EP4076690A1

EP4076690A1 - Wave generator

Info

Publication number: EP4076690A1
Application number: EP20845682.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jean-Guillaume Argoud
Original assignee: Madea Concept SAS
Current assignee: Madea Concept SAS
Priority date: 2019-12-18
Filing date: 2020-12-15
Publication date: 2022-10-26
Also published as: WO2021123610A1; FR3105008B1; FR3105008A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for generating waves for practising water slide sports or activities, the device (1) comprising at least one sliding zone (2) comprising an entrance (11), an exit (12), a top portion and a bottom portion, wherein the sliding zone (2) is supplied with water by means of injecting water that are capable of generating a water jet or a water sheet (17) and the device (1) is designed to direct a user (15) from the entrance (11) to the exit (12) of the sliding zone (2) and alternately between the top portion and the bottom portion of the sliding zone (2), in particular by means of the water jet or water sheet (17), characterised in that the device (1) comprises means for determining the position of the user (15) and means for controlling the means of injecting water that are capable of generating a water jet or water sheet (17) when the user (15) is in a phase of descent towards the bottom portion of the sliding zone (2), so as to redirect the user (15) to the top portion of the sliding zone (2).

Description

DESCRIPTION

TITLE: Wave generation device

Technical field of the invention

This document relates to a device for generating waves for the practice of water sports or sliding activities as well as a method of operating such a device.

State of the prior art

The documents EP 0 547 117 and US 5 738 590 each describe a device for generating waves for practicing water sports or activities in an aquatic park, comprising an inclined sliding zone supplied with water by means of injection means. of water capable of generating a continuous flow of water so as to allow a user to slide, by means of a buoy or a surfboard for example, along the gliding zone.

The invention aims to provide a device allowing in particular the use of buoys or surfboards, offering a new type of sensation to users and making it possible to absorb a significant flow of users.

Presentation of the invention

To this end, the invention relates to a device for generating waves for the practice of water sports or sliding activities, the device comprising at least one sliding zone comprising an inlet, an outlet, an upper part and a lower part, the sliding zone being supplied with water by means of water injection means capable of generating a water jet or a water slide, the device being designed to direct a user from the inlet to the outlet of the sliding zone and alternatively from the upper zone to the lower zone of the sliding zone, in particular by means of the water jet or the water layer, characterized in that the device comprises means for determining the position of the user and the means for controlling the water injection means capable of generating a jet or a layer of water when the user is in a phase of descent towards the lower part of the gliding zone, so as to redirect said user to the upper part of the z one of sliding.

The user can be on a buoy or a surfboard for example. In operation, the user enters the sliding zone through the entrance, then is gradually directed towards the exit by making one or more alternating movements between the upper part of the sliding zone. glide and the lower part of the glide zone. In particular, when the water flow rate injected by the water injection means is low or zero, the user descends from the upper part to the lower part of the sliding zone under the effect of gravity. Conversely, when the water flow is high, the water jet or the water blade pushes the user in the direction of the upper part. The means for determining the position of the user and the associated control means make it possible, for example, to push the user back towards the upper part before the latter reaches the lower end of the sliding zone so as to create smooth movement without shock for the user.

The fact that users are gradually brought to the exit helps ensure a constant and sustained throughput of users. A new user can thus enter the sliding zone as soon as a user has left it, for example, without having to stop the water injection means.

Such a device allows for example a throughput of 120 to 240 users per hour.

The water injection means may comprise at least two water injection zones offset from one another, the water injection means being designed to be able to supply water, independently, each water injection area.

Such a structure makes it possible in particular to limit the flow of water necessary for the operation of the device in use.

The device may include a rim surrounding at least part of the gliding zone, said rim comprising at least one wall extending upwards from the upper end of the gliding zone, said wall forming a non-zero angle with the direction. perpendicular to the direction of water injection by the water injection means, said wall being inclined so as to redirect the water towards the outlet.

Such a structure allows the user to be directed from the entrance to the exit when using the device. The rim helps contain water within the gliding area.

