Water flowing device

Abstract

Provided a water flowing device in which water flows uniformly and smoothly at constant velocity over the whole length in a water flow direction of a flow path.　The present invention includes: a flow path 3 having an open upper part; a reflux pipe 4 provided below the flow path 3; a downstream side water tank 5 that is in communication with one end section of the reflux pipe 4 and into which water that has flowed through the flow path 3 flows; an upstream side water tank 6 that is in communication with the other end section of the reflux pipe 4 and feeds water into the flow path 3; and a feed pump 12 that is provided at the one end section of the reflux pipe 4 and that sucks water in the downstream side water tank 5 to feed the water to the reflux pipe 4. Water of a water flow having torque flows into the upstream side of the flow path 3 from the upstream side water tank 6 and flows to the downstream. Therefore, water flows uniformly and smoothly at constant velocity over the whole length in the water flow direction of the flow path 3.

Description

water running device

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

[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.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-188485

[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, and 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 downstream 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 backflow in the opposite direction to the current, making it difficult to achieve a smooth flow in the flow channel.

[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.

[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 flowing through the flow channel into the downstream tank is sent to the return pipe by the feed pump. The water's flow velocity increases in the return pipe, causing it to rapidly flow into the upstream tank. At the increased velocity, water with a torque-generating current flows from the upstream tank into the upstream side of 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 current" refers to a strong current with a large flow rate per unit time. Unlike conventional systems, the return pipe is provided below the flow channel, rather than using the entire area below the tank's flow channel as a return channel. This reduces the amount of water required for the flow device, thereby reducing the overall weight of the device.

[0009] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned configuration of the present invention, the device main body comprises a water channel unit that forms the water channel and is formed with a U-shaped cross section, a downstream unit that forms the downstream water tank and is formed in a box shape with an open top, an upstream unit that forms the upstream water tank and is formed in a box shape with an open top, and the return pipe, wherein one end of the water channel unit is connected to the downstream unit and the other end of the water channel unit is connected to the upstream unit, and 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.

[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 addition, in the above-mentioned configuration of the present invention, the water flow channel unit may be made of foamed resin and may be composed of a rectangular water flow plate and a pair of side plates bent and formed on both sides perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the water flow plate.

[0012] With this configuration, the water channel unit is made of foamed resin, making it lightweight and easy to handle, and since it is composed of a rectangular water channel plate and a pair of side plates bent and formed on both sides perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the water channel plate, the water channel unit can be easily manufactured.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] In the above-described configuration of the present invention, landscape materials such as stones, plants, and moss may be provided in the flow channel.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the device main body of a water flow device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the device main body; FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the water flow device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a side view of a laminar flow pump according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the laminar flow pump according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a front view of the laminar flow pump according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of connected water flow devices according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the schematic configuration of a first modified water flow device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the schematic configuration of a second modified water flow device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the schematic configuration of a third modified water flow device according to an embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of a fourth modified water flow device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1A is a cross-sectional view of the joint before the water channel units are connected to each other, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the joint after the water channel units are connected to each other.

[0021] An embodiment of the flushing device according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the general configuration of the device 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 general configuration of the flushing device. In Fig. 3, the arrow indicates the direction of water flow.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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. A method for forming the water channel unit 3A from resin will be described later.

[0024] The return pipe 4 is long in the longitudinal direction of the water channel unit 3A, and in this embodiment is formed in a cylindrical shape. The return pipe is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be formed in a rectangular cylindrical, elongated cylindrical, elliptical cylindrical, or irregular cylindrical shape. The return pipe 4 is set to about 2 to 10 m, but may be less than 2 m or may exceed 10 m, for example, 0.5 to 25 m. The diameter of the cylindrical return pipe 4 is about 20 cm at maximum. Furthermore, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the return pipe 4 is 320 cm at maximum. ２ In this embodiment, the number of return pipes 4 is two, but it may be one, or three or more.

[0025] 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 left and right side panels and a back panel formed at the same height, with the front panel 5a being lower than the side panels and the back panel. Therefore, a predetermined step is provided between the top end of the front panel 5a and the top end 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 and penetrate the front panel 5a. One end of the return pipes 4, 4 is inserted into the connection holes 5b, 5b, thereby connecting one end of the return pipes 4, 4 to the downstream unit 5A. The return pipes 4, 4 are watertightly connected to the connection holes 5b, 5b to prevent water leakage between the connection holes 5b.

