Flushing device

Abstract

To provide a water flow device in which water flows uniformly and smoothly at a constant speed over the whole length area in the water flow direction of a water flow passage.SOLUTION: A water flow passage 3 opened upward, a return flow pipe 4 provided below the water flow passage 3, a downstream side water tank 5 communicating with one end of the return flow pipe 4 and into which water flowing through the water flow passage 3 flows, an upstream side water tank 6 communicating with the other end of the return flow pipe 4 and sending out water to the water flow passage 3, and a feed pump 12 provided at one end of the return flow pipe 4 and sucking water in the downstream side water tank 5 and feeding it into the return flow pipe 4 are provided. Therefore, water flows uniformly and smoothly at a constant speed over the entire length of the water flow path 3 in the water flow direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a running water device to be installed in parks, amusement parks, buildings, etc. [Background technology]

[0002] Flowing water devices that mimic the flow of a stream are often installed in parks, amusement parks, buildings, etc. These devices use a method of circulating flowing water to reduce water consumption. One example of a flowing water tank system using circulating water is described in Patent Document 1. In this flowing water tank system, water filled to the water surface of the flowing water channel is circulated by a water flow generated by a water pump installed in the return water channel. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-188485 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the flowing water tank system described in Patent Document 1, a partition is installed horizontally at about half the water depth in the circulating water flow tank, the space below the partition is used as a return water channel, the upper surface of the partition is used as a flow channel, and a water flow pump is installed in the return water channel. Therefore, if the length of the water tank in the water flow direction exceeds, for example, 2 m, the water flow rate will decrease on the downstream side of the flow channel, and if landscaping materials such as stones, plants, or moss are placed in the flow channel, these materials will act as obstacles and significantly decrease the flow rate. Furthermore, if the water flow rate decreases downstream of the flow channel, there is a risk of a backflow in the opposite direction to the current, making it difficult for the flow channel to be smooth.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a water flow device that allows water to flow uniformly and smoothly at a constant speed over the entire length of a flow channel in the water flow direction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the water flow device of the present invention is characterized by comprising a water channel that is open at the top, a return pipe provided below the water channel, a downstream water tank to which one end of the return pipe is connected and into which water that has flowed through the water channel flows, an upstream water tank to which the other end of the return pipe is connected and which sends water to the water channel, and a feed pump provided at one end of the return pipe that draws in water from the downstream water tank and sends it into the return pipe.

[0007] Here, a cylindrical return pipe is preferably used, but it is not limited to a cylindrical shape and may be formed into a rectangular cylindrical, elongated cylindrical, elliptical cylindrical or irregular cylindrical shape.

[0008] According to the present invention, water that flows through the flow channel and into the downstream tank is sent to the return pipe by the feed pump, where its flow velocity increases and it flows into the upstream tank all at once. At this increased flow velocity, water with a torque-generating flow from the upstream tank flows upstream into the flow channel and continues downstream. Therefore, water flows uniformly and smoothly at a constant velocity throughout the entire length of the flow channel. Here, "torque-generating water flow" refers to a strong water flow with a large flow rate per unit time. Furthermore, unlike conventional methods, the entire area below the water tank's flow channel is not used as a return channel, but a return pipe is provided below the flow channel, thereby reducing the amount of water required for the water flow device and making the entire water flow device lighter.

[0009] In addition, in the above-mentioned configuration of the present invention, an apparatus main body is provided, and this apparatus main body comprises: a water channel unit that constitutes the water channel and is formed with a U-shaped cross section; a downstream unit that constitutes the downstream water tank and is formed in a box shape with an open top; an upstream unit that constitutes the upstream water tank and is formed in a box shape with an open top; and the return pipe, One end of the flow channel unit is connected to the downstream unit, and the other end of the flow channel unit is connected to the upstream unit, One end of the return pipe may be connected to the downstream unit, and the other end of the return pipe may be connected to the upstream unit.

[0010] With this configuration, the main body of the water flow device can be easily assembled by connecting one end of the water flow channel unit to the downstream unit, connecting the other end of the water flow channel unit to the upstream unit, and connecting the return pipe to the downstream unit and the upstream unit.

