EP1653173A1 - Discharging device for at least one fluid, notably water, for the production of artificial snow - Google Patents

Discharging device for at least one fluid, notably water, for the production of artificial snow Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1653173A1
EP1653173A1 EP05300860A EP05300860A EP1653173A1 EP 1653173 A1 EP1653173 A1 EP 1653173A1 EP 05300860 A EP05300860 A EP 05300860A EP 05300860 A EP05300860 A EP 05300860A EP 1653173 A1 EP1653173 A1 EP 1653173A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
fluid
module
duct
production
projecting
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP05300860A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Patrick Charriau
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Snowstar
Original Assignee
Snowstar
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Publication date
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Publication of EP1653173A1 publication Critical patent/EP1653173A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C3/00—Processes or apparatus specially adapted for producing ice or snow for winter sports or similar recreational purposes, e.g. for sporting installations; Producing artificial snow
    • F25C3/04—Processes or apparatus specially adapted for producing ice or snow for winter sports or similar recreational purposes, e.g. for sporting installations; Producing artificial snow for sledging or ski trails; Producing artificial snow
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B1/00—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means
    • B05B1/14—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with multiple outlet openings; with strainers in or outside the outlet opening
    • B05B1/20—Arrangements of several outlets along elongated bodies, e.g. perforated pipes or troughs, e.g. spray booms; Outlet elements therefor
    • B05B1/202—Arrangements of several outlets along elongated bodies, e.g. perforated pipes or troughs, e.g. spray booms; Outlet elements therefor comprising inserted outlet elements
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B7/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas
    • B05B7/02—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge
    • B05B7/04—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge with arrangements for mixing liquids or other fluent materials before discharge
    • B05B7/0416—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge with arrangements for mixing liquids or other fluent materials before discharge with arrangements for mixing one gas and one liquid
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B7/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas
    • B05B7/02—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge
    • B05B7/08—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge with separate outlet orifices, e.g. to form parallel jets, i.e. the axis of the jets being parallel, to form intersecting jets, i.e. the axis of the jets converging but not necessarily intersecting at a point
    • B05B7/0884—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge with separate outlet orifices, e.g. to form parallel jets, i.e. the axis of the jets being parallel, to form intersecting jets, i.e. the axis of the jets converging but not necessarily intersecting at a point the outlet orifices for jets constituted by a liquid or a mixture containing a liquid being aligned
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25C—PRODUCING, WORKING OR HANDLING ICE
    • F25C2303/00—Special arrangements or features for producing ice or snow for winter sports or similar recreational purposes, e.g. for sporting installations; Special arrangements or features for producing artificial snow
    • F25C2303/048—Snow making by using means for spraying water
    • F25C2303/0481—Snow making by using means for spraying water with the use of compressed air

