CN116499160A

CN116499160A - Snowfall device, artificial weather room and snowfall method

Info

Publication number: CN116499160A
Application number: CN202310275721.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 榎浩之; 田村航士; 坂根浩喜
Original assignee: Espec Corp
Current assignee: Espec Corp
Priority date: 2019-03-26
Filing date: 2020-03-13
Publication date: 2023-07-28
Also published as: CN111750583B; DE102020107425A1; CN111750583A

Abstract

The invention provides a snowfall device, an artificial weather room and a snowfall method. The snowfall device includes: a snow storage unit having a snow making function of generating snow and a snow storage function of storing the generated snow while keeping the generated snow in a non-solidified state; and a snow accumulating portion for introducing snow stored in the snow accumulating portion and supplying the introduced snow under the snow or to a sample, wherein the snow accumulating portion includes a tank having at least the snow making function, a blower, and a circulation path having both ends connected to the tank and provided with the blower, and the snow accumulating function includes the following structure: by the operation of the blower, snow is mainly transported by the air from the top down in the tank, and the snow flowing out of the tank to the circulation path is returned to the tank again.

Description

Snowfall device, artificial weather room and snowfall method

The present application is a divisional application of patent application No. 202010179251.6, which has a filing date of 2020, 13 months, and is entitled "snowfall device, artificial weather room, and snowfall method".

Technical Field

The invention relates to a snowfall device, an artificial weather room and a snowfall method.

Background

As disclosed in japanese patent publication No. 5843240 and japanese patent publication No. 6-63686, there is known a snowfall device for artificial snowfall. For example, the snow fall apparatus disclosed in japanese patent publication No. 5843240 is provided with an ice making chamber in which an ice maker is disposed, and a low-temperature chamber in which ice produced in the ice making chamber is crushed in a low-temperature environment to granulate the ice. The artificial snow of the ice particles is transported toward the wind tunnel by pressure. On the other hand, the snowfall apparatus disclosed in japanese patent publication No. 6-63686 includes an ice crystal generating mechanism, a collecting chamber for collecting ice crystals generated in the ice crystal generating mechanism, a liquid spraying mechanism for generating mist, and an ultrasonic wave suspension mechanism for forming a low-temperature ultrasonic wave field. In this device, mist and ice crystals become snow flakes during suspension with an ultrasonic field, and the snow flakes naturally fall.

In the snowfall apparatuses disclosed in japanese patent publication No. 5843240 and japanese patent publication No. 6-63686, a structure is adopted in which snow is successively reduced while producing snow. Therefore, the snowfall amount or the snow supply amount is limited by the snow making ability. That is, the snowfall amount of the snow making ability or more cannot be obtained.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention provides a snowfall device, an artificial weather chamber, and a snowfall method for obtaining a snowfall amount or a snow supply amount that is not limited by a snowmaking capability.

The snowfall apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a snow storage unit having a snow making function of generating snow and a snow storage function of storing the generated snow while keeping the generated snow in a non-solidified state; and a snow accumulating portion for introducing snow stored in the snow accumulating portion and supplying the introduced snow under the snow or to a sample, wherein the snow accumulating portion includes a tank having at least the snow making function, a blower, and a circulation path having both ends connected to the tank and provided with the blower, and the snow accumulating function includes the following structure: by the operation of the blower, snow is mainly transported by the air from the top down in the tank, and the snow flowing out of the tank to the circulation path is returned to the tank again.

The snowfall apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a snow storage unit having a snow making function of generating snow and a snow storage function of storing the generated snow while keeping the generated snow in a non-solidified state; a supply path; and a snow accumulating portion that is introduced into the snow stored in the snow accumulating portion through the supply path and that causes the introduced snow to flow into the tank or to be supplied to the sample, wherein the snow accumulating portion includes a tank having the snow generating function and a blower, and the snow accumulating portion is configured to store the snow while maintaining the snow in a non-solidified state by flowing the snow in the tank to a level falling by gravity through the blower in a state where the snow is not conveyed to the snow accumulating portion through the supply path or in a state where a flow rate of air accompanying the snow conveyed to the snow accumulating portion through the supply path is adjusted.

An artificial weather chamber according to another aspect of the present invention includes: the snow falling device is used for falling snow; and a laboratory having a space in which the sample body is disposed, wherein the snowing device snows or supplies snow to the sample body in the laboratory.

A snowfall method according to still another aspect of the present invention is a method of snowfall using the snowfall apparatus, including the steps of: generating snow in the snow accumulation portion of the snowfall device; in the snow storage unit, the generated snow is kept in a non-solidified state and stored; introducing snow in the snow storage portion into the snow fall portion; and snowing or supplying snow to the sample body through the snowing section.

According to the present invention, a snowfall amount or a snow supply amount that is not limited by the snow making capability can be obtained.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a view schematically showing a snowfall apparatus according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a diagram showing connection positions of the circulation paths to the tanks.

Fig. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a snowfall apparatus according to a modification of the first embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a snowfall apparatus according to a second embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a view schematically showing a snowfall apparatus according to a third embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a view schematically showing a snowfall apparatus according to a fourth embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a view schematically showing a snowfall apparatus according to a fifth embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a diagram schematically showing an artificial weather chamber according to a sixth embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a diagram schematically showing an artificial weather chamber according to a modification of the sixth embodiment.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(first embodiment)

As shown in fig. 1, the snowfall apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment is an apparatus that artificially generates snow and makes the generated snow fall. The snowing device 10 includes an ice crystal generating portion 12, a snow accumulating portion 14, a regulating portion 18, and a snowing portion 20.

The ice crystal generating unit 12 is configured to generate ice crystals as nuclei for growing snow. Ice crystals are produced by freezing fine water droplets generated by a humidifier such as an ultrasonic humidifier. The ice crystal generating unit 12 has a low-temperature space in which fine water droplets are sprayed. The temperature in the space is adjusted to, for example, a temperature of-40 ℃ or lower. Therefore, the mist of fine water droplets is frozen in the ice crystal generating portion 12, and ice crystals are generated. Ice crystals are small and large ice particles that fall unnaturally and are suspended in air. The ice crystals generated in the ice crystal generating portion 12 are introduced into a tank 22 described below of the snow accumulating portion 14 through piping.

The snow storage unit 14 is a portion that generates snow and stores the generated snow so as not to solidify, and includes a tank 22, a circulation path 24 having both ends connected to the tank 22, and a connection path 26 branching from the circulation path 24. The tank 22 is formed in a size that can temporarily store snow for a predetermined time such as a set test time.

The circulation path 24 has one end connected to the bottom (lower portion) of the tank 22 and the other end connected to the side portion of the tank 22. A blower 28 is disposed in the circulation path 24. By the operation of the blower 28, air in the tank 22 is sucked from the bottom of the tank 22. The air flowing through the circulation path 24 is blown out into the tank 22 from the side of the tank 22. That is, the end connected to the bottom of the tank 22 becomes the suction end and the end connected to the side of the tank 22 becomes the discharge end in the circulation path 24.

One end of the connection path 26 is connected to a portion of the circulation path 24 downstream of the blower 28, and the other end is connected to the top of the tank 22. A part of the air accompanying the snow flowing through the circulation path 24 flows into the connection path 26. Since the other end of the connection path 26 is connected to the center portion of the top, snow blown into the tank 22 from the connection path 26 is less likely to adhere to the inner wall surface of the tank 22.

