CN116951854A

CN116951854A - Snowfall device, artificial weather room and snowfall method

Info

Publication number: CN116951854A
Application number: CN202310720514.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 榎浩之; 田村航士; 坂根浩喜; 船上诚
Original assignee: Espec Corp
Current assignee: Espec Corp
Priority date: 2019-03-26
Filing date: 2020-03-13
Publication date: 2023-10-27
Also published as: DE102020106981A1; CN111750584B; CN111750584A

Abstract

The application provides a snowfall device, an artificial weather room and a snowfall method. The snowfall device (10) comprises: a snow storage part (16) for storing the snow introduced through the inlet (16 c) in a non-solidified state; a snow falling unit (20) for introducing the snow stored in the snow storage unit (16) and making the introduced snow fall; and an adjustment unit (18) for adjusting the amount of snow supplied from the snow storage unit (16) to the snowfall unit (20). The snow storage unit (16) includes a container (16 a), and a circulation path (16 b) having both ends connected to the container (16 a) and provided with a blower (16 d). In the snow storage unit (16), snow in the container (16 a) is transported by air, flows through the circulation path (16 b), and returns to the container (16 a) again. Accordingly, a snowfall amount or a snow supply amount that is not limited by the snow making ability can be obtained.

Description

Snowfall device, artificial weather room and snowfall method

The application relates to a patent application with the application number 202010179297.8, which is a patent application with the application number of 2020, 3 and 13, and is named as a snowfall device, an artificial weather room and a snowfall method.

Technical Field

The application 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. The snowfall apparatus disclosed in japanese patent laid-open publication No. 6-63686 is provided with an ice crystal generating mechanism, a collecting chamber for collecting ice crystals generated by 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 by means of an ultrasonic field, which naturally fall down.

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 device of the invention is characterized by comprising: a snow storage unit having an inlet, for storing snow introduced through the inlet while keeping the 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 container having the inlet, a blower, and a circulation path having both ends connected to the container and provided with the blower, and the snow accumulating portion includes: by operating the blower, snow is transported in the container with air mainly from top to bottom, and snow flowing out of the container to the circulation path is returned to the container again.

The snowfall device of the invention is characterized by comprising: a snow storage unit having an inlet, for storing snow introduced through the inlet while keeping the snow in a non-solidified state; a supply path; and a snow accumulating portion for introducing the snow stored in the snow accumulating portion through the supply path and supplying the introduced snow to the sample, wherein the snow accumulating portion includes a container having the inlet and a blower, and the snow accumulating portion is configured to store the snow while keeping the snow in a non-solidified state by flowing the snow in the container by 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.

The snowfall method of the present invention is a snowfall method using the snowfall device, and is characterized by comprising the steps of: introducing snow into the snow accumulating part through an inlet of the snow accumulating part; the snow is kept in a non-solidified state in the snow storage part and stored; introducing snow in the snow storage part into a snow falling part; and snowing or supplying snow to the sample body by the snowing section.

The snowfall apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a snow storage unit having an inlet, for storing snow introduced through the inlet while keeping the 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.

An artificial weather chamber according to another aspect of the present invention 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.

The snowfall method according to the other aspect of the invention comprises the following steps: introducing snow into the snow accumulating part through an inlet of the snow accumulating part; the snow is kept in a non-solidified state in the snow storage part and stored; guiding the snow in the snow storage part into a snow falling part; and snowing or supplying the sample body with 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 schematically showing a snowfall apparatus according to a modification of the first embodiment.

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 for explaining the structure in the tank.

Fig. 8 is a view schematically showing a snowfall apparatus according to a fifth embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a connection position to the circulation path of the container.

Fig. 10 is a view schematically showing a snowfall apparatus according to a sixth embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a view schematically showing a snowfall apparatus according to a seventh embodiment.

Fig. 12 is a diagram schematically showing an artificial weather chamber according to an eighth embodiment.

Fig. 13 is a diagram schematically showing an artificial weather chamber according to a modification of the eighth 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 producing portion 14, a snow accumulating portion 16, 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. The ice crystal is produced by freezing fine water droplets generated by the humidifier 13, and the humidifier 13 is constituted by an ultrasonic humidifier or the like. The ice crystal generating portion 12 includes a hollow case 12a, and the case 12a has a low-temperature space in which fine water droplets are sprayed in a mist form. The temperature in the case 12a is adjusted to-40 ℃ or lower, for example. Accordingly, the mist of fine water droplets generated by the humidifier 13 and discharged into the housing 12a are frozen in the housing 12a, 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 the tank 14a of the snow making portion 14 through piping.

The snow producing portion 14 is a portion for producing snow, and includes a tank 14a that forms a space for growing snow. The ice crystals generated in the ice crystal generating section 12 are introduced into the tank 14a, while low-temperature water droplets are discharged in a mist form through the nozzle 14b in the tank 14a. The nozzle 14b is disposed at a lower portion of the tank 14a, and sprays water droplets upward in a mist form. The nozzles 14b are disposed at a plurality of positions on the side surface of the tank 14a. The nozzle 14b may also be constituted by a two-fluid nozzle. Ice crystals are supplied into the tank 14a from the upper portion inside the tank 14a. The temperature in the tank 14a is adjusted to about-20 ℃ by a cooler 26 of the snow-making circulation path 22 described later. In the tank 14a, ice crystals contact with mist water droplets, and the ice crystals nucleate and grow into snow flakes. The grown snow is guided from the upper portion of the tank 14a to a carrying-in path 22a described later by operation of a blower 22c described later. A large amount of snow pieces, that is, snow, is introduced into the snow storage portion 16 through the carry-in path 22 a.