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for projecting at least one fluid, especially water, for the production of artificial snow, also called snow cannon, and more particularly to a device for adjusting the flow of snow produced.
  • variable rate snow cannons there are mainly two families.
  • the snow guns of the first family include at least one variable flow nozzle.
  • the nozzle comprises a seat of conical shape with a valve capable of translating along the axis of the conical surface of the seat so as to vary the flow.
  • a valve capable of translating along the axis of the conical surface of the seat so as to vary the flow.
  • the second family of snow guns includes a plurality of fixed rate nozzles, wherein the rate of the gun is adjusted according to the number of sprinklers in the on state.
  • the snow gun comprises a head 10 on which are reported several nozzles 12, three on the figure.
  • one or more valves 14 are provided to allow or not the passage of water towards the nozzle or the corresponding nozzle group.
  • the valves are disposed at ground level, and each valve is connected to a nozzle or a group of nozzles via a conduit, the nozzles of the same group that can only have the same open or closed state.
  • the valves are arranged upstream of the head on which are reported the nozzles.
  • the head comprises as many ducts 16 as valves.
  • this gun can include only a limited number of nozzles or group of nozzles, at most three, so that the adjustment of the flow can be done only by a limited number of steps, equal to the number of nozzles or group of nozzles.
  • the gun comprises a head 20 comprising a plurality of stackable modules 22 each comprising at least one fixed-rate nozzle 24.
  • Each module comprises a conduit ensuring the fluidic continuity of the module below. to the top module and a valve 26 allowing or not the passage of fluid to the module above, except for the upper module.
  • this type of gun simplifies manufacturing thanks to the presence of identical stackable modules, it does not give full satisfaction because it offers only a limited number of flow settings or a reduced number of bearings because of the order imposed the change of state of the valves.
  • the amount of snow produced may not be optimal at a given temperature. Indeed, if the atmospheric temperature is T1, the The amount produced is Q1 using the P1 adjustment bearing, while theoretically it would be possible to produce a higher quantity of snow Qt for the same duration.
  • US-3,979,061 discloses a snow gun with water outlets reported at an annular duct surrounding an air channel. According to this document, each water outlet comprises a valve for controlling the passage or not of the water. Although the device described allows to control the flow of water, its manufacture is relatively expensive because of its design.
  • the present invention aims at overcoming the drawbacks of the prior art by proposing a device for projecting at least one fluid, in particular water, for the production of artificial snow making it possible to optimize the quantity of snow produced whose design allows to obtain manufacturing costs adapted to the market.
  • the subject of the invention is a device for projecting at least one fluid, in particular water, for the production of artificial snow, in the form of an elongated head comprising a plurality of superposed modules one on the other, with a plurality of fluid projection means reported along the length of said head, characterized in that each module comprises a through duct, opening at the upper and lower surfaces of the module, the ducts of each module being arranged one after the other so as to form a main conduit supply, at least one secondary duct connecting the through duct to at least one fluid projection means attached to the surface of said module and a valve allowing or not the passage of the fluid provided between the duct and said through less a fluid projection means.
  • the design of the device makes it possible to obtain cost prices adapted to the market.
  • the device of the present invention aims to limit the risk of freezing.
  • FIG. 10 there is shown in 10 a device for the projection of at least one fluid for the production of artificial snow, also called snow cannon.
  • This device comprises a head 12 on which are reported a plurality of fluid outputs 14 preferably fixed rate, arranged at different levels.
  • the height or the length of the head 12 corresponds to the direction of juxtaposition or stacking of the different levels.
  • the head 12 makes it possible to propel or project, via the outlets 14, at least one fluid based on water or a mixture of water and air which is transformed into snow by nucleation.
  • the head 12 is attached via a base 16 to a support (not shown) which may or may not incorporate a pole.
  • the head 12 is connected to a fluid supply, in particular to a water supply, possibly to an air supply.
  • the fluidic network is not shown because it is known per se to those skilled in the art.
  • the head 12 comprises a main feed duct 18, capable of extending over the height of the head 12, with in the lower part means of connection to at least one fluid supply, as well as ducts secondary 20 connecting each output 14 to the main supply duct 18, a valve 22 allowing or not the passage of the fluid being interposed between each outlet 14 and the main feed duct 18.
  • fluid outlet 14 is meant for the rest of the application a fluid projection means in the form of a nozzle or a set of fluid projection means in the form each of a nozzle whose passing state or closed can only be ordered at the same time.
  • the flow of the fluid outlet corresponds to the nozzle flow rate or the sum of the flows of all the nozzles.
  • the nozzles are not more detailed because they are known to those skilled in the art.
  • each outlet comprises two jets, the secondary ducts splitting into an adequate number of branches as a function of the number of jets, two in this case, the valve 22 being interposed between the main supply duct 18 and the or bifurcations.
  • the head allows, from a single main supply duct extending over the height of the head and a small number of valves or outlets, to obtain a large number of combinations that can to constitute each a level. Given the large number of bearings, it is possible to obtain from a fixed flow output a quasi-continuous flow variation, which makes it possible to optimize the quantity of snow produced by optimally adjusting the flow rate of the device to the temperature atmospheric.
  • the head comprises a plurality of modules referenced from bottom to top 24.1, 24.2, 24.3, 24.4, superimposed on each other, all obtained from a single draft thus contributing to reducing the costs of implementation.
  • Each module comprises two substantially flat and parallel surfaces, a lower surface 26 and an upper surface 28, for superimposing the modules on each other, and a peripheral wall comprising a substantially cylindrical front surface 30, at which are reported the sprinklers, extended towards the rear by a substantially parallelepipedal portion 32, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7.
  • each module comprises a conduit 34 through, opening at the upper surfaces 26 and lower 28, substantially perpendicular to said surfaces 26, 28, disposed near the front surface 30, substantially parallel to said front surface 30
  • the ducts 34 of each module are arranged one after the other so as to form the main supply duct 18.
  • This arrangement which provides a supply duct in fluid near the outer surface at which the nozzles are reported to limit the risk of freezing.
  • the upper module is preferably left in the on state, the water circulates inside the main supply duct on the height of the head which keeps the area carrying the nozzles to a positive temperature , thus limiting the risk of frost.
  • each module comprises a bore 36 opening inside the duct 34, extending rearwardly (in the direction opposite to the front surface 30) forming a portion of the secondary duct 20.
  • Each module also comprises firstly a fluid outlet 14 comprising at least one nozzle, in this case two nozzles 38 attached to the front surface, preferably each at one end of said surface 30, and secondly at the at least one duct 40 connecting each nozzle 38 to the bore 36, forming the other part of the secondary duct 20.
  • Each duct 40 is preferably rectilinear and opens on the one hand into the bore 36 and on the other hand to the outside the module at the front surface 30 of the head.
  • the end 42 of the duct 40 opening outwards comprises means for fixing a nozzle 38.
  • This arrangement makes it possible to obtain compact modules which makes it possible to limit the risks of frost, with a competitive cost price thanks to their design.
  • each module advantageously comprises at least one duct 44, preferably two, opening at the top 26 and bottom 28 surfaces, extending parallel to the duct 34, so as to form when the modules are stacked on each other an air supply duct extending over the height of the head 12.
  • certain modules may comprise nucleation means 46 advantageously integrated in the duct 40 which has a larger diameter in this case, as illustrated in FIG. 6.
  • the ducts 40 and 44 are arranged such that when the conduit 40 has a small diameter and does not contain nucleation means 46, the conduits 40 and 44 do not communicate, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7, whereas when the conduit 40 has a larger diameter and contains nucleation means 46, conduits 40 and 44 communicate.
  • This arrangement makes it possible to optimize the production since the modules are all obtained from the same blank only the diameter of the duct 40 being modified to integrate the nucleation means.
  • the nucleating means 46 are in the form of a cylinder 48 having a diameter adjusted to that of the duct 40 in which it is capable of being placed, with on the one hand at the periphery a groove 50 able to communicate with the duct 44 of the air inlet, and secondly inside, a conduit 52 opening at one end facing a nozzle to supply air to said nozzle, at least one orifice 54 for communicating the groove 50 and the conduit 52.
  • Sealing means 56 are provided between the outer diameter of the cylinder 48 and the conduit 40 so that said cylinder 48 forms a shutter and prohibits the flow of water towards the jet.
  • Each module also comprises a valve 22 capable of occupying two states, a first passing state, illustrated in FIG. 5, in which it allows the flow of a fluid between the main supply duct 18 and a fluid outlet 14, and a second so-called closed state, illustrated in FIG. 7, in which it prevents the flow of a fluid between the main supply duct 18 and a fluid outlet 14.
  • the valve 22 comprises on the one hand a seat surface 58 provided at the intersection between the ducts 34 and 40 and on the other hand a plug 60, a portion of the outer surface is capable of cooperate with the seat, said plug movable in translation being capable of occupying two positions, a first position corresponding to the passing state, wherein the plug 60 is spaced from the seat 58 and allows the flow of the fluid, and a second position corresponding to the closed state, wherein the plug 60 is pressed against the seat 58 and opposes the flow of the fluid.
  • the latter In order to control the reciprocating translation movement of the plug 60, the latter comprises a rod 62 which extends inside the duct 40 in a substantially coaxial manner.
  • the free end of the rod 62 comprises a plunger 64 integrated in electromagnetic means 66 ensuring the reciprocating movement of said plunger.
  • These electromagnetic means 66 are arranged at the rear of the head and are protected by a protection element 68. This arrangement makes it possible to facilitate access to said electromagnetic means and to arrange the main supply duct 18 as close to the surface as possible. before 30 and sprinklers.
  • the electromagnetic means 66 tend to keep the plug 60 pressed against the seat 58 when they are supplied with electric current, means 69 of return in the form of a spring tending to move the plug 60 away from the seat 58 when the electromagnetic means 66 are not supplied with electric current.
  • the electromagnetic means are not more detailed because they are known to those skilled in the art. Moreover, other technical solutions of the pneumatic or mechanical hydraulic type could be envisaged to ensure the reciprocating movement of the plug 60.
  • the plug 60 has a substantially cylindrical shape and extends so as to be housed in a bore 70 disposed opposite the conduit 40, said bore forming a bearing surface for better translational guidance. of the plug 60.
  • the plug 60 comprises a through duct 72.
  • the head 12 comprises a plurality of modules having a fluidic output with a fixed flow rate, said modules being stacked on one another. Sealing means may be provided between the modules to limit fluid leakage at the main supply duct 18 and at least one of the air supply ducts 44.
  • a shutter 74 is attached to the upper surface of the upper module to close the main supply duct 18 and the duct or ducts 44 for supplying air.
  • Modules comprising nucleation means are arranged between certain modules not equipped with nucleation means. Their numbers and arrangements are determined by those skilled in the art to achieve optimal nucleation.
  • the head 12 comprises a base 16 on which the modules are attached, said base comprising means for connection to the various fluids, in particular means 76 for connection to the water and means 78 for connection to the air.
  • This base also comprises ducts (s) and / or housing (s) 80 for the passage of wire or cable for the power supply means for controlling the reciprocating movement of the bushel.
  • the head 12 is supplied with water via the main supply duct 18.
  • the valve of the upper module is always turned on first. The water flowing over the entire height of the head limits the risk of freezing the ducts and nozzles of the lower modules.
  • the return means 69 tend to keep the bushel 60 away from the seat 58, the modules are then in the on state and the jets of the modules propel the water and / or air. To control the closure of the nozzles of a module, it is then necessary to supply electrical current to the electromagnetic means of said module to switch the valve to the closed state.
  • the head in order to obtain a large number of stages and in this way an almost continuous variation of the flow rate, the head comprises at least four modules or outputs, an output with a flow rate of 1.X, two outputs with a flow rate of 2.X each and a last output of 5.X to obtain a flow variation of the order of 0 to 10.X with ten steps of one unit, X being a real.
  • the device of FIG. 2B only allows four bearings with four modules.
  • a flow rate likely to vary over a range ranging from 0 to 100.X it is possible thanks to the device of the invention to have twenty levels of five units with only five modules, one first module A with a flow rate of 5.X, a second module B with a flow rate of 10.X, two modules C and D with a flow rate of 20.X each and a last module E with a flow rate of 50.X.
  • the invention is obviously not limited to the embodiment shown and described above, but covers all variants, particularly with regard to the number of jets per module, the number of modules, the shapes and dimensions of the modules as well as the nature of the propelled fluid.