A cooler 30 that cools the air accompanying the snow flowing through the connection path 26 is disposed in the connection path 26. The cooler 30 has the ability to cool the air to a temperature at which snow is generated within the tank 22 and at which fine snow flakes grow within the tank 22. The cooler 30 is constituted by, for example, an evaporator of a vapor compression refrigerator.

The tank 22 forms a space in which snow is generated and grows. Specifically, a plurality of nozzles 32 for spraying low-temperature water droplets in a mist form are disposed in the tank 22, and the nozzles 32 spray the water droplets in a mist form upward. The nozzle 32 may be constituted by a two-fluid nozzle. The temperature in the tank 22 is adjusted to about-20 ℃ by introducing air cooled by the cooler 30. Therefore, at a position above the nozzle 32 in the space in the tank 22, the ice crystal generated in the ice crystal generating portion 12 contacts with the mist water droplets sprayed from the nozzle 32, and grows into snow pieces with the ice crystal as a nucleus. That is, the snow storage unit 14 has a snow making function, and the upper space of the nozzle 32 in the tank 22 serves as a space for generating and growing snow. On the other hand, the space below the nozzle 32 in the tank 22 serves as a snow storage space for storing the generated snow. In other words, snow is generated by the snow making function above the portion where the air accompanying the snow flows in the tank 22. Since the nozzle 32 is disposed so as to spray water from below to above, it is possible to suppress the snow in the snow storage space from adhering to water droplets and becoming wet snow.

The side portion of the tank 22 is inclined so as to be located at a lower position of the connecting portion of the other end portion of the circulation path 24 as going toward the center portion. Therefore, snow easily flows down toward the bottom of the central portion.

In addition, the ice crystal generating unit 12 may be omitted. At this time, if the temperature in the tank 22 is adjusted to about-40 ℃, snow can be generated in the tank 22.

The other end portion of the circulation path 24 is connected to the side portion of the tank 22 at a position below the nozzle 32. As shown in fig. 2, the other end portion is connected to the side portion of the tank 22 so that air flows in a direction deviated laterally from the center line 22a extending vertically of the tank 22. Specifically, the tank 22 has a circular shape in a plan view, and the circulation path 24 is connected to the tank 22 such that an extension line thereof passes through a position offset from the center line 22a of the circle. Therefore, if the blower 28 is operated to blow air from the circulation path 24 into the tank 22, a circulation flow of air accompanying snow is generated below the nozzle 32 in the tank 22 so that the air accompanying snow rotates in the circumferential direction of the inner surface of the tank 22 in the tank 22. Therefore, the snow generated in the tank 22 flows and is stored in the tank 22 while being blown into the tank 22 from the circulation path 24. That is, in the tank 22, snow is stored not in a snow-covered state but in a flowing state. Therefore, the snow is not solidified for a long period of time in the snow storage portion 14 and remains in a snow state. That is, the snow storage unit 14 has a mechanism for keeping the snow in the snow storage unit 14 in a non-solidified state.

In the snow storage unit 14, the snow in the tank 22 is transported by the air by the operation of the blower 28, sucked from the bottom of the tank 22 to the circulation path 24, and the air accompanying the snow flowing through the circulation path 24 is returned to the tank 22. This cycle is repeated. A part of the air flowing through the circulation path 24 flows into the connection path 26. The connection path 26 allows a part of the air accompanying the snow flowing through the circulation path 24 to flow into the tank 22 from the top of the tank 22. That is, the blower 28 guides the snow stored in the tank 22 to the snow making site through the circulation path 24 and the connection path 26.

An air inlet, not shown, is provided in the circulation path 24 at a position upstream of the blower 28. Accordingly, even when snow is supplied through the supply passage 34 described later, the low pressure near the vacuum can be prevented from being generated in the upstream circulation passage 24 of the blower 28.

The circulation path 24 is connected to a supply path 34 connected to the snowfall portion 20. Therefore, at least a part of the air accompanying the snow flowing through the circulation path 24 can be guided to the snowfall portion 20 through the supply path 34.

The adjustment unit 18 adjusts the flow rate and amount of supply of snow from the snow storage unit 14 to the snowfall unit 20. Specifically, the adjusting unit 18 receives an instruction from the snowfall setting unit 36, and adjusts the flow rate and the amount of supply of air accompanying snow to the snowfall unit 20. The regulator 18 includes a first damper (damper) 18a disposed downstream of the connection portion of the supply path 34 in the circulation path 24 and a second damper 18b disposed in the supply path 34. The snowfall setter 36 controls the opening degrees of the first damper 18a and the second damper 18b, respectively, according to the snowfall that is set. The snowfall amount set in the snowfall amount setting unit 36 indicates the amount of snow accumulated per unit time. The snowfall amount may be set to an amount larger than the amount of snow that can be generated per unit time in the snow storage unit 14.

At least a part of the air accompanying the snow flowing through the circulation path 24 is introduced into the snowfall portion 20. The snowing section 20 has a snow outlet 20a for allowing the introduced snow to flow down. The snow from the snow outlet 20a is diffused by a diffusion member, not shown, to make the snow fall. In addition, when the snowing device 10 is used outdoors, the snowing section 20 may be disposed outdoors. Or the snowfall portion 20 is disposed in a laboratory, not shown.

The pipe constituting the supply passage 34 may be configured to directly blow out snow from the snow outlet 20a without restricting the pipe constituting the supply passage 34 at the snow outlet 20a, but instead of this, the snow outlet 20a may be configured to be constituted by a snow falling nozzle restricting the pipe constituting the supply passage 34, and to be snowed from the snow falling nozzle.

The snow introduced into the snowfall portion 20 is dry snow. Therefore, the snowfall portion 20 is provided with a nozzle 38 for spraying water onto the introduced dry snow. Accordingly, wet snow can be made from the snowfall portion 20. The nozzle 38 may spray air and water simultaneously in mist form. In this case, a mechanism for adjusting the air injection amount may be added. Alternatively, the nozzle 38 may be omitted and dry snow may be deposited on the snowfall portion 20.

The nozzle 38 for spraying water in mist form toward the snow is connected to a water supply pipe 39 for supplying water to the nozzle 38. The water supply pipe 39 is provided with a water amount adjustment valve 39a. The water amount adjusting valve 39a adjusts the amount of spray in response to a command from the water content setting device 42. The water content setter 42 is a device for setting the water content of the snow in the snowfall portion 20, and outputs a command corresponding to the set water content. The water amount adjustment valve 39a adjusts the opening degree according to the instruction. Accordingly, the amount of spray from the nozzle 38 is adjusted. That is, the snowfall portion 20 is configured to make snow fall in accordance with the set water content. The water content setter 42 may be configured to change the set water content. At this time, snow with various water contents can be made to flow down, and the snow quality can be changed. When the water amount is adjusted by the water amount adjustment valve 39a, the set snowfall amount by the snowfall amount setting device 36 may be considered. In the case where the snowfall portion 20 is configured to make wet snow having a predetermined water content, the nozzle 38 may be configured to spray a predetermined amount of water in a mist form. At this time, the water content setter 42 is omitted. However, when the water content setting device 42 is omitted, the water amount adjusting valve 39a is configured to adjust the water amount according to the set snowfall amount by the snowfall amount setting device 36 when the snowfall amount is changed. Further, the spray amount of water may be directly adjusted by the nozzle 38.