[0026] Like the downstream water tank 5, the upstream water tank 6 is composed of an upstream unit 6A, which is box-shaped and open at the top. The left and right side panels and the back panel of the upstream unit 6A are formed at the same height, with the front panel 6a being lower than the side panels and the back panel. Therefore, a predetermined step is provided between the top end of the front panel 6a and the top end 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 spaced-apart connection holes 6b, 6b are formed in the front panel 6a, penetrating the front panel 6a. The other upstream ends of the return pipes 4, 4 are inserted into the connection holes 6b, 6b, thereby connecting one end of the return pipes 4, 4 to the upstream unit 6A. The return pipes 4, 4 are watertightly connected to the connection holes 6b, 6b to prevent water leakage between the connection holes 6b, 6b.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2 , one end (the right end in FIG. 2 ) of a flow channel unit 3A constituting the flow channel 3 is inserted into the step of the downstream unit 5A constituting the downstream water tank 5, thereby connecting it to the downstream unit 5A. In this case, one end of the flow channel unit 3A and the downstream unit 5A are watertightly connected with an adhesive or the like. In addition, one end of the flow channel unit 3A is supported from below by the upper end of the front panel 5a of the downstream unit 5A. In addition, the other end (the left end in FIG. 2 ) of the flow channel unit 3A is inserted into the step of the upstream unit 6A constituting the upstream water tank 6, thereby connecting it to the upstream unit 6A. In this case, the other end of the flow channel unit 3A and the upstream unit 6A are watertightly connected with an adhesive or the like. In addition, the other end of the flow channel unit 3A is supported from below by the upper end of the front panel 6a of the upstream unit 6A.

[0028] Furthermore, when the water channel unit 3A is connected to the downstream unit 5A and the upstream unit 6A, an opening 7a is provided between one end of the water channel plate 3a of the water channel unit 3A and the back plate of the downstream unit 5A, and an opening 7b is provided between the other end of the water channel plate 3a of the water channel unit 3A and the back plate of the upstream unit 6A. Water flowing from the upstream side to the downstream side of the water channel 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 water channel 3.

[0029] The flow device 1 also includes a feed pump 12 that draws in water from the downstream water tank 5 and sends it into the return pipe 4. This feed pump 12 is provided at one end of the return pipe 4. The feed pump 12 is a laminar flow pump that can generate a laminar flow by itself. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the laminar flow pump 12 includes 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 part 18 provided at the opening at the tip of the casing 15.

[0030] The casing 15 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape and has multiple suction ports 15a on its outer circumferential surface. The suction ports 15a are rectangular openings for drawing fluid such as water into the casing 15, and multiple suction ports 15a are formed at predetermined intervals in the circumferential and axial directions of the casing 15. The motor 16 is a DC brushless motor, and its rotating shaft is arranged coaxially with the casing 15, with the tip of the rotating shaft facing the discharge port 18. The motor 16 is attached to a mounting base 16a, which is fixed to the base end (the right end in FIGS. 4 and 5 ) of the casing 15. The impeller 17 is attached to the rotating shaft of the motor 16 and is arranged inside the inner circumferential surface 15b at the tip end (the left end in FIGS. 3 and 4 ) of the casing 15. 6, a plurality of cylindrical walls 18a are concentrically provided 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 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] As shown in Figure 3, this type of feed pump (laminar flow pump) 12 is provided at one end of the return pipe 4. That is, a cylindrical mounting pipe 20 is attached coaxially to one end of the return pipe 4. A casing 15 of the laminar flow pump 12 is inserted and fixed into the base end of this mounting pipe 20, and water is sucked into the casing 15 from an inlet 15a (see Figures 4 and 5).

[0033] The water flow device 1 equipped with this type of feed pump (laminar flow pump) 12 is constructed by assembling the water channel unit 3A that constitutes the water channel 3, the return pipe 4, the downstream unit 5A that constitutes the downstream water tank 5, and the upstream unit 6A that constitutes the upstream water tank 6 into the device body 2. The assembled device body 2 is installed in a park, amusement park, 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 or the upstream water tank 6.

[0034] When the device main body 2 is installed inside a building, for example, the device main body 2 is supported by a support base 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 base 25 as when installed inside a building, or the lower part of the device main body 2 may be buried and fixed in the ground. Furthermore, when the running water device 1 is 10 m or longer, a slab separating the upper running water channel 3 and the lower return pipe 4 from each other may be constructed using general concrete construction in the ground, 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.

[0035] According to this embodiment, water flowing through the flow channel 3 and into the downstream tank 5 is pumped as a laminar flow into the return pipe 4 by the laminar flow pump 12. The water's flow velocity increases within the return pipe 4, causing it to rush into the upstream tank 6. With nowhere to escape, the water maintains its increased velocity as a torque-driven flow from the upstream tank 6 to the upstream side of the flow channel 3, which serves as a single outlet, and continues downstream. Therefore, water flows uniformly and smoothly at a constant velocity throughout the entire length of the flow channel 3. Unlike conventional systems, the entire area below the flow channel 3 is not used as a return channel. Instead, the return pipe 4 is provided below the flow channel 3. This reduces the amount of water required for the flow device 1, thereby reducing the overall weight of the flow device 1.