The snow storage unit 16 includes a container 16a into which snow generated in the snow making unit 14 is introduced, and a circulation path 16b connected to the container 16a. The snow storage portion 16 has an inlet 16c through which snow is introduced. The inlet 16c is provided in the container 16a. The container 16a is formed to have a size capable of temporarily storing snow for a predetermined time such as a set test time. The lower portion of the container 16a is formed in an inclined shape such that the lower position is located further toward the center. Therefore, snow is liable to fall down toward the center.

One end of the circulation path 16b is connected to the lower portion of the container 16a, and the other end is connected to the upper portion of the container 16a. The circulation path 16b is provided with a blower 16d. Therefore, in the snow accumulating portion 16, the snow in the container 16a is transported by the air by the operation of the blower 16d, sucked from the lower portion of the container 16a to the circulation path 16b, and the air accompanying the snow flowing through the circulation path 16b is returned from the upper portion of the container 16a into the container 16a. This cycle is repeated. In other words, the snow storage portion 16 has a structure that circulates air accompanying snow. An air inlet, not shown, is provided in the circulation path 16b at a position upstream of the blower 16d. Accordingly, even when snow is supplied through the supply passage 28 described later, the circulation passage 16b can be prevented from becoming a low pressure close to vacuum on the upstream side of the blower 16d.

Since snow is transported by air and circulated through the container 16a and the circulation path 16b, the snow is stored in a flowing state in the container 16a, not in a stored state. Therefore, the snow does not solidify for a long period of time in the snow storage portion 16, and the state of the snow is maintained. That is, the snow storage portion 16 has a mechanism for keeping the snow in the snow storage portion 16 in a non-solidified state.

The tanks 14a of the snow making section 14 and the containers 16a of the snow accumulating section 16 are connected to each other through the snow making circulation path 22. The snow-making circulation path 22 is provided to circulate air accompanying snow between the snow-making section 14 and the snow storage section 16. In the present embodiment, since the cooling device 26 is provided in the snow-making circulation path 22 as described later, the snow-making circulation path 22 has a function of maintaining the snow-making portion 14 and the snow-accumulating portion 16 at predetermined temperatures.

The snow making circulation path 22 includes: a carry-in path 22a for carrying in snow in the tank 14a of the snow making section 14 into the container 16a of the snow accumulating section 16; and a return path 22b for returning small-mass snow pieces out of the snow present in the container 16a of the snow storage unit 16 to the tank 14a of the snow making unit 14. That is, the snow produced in the snow producing portion 14 is carried into the snow accumulating portion 16, while the snow pieces having a small mass, which have not been completely grown, are returned from the snow accumulating portion 16 to the snow producing portion 14, and further grown in the snow producing portion 14.

One end of the carry-in path 22a is connected to an upper portion of the tank 14a of the snow making section 14, and the other end of the carry-in path 22a is connected to an upper portion of the container 16a of the snow accumulating section 16. The container 16a of the snow storage unit 16 is circular when viewed from above, and the other end of the carry-in path 22a is connected to the container 16a not toward the center of the container 16a but toward a position offset laterally from the center of the container 16a in the longitudinal direction. That is, the carry-in path 22a is connected to the container 16a so as to generate a circulating flow in which air rotates circumferentially around the central longitudinal axis in the container 16a.

One end of the return passage 22b penetrates through the center of the upper surface of the container 16a, and is disposed at the upper portion of the snow storage portion 16 in the container 16a. Therefore, snow in the vicinity of the central longitudinal axis is mainly sucked into the container 16a. The return passage 22b is provided with a blower 22c. By the operation of the blower 22c, air circulates between the tank 14a of the snow making section 14 and the container 16a of the snow accumulating section 16.

By the operation of the blower 22c of the return passage 22b, the air in the container 16a is sucked from the one end portion of the return passage 22 b. Within the container 16a, as described above, a circulating flow of air is created that rotates circumferentially about the central longitudinal axis. Therefore, the snow pieces having a large mass tend to lean around the inside of the container 16a, while the snow pieces having a small mass tend to lean toward the center in the horizontal plane inside of the container 16a. Therefore, the snow pieces having a small mass are easily attracted to the return path 22 b.

A cooler 26 is provided in the snow making circulation path 22. Therefore, the air circulating between the snow making section 14 and the snow accumulating section 16 is cooled by the cooler 26. Therefore, the temperature in the container 16a of the snow storage unit 16, the snow making circulation path 22, and the tank 14a of the snow making unit 14 is adjusted to about-20 ℃. In the present embodiment, the cooler 26 is disposed in the return path 22b, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be disposed in the carry-in path 22a, or may be disposed in a pipe separate from the snow-making circulation path 22, for example.

The circulation path 16b is connected to a supply path 28 connected to the snowfall portion 20. Therefore, at least a part of the air accompanying the snow flowing through the circulation path 16b can be guided to the snowfall portion 20 through the supply path 28.