Instead of the water content setter 42, a spray amount setter may be provided. At this time, the opening of the water amount adjustment valve 39a or the spray amount of the nozzle 38 is adjusted so that the spray amount set by the spray amount setting device is reached. In this configuration, the water content of the snow from the snowfall portion 20 can be adjusted.

Here, a snowfall method performed by the snowfall apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment will be described. First, ice crystals are generated in the ice crystal generating section 12. To generate ice crystals, fine water droplets are generated by a humidifier, and the water droplets are sprayed into the ice crystal generating section 12. Since the temperature in the ice crystal generating portion 12 is adjusted to, for example, 40 ℃ below zero, atomized fine water droplets are frozen to generate ice crystals.

Ice crystals generated in the ice crystal generating portion 12 are introduced into the tank 22 of the snow accumulating portion 14. The interior of the tank 22 of the snow storage unit 14 is adjusted to a temperature of about-20 ℃, and fine water droplets are sprayed from the nozzle 32 in a mist form, so that ice crystals are nucleated and grow into snow flakes. The snow grows gradually and if grown to a level that falls down by gravity, it falls below the nozzle 32. Further, since the suction action of the blower 28 also acts in the tank 22, a part of fine snow flows downward from the nozzle 32.

By the operation of the blower 28, snow stored in the tank 22, particularly below the nozzle 32, is sucked from the bottom of the tank 22 to the circulation path 24 and flows through the circulation path 24. The air accompanying the snow flowing through the circulation path 24 is blown into the tank 22 from the side of the tank 22. At this time, the air is blown into the tank 22 in a direction deviated from the center line 22a of the tank 22, and therefore, the air accompanied by the snow flows under the nozzle 32 along the inner surface of the side portion of the tank 22 in a circumferential direction. Thus, the circulation of the air accompanying the snow through the circulation path 24 is generated in the snow storage unit 14, and the flow of the snow is generated in the tank 22. Therefore, in the snow storage portion 14, snow is kept in a non-solidified state and stored. That is, the snow storage portion 14 has a snow storage function.

A part of the air accompanying the snow flowing through the circulation path 24 is introduced into the connection path 26. At the connection 26, the air accompanied by the snow is cooled by the cooler 30. The cooled snow-accompanying air is introduced into the tank 22 from the top of the tank 22. That is, the cooling air is introduced into the tank 22, and therefore, the inside of the tank 22 is maintained in the snow making environment. Snow flowing into the tank 22 from the top grows by coming into contact with water droplets sprayed from the nozzle 32 in mist form. That is, the air accompanying the snow, which is guided from the tank 22 to the circulation path 24, is guided to a snow making portion located at an upper portion in the tank 22, where the snow grows. After a predetermined amount of snow is generated, the water is stopped from being sprayed from the nozzle 32, but the operation of the blower 28 is continued at this time. That is, the snow storage unit 14 may be in a state in which the air accompanying the snow is circulated while the snow is being produced, or in a state in which the air accompanying the snow is circulated without producing the snow.

The snow storage operation in the snow storage unit 14 is performed before the snow falling operation from the snow falling unit 20. Therefore, snow can be made and stored in advance before a command from the snow fall amount setter 36 is sent to the adjustment unit 18. At this time, the second air brake 18b is closed, and the first air brake 18a is fully opened. Therefore, in the snow accumulating portion 14, the air accompanied by the snow is not sent to the snowing portion 20, but circulates between the tank 22 and the circulation path 24.

If a command is sent from the snowfall setting device 36 to the adjustment unit 18, the opening degrees of the first damper 18a and the second damper 18b are adjusted so that air having a flow rate corresponding to the command flows into the supply path 34. Accordingly, at least a part of the snow flowing through the circulation path 24 is guided to the snowfall portion 20 through the supply path 34. Further, by transmitting an instruction from the snowfall setting device 36, the snowfall amount can be changed during snowfall. In this case, the snowfall amount can be changed while snowfall is being performed.

In the snowfall section 20, the opening degree of the water amount adjustment valve 39a is adjusted in response to a command from the water content setting device 42. Accordingly, the spray amount of water from the nozzle 38 is adjusted, and the snow discharged from the snow outlet 20a becomes wet snow having a desired water content. The snow that becomes wet snow is diffused by the diffusion member to make the snow fall. In addition, regarding adjustment of the spray amount of water, the setting of the snowfall amount by the snowfall amount setting device 36 may also be considered. The snowfall portion 20 may be configured to be wet-snowed by spraying water from the nozzle 38 after the snow is diffused by the diffusing member.

As described above, in the present embodiment, snow is generated in the snow storage unit 14, and the generated snow is stored while being kept in a non-solidified state. The snowing device 10 causes the snow stored in the snow storage portion 14 to be snowed by the snowing portion 20. That is, the amount of snow per unit time introduced from the snow storage portion 14 to the snowing portion 20 may exceed the snow producing capability per unit time of the snow storage portion 14. Further, the total amount of snow that is reduced by the snow-reducing portion 20 for a predetermined period of time may be stored in advance in the snow-storing portion 14. Therefore, unlike the structure in which snow is sequentially reduced while making snow, the amount of snow reduction or the amount of snow supply is not limited due to the snow making ability. Therefore, in the snowing device 10, a snowing amount or a snow supply amount that is not limited by the snow making capability per unit time can be obtained. Further, since the snow is kept in a non-solidified state in the snow storage portion 14, snow can be reduced from the snow reduction portion 20 by introducing the snow stored in the snow storage portion 14 into the snow reduction portion 20. Further, in the snow storage portion 14, although the snow is held so as not to solidify, it is not necessarily intended that all of the snow is not solidified at all, but it is also intended that the snow is held in a non-solidified state, and as a result, the snow may be locally solidified. In short, the snow is held in the snow storage unit 14 so that the snow can be supplied to the snowfall unit 20.

In the present embodiment, the blower 28 is operated in the snow storage unit 14, so that the air in the tank 22 flows along with the snow. Therefore, the snow in the tank 22 is stored in the snow storage portion 14 without being stationary and continuously moves until it is introduced into the snowfall portion 20. Therefore, the snow can be kept in a non-solidified state for a long period of time even after the snow is made in the snow storage portion 14. That is, it can be said that the structure for causing the air accompanying the snow to flow is a structure for causing the air accompanying the snow in the tank 22 to flow by utilizing the air potential of the air sucked into the tank 22.

In the present embodiment, the air accompanying the snow flows in the tank 22 so as to rotate along the inner surface of the side portion of the tank 22. Therefore, air can easily flow smoothly in the tank 22, and the state in which snow is not solidified can be easily maintained.

In the present embodiment, the circulation path 24 is connected to the tank 22, and air flows through the circulation path 24 by the operation of the blower 28. Accordingly, the snow in the tank 22 is transported by the air and flows through the circulation path 24. The air accompanying the snow flowing through the circulation path 24 is returned to the tank 22. Accordingly, the snow is transported by the air and flows through the circulation path 24 until being introduced into the snowfall portion 20, and therefore, the snow can be kept from solidifying. The air flowing through the circulation path 24 also acts on the air in the tank 22, and the air also flows along with the snow in the tank 22. Therefore, the snow is kept from solidifying in the tank 22. Further, compared to a configuration in which snow-associated air is circulated only in the tank 22 without circulating the snow-associated air between the tank 22 and the circulation path 24, the tank 22 can be prevented from being enlarged.

