Counter-current system

Abstract

A counter-current system (1) for generating a flow of water in a swimming pool (15), comprising a housing (7) in the interior (5) of which is arranged at least one flow generator (4), in particular a pump or a turbine, and which has at least one inflow point (2) at the suction side of the flow generator (4) and at least one outflow point (3) at the pressure side of the flow generator (4), wherein the counter-current system (1) extends in three spatial directions orthogonal to one another, wherein the outflow points (3) are arranged offset relative to the inflow points (2) in all three spatial directions, and wherein the counter-current system (1) is designed to be arranged and operated in a free-standing manner in a swimming pool (15). The interior of the housing (7) can be used as a wet equipment space and can contain technical functional parts. Mechanical connecting means can be arranged on the outer face of the housing (7) so as to be able to secure aquatic therapy devices. The invention further relates to an arrangement of a counter-current system (1) in a swimming pool (15).

Description

[0001] Countercurrent system

[0002] The invention relates to a countercurrent system for generating a water flow in a swimming pool, comprising an enclosure in the interior of which at least one flow generator, in particular a pump or a turbine, is arranged, and which has at least one inflow point on the suction side of the flow generator and at least one outflow point on the pressure side of the flow generator.

[0003] Countercurrent systems are known from the state of the art. These systems generate a current and can be used, for example, for swim training or aquatherapy. The first option for installing such a countercurrent system is to install it during the construction of a swimming pool. However, it is also possible to retrofit existing swimming pools with countercurrent systems. In this case, countercurrent systems are hung from the pool edge with hooks, for example. They can also be screwed or welded to the pool wall to ensure the necessary stability.

[0004] During operation, water is usually sucked out of the swimming pool and expelled under pressure, preferably in a specific area of ​​a wall of the swimming pool, in a direction opposite to the intended swimming direction. To generate the pressure, a pump or turbine is usually provided, which can be controlled so that the pressure and thus the resulting flow velocity of the expelled water can be adjusted. Well-known counter-current systems that are suitable for retrofitting existing swimming pools are usually in the form of a box with inlet points on the floor and / or sides for sucking in the water. The back usually comes into contact with the pool wall and is often screwed or welded to the pool wall. At the front there are outlet points for expelling the sucked-in water and thus creating a current.

[0005] However, such counter-current systems have numerous disadvantages. Since suspension at the edge of the pool is often not feasible due to the existing pool's design, the method of screwing them to the pool wall is used. However, this requires drilling into the pool wall, which can lead to leak-tightness issues. Similarly, leak-tightness issues can also arise when welding the counter-current system to the pool wall.

[0006] Another problem with known counter-current systems for retrofitting in an existing swimming pool is that the relatively small size of the devices and the pumps or turbines installed in them can result in pressures and flow speeds that are too low to enable effective training.

[0007] In addition, such counter-current systems often lack safety precautions, resulting in an increased risk of injury. For example, the Austrian Swimming Pool Act stipulates a minimum distance of at least one meter between inlet points and rotating shafts, such as those used in pumps and turbines. This is intended to prevent long hair from being sucked through the inlet points and wrapped around rotating shafts, which could pull people's heads underwater and cause them to drown.

[0008] However, such a safety distance cannot usually be guaranteed in known countercurrent systems due to their small size. The object of the present invention is to solve these and other problems and provide an improved countercurrent system.

[0009] These and other objects are achieved according to the invention by a countercurrent system according to claim 1.

[0010] A countercurrent system according to the invention for generating a water flow in a swimming pool comprises an enclosure in the interior of which at least one flow generator, in particular a pump or a turbine, is arranged and which has at least one inflow point on the suction side of the flow generator and at least one outflow point on the pressure side of the flow generator.

[0011] The countercurrent system extends in three mutually orthogonal spatial directions, with the outflow points offset from the inflow points in all three spatial directions. The countercurrent system is designed to be installed and operated freestanding in a swimming pool. The advantage of this design is that the offset between the inflow and outflow points creates an area in the water that is free of turbulence and backflow. This can improve training efficiency. A freestanding arrangement in the swimming pool is also advantageous because it eliminates the need for modifications to the swimming pool, thus preventing resulting leaks.