[0036] In addition, because a laminar flow pump 12 is used that can generate laminar flow in the water in the return pipe 4 and the flow channel 3, the direction and magnitude of the water flow velocity becomes uniform due to the laminar flow, and water can flow more reliably, uniformly, and smoothly at a constant speed over the entire length of the flow channel 3 in the water flow direction. Furthermore, because there are multiple return pipes 4, even if the amounts of water flowing into the flow channel 3, water flowing into the downstream water tank 5, and water sent out from the upstream water tank 6 increase, the flow velocity of the water flowing through the return pipe 4 can be maintained at a predetermined speed 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.

[0037] 3, landscape materials k such as stones, plants, moss, etc. 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 into the upstream side of the flow channel 3, and the flow velocity of the water flowing downstream does not decrease significantly.

[0038] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, multiple water flow devices 1 of this embodiment may be connected in the direction of water flow (although Figure 7 shows two water flow devices 1, 1 connected, three or more water flow 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 water flow devices 1, 1, hiding the connection points and making them appear as a single long water flow device.

[0039] 8, the return pipes 4, 4 may be curved in plan view in the water flow device 1. In this way, if another pipe interferes with the straight return pipe 4, the interference can be prevented.

[0040] Furthermore, as in a second modified example shown in Fig. 9, in the flowing water device 1, the downstream water tank 5 and the upstream water tank 6 may not be arranged opposite each other in a plan view, but may be arranged offset in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the return pipe 4 (the up-down direction in Fig. 9). In this case, the return pipes 4, 4 may be arranged tilted with respect to the left-right direction in Fig. 9 in a plan view. Furthermore, if the offset between the downstream water tank 5 and the upstream water tank 6 is small, the return pipes 4, 4 may be arranged to extend linearly left and right without being tilted.

[0041] 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. In the past, it was difficult to impart a curve to the 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.

[0042] 11, in the flow device 1, the downstream tank 5 and the upstream tank 6 are not arranged opposite each other in 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 are arranged at an angle relative to the left and right direction in FIG. 11 in plan view, and the flow channel 3 is arranged in a curved shape in plan view, thereby giving the water a curve. In this case, the return pipes 4 may also be arranged in a curved shape similar to the flow channel 3 in plan view.

[0043] Next, a method for forming (manufacturing) the water channel unit 3A using foamed resin will be described. The water channel unit 3A is formed by bending and molding a foamed resin plate. The plate is formed into a plate shape using foamed polyvinyl chloride (foamed PVC). Hereinafter, this plate will be referred to as a foamed PVC plate. Foamed PVC plates have the following characteristics: They have low water absorption, do not expand, and are resistant to mold and pests. They are excellent in chemical resistance, corrosion resistance, and fire resistance. They are 100% recyclable. They can be processed in various ways (various printing methods, cutting, drilling, pressing, and heat welding). The main physical properties of foamed PVC plates are as shown in Table 1.

[0044]

[0045] When manufacturing the water channel unit 3A, a foamed PVC board as described above is prepared. The foamed PVC board is a rectangular board with a thickness of 10 to 24 mm. The width of the foamed PVC board (the length perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) is the sum of the width of the water channel unit 3A's water channel board 3a and the width of the pair of side plates 3b, 3b. The length of the foamed PVC board (the longitudinal length) is set as appropriate, but is, for example, approximately 2 m.

[0046] When forming a water channel unit 3A using such a foamed PVC board 30, a V-cut groove 30m is first formed at one widthwise end of the foamed PVC board 30, as shown in FIG. 12(a). This V-cut groove 30m is formed so that the distance S from its center to one widthwise end of the foamed PVC board 30 is equal to the width of the side panel 3b of the water channel unit 3A to be formed. Similarly, a V-cut groove 30m is formed at the other widthwise end of the foamed PVC board 30. The foamed PVC board 30 with this V-cut groove 30m formed is placed on a workbench (not shown). In this case, the heater 35 is placed directly below the V-cut groove 30m and installed on the workbench. Note that the heater 35 creates a gap between the foamed PVC board 30 and the workbench by the thickness of the heater 35, so a spacer is inserted into this gap to ensure the stability of the foamed PVC board 30. This supports the foamed PVC board 30 horizontally.