The adjustment unit 18 adjusts the amount of snow supplied from the snow storage unit 16 to the snowfall unit 20. Specifically, the adjusting unit 18 receives an instruction from the snowfall setting device 30, and adjusts the flow rate 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 28 in the circulation path 16b, and a second damper 18b disposed in the supply path 28. The snowfall setting device 30 controls the opening degrees of the first damper 18a and the second damper 18b, respectively, according to the set snowfall. The snowfall amount set in the snowfall amount setting device 30 indicates the amount of snow deposited per unit time.

At least a part of the air accompanying the snow flowing through the circulation path 16b 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. When the snowing device 10 is installed in a laboratory (not shown), the snowing section 20 may be disposed above a region in which the sample is disposed in the laboratory or above a region offset from the region in which the sample is disposed in the laboratory. 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, and the snow may be blown toward the sample body, or the snow blown from the snow outlet 20a may be finally supplied to the sample body, instead of being directly blown toward the sample body, but in a direction different from 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. Alternatively, in a case where the snowing device 10 is used outdoors, the snowing section 20 may be disposed outdoors.

Further, although the pipe constituting the supply passage 28 may be configured to directly blow out snow from the snow outlet 20a without restricting the pipe constituting the supply passage 28 at the snow outlet 20a, the snow outlet 20a may be configured to be formed of a snow-falling nozzle for restricting the pipe constituting the supply passage 28 instead of this configuration, and snow may be reduced 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 32 for spraying water onto the introduced dry snow. Accordingly, the snow can be made wet from the snowfall portion 20. In addition, the nozzle 32 may be omitted and the snowfall portion 20 may be configured to dry snow.

The nozzle 32 for spraying water in mist form toward the snow is connected to a water supply pipe 33 for supplying water to the nozzle 32. The water supply pipe 33 is provided with a water amount adjustment valve 33a. The water amount adjustment valve 33a is configured to adjust the spray amount in response to a command from the water content setting unit 34. The water content setter 34 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 33a adjusts the opening degree according to the instruction. Accordingly, the spray amount of water from the nozzle 32 is adjusted. That is, the snowfall portion 20 is configured to make snow fall in accordance with the set water content. The water content setting unit 34 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 33a, the set snowfall amount by the snowfall amount setting device 30 may be considered. In the case where the snowfall portion 20 is configured to let wet snow having a predetermined water content fall, the nozzle 32 may be configured to spray a predetermined amount of water in a mist form. At this time, the water content setter 34 is omitted. However, when the water content setting device 34 is omitted, the water amount adjusting valve 33a is configured to adjust the water amount according to the set snowfall amount by the snowfall amount setting device 30 when the snowfall amount is changed. Further, the spray amount of water may be directly adjusted at the nozzle 32.

Instead of the water content setting device 34, a spray amount setting device may be provided. At this time, the opening degree of the water amount adjustment valve 33a or the spray amount of the nozzle 32 is adjusted so as to reach the spray amount set by the spray amount setting device. 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 the humidifier 13, and the water droplets are sprayed into the housing 12a of the ice crystal generating portion 12. Since the interior of the housing 12a of the ice crystal generating portion 12 is adjusted to a temperature of, for example, -40 ℃ or lower, the sprayed mist of fine water droplets are frozen to generate ice crystals.

The ice crystals generated in the ice crystal generating portion 12 are introduced into the tank 14a of the snow making portion 14. In the tank 14a of the snow making section 14, the temperature is adjusted to about-20 ℃, and fine water droplets are sprayed in mist form from the nozzle 14b, so that ice crystals grow into snow flakes as nuclei. A large amount of snow pieces, that is, snow, is introduced into the snow storage portion 16 through the carry-in path 22 a. That is, the snow generated in the snow making section 14 is introduced into the container 16a of the snow accumulating section 16 through the inlet 16c of the snow accumulating section 16.

In the snow storage portion 16, snow in the container 16a is transported by air by the operation of the blower 16d, sucked from the lower portion of the container 16a to the circulation path 16b, and air accompanying the snow flowing through the circulation path 16b is returned from the upper portion of the container 16a into the container 16a. This cycle is repeated. Accordingly, in the snow storage portion 16, snow is kept in a non-solidified state and stored.

On the other hand, the snow pieces with small mass, which have not grown up, are returned from the container 16a of the snow storage unit 16 to the snow making unit 14 through the return path 22 b. In the snow making section 14, small snow pieces are further grown, and the grown snow pieces are introduced into the container 16a of the snow accumulating section 16 through the carry-in path 22 a.

The snow accumulating operation in the snow accumulating portion 16 is performed before the snowing operation. Therefore, snow can be manufactured and stored in advance before a command from the snow fall amount setter 30 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, the air accompanying the snow is not sent to the snowfall portion 20 in the snow accumulating portion 16, and circulates between the container 16a and the circulation path 16 b.