The device may include water recycling means capable of recovering the water flowing at the level of the lower end of the gliding zone and capable of reinjecting it through the water injection means.

Said angle between said wall and the direction perpendicular to the direction of injection of the water may be between 15 and 30 °.

The glide area can be tilted from top to bottom and from entry to exit.

In other words, the entrance to the glide zone can be higher than the exit of the glide zone so that the user is directed, by gravity, from the entrance to the exit.

Of course, such a feature can be used in combination with an inclined wall so as to redirect the water flow towards the outlet.

The height difference between the entry and exit of the gliding zone is for example between 0 and 2 meters. The water injection means can be designed to generate a water jet or a water slide directed, at least in part, in the direction of the outlet.

In other words, the direction of said water jet or water slide has a component oriented towards the exit.

Such a feature allows the user to be directed towards the exit.

Of course, such a feature can be used in combination with an inclined wall so as to redirect the water flow towards the outlet, and / or in combination with a sliding zone inclined from top to bottom and from the inlet to the outlet. the exit.

The means for determining the user's position may include optical or proximity detection means.

Said optical detection means may for example comprise a camera associated with a calculation system capable of determining the position of the user on an image taken by the camera.

The proximity detection means comprise, for example, at least one infrared sensor and / or at least one ultrasonic sensor capable of detecting the distance between the user and a fixed point of the device.

As a variant, the means for determining the position of the user may comprise a timing system capable of generating a water jet or a water slide at defined time intervals from a determined instant, for example. the moment when the user leaves the entrance to the sliding zone.

The timing system is a means of determining, indirectly, the position of the user. The timing system can be associated with a means of detecting the user at the entry area, in particular a means capable of determining the instant when the user leaves the entry area to go to the area. of sliding. Such detection can be carried out by any means, for example optical, such as a laser.

The device may include a scale capable of determining the mass of the user, and possibly one or more accessories of the user, such as a buoy or a surfboard, the injection means of water can then be designed to adapt the flow rate of the injected water flow according to the mass determined by the balance.

The scale can also be used to determine when the user leaves the entry area to enter the glide area.

The device may include a storage area, intended for storing buoys for example, located near the exit from the sliding area.

The sliding zone comprises at least one concave portion, at least one convex portion and / or at least one flat zone.

The curvature of the gliding surface may be continuous and may not include a break in slope. The device may include a ramp allowing the introduction of a user at the entrance to the sliding surface.

The gliding zone can include at least one curved zone in top view, for example a generally U-shaped zone. The gliding zone can include several contiguous curved zones, so as to form a gliding course having a complex trajectory, adapted in particular to the installation area of such a device.

The invention also relates to a method of operating a device of the aforementioned type, characterized in that it comprises at least one step of determining the position of the user and at least one step of generating a jet of. water or a layer of water when the user is in a descent phase towards the lower part of the sliding zone, so as to redirect said user towards the upper part of the sliding zone.

Brief description of the figures

[Fig. 1] is a perspective view of a device according to a first embodiment of the invention,

[Fig. 2] is a top view of the device,

[Fig. 3],

[Fig. 4],

[Fig. 5],

[Fig. 6],

[Fig. 7] and

[Fig. 8] are views illustrating different successive steps in the operation of the device, [Fig. 9] is another perspective view of a device according to the first embodiment of the invention,

[Fig. 10] is a perspective view of a device according to a second embodiment of the invention,

[Fig. 11] is a top view of the device of FIG. 10.

Detailed description of the invention

FIGS. 1 to 8 illustrate a device 1 for generating waves for the practice of water sports or sliding activities, the device 1 comprising a structure comprising a sliding surface or zone 2 surrounded, in part, by a rim 3 formed by walls 4, 5, 6 extending vertically upwards. The sliding surface 2 comprises a so-called lower or lower end 7, a so-called upper or upper end 8, a first lateral end 9, a second lateral end 10, an entry zone 11 and an exit zone 12. The entry zone 11 is located at the level of the low end 7 and close to the first lateral end 9. The exit zone 12 is located at the level of the second lateral end 10 and close to the high end 8 .