In the present embodiment, the tank 22 of the snow storage unit 14 has a snow generation site located above the connection portion of the circulation path 24. Since large snow pieces in the generated snow easily fall down, it is not necessary to add a mechanism for conveying the large snow pieces to the lower side of the connection portion of the circulation path 24. On the other hand, in the tank 22, snow flowing under the connection portion of the circulation path 24 is difficult to flow to the snow making site. Therefore, in the tank 22, a large snow piece can be easily left in the lower portion. Further, the influence of the air flow in the lower portion of the tank 22 is less likely to reach the snow formation site. Therefore, in the snow producing space, the generated snow can be prevented from being transported by the air introduced from the circulation path 24 and flowing along the inner wall surface of the tank 22, and the generated snow can be prevented from adhering to the inner wall surface of the tank 22.

In the present embodiment, the circulation path 24 is connected to the tank 22 so that air flows in a direction deviated from the center line 22a of the tank 22. Therefore, by blowing the air accompanied by snow into the tank 22, the air flows around the center line 22a (circumferential direction) of the tank with the snow in the tank 22. That is, by adjusting the connection position to the circulation path 24 of the tank 22, the air can be circulated in the tank 22, and therefore, an additional stirring mechanism or the like is not required.

In the present embodiment, the air in the snow storage portion in the tank 22 is guided to the snow making portion in the tank 22 through the circulation path 24 and the connection path 26 together with the snow. By transporting the fine snow pieces in the tank 22 to the snow making site, the snow pieces can be grown. Therefore, the snow pieces which have not grown completely can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, the adjustment unit 18 is provided, so that the amount of snow reduced by the snow reduction unit 20 can be changed. Therefore, the snowfall amount can also be changed.

The adjusting unit 18 adjusts the ratio of the split flow from the circulation path 24 so that at least a part of the air accompanying the snow flowing through the circulation path 24 is introduced into the snowfall unit 20. That is, the amount of snow delivered to the snowfall portion 20 can be adjusted by adjusting the ratio of the snow circulated through the circulation path 24 to the snow introduced into the snowfall portion 20.

In the present embodiment, the ice crystal generating unit 12 is connected to the tank 22 of the snow storage unit 14, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in fig. 3, air at about-40 ℃ may be introduced into the tank 22 of the snow storage unit 14. At this time, a pipe 61 for guiding air to the tank 22 is provided. A cooling device 60 is provided for cooling the air flowing through the pipe 61 to about-40 ℃ (for example, -35 ℃ to-45 ℃). The air introduced into the tank 22 is preferably dry air.

The air cooled by the cooling device 60 is introduced into the tank 22 of the snow storage unit 14 through the pipe 61. The pipe 61 is connected to the tank 22 so as to discharge air toward the water injected from the nozzle 32 disposed in the tank 22. In addition, the nozzles 32 may be configured to spray water in the same direction along the side of the tank 22 and the circumferential rotation direction of the air from the circulation path 24. The nozzle 32 is configured to spray fine water droplets generated by the ultrasonic humidifier in a mist form.

The inner surface of the can 22 may be subjected to a surface treatment such as a water repellent treatment, a hydrophilic treatment, or a mirror finish.

The tank 22 of the snow accumulating portion 14, the first damper 18a, or the vibration exciting portion 62 for vibrating the circulation path 24 may be provided. The tank 22, the first damper 18a, or the circulation path 24 vibrates, so that snow can be prevented from adhering to the tank 22 and the first damper 18a or the circulation path 24. The vibration exciting section 62 is configured to vibrate the tank 22, the first damper 18a, or the circulation path 24 by applying an impact to the tank 22, the first damper 18a, or the circulation path 24, or by shaking the tank 22, the first damper 18a, or the circulation path 24. The excitation portion 62 may be omitted.

The excitation portion 62 may be configured to vibrate the connection path 26. At this time, snow can be prevented from adhering to the inside of the connection path 26.

(second embodiment)

Fig. 4 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals are given to the same components as those of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the first embodiment, the blower 28 sucks air in the tank 22 from an end portion of the circulation path 24 connected to the bottom of the tank 22 into the circulation path 24, and blows out the air into the tank 22 from an end portion connected to the side portion of the tank 22. That is, in the tank 22, the flow of air from the top down is mainly generated. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the flow of air from the bottom up is mainly generated in the tank 22. That is, in the second embodiment, the blower 28 sucks air in the tank 22 from the end portion of the circulation path 24 connected to the top of the tank 22 into the circulation path 24, and blows out the air into the tank 22 from the end portion connected to the side portion of the tank 22. Therefore, large snow pieces are difficult to suck into the circulation path 24 and mainly flow in the tank 22.

The end of the circulation path 24 connected to the side of the tank 22 is located below the nozzle 32.

In the second embodiment, the connection path 26 branching from the circulation path 24 is not provided, and the cooler 30 is disposed in the circulation path 24. If the blower 28 is operated, the air cooled by the cooler 30 in the circulation path 24 is blown into the tank 22. Since the upward air flow is mainly generated in the tank 22, the large snow pieces are rotated circumferentially below the nozzles 32 in the tank 22, while the small snow pieces are air-fed to flow upward. At the upper portion in the tank 22, small snow is in contact with the water droplets ejected from the nozzles 32, and thus the small snow grows into large snow.

The supply line 34 is connected not to the circulation line 24 but to the tank 22. The damper 18c is disposed in the supply path 34. The damper 18c functions as an adjusting unit 18 that adjusts the flow of the snow supplied from the snow storage unit 14 to the snowfall unit 20. The snowfall setting device 36 controls the damper 18c to open the supply passage 34 only when the snowfall is made from the snowfall portion 20. The snow fall amount setter 36 closes the damper 18c when only snow is generated and stored.

In the present embodiment, the blower 28 is operated, and air flows along with snow in the tank 22 having a snow making function. That is, the air accompanied by snow in the tank 22 is caused to flow by the air potential of the air blown into the tank 22. Therefore, the snow in the tank 22 is stored in the snow storage portion 14 without being stationary until it is introduced into the snowfall portion 20. The snow is transported by air and flows through the circulation path 24 until being introduced into the snowfall portion 20. Therefore, the snow can be kept in a non-solidified state for a long period of time after the snow is made in the snow storage portion 14.

In the present embodiment, fine snow in the tank 22 is transported to the snow making site and grows. Large snow pieces are difficult to flow upward, while fine snow pieces are easy to flow upward. Therefore, mainly fine snow pieces are easily introduced into the snow making site. Therefore, the snow pieces which have not grown completely can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, instead of the structure including the ice crystal generating unit 12, a structure may be employed in which air at about-40 ℃ is introduced into the tank 22 of the snow storage unit 14, as in the embodiment shown in fig. 3. In this case, a pipe 61 for guiding air to the tank 22 is provided. A cooling device 60 is provided for cooling the air flowing through the pipe 61 to about-40 ℃. The pipe 61 is connected to the tank 22 so as to discharge air toward the water injected from the nozzle 32 in the tank 22. In addition, the nozzles 32 may be configured to spray water in a direction along the side of the tank 22 and in the same direction as the circumferential direction of rotation of the air from the circulation path 24.