Abstract

The device has a head (12) with a main supply pipe (18) placed near a surface on which fixed flow fluid outlets are connected, where each outlet has two nozzles. The pipe (18) extends along a height of the head with a connection unit in its lower part. The head has secondary pipes (20) for connecting each outlet to the pipe (18). A valve (22), allowing a passage of a fluid, is interposed between each outlet and the pipe (18).

Description

La présente invention se rapporte à un dispositif de projection d'au moins un fluide, notamment d'eau, pour la production de neige artificielle, appelé également canon à neige, et plus particulièrement à un dispositif permettant de régler le débit de neige produite.The present invention relates to a device for projecting at least one fluid, especially water, for the production of artificial snow, also called snow cannon, and more particularly to a device for adjusting the flow of snow produced.

Pour la production de neige artificielle, on sait qu'il est important d'ajuster le débit D du dispositif en fonction de la température atmosphérique T pour produire une quantité Q de neige, comme représenté sur la figure 1.For the production of artificial snow, it is known that it is important to adjust the flow rate D of the device as a function of the atmospheric temperature T to produce a quantity Q of snow, as represented in FIG.

En matière de canon à neige à débit variable, il existe principalement deux familles.In the case of variable rate snow cannons, there are mainly two families.

Les canons à neige de la première famille comprennent au moins un gicleur à débit variable. Pour obtenir la variation de débit, le gicleur comprend un siège de forme conique avec une soupape susceptible de se translater selon l'axe de la surface conique du siège de manière à faire varier le débit. Un tel dispositif est décrit dans la demande de brevet EP-1.386.668. Même si ce dispositif permet de régler en théorie le débit d'une manière continue, la translation de la soupape n'assure pas un réglage précis du débit si bien qu'il est nécessaire de prévoir un débitmètre afin de contrôler cette translation.The snow guns of the first family include at least one variable flow nozzle. To obtain the flow variation, the nozzle comprises a seat of conical shape with a valve capable of translating along the axis of the conical surface of the seat so as to vary the flow. Such a device is described in patent application EP-1.386.668. Although this device makes it possible to regulate the flow rate in a continuous manner, the translation of the valve does not ensure a precise adjustment of the flow rate, so that it is necessary to provide a flow meter to control this translation.

Les canons à neige de la seconde famille comprennent plusieurs gicleurs à débit fixe, le débit du canon étant ajusté en fonction du nombre de gicleurs à l'état passant.The second family of snow guns includes a plurality of fixed rate nozzles, wherein the rate of the gun is adjusted according to the number of sprinklers in the on state.

Selon un premier mode de réalisation, illustré par la figure 2A, le canon à neige comprend une tête 10 sur laquelle sont rapportés plusieurs gicleurs 12, trois sur la figure. En amont du canon à neige, une ou plusieurs vannes 14 sont prévues pour autoriser ou non le passage de l'eau en direction du gicleur ou du groupe de gicleurs correspondant. Selon une variante illustrée par le document FR-2.795.494, les vannes sont disposées au niveau du sol, et chaque vanne est reliée à un gicleur ou un groupe de gicleurs par l'intermédiaire d'un conduit, les gicleurs d'un même groupe ne pouvant avoir que le même état ouvert ou fermé. En variante, comme illustré par le document US-2001/030242, les vannes sont disposées en amont de la tête sur laquelle sont rapportées les gicleurs. Dans toutes les variantes, la tête comprend autant de conduits 16 que de vannes. Aussi, pour des raisons d'encombrement et pour obtenir un produit industrialisable, ce canon ne peut comprendre qu'un nombre limité de gicleurs ou groupe de gicleurs, au plus trois, si bien que le réglage du débit ne peut se faire que par un nombre limité de paliers, égal au nombre de gicleurs ou groupe de gicleurs.According to a first embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 2A, the snow gun comprises a head 10 on which are reported several nozzles 12, three on the figure. Upstream of the snow cannon, one or more valves 14 are provided to allow or not the passage of water towards the nozzle or the corresponding nozzle group. According to a variant illustrated in document FR-2,795,494, the valves are disposed at ground level, and each valve is connected to a nozzle or a group of nozzles via a conduit, the nozzles of the same group that can only have the same open or closed state. Alternatively, as illustrated by the document US-2001/030242, the valves are arranged upstream of the head on which are reported the nozzles. In all variants, the head comprises as many ducts 16 as valves. Also, for reasons of space and to obtain an industrializable product, this gun can include only a limited number of nozzles or group of nozzles, at most three, so that the adjustment of the flow can be done only by a limited number of steps, equal to the number of nozzles or group of nozzles.

Selon un second mode de réalisation, illustré par la figure 2B, le canon comprend une tête 20 comprenant une pluralité de modules 22 superposables comportant chacun au moins un gicleur à débit fixe 24. Chaque module comprend un conduit assurant la continuité fluidique du module du dessous vers le module du dessus et un clapet 26 autorisant ou non le passage du fluide vers le module du dessus, à l'exception du module supérieur. Ainsi, en commandant les différents clapets, on peut ajuster le débit du module. Même si ce type de canon simplifie la fabrication grâce à la présence de modules identiques empilables, il ne donne pas pleinement satisfaction car il n'offre qu'un nombre limité de réglages du débit ou un nombre réduit de paliers en raison de l'ordre imposé du changement d'état des clapets.According to a second embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 2B, the gun comprises a head 20 comprising a plurality of stackable modules 22 each comprising at least one fixed-rate nozzle 24. Each module comprises a conduit ensuring the fluidic continuity of the module below. to the top module and a valve 26 allowing or not the passage of fluid to the module above, except for the upper module. Thus, by controlling the different valves, one can adjust the flow rate of the module. Even though this type of gun simplifies manufacturing thanks to the presence of identical stackable modules, it does not give full satisfaction because it offers only a limited number of flow settings or a reduced number of bearings because of the order imposed the change of state of the valves.

Dans les deux cas, en raison du nombre réduit de paliers, comme illustré sur la figure 1, la quantité de neige produite peut ne pas être optimale à une température donnée. En effet, si la température atmosphérique est T1, la quantité produite est Q1 en utilisant le palier de réglage P1 alors que théoriquement il serait possible de produire une quantité de neige Qt supérieure, pour la même durée.In both cases, due to the reduced number of bearings, as shown in Figure 1, the amount of snow produced may not be optimal at a given temperature. Indeed, if the atmospheric temperature is T1, the The amount produced is Q1 using the P1 adjustment bearing, while theoretically it would be possible to produce a higher quantity of snow Qt for the same duration.

Le document US-3.979.061 décrit un canon à neige avec des sorties d'eau rapportées au niveau d'un conduit annulaire entourant un canal de projection d'air. Selon ce document, chaque sortie d'eau comprend un clapet permettant de commander le passage ou non de l'eau. Même si le dispositif décrit permet de contrôler le débit d'eau, sa fabrication est relativement onéreuse en raison de sa conception.US-3,979,061 discloses a snow gun with water outlets reported at an annular duct surrounding an air channel. According to this document, each water outlet comprises a valve for controlling the passage or not of the water. Although the device described allows to control the flow of water, its manufacture is relatively expensive because of its design.

Enfin, selon une autre problématique des dispositifs de l'art antérieur, il est nécessaire de prévoir des moyens pour dégeler les gicleurs, les clapets et les canalisations ou de prévoir des moyens pour purger l'ensemble. En effet, les canons à neige sont soumis à des contraintes climatiques extrêmes si bien que lorsque les gicleurs sont à l'état fermé, le fluide immobile dans les canalisations tend à geler et à obstruer lesdites canalisations.Finally, according to another problem of devices of the prior art, it is necessary to provide means for thawing sprinklers, valves and pipes or to provide means for purging the assembly. Indeed, the snow cannons are subjected to extreme climatic constraints so that when the nozzles are in the closed state, the stationary fluid in the pipes tends to freeze and obstruct said pipes.