If a command is sent from the snowfall setting device 30 to the adjustment unit 18, the adjustment unit 18 adjusts the opening degrees of the first damper 18a and the second damper 18b so as to adjust the air flow rate corresponding to the command. Accordingly, at least a part of the snow flowing through the circulation path 16b is guided to the snowfall portion 20 through the supply path 28. Further, by transmitting an instruction from the snowfall amount setting device 30, the snowfall amount in snowfall can be changed. 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 33a is adjusted in response to a command from the water content setting device 34. Accordingly, the spray amount of water from the nozzle 32 is adjusted, and the snow becomes wet snow having a desired water content. The snow, which becomes wet snow, is ejected from the snow outlet 20 a. Further, regarding adjustment of the spray amount of water, the set snowfall amount by the snowfall amount setter 30 may be considered.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the snow stored in the snow storage portion 16 is lowered by the snow fall portion 20 or supplied to the sample body. That is, for example, when the snow generated in the snow producing portion 14 is introduced into the snow accumulating portion 16, the amount of snow per unit time introduced from the snow accumulating portion 16 into the snowing portion 20 may exceed the snow producing capability per unit time of the snow producing portion 14. Further, the snow storage unit 16 may store the amount of snow that has been dropped or supplied to the sample body within a predetermined period of time by the snow fall unit 20. 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 affected by the snow making ability can be obtained. Further, since the snow is kept in a non-solidified state in the snow storage portion 16, snow can be reduced from the snow reduction portion 20 by introducing the snow stored in the snow storage portion 16 into the snow reduction portion 20. Further, the snow storage portion 16 is only required to hold snow in a state where the snow is not allowed to solidify, and therefore, it is not necessary to have a function of growing snow and also a function of generating snow.

In the present embodiment, the adjustment unit 18 is provided to adjust the amount of snow transferred from the snow storage unit 16 to the snowfall unit 20, so that the amount of snow falling by the snowfall unit 20 can be changed. Therefore, the snowfall amount may also be changed.

In the present embodiment, since the mechanism for keeping the snow in a non-solidified state is provided, the snow stored in the snow storage portion 16 is not easily solidified. Therefore, the time for maintaining the snow state can be prolonged. That is, the snow storage portion 16 is provided with a mechanism for not only temporarily preventing the snow stored in the snow storage portion 16 from solidifying, but also maintaining the snow from solidifying. Accordingly, the snow can be kept for a long period of time.

In the present embodiment, the snow storage unit 16 has a structure for circulating air accompanying snow. Therefore, the snow is stored in the snow storage portion 16 so as not to be stationary but to move continuously. Therefore, the snow can be kept in a non-solidified state for a long period of time in the snow storage portion 16.

In the present embodiment, the air flows through the circulation path 16b by the operation of the blower 16d disposed in the circulation path 16 b. Accordingly, the snow in the container 16a of the snow accumulating portion 16 is transported by the air and flows through the circulation path 16 b. The air along with the snow flowing through the circulation path 16b returns to the container 16a. Accordingly, the air accompanying the snow circulates through the circulation path 16b, and therefore, the snow can be kept from solidifying. Further, compared to a structure in which air accompanied by snow is circulated only in the container 16a, the container 16a can be prevented from being enlarged.

In the present embodiment, the adjusting unit 18 adjusts the split ratio of the air flowing through the circulation path 16b so that at least a part of the air accompanying the snow flowing through the circulation path 16b is introduced into the snowfall unit 20. That is, by adjusting the ratio of the snow circulated through the circulation path 16b to the snow introduced into the snowfall portion 20, the amount of snow delivered to the snowfall portion 20 can be adjusted.

In the present embodiment, the snowfall portion 20 sprays water corresponding to the set water content in mist form to snow, so that snow having a desired snow quality can be made to fall. In addition, in the case where the set water content can be changed, the snow quality may be changed.

In the present embodiment, since the snow producing portion 14 is provided, it is not necessary to carry in snow stored in the snow accumulating portion 16 from outside the snowing device 10. The amount of snow per unit time introduced from the snow storage portion 16 to the snowing portion 20 may exceed the snow making capability per unit time of the snow making portion 14. Therefore, snow exceeding the snow making capability of the snow making section 14 can be made to fall or supplied to the sample body.

In the present embodiment, a snow-making circulation path 22 is provided for circulating air accompanying snow between the snow-making section 14 and the snow storage section 16. Therefore, even if incompletely grown snow is introduced from the snow making section 14 to the snow accumulating section 16, the incompletely grown snow can be returned to the snow making section 14, thereby enabling the snow to grow.

In the present embodiment, the ice crystal generating portion 12 is provided, and ice crystals are used in the snow generating portion 14 to generate snow, so that snow can be easily grown. Therefore, snow can be produced without lowering the temperature in the snow producing portion 14 to about-40 ℃.

In the first embodiment, the ice crystal generating portion 12 is provided, and the snow generating portion 14 is configured to generate snow pieces by growing ice crystals as nuclei, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. As shown in fig. 2, the ice crystal generating portion 12 may be omitted, and the space in the tank 14a of the snow generating portion 14 may be adjusted to be, for example, minus 40 ℃. That is, the snow making section 14 is configured by using an ice maker that generates snow flakes from minute water droplets sprayed from the nozzle 14b in a mist form. In addition, the ice maker may be another ice maker to constitute the snow making section.

Further, as shown in fig. 3, the snow forming part 14 itself may be omitted. At this time, the snow produced outside the snowfall device 10 may be introduced into the container 16a of the snow storage portion 16 through the inlet 16 c. The position of the inlet 16c is not limited to the position shown in fig. 3, and may be, for example, a portion disposed at the top of the container 16 a.