The inner surface of the can 22 may be subjected to a surface treatment such as a water repellent treatment, a hydrophilic treatment, or a mirror finish. An excitation portion 62 for vibrating the tank 22 or the circulation path 24 may be provided.

The description of other structures, operations, and effects will be omitted, but the description of the first embodiment may be applied to the second embodiment.

(third embodiment)

Fig. 5 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals are given to the same components as those of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the first embodiment, the nozzle 32 is disposed to spray water droplets into the tank 22. In contrast, in the third embodiment, the nozzle 32 is disposed not in the tank 22 but downstream of the cooler 30 in the circulation path 24. One end (suction end) of the circulation path 24 is connected to the bottom of the tank 22, and the other end (blowing end) of the circulation path 24 is connected to the top of the tank 22. The nozzle 32 is disposed in the vicinity of the blowing end in the circulation path 24.

The blowing end in the circulation path 24 is connected not to the side of the tank 22 but to the top. Thus, within the tank 22, a downward flow of air is created from the top toward the bottom. If air is blown from the circulation path 24 into the tank 22, the flow rate of the air decreases. Therefore, the air flowing in the tank 22 takes a time required for the snow to grow to reach the bottom of the tank 22. Further, fine water droplets ejected from the nozzle 32 are mainly frozen in the tank 22 having a reduced flow rate. Therefore, snow is less likely to adhere to the circulation path 24 and the inner wall surface of the tank 22. Further, the air accompanying the snow flows through the tank 22 and the circulation path 24 and flows from the top to the bottom in the tank 22, and therefore, the snow is kept in a non-solidified state.

The supply passage 34 is connected to a portion of the circulation passage 24 downstream of the cooler 30, but may be connected to a portion of the circulation passage 24 upstream of the cooler 30 and downstream of the blower 28.

In the present embodiment, instead of the structure including the ice crystal generating unit 12, a structure may be employed in which air at about-40 ℃ is introduced into the tank 22 of the snow storage unit 14, as in the embodiment shown in fig. 3. In this case, a pipe 61 for guiding air to the tank 22 is provided. A cooling device 60 is provided for cooling the air flowing through the pipe 61 to about-40 ℃.

The inner surface of the can 22 may be subjected to a surface treatment such as a water repellent treatment, a hydrophilic treatment, or a mirror finish. An excitation portion 62 for vibrating the tank 22, the first damper 18a, or the circulation path 24 may be provided.

The description of other structures, operations, and effects will be omitted, but the description of the first and second embodiments may be directed to the third embodiment.

(fourth embodiment)

Fig. 6 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals are given to the same components as those of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the fourth embodiment, the partition member 44 is disposed inside the tank 22, and the space inside the tank 22 is partitioned into two spaces.

The partition member 44 includes, for example, a cylindrical wall portion 44a and a tapered inclined portion 44b connected to the lower end of the wall portion 44 a. The upper end of the wall portion 44a is connected to the top of the tank 22, but a gap may be formed between the wall portion and the top of the tank 22. The cylindrical wall portion 44a is disposed at a position apart from the side portion of the tank 22 inward, and the inclined portion 44b of the partition member 44 is disposed at a position apart from the bottom portion of the tank 22 inward. Accordingly, a space is formed on each of the inner side and the outer side of the partition member 44.

The nozzle 32 is disposed inside the cylindrical wall portion 44a so as to spray water droplets upward. That is, the space inside the partition member 44, that is, the space surrounded by the partition member 44 and the top of the tank 22 becomes a snow making space having a snow making function.

One end (suction side end) of the circulation path 24 is connected to the bottom of the tank 22, and the other end (blowing side end) of the circulation path 24 is connected to the side of the tank 22. Therefore, the circulation path 24 sucks air from the space outside the partition member 44, and the air flowing through the circulation path 24 is blown out to the space outside the partition member 44. That is, the space outside the partition member 44 in the space inside the tank 22 becomes the snow storage space.

An opening 44c that communicates the snow making space and the snow accumulating space is formed at the lower end portion of the inclined portion 44 b. The snow generated in the snow making space falls through the opening 44c and is introduced into the snow accumulating space. The snow making space and the snow accumulating space communicate through the opening 44c of the partition member 44.

The air accompanying the snow blown out from the circulation path 24 into the snow storage space flows downward while flowing around the cylindrical wall portion 44 a. And then sucked into the circulation path 24 from the bottom of the tank 22. Such a flow of air is generated within the snow accumulation space. On the other hand, since the snow making space is partitioned from the snow accumulating space by the partition member 44, it is difficult to be affected by the air flow in the snow accumulating space.

A connection path 26 branched from the circulation path 24 is connected to a central portion of the top of the tank 22. Therefore, the air accompanying the snow flowing through the connection passage 26 is introduced into the snow making space in the tank 22. An air lock 46 is disposed in the connection path 26. If the formation of snow within the tank 22 is completed, the damper 46 is closed.

In the present embodiment, the inner space of the tank 22 is divided into the snow making space and the snow accumulating space by the partition member 44, so that the snow making space for making snow can be suppressed from being affected by the air flow in the snow accumulating space.

In the present embodiment, snow is generated in the snow making space in the tank 22, and the generated snow is introduced into the snow storage space through the opening 44c of the partition member 44. Since large pieces of snow in the generated snow easily fall down, it is not necessary to add a mechanism for transporting the snow generated in the tank 22 to the flow portion of the air.

In the fourth embodiment, the connection path 26 is connected to the circulation path 24, but the connection path 26 may be omitted. At this time, for example, a gap may be formed between the upper end portion of the wall portion 44a and the top portion of the tank 22, and the air accompanying the snow flowing through the circulation path 24 may flow into not only the snow storage space but also the snow making space. For example, air accompanying ice crystals may be introduced from the ice crystal generating unit 12 into the snow producing space.

In the present embodiment, instead of the structure including the ice crystal generating unit 12, a structure may be employed in which air at about-40 ℃ is introduced into a snow making space (a space inside the partition member 44) in the tank 22 of the snow accumulating unit 14, as in the embodiment shown in fig. 3. At this time, a pipe 61 for guiding air to the snow making space is provided. A cooling device 60 is provided for cooling the air flowing through the pipe 61 to about-40 ℃. The pipe 61 is connected to the partition member 44 so as to discharge air toward the water injected from the nozzle 32 in the snow making space.

The inner surface of the can 22 and the partition member 44 may be subjected to a surface treatment such as a water repellent treatment, a hydrophilic treatment, or a mirror finish. The vibration exciting section 62 may be provided to vibrate the tank 22, the first damper 18a, or the circulation path 24. The excitation portion 62 may be configured to vibrate the connection path 26 or the partition member 44.

The description of other structures, operations, and effects will be omitted, but the description of the first embodiment may be referred to as the fourth embodiment.

(fifth embodiment)

Fig. 7 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals are given to the same components as those of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the first embodiment, snow generated in the tank 22 is naturally dropped to be guided to the lower portion in the tank 22, whereas in the fifth embodiment, the snow generated in the tank 22 is guided to the space below the nozzle 32 through the second circulation path 48.