Aussi, la présente invention vise à pallier les inconvénients de l'art antérieur en proposant un dispositif de projection d'au moins un fluide, notamment d'eau, pour la production de neige artificielle permettant d'optimiser la quantité de neige produite dont la conception permet d'obtenir des coûts de fabrication adaptés au marché.Also, the present invention aims at overcoming the drawbacks of the prior art by proposing a device for projecting at least one fluid, in particular water, for the production of artificial snow making it possible to optimize the quantity of snow produced whose design allows to obtain manufacturing costs adapted to the market.

A cet effet, l'invention a pour objet un dispositif de projection d'au moins un fluide, notamment d'eau, pour la production de neige artificielle, se présentant sous la forme d'une tête allongée comprenant une pluralité de modules superposés les uns sur les autres, avec une pluralité de moyens de projection de fluide rapportés sur la longueur de ladite tête, caractérisé en ce que chaque module comprend un conduit traversant, débouchant au niveau des surfaces supérieure et inférieure du module, les conduits de chaque module étant disposés les uns à la suite des autres de manière à former un conduit principal d'alimentation, au moins un conduit secondaire reliant le conduit traversant à au moins un moyen de projection de fluide rapporté au niveau de la surface dudit module ainsi qu'un clapet autorisant ou non le passage du fluide prévu entre le conduit traversant et ledit au moins un moyen de projection de fluide.For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a device for projecting at least one fluid, in particular water, for the production of artificial snow, in the form of an elongated head comprising a plurality of superposed modules one on the other, with a plurality of fluid projection means reported along the length of said head, characterized in that each module comprises a through duct, opening at the upper and lower surfaces of the module, the ducts of each module being arranged one after the other so as to form a main conduit supply, at least one secondary duct connecting the through duct to at least one fluid projection means attached to the surface of said module and a valve allowing or not the passage of the fluid provided between the duct and said through less a fluid projection means.

Selon l'invention, il est possible d'obtenir à partir de sorties à débit fixe une variation du débit quasi continue, ce qui permet d'optimiser la quantité de neige produite en ajustant au mieux le débit du dispositif à la température atmosphérique. De plus, la conception du dispositif permet d'obtenir des prix de revient adaptés au marché.According to the invention, it is possible to obtain, from fixed flow outputs, a variation of the quasi-continuous flow rate, which makes it possible to optimize the quantity of snow produced by optimally adjusting the flow rate of the device at atmospheric temperature. In addition, the design of the device makes it possible to obtain cost prices adapted to the market.

Selon un autre objectif, le dispositif de la présente invention vise à limiter les risques de gel.According to another objective, the device of the present invention aims to limit the risk of freezing.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages ressortiront de la description qui va suivre de l'invention, description donnée à titre d'exemple uniquement, en regard des dessins annexés sur lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est un diagramme illustrant la quantité de neige produite en fonction du débit en fluide et de la température ambiante,
  • la figure 2A est une représentation schématique illustrant un premier mode de réalisation d'un canon à neige selon l'art antérieur,
  • la figure 2B est une représentation schématique illustrant un autre mode de réalisation d'un canon à neige selon l'art antérieur,
  • la figure 3 est une vue en élévation de face du dispositif selon l'invention,
  • la figure 4 est une coupe longitudinale du dispositif de l'invention selon la ligne IV-IV de la figure 3,
  • la figure 5 est une coupe transversale du dispositif de l'invention selon la ligne V-V de la figure 4, illustrant un module avec des gicleurs à l'état fermé,
  • la figure 6 est une coupe transversale du dispositif de l'invention selon la ligne VI-VI de la figure 4, illustrant un module équipé de moyens de nucléation,
  • la figure 7 est une coupe transversale du dispositif de l'invention selon la ligne VII-VII de la figure 4, illustrant un module avec des gicleurs à l'état passant, et
  • la figure 8 est une coupe transversale du dispositif de l'invention selon la ligne VIII-VIII de la figure 4, illustrant la base du dispositif.
Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following description of the invention, a description given by way of example only, with reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the quantity of snow produced as a function of the fluid flow rate and the ambient temperature,
  • FIG. 2A is a schematic representation illustrating a first embodiment of a snow cannon according to the prior art,
  • FIG. 2B is a schematic representation illustrating another embodiment of a snow gun according to the prior art,
  • FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the device according to the invention,
  • FIG. 4 is a longitudinal section of the device of the invention along the line IV-IV of FIG. 3,
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-section of the device of the invention along the line VV of FIG. 4, illustrating a module with nozzles in the closed state,
  • FIG. 6 is a cross-section of the device of the invention along the line VI-VI of FIG. 4, illustrating a module equipped with nucleation means,
  • FIG. 7 is a cross-section of the device of the invention along the line VII-VII of FIG. 4, illustrating a module with nozzles in the on state, and
  • Figure 8 is a cross section of the device of the invention along the line VIII-VIII of Figure 4, illustrating the base of the device.

Sur les figures 3 à 8, on a représenté en 10 un dispositif pour la projection d'au moins un fluide pour la production de neige artificielle, appelé également canon à neige.In Figures 3 to 8, there is shown in 10 a device for the projection of at least one fluid for the production of artificial snow, also called snow cannon.

Ce dispositif comprend une tête 12 sur laquelle sont rapportées une pluralité de sorties de fluide 14 de préférence à débit fixe, disposées à différents niveaux. Pour la suite de la description, la hauteur ou la longueur de la tête 12 correspond à la direction de juxtaposition ou d'empilement des différents niveaux.This device comprises a head 12 on which are reported a plurality of fluid outputs 14 preferably fixed rate, arranged at different levels. For the rest of the description, the height or the length of the head 12 corresponds to the direction of juxtaposition or stacking of the different levels.

La tête 12 permet de propulser ou projeter, via les sorties 14, au moins un fluide à base d'eau ou d'un mélange d'eau et d'air qui se transforme en neige par nucléation. La tête 12 est rapportée par l'intermédiaire d'une embase 16 sur un support (non représenté) qui peut ou non intégrer une perche. La tête 12 est connectée à une alimentation en fluide, notamment à une alimentation en eau, éventuellement à une alimentation en air. Le réseau fluidique n'est pas représenté car il est connu en soi par l'homme de l'art.The head 12 makes it possible to propel or project, via the outlets 14, at least one fluid based on water or a mixture of water and air which is transformed into snow by nucleation. The head 12 is attached via a base 16 to a support (not shown) which may or may not incorporate a pole. The head 12 is connected to a fluid supply, in particular to a water supply, possibly to an air supply. The fluidic network is not shown because it is known per se to those skilled in the art.

Selon l'invention, la tête 12 comprend un conduit principal d'alimentation 18, susceptible de s'étendre sur la hauteur de la tête 12, avec en partie inférieure des moyens de connexion à au moins une alimentation en fluide, ainsi que des conduits secondaires 20 reliant chaque sortie 14 au conduit principal d'alimentation 18, un clapet 22 autorisant ou non le passage du fluide étant interposé entre chaque sortie 14 et le conduit principal d'alimentation 18.According to the invention, the head 12 comprises a main feed duct 18, capable of extending over the height of the head 12, with in the lower part means of connection to at least one fluid supply, as well as ducts secondary 20 connecting each output 14 to the main supply duct 18, a valve 22 allowing or not the passage of the fluid being interposed between each outlet 14 and the main feed duct 18.