(second embodiment)

In the first embodiment, the snow storage portion 16 has the container 16a and the circulation path 16b, and the air accompanying the snow circulates through the container 16a and the circulation path 16 b. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the circulation path 16b is omitted, and, as shown in fig. 4, an air supply portion 38 for blowing low-temperature air into the container 16a from the lower portion of the container 16a is provided. In this structure, the snow in the container 16a is stored in a flowing state by the blown air. That is, the snow storage portion 16 has a mechanism for keeping the snow in the snow storage portion 16 in a non-solidified state. In this configuration, the circulation path 16b is omitted, and therefore, the supply path 28 is connected to the lower portion of the container 16a of the snow storage portion 16, and the blower 28a is disposed in the supply path 28. The adjusting portion 18 has a damper 18b disposed in the supply path 28.

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

(third embodiment)

In the third embodiment, as shown in fig. 5, the mechanism for keeping the snow in the snow storage portion 16 in a non-solidified state is constituted by a vibration portion 39 that applies vibration to the container 16 a. Specifically, the vibration unit 39 is configured to strike the lower portion of the container 16a from below, and the like, to apply an impact to the container 16a, thereby vibrating the container 16 a. In this configuration, the circulation path 16b is also omitted, and therefore, the supply path 28 is connected to the lower portion of the container 16a of the snow storage portion 16, and the blower 28a is disposed in the supply path 28. The adjusting portion 18 has a damper 18b disposed in the supply path 28.

The vibration unit 39 may vibrate the supply path 28 to suppress the snow from adhering to the supply path 28.

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

(fourth embodiment)

In the first embodiment, ice crystals are generated in the ice crystal generating portion 12, whereas in the fourth embodiment, as shown in fig. 6, air at about-40 ℃ is introduced into the tank 14a of the snow generating portion 14. At this time, the air-guiding pipe 61 is connected to the tank 14a. 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 14a is preferably dry air.

The air cooled by the cooling device 60 is introduced into the tank 14a of the snow making section 14 through the pipe 61. As shown in fig. 7, the pipe 61 is connected to the tank 14a so as to discharge air toward water injected from the nozzle 14b disposed in the tank 14a. In addition, the nozzle 14b is also configured to spray water in a direction along the side of the tank 14a. The nozzle 14b is configured to spray fine water droplets generated by the ultrasonic humidifier in a mist form. However, the nozzle 14b may be arranged not to spray water in the lateral direction but to spray water toward the center side of the tank 14a.

In the first embodiment, the return path 22b is connected to the lower surface of the tank 14a, whereas in the fourth embodiment, the return path 22b is connected to the lower portion of the side surface of the tank 14a. As shown in fig. 7, the return passage 22b is connected to the tank 14a at a position offset laterally from the central longitudinal axis (vertical axis) of the tank 14a so that the snow-associated air flows circumferentially along the side surface of the tank 14a. Accordingly, a swirling flow is generated in the tank 14a, which swirls the air along with the snow around the vertical axis. On the other hand, as shown in fig. 6, the carry-in path 22a is arranged in the center of the upper surface of the tank 14a, and therefore, the air in the tank 14a flows upward while swirling. By generating a spiral air flow in the tank 14a, snow adhering to the inner surface of the tank 14a can be dropped, and therefore, the adhesion of snow to the inner surface of the tank 14a can be suppressed. Further, by generating a spiral air flow, the snow can be kept in a non-solidified state in the tank 14a. The inner surface of the can 14a may be subjected to a surface treatment such as a water repellent treatment, a hydrophilic treatment, and a mirror finish.

As shown in fig. 6, an excitation portion 62 for vibrating the tank 14a or the carry-in path 22a of the snow making unit 14 may be provided. By the vibration of the tank 14a or the carry-in path 22a, the snow can be prevented from adhering to the tank 14a or the carry-in path 22 a. The vibration excitation portion 62 is configured to vibrate the tank 14a or the carrying-in path 22a by applying an impact to the tank 14a or the carrying-in path 22a, or by shaking the tank 14a or the carrying-in path 22 a. The excitation portion 62 may be omitted.

The excitation portion 62 may be configured to vibrate the return path 22 b. At this time, snow can be prevented from adhering to the inside of the return path 22 b. Further, an excitation portion (not shown) for vibrating the container 16a or the circulation path 16b of the snow storage portion 16 and an excitation portion (not shown) for vibrating the first damper 18a may be provided. The vibration portion 62 that vibrates the snow making portion 14, the vibration portion that vibrates the snow accumulating portion 16, and the vibration portion that vibrates the first damper 18a may be provided in the first to third embodiments.

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

(fifth embodiment)

In the first embodiment, the container 16a of the snow accumulating portion 16 and the tank 14a of the snow making portion 14 are independently configured. In contrast, in the fifth embodiment, as shown in fig. 8, the tank 14a of the snow making section 14 is integrally formed with the container 16a of the snow accumulating section 16, and the tank 14a and the container 16a are constituted by a hollow body 63 forming an internal space connected in one.

A nozzle 14b is disposed in the hollow body 63, and the nozzle 14b ejects fine water droplets generated by the ultrasonic humidifier in a mist form. The air cooled to about-40 c discharged from the pipe 61 is blown onto the water droplets discharged from the nozzle 14 b. Since snow is generated around and above the nozzle 14b, the periphery of the nozzle 14b and the upper side of the hollow body 63 function as the tank 14a of the snow generating portion 14. Snow generated in the tank 14a falls below the nozzle 14 b.

As will be described later, the circulation path 16b is connected to the hollow body 63 below the nozzle 14 b. Therefore, the portion of the hollow body 63 below the nozzle 14b functions as the container 16a of the snow storage portion 16. Therefore, the inlet 16c of the container 16a is formed by a portion of the hollow body 63 located below the nozzle 14b and above the blowing-side end of the circulation path 16 b.