Specifically, in the fifth embodiment, the connection path 26 is omitted, and the second circulation path 48 configured independently of the circulation path 24 is provided. One end of the second circulation path 48 is connected to the top of the tank 22, and the other end of the second circulation path 48 is connected to a portion of the tank 22 below the nozzle 32. A blower 49 is disposed in the second circulation path 48, and if the blower 49 is operated, air accompanying snow generated in the tank 22 is guided to the lower portion of the nozzle 32 in the tank 22 through the second circulation path 48. The cooler 30 is disposed not in the circulation path 24 but in the second circulation path 48. Since the air flows upward from below in the upper portion of the tank 22, fine snow is introduced into the tank 22 below the nozzle 32 and then directed upward from the nozzle 32. Accordingly, fine snow grows. On the other hand, large snow flakes naturally fall down the nozzle 32 within the canister 22 regardless of the flow of air.

In the lower portion of the tank 22, that is, in the side portion of the tank 22, below the connection portion of the circulation path 24, the air flows downward from above as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the air accompanied by snow can flow from the circulation path 24 into the tank 22.

In the present embodiment, instead of the structure including the ice crystal generating unit 12, a structure may be employed in which air at about-40 ℃ is introduced into the tank 22 of the snow storage unit 14, as in the embodiment shown in fig. 3. At this time, a pipe 61 for guiding the air to the tank 22 is provided. A cooling device 60 is provided for cooling the air flowing through the pipe 61 to about-40 ℃. The pipe 61 is connected to the tank 22 so as to discharge air toward the water injected from the nozzle 32 in the tank 22. The nozzle 32 may be disposed so as to spray water in the same direction as the circumferential rotation direction of the air from the circulation path 24 in the direction along the side surface of the tank 22. At this time, the second circulation path 48 is connected to the tank 22 so that the air blown out from the second circulation path 48 also rotates circumferentially in the same direction.

The inner surface of the can 22 may be subjected to a surface treatment such as a water repellent treatment, a hydrophilic treatment, or a mirror finish. The vibration exciting section 62 may be provided to vibrate the tank 22, the first damper 18a, or the circulation path 24. The excitation portion 62 may be configured to vibrate the second circulation path 48.

The description of other structures, operations, and effects will be omitted, but the description of the first embodiment may be applied to the fifth embodiment.

(sixth embodiment)

The sixth embodiment is an artificial weather chamber 50 provided with the snowfall device 10 according to the first embodiment. The snowfall apparatus 10 of the first embodiment is not limited to the case of being disposed in the artificial weather chamber 50, and may be used, for example, for snowfall outdoors. In contrast, in the sixth embodiment, the snowfall apparatus 10 is used to make snow in the artificial weather chamber 50.

As shown in fig. 8, an artificial weather chamber 50 according to the sixth embodiment includes a snowfall device 10 and a laboratory 52. The same reference numerals are given to the same constituent elements as those of the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The laboratory 52 is formed to have a size capable of accommodating a sample body (not shown) and reducing snow. The temperature in the laboratory 52 is adjusted to, for example, about-20 ℃ or about 5 ℃ by an air conditioning unit outside the drawing.

The snowing device 10 includes an ice crystal generating portion 12, a snow accumulating portion 14, a regulating portion 18, and a snowing portion 20. A humidifier 13 that generates fine water droplets is connected to the ice crystal generating unit 12. The humidifier 13 is disposed outside the laboratory 52. Meanwhile, the ice crystal generating unit 12, the snow accumulating unit 14, the adjusting unit 18, and the snowing unit 20 are disposed in the laboratory 52. The ice crystal generating unit 12, the tank 22 of the snow accumulating unit 14, and the circulation path 24 may be covered with a heat insulator or may be uncovered with a heat insulator. A device such as a motor 54 for driving the blower 28 provided in the circulation path 24, which is not suitable for being disposed in a very low temperature environment, is disposed outside the laboratory 52.

The ice crystal generating unit 12, the snow accumulating unit 14, and the adjusting unit 18 may not be disposed in the laboratory 52. At this time, the ice crystal generating unit 12, the snow accumulating unit 14, and the adjusting unit 18 may be disposed in a room in which air is adjusted and which is formed independently of the laboratory 52. Further, as shown in fig. 9, for example, the ice crystal generating unit 12, the snow accumulating unit 14, and the adjusting unit 18 may be disposed outside the laboratory 52, and the ice crystal generating unit 12, the snow accumulating unit 14, and the adjusting unit 18 may be covered with a heat insulating material 58. On the other hand, the snow outlet 20a of the snowfall portion 20 is disposed in the laboratory 52. In this configuration, the temperature in the laboratory 52 can be adjusted to a temperature suitable for the environment required for the test of the sample body without reducing the temperature in the laboratory 52 to a low temperature that does not affect the snow formation and the accumulation of snow. Thus, the temperature within the laboratory 52 may have degrees of freedom.

In the artificial weather chamber 50, a pipe 61 for guiding air to the tank 22 may be provided without providing the ice crystal generating unit 12, and a cooling device 60 for cooling the air flowing through the pipe 61 to about-40 ℃. In this case, the piping 61 and the cooling device 60 may be covered with the heat insulator 58.

The snowfall portion 20 may be disposed above the region in the laboratory 52 where the sample is disposed or above the region in the laboratory 52 where the sample is disposed. The snow outlet 20a may be disposed, for example, on the side of the region where the sample body is disposed, instead of being disposed in the laboratory 52, and may blow out the snow toward the sample body, or the snow blown out from the snow outlet 20a in a direction different from the sample body may be finally supplied to the sample body instead of directly blowing out the snow toward the sample body. In this case, the sample may be disposed above a region that is offset from the region where the sample is disposed.

Note that, although other structures, operations, and effects will be omitted, the description of the first embodiment may be directed to the sixth embodiment.

The embodiments disclosed herein are examples in all respects, and should not be construed as limiting. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes, modifications, and the like may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. For example, in the above embodiment, the blower 28 disposed in the circulation path 24 is used when the air is caused to flow in the tank 22, but the present invention is not limited thereto. A blower may be mounted to the tank 22 separately from the blower disposed in the circulation path 24, and the blower may be used to cause air to flow in the tank 22.

In the above embodiment, the adjustment portion 18 is provided to adjust the flow rate and the amount of the snow to be transferred to the snowfall portion 20, but the adjustment portion 18 may be omitted. That is, a configuration may be adopted in which a constant amount of snow is supplied, instead of adjusting the flow rate of the snow supplied to the snowfall portion 20. In this case, the supply passage 34 may be provided with an opening/closing valve (or an air brake), which is closed when the snow is stored in the snow storage unit 14, and which is opened when the snow is conveyed to the snow fall unit 20.

The adjusting portion 18 is not limited to a structure including the first damper 18a and the second damper 18 b. For example, the adjustment unit 18 may be constituted by one valve such as a three-way valve.

In the above embodiment, the adjusting portion 18 has the first air brake 18a and the second air brake 18b, but instead, for example, the adjusting portion 18 may have a structure in which a first blower is disposed at the position of the first air brake 18a and a second blower is disposed at the position of the second air brake 18b in fig. 1. The first blower is driven when the snow-accompanying air is circulated by the snow accumulating portion 14, and the second blower is driven when the snow-accompanying air is conveyed from the snow accumulating portion 14 to the snowing portion 20 through the supply passage 34.