[0011] In the above-described configuration of the present invention, the feed pump may be a laminar flow pump capable of generating a laminar flow in the water in the return pipe and the water flow channel.

[0012] With this configuration, the feed pump is a laminar flow pump that can generate laminar flow in the water in the return pipe and the flow channel, so the laminar flow makes the direction and magnitude of the water flow rate uniform, and it is possible to reliably flow water uniformly and smoothly at a constant speed over the entire length of the flow channel in the water flow direction.

[0013] In addition, in the above-mentioned configuration of the present invention, a plurality of return pipes may be provided below the flow channel, one end of each return pipe being connected to the downstream water tank and the other end being connected to the upstream water tank.

[0014] With this configuration, because there are multiple return pipes, the flow rate of the water flowing through the return pipes can be maintained at a predetermined rate compared to when there is only one return pipe, even if the amounts of water flowing through the flow channel, flowing into the downstream tank, and water sent out from the upstream tank are large. Therefore, compared to when there is only one return pipe, water can flow uniformly and smoothly at a constant speed over the entire length of the flow channel in the water flow direction.

[0015] In the above-described configuration of the present invention, landscape materials such as stones, plants, and moss may be provided in the flowing waterway.

[0016] With this configuration, even if landscape materials such as stones, plants, and moss are placed in the flow channel and these landscape materials become obstacles, the flow rate increases within the return pipe and flows into the upstream tank all at once, and the water with a torque-filled flow from the upstream tank flows into the upstream side of the flow channel at the same increased flow rate and flows downstream, so the water flow rate does not decrease significantly. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, water can flow uniformly and smoothly at a constant speed over the entire length of the flow channel in the water flow direction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a main body of a flushing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the device main body. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the flushing device of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the flushing device in the same manner as above, in a connected state. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a first modified example of the flushing device of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a second modified example of the flushing device of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a third modified example of the flushing device of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a fourth modified example of the flushing device of the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a water flow device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the main body of the flushing device of this embodiment, Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the same, and Fig. 3 is a side cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the flushing device. In Fig. 3, the arrow indicates the direction of water flow.

[0020] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the water flow device 1 of this embodiment includes a device main body 2 and a feed pump 12. The device main body 2 includes a water flow channel 3, two return pipes 4, 4 provided below the water flow channel, a downstream water tank 5, and an upstream water tank 6. Note that the feed pump 12 is not shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0021] The water channel 3 is composed of a water channel unit 3A formed with a U-shaped cross section that opens upward. The water channel unit 3A is composed of a rectangular water channel plate 3a and a pair of side plates 3b, 3b formed on both sides of the water channel plate 3a, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and the side plates 3b extend in the longitudinal direction of the water channel plate 3a. Such a water channel unit 3A is made of metal, resin, etc.

[0022] The return pipe 4 is long in the longitudinal direction of the water channel unit 3A and is formed in a cylindrical shape in this embodiment. Note that the return pipe is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be formed in a rectangular cylindrical shape, an elongated cylindrical shape, an elliptical cylindrical shape, or an irregular cylindrical shape. The length of the return pipe 4 is set to about 2 to 10 m, but may be less than 2 m or more than 10 m, for example, 0.5 to 25 m. The diameter of the cylindrical return pipe 4 is about 20 cm at most. Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the return pipe 4 is 320 cm 2 It is about that level. In this embodiment, there are two return pipes 4, but there may be one, or three or more.

[0023] The downstream water tank 5 is composed of a downstream unit 5A formed in a box shape with an open top. The downstream unit 5A has both left and right side panels and a back panel formed at the same height, with the front panel 5a being lower than both side panels and the back panel. Therefore, there is a predetermined step between the upper end of the front panel 5a and the upper ends of the side panels. This step is approximately equal to the height of the side panels 3b of the water channel unit 3A. A pair of left and right connection holes 5b, 5b are formed spaced apart in the front panel 5a, penetrating the front panel 5a. One end of the return pipes 4 is inserted into the connection holes 5b, thereby communicating with the downstream unit 5A. The return pipes 4 are watertightly connected to the connection holes 5b to prevent water leakage between the return pipes 4 and the connection holes 5b.