One end portion (a blowout side end portion for introducing air into the container 16 a) of the circulation path 16b is connected to a side portion of the hollow body 63 (a side portion of the container 16a of the snow storage portion 16) at a position below the nozzle 14 b. As shown in fig. 9, the blowout side end portion is connected to the side portion of the container 16a so that air flows in a direction deviated laterally from the center line 16e extending vertically of the container 16a. Specifically, the container 16a is circular in plan view, and the circulation path 16b is connected to the container 16a such that an extension line thereof passes through a position offset from the center line 16e of the circle. The other end portion of the circulation path 16b (the end portion on the side from which air is sucked from the container 16 a) is connected to the bottom of the hollow body 63, that is, the bottom of the container 16a.

Therefore, if the blower 16d disposed in the circulation path 16b is operated, air accompanied by snow is sucked into the circulation path 16b from the bottom of the container 16 a. After flowing through the circulation path 16b, the air is blown out from the circulation path 16b into the container 16 a. Accordingly, in the container 16a, a circulating flow of air accompanied by snow is generated so that the air accompanied by snow rotates circumferentially along the inner surface of the container 16 a. Therefore, the snow generated in the tank 14a flows and is stored in the container 16a while being blown out from the circulation path 16b into the container 16 a. That is, the snow is stored in the container 16a not in a state of being accumulated but in a state of flowing. Therefore, the snow does not solidify for a long period of time in the snow storage portion 16, and remains in a snow state. That is, the snow storage portion 16 has a mechanism for keeping the snow in the snow storage portion 16 in a non-solidified state.

The circulation path 16b branches into a connection path 64. One end of the connection path 64 is connected to a portion of the circulation path 16b downstream of the blower 16d, and the other end is connected to the top of the tank 14a (hollow body 63). A part of the air accompanying the snow flowing through the circulation path 16b flows into the connection path 64. The air contains small mass snow flakes. Since the other end of the connection path 64 is connected to the tank 14a, a small-mass snow piece is supplied into the tank 14a of the snow making section 14. Since fine water droplets are sprayed in mist form from the nozzle 14b in the snow making section 14, small-mass snow flakes can be grown. Further, since the other end portion of the connection path 64 is connected to the center portion of the top of the tank 14a, snow blown into the tank 14a from the connection path 64 is less likely to adhere to the inner wall surface of the tank 14 a.

A cooler 65 for cooling the air accompanying the snow flowing through the connection path 64 is disposed in the connection path 64. The cooler 65 has the ability to cool the air to a temperature at which snow is generated in the tank 14a or at which fine snow flakes are grown in the tank 14 a. The cooler 65 is constituted by, for example, an evaporator of a vapor compression refrigerator. The cooler 65 may be disposed in the circulation path 16b instead of the connection path 64.

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

(sixth embodiment)

In the fifth embodiment, the tank 14a of the snow making unit 14 is located above the container 16a of the snow storage unit 16, whereas in the sixth embodiment, as shown in fig. 10, the tank 14a of the snow making unit 14 is disposed in the container 16a of the snow storage unit 16.

The tank 14a includes a cylindrical wall portion 14c and a tapered inclined portion 14d connected to a lower end of the wall portion 14 c. The upper end of the wall 14c is connected to the top of the container 16a, but a gap may be formed between the wall and the top of the container 16 a. The cylindrical wall 14c is disposed at a position spaced inward from the side of the container 16a, and the inclined portion 14d is disposed at a position spaced inward from the bottom of the container 16 a. Accordingly, an inner space and an outer space partitioned by the tank 14a are formed in the container 16 a. A nozzle 14b is disposed in the tank 14 a. Therefore, the nozzle 14b is disposed in the inner space.

An opening 14e for communicating the inner space and the outer space is formed at the lower end of the inclined portion 14 d. The snow generated in the tank 14a falls through the opening 14e and is introduced into the outside space. Accordingly, the opening 14e functions as an inlet 16c of the container 16a of the snow storage unit 16. One end (blowing side end) of the circulation path 16b is connected to the bottom of the container 16a, and the other end (blowing side end) of the circulation path 16b is connected to the side of the container 16 a. The circulation path 16b is provided with a blower 16d. The other end portion of the circulation path 16b is disposed at a position higher than the nozzle 14b, but may be disposed at a position lower than the nozzle 14 b.

The circulation path 16b branches into a connection path 64. One end of the connection path 64 is connected to a downstream side of the blower 16d in the circulation path 16b, and the other end is connected to a central portion of the top of the tank 14a of the snow making section 14. Therefore, the air accompanied by the snow flowing through the connection passage 64 is introduced into the tank 14 a. An air lock 66 is disposed in the connection path 64. If the formation of snow within the tank 14a is completed, the damper 66 is closed. In addition, the damper 66 may be omitted.

The cooler 65 is disposed in the circulation path 16b in fig. 10, but may be disposed in the connection path 64.

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

(seventh embodiment)

In the fifth embodiment, snow generated in the tank 14a is naturally dropped and introduced into the container 16a, whereas in the seventh embodiment, as shown in fig. 11, snow generated in the tank 14a is introduced into the container 16a below the nozzle 14b through the second circulation path 68.