Par sortie de fluide 14, on entend pour la suite de la demande un moyen de projection de fluide sous la forme d'un gicleur ou un ensemble de moyens de projection de fluide sous la forme chacun d'un gicleur dont l'état passant ou fermé ne peut être commandé qu'en même temps. Le débit de la sortie de fluide correspond au débit du gicleur ou à la somme des débits de l'ensemble des gicleurs. Les gicleurs ne sont pas plus détaillés car ils sont connus de l'homme de l'art.By fluid outlet 14 is meant for the rest of the application a fluid projection means in the form of a nozzle or a set of fluid projection means in the form each of a nozzle whose passing state or closed can only be ordered at the same time. The flow of the fluid outlet corresponds to the nozzle flow rate or the sum of the flows of all the nozzles. The nozzles are not more detailed because they are known to those skilled in the art.

A titre d'exemple, selon les figures 3 et 4, chaque sortie comprend deux gicleurs, les conduits secondaires se scindant en un nombre adéquat de branches en fonction du nombre de gicleurs, deux en l'occurrence, le clapet 22 étant interposé entre le conduit principal d'alimentation 18 et la ou les bifurcations.By way of example, according to FIGS. 3 and 4, each outlet comprises two jets, the secondary ducts splitting into an adequate number of branches as a function of the number of jets, two in this case, the valve 22 being interposed between the main supply duct 18 and the or bifurcations.

Selon l'invention, la tête permet, à partir d'un seul conduit principal d'alimentation s'étendant sur la hauteur de la tête et d'un nombre restreint de clapets ou de sorties, d'obtenir un grand nombre de combinaisons susceptibles de constituer chacune un palier. Compte tenu du nombre important de paliers, il est possible d'obtenir à partir de sorties à débit fixe une variation du débit quasi continue, ce qui permet d'optimiser la quantité de neige produite en ajustant au mieux le débit du dispositif à la température atmosphérique.According to the invention, the head allows, from a single main supply duct extending over the height of the head and a small number of valves or outlets, to obtain a large number of combinations that can to constitute each a level. Given the large number of bearings, it is possible to obtain from a fixed flow output a quasi-continuous flow variation, which makes it possible to optimize the quantity of snow produced by optimally adjusting the flow rate of the device to the temperature atmospheric.

Par ailleurs, le fait de prévoir deux gicleurs pour un seul clapet permet de réduire le nombre de pièces en mouvement ce qui se traduit par un dispositif moins coûteux et plus fiable.In addition, the provision of two nozzles for a single valve reduces the number of moving parts which results in a less expensive and more reliable device.

Selon un mode de réalisation préféré et illustré par les figures 3 et 4, la tête comprend une pluralité de modules référencés de bas en haut 24.1, 24.2, 24.3, 24.4, superposés les uns sur les autres, tous obtenus à partir d'une même ébauche contribuant ainsi à réduire les coûts de réalisation.According to a preferred embodiment and illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the head comprises a plurality of modules referenced from bottom to top 24.1, 24.2, 24.3, 24.4, superimposed on each other, all obtained from a single draft thus contributing to reducing the costs of implementation.

Chaque module comprend deux surfaces sensiblement plates et parallèles, une surface inférieure 26 et une surface supérieure 28, permettant de superposer les modules les uns sur les autres, et une paroi périphérique comprenant une surface avant 30 sensiblement cylindrique, au niveau de laquelle sont rapportés les gicleurs, prolongée vers l'arrière par une portion sensiblement parallélépipédique 32, comme illustré sur les figures 5 à 7.Each module comprises two substantially flat and parallel surfaces, a lower surface 26 and an upper surface 28, for superimposing the modules on each other, and a peripheral wall comprising a substantially cylindrical front surface 30, at which are reported the sprinklers, extended towards the rear by a substantially parallelepipedal portion 32, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7.

Pour l'acheminement des fluides, chaque module comprend un conduit 34 traversant, débouchant au niveau des surfaces supérieure 26 et inférieure 28, sensiblement perpendiculaire auxdites surfaces 26, 28, disposé à proximité de la surface avant 30, sensiblement parallèle à ladite surface avant 30. Ainsi, lorsque les modules sont empilés les uns sur les autres, les conduits 34 de chaque module sont disposés les uns à la suite des autres de manière à former le conduit principal d'alimentation 18. Cet agencement qui prévoit un conduit d'alimentation en fluide à proximité de la surface extérieure au niveau de laquelle sont rapportés les gicleurs permet de limiter les risques de gel. En effet, le module supérieur étant de préférence laissé à l'état passant, l'eau circule à l'intérieur du conduit principal d'alimentation sur la hauteur de la tête ce qui permet de maintenir la zone portant les gicleurs à une température positive, limitant ainsi les risques de gel.For the flow of fluids, each module comprises a conduit 34 through, opening at the upper surfaces 26 and lower 28, substantially perpendicular to said surfaces 26, 28, disposed near the front surface 30, substantially parallel to said front surface 30 Thus, when the modules are stacked on each other, the ducts 34 of each module are arranged one after the other so as to form the main supply duct 18. This arrangement which provides a supply duct in fluid near the outer surface at which the nozzles are reported to limit the risk of freezing. Indeed, the upper module is preferably left in the on state, the water circulates inside the main supply duct on the height of the head which keeps the area carrying the nozzles to a positive temperature , thus limiting the risk of frost.

En complément, chaque module comprend un alésage 36 débouchant à l'intérieur du conduit 34, s'étendant vers l'arrière (en direction opposée à la surface avant 30) formant une partie du conduit secondaire 20.In addition, each module comprises a bore 36 opening inside the duct 34, extending rearwardly (in the direction opposite to the front surface 30) forming a portion of the secondary duct 20.

Chaque module comprend également d'une part une sortie de fluide 14 comprenant au moins un gicleur, dans le cas présent deux gicleurs 38 rapportés sur la surface avant, de préférence chacun à une extrémité de ladite surface 30, et d'autre part, au moins un conduit 40 reliant chaque gicleur 38 à l'alésage 36, formant l'autre partie du conduit secondaire 20. Chaque conduit 40 est de préférence rectiligne et débouche d'une part dans l'alésage 36 et d'autre part à l'extérieur du module au niveau de la surface avant 30 de la tête. L'extrémité 42 du conduit 40 débouchant vers l'extérieur comprend des moyens de fixation d'un gicleur 38. Ces moyens de fixation ainsi que les moyens d'étanchéité entre le module et le gicleur ne sont pas plus détaillés car ils sont à la portée de l'homme de l'art.Each module also comprises firstly a fluid outlet 14 comprising at least one nozzle, in this case two nozzles 38 attached to the front surface, preferably each at one end of said surface 30, and secondly at the at least one duct 40 connecting each nozzle 38 to the bore 36, forming the other part of the secondary duct 20. Each duct 40 is preferably rectilinear and opens on the one hand into the bore 36 and on the other hand to the outside the module at the front surface 30 of the head. The end 42 of the duct 40 opening outwards comprises means for fixing a nozzle 38. These fixing means and the sealing means between the module and the nozzle are not more detailed because they are at the scope of those skilled in the art.

Cet agencement permet d'obtenir des modules compacts ce qui permet de limiter les risques de gel, avec un prix de revient compétitif grâce à leur conception.This arrangement makes it possible to obtain compact modules which makes it possible to limit the risks of frost, with a competitive cost price thanks to their design.