[0047] A groove 35m extending in the longitudinal direction of the foamed PVC board 30 (a direction perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 12) is formed in the center of the heater 35. The position of the foamed PVC board 30 is adjusted so that the center of the V-cut groove 30m is positioned above the center of this groove 35. The heater 35 heats the V-cut groove 30m and the vicinity of the V-cut groove 30m of the foamed PVC board 30 to soften them, and is capable of generating heat to, for example, 70°C to 120°C.

[0048] Next, the heater 35 is turned on to heat the V-cut groove 30m and its vicinity, and after confirming that it has softened, one end 30b of the foamed PVC board 30 is bent upward around the center of the bottom of the V-cut groove 30m, as shown in FIG. 3(b), and then bent until the end 30b is perpendicular to the bottom plate 30a, as shown in FIG. 3(c). This causes the inner surfaces of the V-cut groove 30m to overlap and adhere closely, and the end 30b rises vertically. This end 30b becomes one side plate 3b of the water flow channel unit 3A. Similarly, the other end 30b of the foamed PVC board 30 is bent upward around the center of the bottom of the V-cut groove 30m, until the other end 30b is perpendicular to the bottom plate 30a. This end 30b becomes the other side plate 3b of the water flow channel unit 3A. The bottom plate portion 30a located between the side plates 3b, 3b serves as the water flow plate 3a of the water flow channel unit 3A.

[0049] Finally, as shown in Figure 3(d), waterproof adhesive G is applied to the inner corners of the bottom plate 3b and the water flow plate 3a to complete the manufacture of the water flow channel unit 3A. Examples of adhesive G that can be used are polyurethane adhesive, silicone adhesive, and epoxy adhesive.

[0050] The water channel unit 3A manufactured in this manner is made of foamed resin, making it lightweight and easy to handle, and since it is composed of a rectangular water channel plate 3a and a pair of side plates 3b, 3b that are bent and formed on both sides perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the water channel plate, the water channel unit 3A can be easily manufactured.

[0051] The flow channel units 3A manufactured as described above are connected longitudinally as follows. As shown in FIG. 13, the end faces of two flow channel units 3A are butted together, and a joint 8 is formed on the end face. As shown in FIG. 14, this joint 8 includes a recess 8a and a protrusion 8b. The recess 8a is groove-shaped along the length of the end face (the lengthwise direction of the end face of the flow plate 3a and the end face of the side plate 3b). The joint 8 of one flow channel unit 3A (left in FIG. 14(a)) is formed with a protrusion 8b, a recess 8a, a protrusion 8b, and a recess 8a, from top to bottom. The joint 8 of the other flow channel unit 3A (right in FIG. 14(a)) is formed with a protrusion 8a, a recess 8b, a recess 8a, and a protrusion 8b, from top to bottom.

[0052] When connecting the end faces of the water channel units 3A, 3A, waterproof adhesive G is applied to the recesses 8a, and then the recesses 8a and protrusions 8b of the opposing joints 8, 8 are fitted together, as shown in Figure 14(b). The water channel units 3A, 3A connected in this manner are firmly connected by the fitting of the joints 8, 8, and are adhered and waterproofed by the adhesive G. The same procedure is used when connecting three or more water channel units 3A. To increase the bending strength of the water channel units 3A, reinforcing materials may be fixed to the bottom surfaces of the water channel plates 3a of the water channel units 3A. In this case, reinforcing materials may be fixed so as to straddle the gap between the water channel plates 3a of adjacent water channel units 3A, 3A.

[0053] 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 embodiment with other configurations.

[0054] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Flow device 2 Device body 3 Flow channel 3A Flow channel unit 4 Return pipe 5 Downstream water tank 5A Downstream unit 6 Upstream water tank 6A Upstream unit 12 Feed pump (laminar flow pump) k Landscape material

Claims

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

2. A water flow device as described in claim 1, comprising an apparatus main body, the apparatus main body comprising: a water flow channel unit that forms the water flow channel and is formed with a U-shaped cross section; a downstream unit that forms the downstream water tank and is formed in a box shape with an open top; an upstream unit that forms the upstream water tank and is formed in a box shape with an open top; and the return pipe, one end of the water flow channel unit is connected to the downstream unit and the other end of the water flow channel unit is connected to the upstream unit, 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. The water flow device described in claim 2, characterized in that the water flow channel unit is made of foamed resin and is composed of a rectangular water flow plate and a pair of side plates bent and formed on both sides perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the water flow plate.

4. A water flow device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the feed pump is a laminar flow pump capable of generating laminar flow in the water in the return pipe and the water flow channel.

5. A water flow device as described in claim 4, characterized in that a plurality of return pipes are provided below the water 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.

6. The water flow device according to claim 5, characterized in that landscape materials such as stones, plants, moss, etc. are provided in the water flow channel.

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