Specifically, in the seventh embodiment, the connection path 64 is omitted, and the second circulation path 68 that is independent of the circulation path 16b is provided. One end of the second circulation path 68 is connected to the top of the hollow body 63 (tank 14 a), and the other end of the second circulation path 68 is connected to a portion of the hollow body 63 below the nozzle 14 b. A blower 69 is disposed in the second circulation path 68, and if the blower 69 is operated, air accompanying snow generated in the tank 14a is guided to the lower portion of the nozzle 14b in the hollow body 63 through the second circulation path 68. The cooler 65 is disposed not in the circulation line 16b but in the second circulation line 68. In the upper portion of the hollow body 63, air can flow from below to above, and therefore, fine snow is directed below the nozzle 14b and above the nozzle 14 b. Accordingly, fine snow grows. On the other hand, large snow pieces naturally fall below the nozzle 14b in the hollow body 63, regardless of the flow of the air. The inlet 16c of the container 16a is formed by a portion of the hollow body 63 located below the blowout side end of the second circulation path 68 and above the blowout side end of the circulation path 16 b.

Air flows downward from above in the lower portion of the hollow body 63, that is, in the side portion of the container 16a, below the connection portion of the circulation path 16 b.

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

(eighth embodiment)

The eighth 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 eighth embodiment, the snowfall apparatus 10 is used to make snow in the artificial weather chamber 50.

As shown in fig. 12, an artificial weather chamber 50 according to the eighth embodiment includes a snowfall device 10 and a laboratory 52. The same reference numerals are given to the same components 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 producing portion 14, a snow accumulating portion 16, 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 producing unit 14, the snow accumulating unit 16, the adjusting unit 18, and the snowing unit 20 are disposed in the laboratory 52. The housing 12a of the ice crystal generating unit 12, the tank 14a of the snow producing unit 14, the container 16a of the snow accumulating unit 16, the circulation path 16b, and the snow producing circulation path 22 may be covered with or may not be covered with a heat insulator. The motor 54 for driving the blower 16d provided in the circulation path 16b and the motor 55 for driving the blower 22c provided in the return path 22b are disposed outside the laboratory 52, which is not suitable for being disposed in a very low temperature environment.

The ice crystal generating unit 12, the snow producing unit 14, the snow accumulating unit 16, and the adjusting unit 18 may not be disposed in the laboratory 52. As shown in fig. 13, the ice crystal generating unit 12, the snow producing unit 14, the snow accumulating unit 16, and the adjusting unit 18 may be disposed outside the laboratory 52. At this time, the ice crystal generating portion 12, the snow producing portion 14, the snow accumulating portion 16, and the adjusting portion 18 are covered with the 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.

Note that, although the description of other structures, operations, and effects will be omitted, the description of the first to seventh embodiments may be directed to the eighth 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 adjustment portion 18 is provided to adjust the amount of 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 amount of snow supplied to the snowfall portion 20. In this case, an on-off valve (or an air brake) may be disposed in the supply passage 28, and the on-off valve may be closed when the snow is stored in the snow storage portion 16, and opened when the snow is conveyed to the snowfall portion 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 a structure having the first damper 18a and the second damper 18b, but instead, for example, the adjusting portion 18 may have a structure having the first blower disposed at the position of the first damper 18a and the second blower disposed at the position of the second damper 18b in fig. 1. The first blower is driven when the snow-accompanying air is circulated by the snow storage portion 16, and the second blower is driven when the snow-accompanying air is conveyed from the snow storage portion 16 to the snowfall portion 20 through the supply passage 28.

In the above embodiment, the snow-making circulation path 22 has a structure including the carry-in path 22a and the return path 22b, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the return path 22b may be omitted as long as only snow pieces having a predetermined mass or more can be supplied, snow mixed with snow pieces having a mass lower than the predetermined mass can be allowed to flow from under the snowfall, or the like. At this time, the cooler 26 is disposed not in the return passage 22b but in an air pipe that supplies low-temperature air to the snow making section 14.

The embodiments are described generally herein.

(1) The snowfall device according to the embodiment includes: a snow storage unit having an inlet, for storing snow introduced through the inlet while keeping the 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 above embodiment, the snow stored in the snow storage portion is reduced in snow or supplied to the sample body by the snow reduction portion. That is, for example, in the case where the snow generated by the snow making device is introduced into the snow accumulating portion, the amount of snow per unit time introduced from the snow accumulating portion to the snow lowering portion may exceed the snow making capability per unit time of the snow making device. Further, the snow storage portion may store snow in a predetermined period of time or the total amount of snow supplied to the sample body by the snow falling portion. Therefore, unlike the structure in which snow is sequentially reduced while snow is being produced, the amount of snow reduction or the amount of snow supply is not limited due to the snow producing ability. Therefore, in the snowing device, a snowing amount or a snow supply amount that is not limited by the snow making capability 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. Further, the snow storage portion is only required to hold the snow in a snow state so that the snow does not solidify, and therefore, it is not necessary to have a function of growing the snow or a function of generating the snow. In the snow storage portion, although the snow is held so as not to solidify the snow, it is not necessarily intended that all of the snow is not solidified at all, but it is also conceivable that the snow is held in a state where the snow is not solidified, but the snow may be partially solidified. In short, the snow may be held in the snow storage portion so that the snow can be supplied to the snowfall portion.

(2) 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 configuration, the amount of snow falling in the snow falling portion can be changed. Therefore, the snowfall amount can be changed.