In the above embodiment, the nozzle 32 is disposed in the snow storage portion 14 to generate snow, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, a structure in which ice is cut to generate snow may be adopted, or a structure in which snow is generated by humidifying may be adopted. As a structure for cutting ice to generate snow, for example, a structure in which water is sprayed onto a wall surface to form an ice film, and the ice film formed on the wall surface is cut with a blade to generate snow is used. In addition, the ice generated outside may be carried into the snow storage portion 14, and the ice may be cut in the snow storage portion 14. On the other hand, the humidification method may be a method of introducing highly humid air from a humidifier, not shown, into the snow storage portion 14 and snowing the inside of the snow storage portion 14. The humidifier may be any type of humidifier such as a boiler type, a disk type, an ultrasonic type humidifier, etc.

The embodiments are described generally herein.

(1) The snowfall device according to the embodiment includes: a snow storage unit having a snow making function of generating snow and a snow storage function of storing the generated snow while keeping the generated snow in a non-solidified state; and a snow fall unit into which the snow stored in the snow storage unit is introduced, and which causes the introduced snow to be deposited or supplied to the sample body.

In the snowfall device according to the above embodiment, snow is generated in the snow storage portion, and the generated snow is stored while being kept in a non-solidified state. The snow stored in the snow storage portion is made to fall or supplied to the sample body by the snow fall portion. That is, the amount of snow per unit time introduced from the snow storage portion to the snowfall portion may exceed the snow making capability per unit time of the snow storage portion. Further, the snow accumulating portion may accumulate in advance the total amount of snow which is reduced by the snow reducing portion for a predetermined period of time or which is supplied to the sample body. Therefore, unlike the structure in which snow is sequentially reduced while making snow at the time of reducing snow, the amount of snow reduction or the amount of snow supply is not limited due to the snow making ability. Therefore, in the snowing apparatus, a snowing amount or a snow supply amount that is not limited by the snow making capability per unit time can be obtained. Further, in the snow storage portion, since the snow is kept in a non-solidified state, snow can be reduced from the snow reduction portion by introducing the snow stored in the snow storage portion into the snow reduction portion. In the snow storage portion, although the snow is held so as not to solidify, it is not necessarily intended that all of the snow is not solidified at all, but rather, it is also intended that the snow is held in a non-solidified state, and as a result, the snow may be solidified locally. In short, the snow may be held in the snow storage portion so that the snow can be supplied to the snowfall portion.

(2) In the snowfall apparatus, the snow storage function may be realized by a mechanism that keeps snow in the snow storage portion in a non-solidified state.

In this structure, snow stored in the snow storage portion is less likely to solidify. Therefore, the time for keeping the snow state can be prolonged. That is, the snow storage portion is provided with a mechanism for not only temporarily preventing the snow stored in the snow storage portion from solidifying but also maintaining the snow so as not to solidify. Accordingly, the snow can be kept in a state of not solidifying for a long period of time. In the snow storage portion, although the snow is held so as not to solidify, it does not mean that all the snow is not solidified at all, but the mechanism is intended to be held in a state where the snow is not solidified, and as a result, the snow may be partially solidified. In short, the snow may be held in the snow storage portion by the mechanism for holding the snow in a state where the snow is not solidified, so that the snow can be supplied to the snowfall portion.

(3) The method can also be as follows: the snow storage unit includes a tank having the snow making function and a blower that causes air accompanying snow in the tank to flow.

In this configuration, the blower is operated, so that air flows in the tank having a snow making function along with snow. Therefore, the snow in the tank is stored in the snow storage portion without being stationary until it is introduced into the snow fall portion. Therefore, the snow can be kept in a non-solidified state for a long period of time after the snow is made in the snow storage portion. In this case, the structure for flowing the snow-accompanying air may be a structure for flowing the snow-accompanying air in the tank by utilizing the air potential of the air sucked into the tank.

(4) The air accompanying snow may flow in the tank by operating the blower so as to rotate circumferentially along the inner surface of the tank.

In this structure, the air accompanying the snow flows in the tank so as to rotate circumferentially along the inner surface of the tank. Therefore, the air can easily flow smoothly in the tank, and the state in which snow is not solidified can be easily maintained.

(5) The snow may be generated by the snow-making function above a portion where air accompanying the snow flows in the tank.

In this structure, the snow generating portion in the tank is located above the flow portion of the snow. Since large snow pieces in the generated snow easily fall down, it is not necessary to add a mechanism for transporting the large snow pieces to the air flow portion. On the other hand, snow flowing in the air flow portion is difficult to flow to the snow making portion. Thus, large snow pieces can easily stay in the flow portion of the air in the tank. Moreover, the influence of the air flow at the flow site of the air in the tank is less likely to reach the snow formation site. Therefore, the generated snow is prevented from being transported by the flowing air and flowing along the inner wall surface of the tank, and the generated snow is prevented from adhering to the inner wall surface of the tank.

(6) The snow storage part may include a circulation path having both ends connected to the tank and provided with the blower. In this case, the snow accumulation function may be achieved by operating the blower to cause snow in the tank to be transported by air and returned to the tank again after flowing through the circulation path.

In this configuration, the air flows in the circulation path by the operation of the blower. Accordingly, the snow in the tank is transported by the air and flows through the circulation path. The air accompanying the snow flowing through the circulation path is returned to the tank. In this way, the snow is transported by the air and flows through the circulation path until being introduced into the snowfall portion, and therefore, the snow can be kept from solidifying. In addition, the air flowing through the circulation path also acts on the air in the tank, and the air also flows along with the snow in the tank. Thereby, the snow is kept from solidifying also in the tank. Further, compared with a structure in which air accompanied by snow is caused to flow only in the tank, the tank can be prevented from being enlarged.

(7) Snow may be generated by the snow making function in the tank above the connection portion of the circulation path.

In this configuration, the snow generating portion is located above the connection portion of the circulation path. Since large snow pieces in the generated snow easily fall down, it is not necessary to add a mechanism for conveying the large snow pieces to the lower side of the connection portion of the circulation path. On the other hand, snow flowing under the connection portion of the circulation path is less likely to flow to the snow making site. Thus, large snow pieces can easily stay in the lower portion within the tank. Further, the influence of the air flow in the lower part of the tank is less likely to reach the snow formation site. Therefore, the generated snow is prevented from flowing along the inner wall surface of the tank by the air introduced into the tank, and the generated snow is prevented from adhering to the inner wall surface of the tank.

(8) The method can also be as follows: the circulation path is connected to the tank so that air flows in a direction deviated from a center line of the tank.

In this structure, the air accompanied by the snow is blown into the tank, and the air flows around the center line (circumferential direction) of the tank with the snow in the tank. That is, by adjusting the connection position to the circulation path of the tank, the air can be circulated in the tank, and therefore, an additional stirring mechanism or the like is not required.

(9) The method can also be as follows: the blower causes air accompanying snow to flow so that air in the tank flows to a snow making portion above the air.

In this structure, fine snow pieces in the tank are transported to the snow making site and grow. Large snow pieces are difficult to flow upward, while fine snow pieces are easy to flow upward. Therefore, mainly fine snow pieces are easily introduced into the snow making site. Therefore, the snow pieces which have not grown completely can be reduced.