[0024] Like the downstream tank 5, the upstream tank 6 is composed of an upstream unit 6A formed in a box shape with an open top. The upstream unit 6A has both left and right side panels and a back panel formed at the same height, with the front panel 6a being lower than both side panels and the back panel. Therefore, there is a predetermined step between the top end of the front panel 6a and the top ends of the side panels. This step is approximately equal to the height of the side panels 3b of the water channel unit 3A. A pair of left and right connection holes 6b, 6b are formed spaced apart in the front panel 6a, penetrating the front panel 6a. The other upstream ends of the return pipes 4 are inserted into the connection holes 6b, 6b, thereby connecting one end of the return pipes 4 to the upstream unit 6A. The return pipes 4 are watertightly connected to the connection holes 6b, 6b to prevent water leakage between the return pipes 4 and the connection holes 6b, 6b.

[0025] As shown in Figure 2, one end (the right end in Figure 2) of the flow channel unit 3A that constitutes the flow channel 3 is connected to the downstream unit 5A that constitutes the downstream water tank 5 by being inserted into the step of the downstream unit 5A. In this case, one end of the water channel unit 3A and the downstream unit 5A are watertightly connected with an adhesive, etc. Also, one end of the water channel unit 3A is supported from below by the upper end of the front plate 5a of the downstream unit 5A. The other end (left end in FIG. 2) of the water channel unit 3A is inserted into a step in an upstream unit 6A that constitutes the upstream water tank 6, and is thereby connected to the upstream unit 6A. In this case, the other end of the water channel unit 3A and the upstream unit 6A are watertightly connected with an adhesive, etc. The other end of the water channel unit 3A is supported from below by the upper end of the front plate 6a of the upstream unit 6A.

[0026] Furthermore, when the waterway unit 3A is connected to the downstream unit 5A and the upstream unit 6A, an opening 7a is provided between one end of the waterway plate 3a of the waterway unit 3A and the back plate of the downstream unit 5A, and an opening 7b is provided between the other end of the waterway plate 3a of the waterway unit 3A and the back plate of the upstream unit 6A. Water flowing from the upstream side to the downstream side of the waterway 3 flows into the downstream water tank 5 through the opening 7a, and water flowing from the downstream water tank 5 through the return pipes 4, 4 and into the upstream water tank 6 is sent upward through the opening 7b and sent upstream of the waterway 3.

[0027] The water flow device 1 also includes a feed pump 12 that sucks water from the downstream water tank 5 and sends it to the return pipe 4 , and this feed pump 12 is provided at one end of the return pipe 4 . The feed pump 12 is a laminar flow pump 12 that can generate a laminar flow by itself. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the laminar flow pump 12 comprises a casing 15, a motor 16 housed in the casing 15, an impeller 17 attached to the rotating shaft of the motor 16, and a discharge section 18 provided at the tip opening of the casing 15.

[0028] The casing 15 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and has a plurality of intake ports 15a formed on its outer circumferential surface. The intake ports 15a are rectangular openings for drawing fluid such as water into the casing 15, and a plurality of intake ports 15a are formed at predetermined intervals in the circumferential and axial directions of the casing 15. Motor 16 is a DC brushless motor, and its rotating shaft is arranged coaxially with casing 15, with the tip of the rotating shaft facing discharge section 18. Motor 16 is attached to a mounting base 16a, which is fixed to the base end of casing 15 (the right end in FIGS. 4 and 5). The impeller 17 is attached to the rotary shaft of the motor 16, and is disposed inside the inner circumferential surface 15b of the tip end portion of the casing 15 (the left end portion in FIGS. 3 and 4). 6, a plurality of cylindrical walls 18a are concentrically arranged inside the discharge portion 18 at predetermined intervals in the radial direction, and radial walls 18b are provided extending radially from the center toward the outermost cylindrical wall 18a, with the radial walls 18b inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the axis of the casing 15. The cylindrical walls 18a and the radial walls 18b rectify the water flowing from the impeller 17, so that the water discharged from the discharge portion 18 becomes a laminar flow.