En complément, chaque module comprend avantageusement au moins un conduit 44, de préférence deux, débouchant au niveau des surfaces supérieure 26 et inférieure 28, s'étendant parallèlement au conduit 34, de manière à former lorsque les modules sont empilés les uns sur les autres un conduit d'alimentation en air s'étendant sur la hauteur de la tête 12.In addition, each module advantageously comprises at least one duct 44, preferably two, opening at the top 26 and bottom 28 surfaces, extending parallel to the duct 34, so as to form when the modules are stacked on each other an air supply duct extending over the height of the head 12.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, certains modules peuvent comprendre des moyens de nucléation 46 intégrés avantageusement dans le conduit 40 qui a un diamètre supérieur dans ce cas, comme illustré sur la figure 6. De préférence, les conduits 40 et 44 sont disposés de telle manière que lorsque le conduit 40 a un faible diamètre et ne contient pas de moyens de nucléation 46, les conduits 40 et 44 ne communiquent pas, comme illustré sur les figures 5 et 7, alors que lorsque le conduit 40 a un diamètre supérieur et contient des moyens de nucléation 46, les conduits 40 et 44 communiquent. Cet agencement permet d'optimiser la production car les modules sont tous obtenus à partir de la même ébauche seul le diamètre du conduit 40 étant modifié pour intégrer les moyens de nucléation.According to another characteristic of the invention, certain modules may comprise nucleation means 46 advantageously integrated in the duct 40 which has a larger diameter in this case, as illustrated in FIG. 6. Preferably, the ducts 40 and 44 are arranged such that when the conduit 40 has a small diameter and does not contain nucleation means 46, the conduits 40 and 44 do not communicate, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7, whereas when the conduit 40 has a larger diameter and contains nucleation means 46, conduits 40 and 44 communicate. This arrangement makes it possible to optimize the production since the modules are all obtained from the same blank only the diameter of the duct 40 being modified to integrate the nucleation means.

Selon un mode de réalisation préféré, les moyens de nucléation 46 se présentent sous la forme d'un cylindre 48 ayant un diamètre ajusté à celui du conduit 40 dans lequel il est susceptible d'être placé, avec d'une part en périphérie une gorge 50 susceptible de communiquer avec le conduit 44 d'arrivée de l'air, et d'autre part à l'intérieur, un conduit 52 débouchant à une seule extrémité orientée vers un gicleur afin d'alimenter en air ledit gicleur, au moins un orifice 54 permettant de faire communiquer la gorge 50 et le conduit 52. Des moyens d'étanchéité 56 sont prévus entre le diamètre extérieur du cylindre 48 et le conduit 40 afin que ledit cylindre 48 forme un obturateur et interdise l'écoulement de l'eau en direction du gicleur.According to a preferred embodiment, the nucleating means 46 are in the form of a cylinder 48 having a diameter adjusted to that of the duct 40 in which it is capable of being placed, with on the one hand at the periphery a groove 50 able to communicate with the duct 44 of the air inlet, and secondly inside, a conduit 52 opening at one end facing a nozzle to supply air to said nozzle, at least one orifice 54 for communicating the groove 50 and the conduit 52. Sealing means 56 are provided between the outer diameter of the cylinder 48 and the conduit 40 so that said cylinder 48 forms a shutter and prohibits the flow of water towards the jet.

Chaque module comprend également un clapet 22 susceptible d'occuper deux états, un premier état dit passant, illustré par la figure 5, dans lequel il autorise l'écoulement d'un fluide entre le conduit principal d'alimentation 18 et une sortie de fluide 14, et un second état dit fermé, illustré par la figure 7, dans lequel il interdit l'écoulement d'un fluide ente le conduit principal d'alimentation 18 et une sortie de fluide 14.Each module also comprises a valve 22 capable of occupying two states, a first passing state, illustrated in FIG. 5, in which it allows the flow of a fluid between the main supply duct 18 and a fluid outlet 14, and a second so-called closed state, illustrated in FIG. 7, in which it prevents the flow of a fluid between the main supply duct 18 and a fluid outlet 14.

Selon un mode de réalisation, le clapet 22 comprend d'une part une surface formant siège 58 prévue au niveau de l'intersection entre les conduits 34 et 40 et d'autre part un boisseau 60 dont une partie de la surface extérieure est susceptible de coopérer avec le siège, ledit boisseau mobile en translation étant susceptible d'occuper deux positions, une première position correspondant à l'état passant, dans laquelle le boisseau 60 est écarté du siège 58 et permet l'écoulement du fluide, et une seconde position correspondant à l'état fermé, dans laquelle le boisseau 60 est plaqué contre le siège 58 et s'oppose à l'écoulement du fluide.According to one embodiment, the valve 22 comprises on the one hand a seat surface 58 provided at the intersection between the ducts 34 and 40 and on the other hand a plug 60, a portion of the outer surface is capable of cooperate with the seat, said plug movable in translation being capable of occupying two positions, a first position corresponding to the passing state, wherein the plug 60 is spaced from the seat 58 and allows the flow of the fluid, and a second position corresponding to the closed state, wherein the plug 60 is pressed against the seat 58 and opposes the flow of the fluid.

Afin de commander le mouvement de translation alternatif du boisseau 60, ce dernier comprend une tige 62 qui s'étend à l'intérieur du conduit 40 de manière sensiblement coaxiale. L'extrémité libre de la tige 62 comprend un plongeur 64 intégré dans des moyens 66 électromagnétiques assurant le mouvement de translation alternatif dudit plongeur. Ces moyens 66 électromagnétiques sont disposés à l'arrière de la tête et sont protégés par un élément de protection 68. Cet agencement permet de faciliter l'accès auxdits moyens électromagnétiques et de disposer le conduit principal d'alimentation 18 au plus près de la surface avant 30 et des gicleurs.In order to control the reciprocating translation movement of the plug 60, the latter comprises a rod 62 which extends inside the duct 40 in a substantially coaxial manner. The free end of the rod 62 comprises a plunger 64 integrated in electromagnetic means 66 ensuring the reciprocating movement of said plunger. These electromagnetic means 66 are arranged at the rear of the head and are protected by a protection element 68. This arrangement makes it possible to facilitate access to said electromagnetic means and to arrange the main supply duct 18 as close to the surface as possible. before 30 and sprinklers.

Selon un mode de réalisation, les moyens 66 électromagnétiques tendent à maintenir le boisseau 60 plaquer contre le siège 58 lorsqu'ils sont alimentés en courant électrique, des moyens 69 de rappel sous forme d'un ressort tendant à écarter le boisseau 60 du siège 58 lorsque les moyens 66 électromagnétiques ne sont pas alimentés en courant électrique.According to one embodiment, the electromagnetic means 66 tend to keep the plug 60 pressed against the seat 58 when they are supplied with electric current, means 69 of return in the form of a spring tending to move the plug 60 away from the seat 58 when the electromagnetic means 66 are not supplied with electric current.

Les moyens électromagnétiques ne sont pas plus détaillés car ils sont connus de l'homme de l'art. Par ailleurs, d'autres solutions techniques de type hydraulique pneumatique ou mécanique pourraient être envisagées pour assurer le mouvement alternatif du boisseau 60.The electromagnetic means are not more detailed because they are known to those skilled in the art. Moreover, other technical solutions of the pneumatic or mechanical hydraulic type could be envisaged to ensure the reciprocating movement of the plug 60.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, le boisseau 60 a une forme sensiblement cylindrique et s'étend de manière à se loger dans un alésage 70 disposé à l'opposée du conduit 40, ledit alésage formant une portée assurant un meilleur guidage en translation du boisseau 60. Pour améliorer l'écoulement du fluide à l'intérieur du conduit principal 18, le boisseau 60 comprend un conduit traversant 72.According to another characteristic of the invention, the plug 60 has a substantially cylindrical shape and extends so as to be housed in a bore 70 disposed opposite the conduit 40, said bore forming a bearing surface for better translational guidance. of the plug 60. In order to improve the flow of the fluid inside the main duct 18, the plug 60 comprises a through duct 72.

Comme illustré sur la figure 2, la tête 12 comprend une pluralité de modules ayant une sortie fluidique avec un débit fixe, lesdits modules étant empilés les uns sur les autres. Des moyens d'étanchéité peuvent être prévus entre les modules pour limiter les fuites de fluide au niveau du conduit principal d'alimentation 18 et du ou des conduits 44 d'alimentation en air.As illustrated in FIG. 2, the head 12 comprises a plurality of modules having a fluidic output with a fixed flow rate, said modules being stacked on one another. Sealing means may be provided between the modules to limit fluid leakage at the main supply duct 18 and at least one of the air supply ducts 44.