[0012] According to the invention, it can be provided that the outflow points for expelling a water flow are designed in an outflow plane lying parallel to a first spatial direction, wherein the inflow points for sucking in water are designed in an inflow plane running parallel to and spaced from the outflow plane. The technical effect of this arrangement of the outflow points relative to the inflow points enables the formation of a disturbance-free flow in the outflow plane, away from the countercurrent system, while water is sucked into the countercurrent system through the inflow points arranged in an inflow plane spaced therefrom. According to the invention, it can be provided that the interior of the housing is designed such that the longest possible path for the flowing water, preferably of at least one meter, results between the inflow point and the flow generator.Such a distance provides a safe distance that prevents a swimmer's hair from being sucked in through the inflow points and reaching the current generator. This prevents sucked-in hair from wrapping around rotating parts of the current generator and pulling the swimmer underwater and / or immobilizing them. This can prevent serious, even life-threatening, injuries.

[0013] According to the invention, it can be provided that the inflow point is part of a base which projects forward with respect to the outflow point, preferably by at least the width of the enclosure in the region of the outflow point, and enlarges the standing area of ​​the countercurrent system in a swimming pool. By projecting the inflow point forward with respect to the outflow point, it is possible to create a swimming zone for the swimmer that is free of disturbances and backflow, with a flow preferably in only one direction. In addition, this has the technical effect that such an arrangement enlarges the standing area of ​​the base of the countercurrent system, which can result in increased stability of the countercurrent system in the swimming pool. In particular, this can increase the stability of the countercurrent system against possible tipping over, for example as a result of a person stepping onto the countercurrent system.

[0014] According to the invention, at least two inflow points are provided, spaced substantially equidistant from the outflow point. Such an arrangement of the inflow points relative to the outflow point has proven advantageous, particularly for the quality of the generated flow.

[0015] According to the invention, the countercurrent system can include water attractions, for example, massage systems and / or treadmills, lighting elements, water purification systems, or the like. Water attractions integrated into the countercurrent system, such as massage systems, offer an increased range of functions and represent a simple way to significantly enhance a swimming pool with just one device. In combination with a treadmill that can be operated underwater, a countercurrent system according to the invention can also serve therapeutic purposes. The integration of other swimming pool accessories, such as lighting elements, water purification systems, or the like, into a countercurrent system according to the invention also represents a simple way to retrofit certain functions in a swimming pool without requiring extensive reconstruction work.

[0016] According to the invention, the enclosure can be provided with a rear wall opposite the outlet, with an intake point located in the area of ​​the rear wall. The technical effect of an intake point in the area of ​​the rear wall is that the countercurrent system, provided its rear wall is against a pool wall, can adhere to the wall by suction. This allows the countercurrent system to secure and hold itself in place during operation.

[0017] According to the invention, a guide channel for redirecting the water flow can be arranged in the interior of the housing on the pressure side between the flow generator and the discharge point. Such an arrangement of a guide channel can improve the efficiency of flow generation, since the guide channel can be designed, for example, so that the flow is essentially eddy-free and as laminar as possible.

[0018] According to the invention, it can be provided that spacers are provided on the rear wall and, if appropriate, also on a base of the housing.

[0019] Spacers can be used, on the one hand, to improve the slip resistance of the counter-current system with regard to a surface of the swimming pool and, moreover, to prevent damage to the surface of the swimming pool. On the other hand, spacers on the rear wall ensure a minimum distance between the pool wall and a rear wall of the counter-current system. This can preferably achieve a constant flow through the suction point and thus a constant suction pressure of the counter-current system on the pool wall. According to the invention, it can be provided that the housing is designed in a substantially stepped manner in a lateral profile along a first spatial direction or along a second spatial direction. A stepped design of the housing offers a further possibility for improving the functionality of a counter-current system according to the invention, since it can be used as an aid for people entering or leaving a swimming pool.

[0020] According to the invention, the housing can be designed with a substantially L-shaped lateral profile, with an exhaust area encompassing the outflow point and an intake leg arranged substantially perpendicularly thereto, encompassing the inflow point. A housing with a substantially L-shaped lateral profile can be advantageous because the volume in the water required by the countercurrent system can be kept to a minimum.

[0021] According to the invention, the enclosure's floor plan can be substantially C-shaped, with two substantially parallel and spaced-apart intake legs and a centrally located discharge area. Such a design can be advantageous because the volume in the water required by the countercurrent system is kept to a minimum. In particular, such a shape allows the swimming area to remain clear.

[0022] According to the invention, the enclosure can preferably have telescopically movable thrust pieces. Thrust pieces in the enclosure can be used to adapt the countercurrent system to the size of a swimming pool and / or to change the required volume.