[0029] In the laminar flow pump 12 configured as described above, when the impeller 17 is rotated by the motor 16, water around the laminar flow pump 12 in the downstream water tank 5 is drawn into the casing 15 through the inlet 15a, and the fluid flows toward the discharge section 18 and is discharged to the outside from the discharge section 18. At this time, the water drawn into the casing 15 is discharged from the discharge section 18 as a laminar flow due to the mutual mixing action between the impeller 17 and the cylindrical wall 18a and radial wall 18b of the discharge section 18. Laminar flow can be achieved by optimally designing the shapes of the impeller 17, casing 15, and discharge section 18.

[0030] Such a feed pump (laminar flow pump) 12 is provided at one end of the return pipe 4, as shown in FIG. That is, a cylindrical mounting pipe 20 is attached to one end of the return pipe 4 coaxially with the return pipe 4. The casing 15 of the laminar flow pump 12 is inserted and fixed to the base end of this mounting pipe 20, and water is drawn into the casing 15 from the intake port 15a (see Figures 4 and 5).

[0031] The water flow device 1 equipped with such a feed pump (laminar flow pump) 12 is formed by assembling a water channel unit 3A that constitutes the water channel 3, a return pipe 4, a downstream unit 5A that constitutes the downstream water tank 5, and an upstream unit 6A that constitutes the upstream water tank 6 into the device body 2, and the assembled device body 2 is installed in a park, amusement park, inside a building, etc., and the laminar flow pump 12 is attached to the return pipe 4 via an attachment pipe 20. Water is then poured into the device body 2 from above so that the water level does not exceed the side plates 3b, 3b of the water channel 3 and so that it does not overflow from the downstream water tank 5 and the upstream water tank 6.

[0032] When the device main body 2 is installed inside a building, for example, the device main body 2 is supported by a support stand 25 provided inside the building. When the device main body 2 is installed in a park or amusement park, it may be supported by a support stand 25 as when it is installed inside a building, or the lower part of the device main body 2 may be buried and fixed in the ground. Furthermore, if the running water device 1 is 10 m or longer, a slab may be constructed in the ground using general concrete construction to separate the upper running water channel 3 from the lower return pipe 4, and then the running water device 1 may be installed. In this case, the downstream water tank 5 and the upstream water tank 6 may be formed on-site using concrete, or the downstream unit 5A and the upstream unit 6A may be installed.

[0033] According to this embodiment, water that flows through the flow channel 3 and into the downstream tank 5 is sent as a laminar flow to the return pipe 4 by the laminar flow pump 12, where the water flow velocity increases within the return pipe 4 and rushes into the upstream tank 6. With nowhere to escape, the water maintains its increased flow velocity as a torque-driven flow from the upstream tank 6 into the single outlet of the flow channel 3, and flows downstream. Therefore, the water flows uniformly and smoothly at a constant velocity throughout the entire length of the flow channel 3 in the direction of the water flow. Also, unlike the conventional method, the entire area below the water channel 3 is not used as a return water channel, and a return pipe 4 is provided below the water channel 3, thereby reducing the amount of water required for the water flow device 1 and making the entire water flow device 1 lighter.

[0034] In addition, a laminar flow pump 12 is used that can generate laminar flow in the water in the return pipe 4 and the water flow channel 3, so the laminar flow makes the direction and magnitude of the water flow rate uniform, and the water can flow more reliably, uniformly and smoothly at a constant speed over the entire length of the water flow channel 3. Furthermore, since there are multiple return pipes 4, even if the amount of water flowing into the flow channel 3, the water flowing into the downstream water tank 5, and the water sent out from the upstream water tank 6 increases, the flow rate of the water flowing through the return pipe 4 can be maintained at a predetermined rate compared to when there is only one return pipe 4, so water can flow uniformly and smoothly at a constant speed over the entire length of the flow channel 3 in the water flow direction.

[0035] 3, landscape materials k such as stones, plants, and moss may be placed in the flow channel 3. Even if the landscape materials k become obstacles, the flow velocity increases in the return pipe 4, and the water flows into the upstream tank 6 all at once. The water flows from the upstream tank 6 with a torque-generating flow at the same increased velocity, and the flow velocity of the water flowing downstream does not decrease significantly.

