10) has a perforated plate (18) with at least two holes through which the counterflow (4) flows out, wherein the size and arrangement of the holes make the counterflow (4) discharged from each hole uniform or have an equal flow rate.

6. The flow system (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The drive channel (8) has an elbow (19) that 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, The housing (20) surrounds the flow drive (6) and the drive channel inlet (9) spaced apart, wherein the housing (20) is adjustable in length 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 perforated boundary surface, wherein the perforations are sized such that each individual perforation is less than 1 cm. 2 The opening surface, or the opening diameter is less than 8 mm or greater than 25 mm.

9. The flow system (1) according to claim 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 and diameter gradient of the flow channel (21) and the curvature of the flow channel depend on their relative positions with respect to the flow drive (6) and the drive channel outlet (10), such that equal flow velocities are discharged from the orifice and / or a countercurrent with uniform flow velocity distribution is achieved.

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