(10) The snowfall apparatus may further include: and a partition member that partitions a space inside the tank into a snow making space having the snow making function and a snow accumulating space having the snow accumulating function. In this case, it may be: the circulation path sucks air in the snow storage space in a state accompanied by snow.

In this structure, since the space inside the tank is divided into the snow making space and the snow accumulating space by the partition member, it is possible to prevent the snow making space for making snow from being affected by the air flow in the snow accumulating space. The snow in the snow storage space is transported by the air and flows through the circulation path.

(11) The partition member may have an opening through which snow generated in the snow making space falls and is introduced into the snow accumulating space.

In this structure, snow is generated in the snow making space in the tank, and the generated snow is introduced into the snow storage space through the opening of the partition member. Since large pieces of snow in the generated snow easily fall down, it is not necessary to add a mechanism for transporting the snow generated in the tank to a flow portion of the air.

(12) The snowfall apparatus may further include: and an adjusting unit configured to adjust a snow supply amount from the snow storage unit to the snowfall unit. In this structure, the amount of snow falling in the snow falling portion can be changed. Therefore, the snowfall amount can be changed.

(13) The snowfall apparatus may further include: and an adjusting unit that adjusts the amount of snow supplied from the snow storage unit to the snowfall unit, the adjusting unit adjusting the amount of air introduced into the snowfall unit from among the air accompanying the snow flowing through the circulation path.

In this configuration, the air flows in the circulation path by the operation of the blower. Accordingly, the snow in the tank is transported by the air and flows through the circulation path. The air along with the snow flowing through the circulation path is returned to the tank. Thereby, the air accompanied by the snow circulates through the circulation path. The adjusting unit adjusts the ratio of the split flow from the circulation path so that at least a part of the air accompanying the snow flowing through the circulation path is introduced into the snowfall unit. That is, the amount of snow to be transferred to the snowfall portion can be adjusted by adjusting the ratio of the snow circulated through the circulation path to the snow introduced into the snowfall portion.

(14) The snow storage portion may have a nozzle that ejects water in a mist form, and may be configured to produce snow using ice crystals generated from the cooled air and the water ejected from the nozzle in the mist form. In this structure, the ice crystals generated from the cooled air and the water sprayed from the nozzle are used in the snow storage portion to produce snow, so that the snow can be easily grown. Therefore, even if the temperature in the snow storage portion is not lowered to an extremely low temperature such as-40 ℃, snow can be produced.

(15) The snowfall apparatus may further include: and an excitation unit configured to vibrate the snow storage unit. In this structure, the snow can be prevented from adhering to the snow storage portion.

(16) The artificial weather chamber according to the embodiment includes: the snowing device; and a laboratory having a space in which the sample body is disposed, wherein the snowing device snows or supplies snow to the sample body in the laboratory.

(17) The snowfall method according to the embodiment is a method for snowfall using the snowfall apparatus, including the steps of: generating snow in the snow accumulation portion of the snowfall device; in the snow storage unit, the generated snow is kept in a non-solidified state and stored; introducing snow in the snow storage portion into the snow fall portion; and snowing or supplying snow to the sample body through the snowing section.

As described above, the snowfall amount or the snow supply amount can be obtained without being limited by the snow making capability.

Claims

1. A snowfall apparatus characterized by comprising:

a snow storage unit having a snow making function of generating snow and a snow storage function of storing the generated snow while keeping the generated snow in a non-solidified state; and

a snow falling portion for introducing the snow stored in the snow storage portion and supplying the introduced snow to the sample body,

the snow storage part comprises a tank with at least the snow making function, a blower and a circulation path with both ends connected to the tank and provided with the blower,

The snow storage function comprises the following structures: by the operation of the blower, snow is mainly transported by the air from the top down in the tank, and the snow flowing out of the tank to the circulation path is returned to the tank again.

2. The snowfall apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by further comprising:

a supply path connected to the circulation path and connected to the snowfall section,

the snow storage unit causes the blower to flow the snow in the tank grown to a level falling by gravity without causing the snow to be conveyed to the snow fall unit through the supply path or without adjusting the flow rate of the air accompanying the snow conveyed to the snow fall unit through the supply path, and stores the snow while maintaining the snow in a non-solidified state.

3. A snowfall apparatus characterized by comprising:

a snow storage unit having a snow making function of generating snow and a snow storage function of storing the generated snow while keeping the generated snow in a non-solidified state;

a supply path; and

a snow falling portion for introducing the snow stored in the snow storage portion through the supply path and supplying the introduced snow to the sample body,

the snow storage part comprises a tank with the snow making function and a blower,

4. A snowfall apparatus according to claim 1 or 3, wherein,

by the operation of the blower, air accompanying snow flows in the tank so as to rotate circumferentially along the inner surface of the tank.

5. A snowfall apparatus according to claim 1 or 3, wherein,

in the tank, snow is generated by the snow making function above a portion where air accompanying the snow flows.

6. A snowfall apparatus according to claim 3, wherein,

the snow storage part comprises a circulation path with two ends connected with the tank and provided with the blower,

the snow accumulation function is realized by air-transporting snow in the tank by the operation of the blower and returning the snow to the tank again after the circulation path flows.

7. Snowfall device according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that,

In the tank, snow is generated by the snow making function above the connection portion of the circulation path.

8. Snowfall device according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that,

the circulation path is connected to the tank so that air flows in a direction deviated from a center line of the tank.

9. A snowfall apparatus according to claim 3, wherein,

the blower causes air accompanying snow to flow so that air in the tank flows to a snow making portion above the air.

10. The snowfall apparatus according to claim 1 or 6, characterized by further comprising:

a partition member that partitions a space inside the tank into a snow making space having the snow making function and a snow accumulating space having the snow accumulating function,

the circulation path sucks air in the snow storage space in a state accompanied by snow.

11. Snowing device according to claim 10, characterized in that,

the partition member has an opening through which snow generated in the snow making space falls and is introduced into the snow accumulating space.

12. A snowfall apparatus according to claim 1 or 3, further comprising:

and an adjusting unit configured to adjust a snow supply amount from the snow storage unit to the snowfall unit.

13. The snowfall apparatus according to claim 1 or 6, characterized by further comprising:

an adjustment unit that adjusts the amount of snow supplied from the snow storage unit to the snowfall unit,

the adjusting unit adjusts the amount of air introduced into the snowfall unit from among the air accompanying the snow flowing through the circulation path.

14. A snowfall apparatus according to claim 1 or 3, wherein,

the snow storage unit has a nozzle for spraying water, and uses ice crystals generated from the cooled air and the water sprayed from the nozzle to produce snow.

15. A snowfall apparatus according to claim 1 or 3, further comprising:

and an excitation unit configured to vibrate the snow storage unit.

16. An artificial weather chamber, comprising:

a snowfall device according to any one of claims 1 to 15; and

a laboratory having a space for disposing a sample body, wherein,

the snowfall device is configured to reduce or supply snow to a sample body in the laboratory.

17. A snowfall method, which is a method of snowfall using the snowfall apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized by comprising the steps of:

generating snow in the snow accumulation portion of the snowfall device;

In the snow storage unit, the generated snow is kept in a non-solidified state and stored;

introducing snow in the snow storage portion into the snow fall portion; and

and snowing or supplying snow to the sample body through the snowing section.