[0036] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 7, multiple running water devices 1 of this embodiment may be connected in the direction of water flow (two running water devices 1, 1 are connected in Fig. 7, but three or more running water devices 1 may be connected). In this case, landscape materials such as plants may be installed as covering material h at the connection points of adjacent running water devices 1, 1, hiding the connection points and making them appear as a single long running water device.

[0037] 8, the return pipes 4, 4 in the water flow device 1 may be curved in plan view. In this way, if another pipe interferes with the straight return pipe 4, the interference can be prevented.

[0038] Furthermore, as in the second modified example shown in Figure 9, in the flow device 1, the downstream water tank 5 and the upstream water tank 6 may not be arranged opposite each other on the left and right in a plan view, but may be arranged offset in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the return pipe 4 (up and down in Figure 9). In this case, the return pipes 4, 4 may be arranged so as to be inclined with respect to the left-right direction in Fig. 9 in a plan view. Furthermore, if the amount of misalignment between the downstream water tank 5 and the upstream water tank 6 is small, the return pipes 4, 4 may be arranged so as to extend linearly to the left and right without being inclined.

[0039] 10, the flow channel 3 may be curved in a plan view to impart a curve to the water flow. In this case, the return pipes 4 may be arranged linearly in a plan view, or the return pipes 4 may be curved in a plan view similar to the flow channel 3. Conventionally, it was difficult to impart a curve to a flow channel because the torque of the water flow was insufficient. However, in this embodiment, the torque of the water flow is large, so even if the flow channel 3 is curved, the water flows uniformly and smoothly at a constant speed over the entire length of the flow channel 3 in the water flow direction.

[0040] 11, in the water flow device 1, the downstream tank 5 and the upstream tank 6 are not arranged opposite each other in a plan view, but are arranged offset in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the return pipe 4 (the vertical direction in FIG. 11), the return pipes 4, 4 are arranged at an angle relative to the left and right direction in FIG. 11 in a plan view, and further, the water flow channel 3 is arranged in a curved shape in a plan view, thereby giving the water a curve. In this case, the return pipes 4, 4 may be arranged in a curved shape similar to the water flow channel 3 in a plan view.

[0041] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can include various modifications. For example, the above-described embodiments have been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those including all of the described configurations. Furthermore, it is possible to add, delete, or replace part of the configuration of the embodiments with other configurations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0042] 1 Water flow device 2. Device body 3 Waterway 3A Flow Channel Unit 4 Reflux pipe 5 Downstream tank 5A downstream unit 6 Upstream tank 6A Upstream unit 12. Feed pump (laminar flow pump) k Landscape materials

Claims

1. A flow channel with an opening at the top, A return pipe provided below the flow channel; a downstream water tank to which one end of the return pipe is connected and into which water that has flowed through the flow channel flows; an upstream water tank to which the other end of the return pipe is connected and which sends water to the flow channel; a feed pump provided at one end of the return pipe for sucking water from the downstream water tank and sending the water into the return pipe; A water flow device comprising:

2. The device comprises a main body, The device itself is A flow channel unit that configures the flow channel and has a U-shaped cross section; a downstream unit that constitutes the downstream water tank and is formed in a box shape with an open top; an upstream unit that constitutes the upstream water tank and is formed in a box shape with an open top; The return pipe, One end of the flow channel unit is connected to the downstream unit, and the other end of the flow channel unit is connected to the upstream unit, 2. The water flow device according to claim 1, wherein one end of the return pipe is connected to the downstream unit, and the other end of the return pipe is connected to the upstream unit.

3. 3. The water flow device according to claim 1, wherein the feed pump is a laminar flow pump capable of generating a laminar flow in the water in the return pipe and the water flow channel.

4. A plurality of the return pipes are provided below the flow channel, 4. The water flow device according to claim 3, wherein one end of each return pipe is connected to the downstream water tank and the other end is connected to the upstream water tank.

5. 5. The water flow device according to claim 4, wherein landscape materials such as stones, plants, and moss are provided in the water flow channel.

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