En partie supérieure de la tête, un obturateur 74 est rapporté sur la surface supérieure du module supérieur afin d'obturer le conduit principal d'alimentation 18 et le ou les conduits 44 d'alimentation en air.In the upper part of the head, a shutter 74 is attached to the upper surface of the upper module to close the main supply duct 18 and the duct or ducts 44 for supplying air.

Les modules comprenant des moyens de nucléation sont disposés entre certains modules non équipés de moyens de nucléation. Leurs nombre et dispositions sont déterminés par l'homme de l'art afin d'obtenir une nucléation optimale.Modules comprising nucleation means are arranged between certain modules not equipped with nucleation means. Their numbers and arrangements are determined by those skilled in the art to achieve optimal nucleation.

En partie inférieure, la tête 12 comprend une embase 16 sur laquelle sont rapportés les modules, ladite embase comprenant des moyens de raccordement aux différents fluides, notamment des moyens 76 de raccordement à l'eau et des moyens 78 de raccordement à l'air. Cette embase comprend également des conduit(s) et/ou logement(s) 80 pour le passage de fil ou câble pour l'alimentation électrique des moyens permettant de contrôler le mouvement alternatif du boisseau.In the lower part, the head 12 comprises a base 16 on which the modules are attached, said base comprising means for connection to the various fluids, in particular means 76 for connection to the water and means 78 for connection to the air. This base also comprises ducts (s) and / or housing (s) 80 for the passage of wire or cable for the power supply means for controlling the reciprocating movement of the bushel.

Le principe de fonctionnement du dispositif de production de neige artificielle de l'invention est maintenant décrit au regard des différentes figures.The operating principle of the artificial snow production device of the invention is now described with regard to the different figures.

En fonctionnement, la tête 12 est alimentée en eau via le conduit principal d'alimentation 18. Pour limiter le gel de la tête, le clapet du module supérieur est toujours mis à l'état passant en premier. L'eau qui circule sur toute la hauteur de la tête limite le risque de gel des conduits et gicleurs des modules inférieurs.In operation, the head 12 is supplied with water via the main supply duct 18. To limit the freezing of the head, the valve of the upper module is always turned on first. The water flowing over the entire height of the head limits the risk of freezing the ducts and nozzles of the lower modules.

Si aucun des moyens électromagnétiques n'est alimenté en courant électrique, pour chaque module, les moyens 69 de rappel tendent à maintenir écarté le boisseau 60 du siège 58, les modules sont alors à l'état passant et les gicleurs des modules propulsent de l'eau et/ou de l'air. Pour commander la fermeture des gicleurs d'un module, il convient alors d'alimenter en courant électrique les moyens électromagnétiques dudit module afin de commuter le clapet à l'état fermé.If none of the electromagnetic means is supplied with electric current, for each module, the return means 69 tend to keep the bushel 60 away from the seat 58, the modules are then in the on state and the jets of the modules propel the water and / or air. To control the closure of the nozzles of a module, it is then necessary to supply electrical current to the electromagnetic means of said module to switch the valve to the closed state.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, pour obtenir un grand nombre de paliers et de la sorte une variation quasi continue du débit, la tête comprend au moins quatre modules ou sorties, une sortie avec un débit de 1.X, deux sorties avec un débit chacune de 2.X et une dernière sortie de 5.X pour obtenir une variation de débit de l'ordre de 0 à 10.X avec dix paliers d'une unité, X étant un réel.According to another characteristic of the invention, in order to obtain a large number of stages and in this way an almost continuous variation of the flow rate, the head comprises at least four modules or outputs, an output with a flow rate of 1.X, two outputs with a flow rate of 2.X each and a last output of 5.X to obtain a flow variation of the order of 0 to 10.X with ten steps of one unit, X being a real.

Selon l'art antérieur, le dispositif de la figure 2B n'autorise que quatre paliers avec quatre modules.According to the prior art, the device of FIG. 2B only allows four bearings with four modules.

Ainsi, avec une tête comprenant un premier module A avec un débit de 1.X, deux modules B et C avec un débit chacun de 2.X et un dernier module D avec un débit de 5.X, on obtient les combinaisons suivantes : 1.X 2.X 3.X 4.X 5.X 6.X 7.X 8.X 9.X 10.X A 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 B 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 C 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 D 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 Avec 1 correspondant à l'état passant du module et 0 à l'état fermé.Thus, with a head comprising a first module A with a flow rate of 1.X, two modules B and C with a flow rate of 2.X each and a last module D with a flow rate of 5.X, the following combinations are obtained: 1.X 2.X 3.X 4.X 5.X 6.X 7.X 8.X 9.X 10.X AT 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 B 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 VS 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 D 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 With 1 corresponding to the passing state of the module and 0 to the closed state.

Selon l'invention, pour un débit susceptible de varier sur une plage allant de l'ordre de 0 à 100.X, il est possible grâce au dispositif de l'invention d'avoir vingt paliers de cinq unités avec seulement cinq modules, un premier module A avec un débit de 5.X, un deuxième module B avec un débit de 10.X, deux modules C et D avec un débit chacun de 20.X et un dernier module E avec un débit de 50.X.According to the invention, for a flow rate likely to vary over a range ranging from 0 to 100.X, it is possible thanks to the device of the invention to have twenty levels of five units with only five modules, one first module A with a flow rate of 5.X, a second module B with a flow rate of 10.X, two modules C and D with a flow rate of 20.X each and a last module E with a flow rate of 50.X.

Bien entendu, l'invention n'est évidemment pas limitée au mode de réalisation représenté et décrit ci-dessus, mais en couvre au contraire toutes les variantes, notamment en ce qui concerne le nombre de gicleurs par module, le nombre de modules, les formes et dimensions des modules ainsi que la nature du fluide propulsé.Of course, the invention is obviously not limited to the embodiment shown and described above, but covers all variants, particularly with regard to the number of jets per module, the number of modules, the shapes and dimensions of the modules as well as the nature of the propelled fluid.

Claims (10)