[0023] According to the invention, it can be provided that first thrust pieces are provided along the intake legs, which are displaceable along a first spatial direction. First thrust pieces along the intake legs make it possible to arrange the inflow points closer to or further away from the back wall. This can influence the generated flow and prevent disruptive eddies or backflows. According to the invention, it can also be provided that second thrust pieces are provided in the discharge area, which are displaceable along a second spatial direction. Second thrust pieces in the discharge area make it possible to vary the height of the countercurrent system. This makes it possible to adjust the position of the discharge plane relative to the water surface. Such an arrangement of thrust pieces in the discharge area makes it possible to adapt the countercurrent system to swimming pools of different depths.

[0024] According to the invention, it can also be provided that third thrust pieces are provided in the housing, which are displaceable along a third spatial direction. Third thrust pieces in the housing for displacement in a third spatial direction enable an adjustment of the width of the countercurrent system and, in particular, an adjustment of the distance between the intake legs.

[0025] According to the invention, it can further be provided that the interior of the enclosure is used as a wet technical room. Thus, the interior can contain technical functional parts, for example, components for water treatment, lighting elements, water pumps for massage jets, or the like. Mechanical fasteners can be arranged on the outer surface of the enclosure to mechanically secure aquatherapy devices or the like to the enclosure.

[0026] The invention further relates to an arrangement comprising a countercurrent system and a swimming pool, characterized in that the countercurrent system is arranged freestanding in the swimming pool.

[0027] Further features of the invention emerge from the following description of the figures and the patent claims.

[0028] The invention will now be explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments. They show:

[0029] Fig. 1a - 1c show schematic representations of a first embodiment of a countercurrent system according to the invention in different views; Fig. 2a - 2c show schematic representations of a second embodiment of a countercurrent system according to the invention in different views;

[0030] Fig. 3a - 3c are schematic representations of a third embodiment of a countercurrent system according to the invention in different views;

[0031] Fig. 4a - 4c are schematic representations of a fourth embodiment of a countercurrent system according to the invention in different views;

[0032] Fig. 5a - 5c schematic representations of arrangements of embodiments of countercurrent systems in swimming pools according to the invention.

[0033] Fig. 1a - 1c show schematic representations of a first embodiment of a countercurrent system 1 according to the invention in different views. In this embodiment, the profile of the countercurrent system 1 is essentially L-shaped according to the side view in Fig. 1a. A flow generator 4 is arranged in the interior 5 of the housing 7 of the countercurrent system 1. This flow generator 4 sucks in water through the inflow points 2. Preferably, several flow generators 4 are arranged in the interior of the housing 7. The water is then guided via the guide channel 12 to the outflow point 3 in the discharge area 14, where it flows out of the countercurrent system 1 along the outflow plane A. The flow generator 4 is located at the lower end of the guide channel 12. The inflow points 2 and outflow points 3 can be designed, for example, as grids or holes in the housing 7.

[0034] At the rear of the housing 7 of the countercurrent system 1, which is arranged facing away from the outflow point 3, there is an intake point 8. The intake point 8 is intended to be arranged adjacent to a (not shown) wall of a swimming pool 15. Spacers 10 are attached to the rear of the housing 7 in order to specify a minimum distance between the intake point 8 and a (not shown) wall of a swimming pool 15. Through the gap resulting from this distance, water from the flow generator 4 is sucked in through the intake point 8, whereby the countercurrent system 1 can adhere to an adjacent wall of a swimming pool 15. This type of suction ensures that the location and position of the countercurrent system 1 does not change during operation.Spacers 10' are also provided on the base 11 of the base 6 and are preferably shaped to minimize or prevent slipping of the countercurrent system 1. In addition, the spacers 10' are preferably designed to prevent damage, such as scratches or cracks, to the swimming pool 15 should the countercurrent system 1 slip. According to a front view in Fig. 1b, the inflow points 2 are arranged below the outflow point 3 and essentially equidistant from the outflow point 3. The flow through the inflow points 2, within the housing 7 and through the outflow point 3, as well as the flow through the intake point 8, is visualized by corresponding arrow symbols. The flow generator 4 is located at the lower end of the guide channel 12, essentially centrally with respect to the inflow points 2 and the extension of the countercurrent system 1 in the y-direction.

[0035] Fig. 1c is a top view of a first embodiment of a countercurrent system 1 according to the invention. The inflow points 2 are arranged in front of the outflow point 3 in the x-direction and below it in the y-direction. The flow through the inflow points 2, the housing 7 and the outflow point 3, as well as through the intake point 8, is represented by arrows. The flow generator 4 generates a flow through the guide channel 12. Spacers 10 are provided next to the intake point 8 on the rear wall of the housing 7 of the countercurrent system 1.