(3) In the snow making device, the snow storage portion may have a mechanism for keeping 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 maintaining 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 non-solidified state for a long period of time. In the snow storage portion, although the snow is held so as not to solidify the snow, it does not mean that all the snow is not solidified at all, but the mechanism is intended to hold the snow in a state where the snow is not solidified, but the snow may be partially solidified. In other words, the mechanism for keeping the snow in a non-solidified state may be configured to keep the snow in a state where the snow can be supplied to the snowfall portion at the snow storage portion.

(4) In the snow making device, the snow storage portion may be configured to circulate air accompanying snow. In this structure, air circulates in the snow storage portion along with snow. Therefore, the snow is stored in the snow storage portion without being stationary and moving. Thus, the snow can be kept in a non-solidified state for a long period of time in the snow storage portion.

(5) In the snow making apparatus, the snow storage unit may include a container and a circulation path having both ends connected to the container and provided with a blower, and the snow in the container may be transported by air and returned to the container 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 container 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 container. In this way, the air accompanying the snow circulates through the circulation path, and therefore the snow can be kept from solidifying. Further, compared with a structure in which air accompanied by snow is circulated only in the container, the container can be prevented from being enlarged.

(6) In the snow making apparatus, the snow accumulating portion may include a container and a circulation path having both ends connected to the container and provided with a blower, and the air conditioning portion may be configured to adjust an amount of air introduced into the snow lowering portion from among air accompanied by snow flowing through the circulation path, after the snow in the container is conveyed by the air and flows through the circulation path and then returns to the container again.

In this configuration, the air flows in the circulation path by the operation of the blower. Accordingly, the snow in the container 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 container. 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.

(7) In the snow making apparatus, the snowing section may spray water in mist form to snow to make the snow into snow having a desired water content. In this structure, snow of a desired snow quality can be made snowy. In addition, when the water content can be changed, the snow quality can be changed.

(8) The snowfall apparatus may further include: and a snow making part for making snow. In this case, the snow storage portion may introduce the snow created by the snow creation portion from the introduction port. In this configuration, there is no need to carry in snow stored in the snow storage unit from outside the snowfall device. The amount of snow per unit time introduced from the snow storage portion to the snowing portion may exceed the snow making capability per unit time of the snow making portion. Therefore, snow exceeding the snow making capability of the snow making section can be made to flow down or be supplied to the sample body.

(9) The snowfall apparatus may further include: and a snow-making circulation path for circulating air accompanying snow between the snow-making section and the snow-accumulating section. In this configuration, even if incompletely grown snow is introduced from the snow making section to the snow accumulating section, the incompletely grown snow can be returned to the snow making section, thereby enabling the snow to grow.

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

(11) The snowfall apparatus may further include: and an excitation unit configured to vibrate the snow making unit or the snow making circulation path. In this structure, the attachment of snow to the snow making section or the snow making circulation path can be suppressed.

(12) 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.

(13) The snowfall method according to the embodiment includes the steps of: introducing snow into the snow accumulating part through an inlet of the snow accumulating part; the snow is kept in a non-solidified state in the snow storage part and stored; introducing snow in the snow storage part into a snow falling part; and snowing or supplying the sample body with 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 an inlet, for storing snow introduced through the inlet while keeping the snow in a non-solidified state; and a snow fall portion into which the snow stored in the snow storage portion is introduced and into which the introduced snow is made to flow or supplied to the sample body,

The snow accumulating part includes container with the inlet, blower and circulation path with both ends connected to the container and with the blower,

the snow storage part comprises the following structure:

by operating the blower, snow is transported in the container with air mainly from top to bottom, and snow flowing out of the container to the circulation path is returned to the container again.

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

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

3. 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 growing snow in the container, and stores the snow while maintaining the snow in a non-solidified state, in a state where the snow is not conveyed to the snow reduction unit through the supply path or in a state where the flow rate of air accompanying the snow conveyed to the snow reduction unit through the supply path is adjusted.

4. Snowfall device according to claim 2, characterized in that,

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.

5. Snowfall device according to claim 1, characterized in that,

the snowfall portion sprays water in mist form onto snow to make the snow into snow with a desired water content.

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

a snow making part for making snow, wherein,

the snow storage portion introduces the snow created by the snow creation portion from the introduction port.

7. The snowfall apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising:

and a snow-making circulation path for circulating air accompanying snow between the snow-making section and the snow-accumulating section.

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

the snow making section has a nozzle that ejects water in a mist form, and makes snow using ice crystals generated from the cooled air and the water ejected from the nozzle in a mist form.

9. The snowfall apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising:

and an excitation unit configured to vibrate the snow making unit or the snow making circulation path.

10. A snowfall apparatus characterized by comprising:

a snow storage unit having an inlet, for storing snow introduced through the inlet while keeping the snow in a non-solidified state;

A supply path; the method comprises the steps of,

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 container with the inlet and a blower,

11. An artificial weather chamber, comprising:

a snowfall device according to any one of claims 1 to 10; and, a step of, in the first embodiment,

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.

12. A snowfall method using the snowfall apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by comprising the steps of:

introducing snow into the snow accumulating part through an inlet of the snow accumulating part;

the snow is kept in a non-solidified state in the snow storage part and stored;

Introducing snow in the snow storage part into a snow falling part; the method comprises the steps of,

the snow is reduced or supplied to the sample body by the snow reducing portion.