Dispositif de projection d'au moins un fluide, notamment d'eau, pour la production de neige artificielle, se présentant sous la forme d'une tête (12) allongée comprenant une pluralité de modules (24.1, 24.2, 24.3, 24.4) superposés les uns sur les autres, avec une pluralité de moyens de projection de fluide (14) rapportés sur la longueur de ladite tête (12), caractérisé en ce que chaque module comprend un conduit (34) traversant, débouchant au niveau des surfaces supérieure et inférieure du module, les conduits (34) de chaque module étant disposés les uns à la suite des autres de manière à former un conduit principal d'alimentation (18), au moins un conduit secondaire (20) reliant le conduit (34) traversant à au moins un moyen de projection de fluide (14) rapporté au niveau de la surface dudit module ainsi qu'un clapet (22) autorisant ou non le passage du fluide prévu entre le conduit (34) traversant et ledit au moins un moyen de projection de fluide (14).Device for projecting at least one fluid, in particular water, for the production of artificial snow, in the form of an elongated head (12) comprising a plurality of superimposed modules (24.1, 24.2, 24.3, 24.4) on each other, with a plurality of fluid projection means (14) attached along the length of said head (12), characterized in that each module comprises a conduit (34) passing through, opening at the upper surfaces and lower module, the ducts (34) of each module being arranged one after the other so as to form a main supply duct (18), at least one secondary duct (20) connecting the conduit (34) passing through at least one fluid projection means (14) attached to the surface of said module and a valve (22) allowing or not the passage of the fluid provided between the conduit (34) through and said at least one means of fluid projection (14). Dispositif de projection d'au moins un fluide, notamment d'eau, pour la production de neige artificielle selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le conduit (34) traversant est disposé à proximité de la surface (30) latérale sur laquelle est rapporté ledit au moins un moyen de projection de fluide (14).Device for projecting at least one fluid, in particular water, for the production of artificial snow according to claim 1, characterized in that the duct (34) passing through is arranged close to the lateral surface (30) on which is reported said at least one fluid spraying means (14). Dispositif de projection d'au moins un fluide, notamment d'eau, pour la production de neige artificielle selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que les modules (24.1, 24.2, 24.3, 24.4) sont obtenus à partir d'une même ébauche.Device for projecting at least one fluid, in particular water, for the production of artificial snow according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the modules (24.1, 24.2, 24.3, 24.4) are obtained from a same draft. Dispositif de projection d'au moins un fluide, notamment d'eau, pour la production de neige artificielle selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisé en ce que chaque module comprend d'une part un alésage (36) débouchant à l'intérieur du conduit (34), s'étendant à l'opposée de la surface (30) sur laquelle est rapporté ledit au moins un moyen de projection de fluide (14), et d'autre part, au moins un conduit (40) reliant ledit au moins un moyen de projection de fluide (14) à l'alésage (36).Device for projecting at least one fluid, especially water, for the production of artificial snow according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each module comprises on the one hand a bore (36) opening to the interior of the duct (34) extending to the opposite of the surface (30) on which said at least one fluid spraying means (14) is attached, and on the other hand, at least one duct (40) connecting said at least one fluid spraying means (14) to the bore (36). Dispositif de projection d'au moins un fluide, notamment d'eau, pour la production de neige artificielle selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que chaque module comprend au moins un conduit (44), de préférence deux, débouchant au niveau des surfaces supérieure et inférieure du module de manière à former lorsque les modules sont empilés les uns sur les autres un conduit d'alimentation en air s'étendant sur la longueur de la tête (12).Device for projecting at least one fluid, especially water, for the production of artificial snow according to claim 4, characterized in that each module comprises at least one duct (44), preferably two, opening at the level of the surfaces upper and lower module so as to form when the modules are stacked on top of each other an air supply duct extending over the length of the head (12). Dispositif de projection d'au moins un fluide, notamment d'eau, pour la production de neige artificielle selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que le conduit (40) de sortie du fluide et le conduit (44) d'alimentation en air sont disposés de telle manière que lorsque le conduit (40) a un faible diamètre, lesdits conduits (40, 44) ne communiquent pas alors que lorsque le conduit (40) a un diamètre supérieur, lesdits conduits (40, 44) communiquent.Device for projecting at least one fluid, in particular water, for the production of artificial snow according to claim 5, characterized in that the conduit (40) for the outlet of the fluid and the conduit (44) for supplying air are arranged such that when the duct (40) has a small diameter, said ducts (40, 44) do not communicate while when the duct (40) has a larger diameter, said ducts (40, 44) communicate. Dispositif de projection d'au moins un fluide, notamment d'eau, pour la production de neige artificielle selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, caractérisé en ce que chaque clapet (22) comporte d'une part une surface formant siège (58) et d'autre part un boisseau (60) mobile en translation dont une partie de la surface extérieure est susceptible de coopérer avec le siège et en ce que chaque module comprend des moyens (66) assurant le mouvement de translation alternatif du boisseau (60).Device for projecting at least one fluid, in particular water, for the production of artificial snow according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that each valve (22) comprises on the one hand a surface forming a seat (58) and secondly a plug (60) movable in translation, a part of the outer surface is capable of cooperating with the seat and in that each module comprises means (66) ensuring the reciprocating movement of the bushel (60). Dispositif de projection d'au moins un fluide, notamment d'eau, pour la production de neige artificielle selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que le boisseau (60) a une forme sensiblement cylindrique et s'étend de manière à se loger dans un alésage (70) disposé à l'opposée du conduit (40).Device for projecting at least one fluid, especially water, for the production of artificial snow according to claim 7, characterized in that the plug (60) has a substantially cylindrical shape and extends so as to be housed in a bore (70) disposed opposite the conduit (40). Dispositif de projection d'au moins un fluide, notamment d'eau, pour la production de neige artificielle selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes 1 à 8, caractérisé en ce que la tête (12) comprend au moins quatre sorties, une sortie avec un débit de 1.X, deux sorties avec un débit chacune de 2.X et une dernière sortie de 5.X pour obtenir une variation de débit de l'ordre de 0 à 10.X avec dix paliers d'une unité, X étant un réel.Device for projecting at least one fluid, in particular water, for the production of artificial snow according to any one of the claims previous 1 to 8, characterized in that the head (12) comprises at least four outputs, an output with a flow rate of 1.X, two outputs with a flow rate of 2.X each and a last output of 5.X to obtain a flow variation of the order of 0 to 10.X with ten levels of one unit, X being a real. Dispositif de projection d'au moins un fluide, notamment d'eau, pour la production de neige artificielle selon la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce que la tête (12) comprend cinq sorties, un premier module A avec un débit de 5.X, un deuxième module B avec un débit de 10.X, deux modules C et D avec un débit chacun de 20.X et un dernier module E avec un débit de 50.X pour obtenir une variation de débit de l'ordre de 0 à 100.X avec 20 paliers de cinq unités, X étant un réel.Device for projecting at least one fluid, especially water, for the production of artificial snow according to claim 9, characterized in that the head (12) comprises five outlets, a first module A with a flow rate of 5.X , a second module B with a flow rate of 10.X, two modules C and D with a flow rate of 20.X each and a last module E with a flow rate of 50.X to obtain a flow variation of the order of 0 at 100.X with 20 steps of five units, X being a real.
EP05300860A 2004-10-27 2005-10-26 Discharging device for at least one fluid, notably water, for the production of artificial snow Withdrawn EP1653173A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

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FR0452450A FR2877076A1 (en) 2004-10-27 2004-10-27 Artificial snow producing device e.g. snow gun, has head with main supply pipe extending along head`s height and secondary pipes connecting fluid outlets to main pipe, and valve inserted between each outlet having two nozzles, and main pipe

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WO2008114287A1 (en) * 2007-03-16 2008-09-25 Weisser Wolf S.R.L. Spray head for the production of artificial snow
IT201700091822A1 (en) * 2017-08-08 2019-02-08 Technoalpin Holding S P A Head for snow lance

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EP2071258A1 (en) 2007-12-14 2009-06-17 Bächler Top Track AG Nucleator nozzle, use of a nucleator nozzle, snow cannon, snow blower and method for producing ice nuclei and artificial snow
CN102164681B (en) 2008-09-25 2016-09-07 斯诺泰克独家制造的销售的有限公司 Comprise the fixing or plane jet fluid tip with regulated drip size of variable injecting angle
WO2014036344A2 (en) 2012-08-29 2014-03-06 Snow Logic, Inc. Single and multi-step snowmaking guns
EP2890499A4 (en) 2012-08-29 2016-05-25 Snow Logic Inc Modular dual vector fluid spray nozzles
FR2995391B1 (en) 2012-09-11 2018-07-13 Myneige Sas DEVICE FOR PRODUCING CULTIVATION SNOW, SNOW REMOVAL INSTALLATION COMPRISING SUCH A DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING SUCH A DEVICE
EP2972018B1 (en) 2013-03-15 2020-05-13 Snow Logic Inc. Nucleator for generating ice crystals for seeding water droplets in snow-making systems

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IT201700091822A1 (en) * 2017-08-08 2019-02-08 Technoalpin Holding S P A Head for snow lance
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