[0036] Fig. 2a - 2c show schematic representations of a second embodiment of a countercurrent system 1 according to the invention in different views. In this embodiment, the discharge area 14 is designed as a central column with an outflow point 3. The lateral profile of the housing 7 according to Fig. 2a is essentially L-shaped in this embodiment. The floor plan of the countercurrent system 1 according to Fig. 2c is essentially C-shaped. First thrust pieces 9 make it possible to adjust the extent of the countercurrent system 1 in the x-direction, i.e., in depth. In other words, the first thrust pieces 9 can be used to vary the length of the intake legs 13, 13'. Second thrust pieces 9' in the discharge area 14 make it possible to adjust the extent of the countercurrent system 1 in the z-direction, i.e., the height of the countercurrent system 1. In other words, the distance between the inflow plane E and the outflow plane A can be adjusted using second thrust pieces 9'.Third thrust pieces 9" in the housing 7 enable a change in the extension of the countercurrent system 1 in the y-direction, i.e. an adjustment of the width of the countercurrent system 1. In other words, the distance between the inflow points 2 and the centrally arranged outflow point 3, as well as the distance between the intake legs 13, 13', can be adjusted by means of third thrust pieces 9".

[0037] The flow generation mechanism of the second embodiment of the countercurrent system 1 according to Figs. 2a - 2c is analogous to the first embodiment according to Figs. 1a - 1c. A flow generator 4 (not shown) generates a flow through the inflow points 2, the housing 7, the guide channel 12, and out again through the outflow point 3. Spacers 10, 10' are also provided in the housing 7. The intake point 8 is divided into sections by the thrust pieces 9', 9" or extends over the thrust pieces 9', 9".

[0038] Fig. 3a - 3c show schematic representations of a third embodiment of a countercurrent system 1 according to the invention in different views. The mode of operation of the flow generation and the structure of the third embodiment of the countercurrent system 1 according to Fig. 3a - 3c is analogous to the first embodiment according to Fig. 1a - 1c. Only the shape of the housing 7 is different and is designed in a stepped manner for use of the countercurrent system 1 as an aid for entering or exiting a swimming pool 15 (not shown). In this embodiment, the course of the stairs is straight and formed in the x-direction. A flow generator 4 generates a flow through the inflow points 2, the housing 7, the guide channel 12 and out again through the outflow point 3.

[0039] Fig. 4a - 4c show schematic representations of a fourth embodiment of a countercurrent system 1 according to the invention in different views. The functioning of the flow generation and the structure of the fourth embodiment of the countercurrent system 1 according to Fig. 4a - 4c is analogous to the second embodiment according to Fig. 2a - 2c. A flow generator 4 (not shown) generates a flow through the inflow points 2, through the housing 7, through the guide channel 12 and out again through the outflow point 3. However, only first thrust pieces 9 are provided along the intake legs 13, 13', which enable the extension of the countercurrent system 1 to be adjusted in the x-direction. The housing 7 is stepped in this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4b, stairs lead downwards on both sides of the outflow point 3 along the extension of the housing 7 in the y-direction.

[0040] Fig. 5a - 5c show schematic representations of arrangements of embodiments of countercurrent systems 1 according to the invention in a swimming pool 15. Fig. 5a and 5b show arrangements of embodiments of countercurrent systems 1 according to the invention in swimming pools with a solid floor and pool walls.

[0041] In Fig. 5a, a countercurrent system 1 with a substantially L-shaped profile is arranged in a swimming pool 15. The intake point 8 is located on the wall of the swimming pool 15. A flow through the intake point 8 ensures that the countercurrent system 1 adheres to the wall. The inlet points 2 are arranged substantially in the area of ​​the bottom of the swimming pool 15.

[0042] The outlet point 3 is positioned just below the water surface. The intake point 8 extends essentially from just below the water surface to just above the bottom of the pool 15.

[0043] In Fig. 5b, a countercurrent system 1 with a substantially L-shaped profile is arranged in a swimming pool 15. The intake point 8 is located on the wall of the swimming pool 15. A flow through the intake point 8 ensures that the countercurrent system 1 adheres to the pool wall. The inlet points 2 are arranged substantially in the area of ​​the bottom of the swimming pool 15.

[0044] The outlet point 3 is positioned just below the water surface. The transition from the bottom of the swimming pool 15 to the pool wall is designed as a concave groove in this case. In order to still be able to arrange the counter-current system 1 close to the pool wall, the housing 7 is beveled in the lower area of ​​the rear wall. In this case, the intake point 8 cannot extend all the way down to the standing area 11. In Fig. 5b, a counter-current system 1 with an essentially L-shaped profile is arranged in a swimming pool 15. In this case, the swimming pool 15 is made of a flexible material without solid pool walls. The intake point 8 cannot be arranged on the pool wall of the swimming pool 15 here.

[0045] Stabilizing the countercurrent system 1 in the swimming pool 15 by suction against the pool wall is therefore not possible in this case. To stabilize the countercurrent system 1 in the swimming pool 15, a support extending from the rear wall of the countercurrent system 1 is provided and shown schematically. The inflow points 2 are located primarily near the bottom of the swimming pool 15. The outflow point 3 is positioned just below the water surface.

[0046] The invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments but encompasses any countercurrent system within the scope of the following patent claims.

[0047] List of reference symbols

[0048] 1 counter-current system

[0049] 2 Inflow point

[0050] 3 Outlet point

[0051] 4 flow generators

[0052] 5 Interior

[0053] 6 Stand

[0054] 7 Enclosure

[0055] 8 intake point

[0056] 9, 9', 9" push piece

[0057] 10, 10' spacers

[0058] 11 Stand area

[0059] 12 guide channel

[0060] 13, 13' intake leg

[0061] 14 Ejection area

[0062] 15 swimming pools

Claims

Patent claims 1. Countercurrent system (1) for generating a water flow in a swimming pool (15), comprising a housing (7) in the interior (5) of which at least one flow generator (4), in particular a pump or a turbine, is arranged and which has at least one inflow point (2) on the suction side of the flow generator (4) and at least one outflow point (3) on the pressure side of the flow generator (4), characterized in that - the countercurrent system (1 ) extends in three mutually orthogonal spatial directions, whereby - the outflow points (3) are offset from the inflow points (2) in all three spatial directions and wherein - the counter-current system (1) is designed to be arranged and operated free-standing in a swimming pool (15).

2. Countercurrent system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that - the outflow points (3) are designed to discharge a water flow in an outflow plane A lying parallel to a first spatial direction, wherein - the inflow points (2) for sucking in water are designed in an inflow plane E running parallel to and spaced from the outflow plane A.

3. Countercurrent system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the interior (5) of the housing (7) is designed such that a path of the flowing water of at least one meter results between the inflow point (2) and the flow generator (4).

4. Countercurrent system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the inflow point (2) is part of a base (6) which projects in a first spatial direction with respect to the outflow point (3) preferably by at least the width of the housing (7) in the region of the outflow point (3) and thus enlarges a base area (11) of the countercurrent system (1).

5. Countercurrent system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least two inflow points (2) are provided which are substantially equidistant from the outflow point (3).

6. Countercurrent system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the countercurrent system (1) comprises water attractions, for example massage systems and / or treadmills, lighting elements, water purification systems or the like.

7. Countercurrent system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the housing (7) has a rear wall opposite the outflow point (3), wherein a suction point (8) is arranged in the region of the rear wall.

8. Countercurrent system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a guide channel (12) for deflecting the water flow is arranged in the interior (5) of the housing (7) on the pressure side between the flow generator (4) and the outflow point (3).

9. Countercurrent system (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that spacers (10, 10') are provided on the rear wall and optionally also on a base (11) of the housing (7).

10. Countercurrent system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the housing (7) is designed in a lateral profile along a first spatial direction or along a second spatial direction substantially in a stepped manner.

11. Countercurrent system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the housing (7) is designed in a lateral profile substantially L-shaped with an ejection region (14) comprising the outflow point (3) and an intake leg (13, 13') arranged substantially normal thereto and comprising the inflow point (2).

12. Countercurrent system (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the floor plan of the housing (7) is substantially C-shaped with two substantially parallel and spaced-apart intake legs (13, 13') and a centrally arranged discharge area (14).

13. Countercurrent system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the housing (7) preferably has telescopically displaceable thrust pieces (9, 9', 9").

14. Countercurrent system (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that - first thrust pieces (9) are provided along the suction legs (13, 13'), which are displaceable along a first spatial direction, and / or - second thrust pieces (9') are provided in the ejection area (14) which are displaceable along a second spatial direction, and / or - third thrust pieces (9") are provided in the housing, which can be moved along a third spatial direction.

15. Arrangement comprising a countercurrent system (1), in particular according to one of claims 1 to 14, and a swimming pool (15), characterized in that the countercurrent system (1) is arranged freestanding in the swimming pool (15).

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