The low 7 and high 8 ends are offset from each other along a first axis, denoted

X. The lateral ends 9, 10 are offset from each other along a second axis, denoted

Y, perpendicular to the X axis. The inlet and outlet are offset from each other along the X axis and along the Y axis. The X and Y axes lie in a horizontal plane. We also define a vertical axis Z, orthogonal to the X and Y axes.

The edges of the sliding surface 2 delimited by the aforementioned first and second lateral ends 9, 10 are here perpendicular to the edge defined by the lower end 7. The edge defined by the upper end 8 forms, in top view (FIG. 2) an angle a with respect to the edge formed by the lower end 7.

The angle a is oriented towards the outlet 12 or the second end 10. In other words, the upper edge e moves away from the lower edge 7 of the end 9 towards the end 10, at least on a part of said upper edge 8. Said angle a is for example between 15 and 30 °.

In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 8, the gliding surface 2 has an upwardly extending curved concave area 13 (Fig. 1) located near the upper end 8. The rest of the gliding surface 2 can be flat and located in a horizontal plane. The curvature of the sliding surface 2 is preferably continuous and does not include any break in slope.

The difference in height, that is to say the distance along the Z axis, between the highest point of the upper end 8, and the lower end 7, is between 0 and 2 meters, for example . The radius of curvature of the concave zone 13 is for example between 3 and 9 meters.

The device 1 may include a ramp 14 allowing the introduction of a user 15 at the entrance 11 of the sliding surface 2.

The flange 3 has a first side wall 5 extending along the edge of the first end 9, a second side wall 6 extending along a portion of the edge of the second end 10, and a wall 5 extending. along the edge of the top end 8.

The wall 5 extending along the edge of the upper end 5 thus also forms an angle α with the lower edge 7 of the sliding surface 2.

The exit zone 12 at the edge of the second end 10 has no wall so as to allow the passage of users 15. The exit zone 12 comprises an exit sliding surface 16 extending in the extension of the surface. sliding surface 2, beyond the second end 10 of the sliding surface 2. The device 1 further comprises water injection means capable of generating a water jet or a water slide (delimited by dotted lines 17 in the figures) at the level of the end 7, the device 1 being designed to direct a user 15 from the inlet 11 to the outlet 12 of the gliding surface 2 and alternately from the upper part to the lower part of the gliding surface 2, in particular by means of the water jet or of the water slide 17.

The water injection means may comprise at least two water injection zones, here three distinct zones denoted Z1, Z2 and Z3 in the figures, offset from each other along the Y axis, the means of water injection being designed to be able to supply water, independently, each injection zone Z1, Z2, Z3. In this particular embodiment, the jets or blades of water 17 generated at each zone are oriented perpendicular to the lower edge 7. Of course, other orientations are also possible, preferably in directions oriented towards the second end. side 6 and towards the upper edge 8.

The device 1 also comprises water recycling means capable of recovering the water flowing in particular at the level of the lower end of the sliding surface 2 or of the outlet 12, and capable of reinjecting it through the water injection means.

The device 1 further comprises means for determining the position of the user 15 and means for controlling water injection means capable of generating a jet or a blade of water 17 when the user 15 is in the water. a descent phase towards the lower part of the gliding surface 2, so as to redirect said user 15 towards the upper part of the gliding surface 2.

Said means for determining the position of the user 155 may include optical detection means. Said optical detection means may for example comprise a camera associated with a calculation system capable of determining the position of the user 155 on an image taken by the camera.

As a variant, the means for determining the position of the user 15 may include at least one infrared sensor and / or at least one ultrasonic sensor capable of detecting the distance between the user 155 and a fixed point of the device 1.

According to yet another variant, the means for determining the position of the user 15 may comprise a timing system capable of generating a water jet or a water blade 17 at time intervals defined from a determined instant, for example the instant when the user 155 leaves the entrance 11 of the sliding surface 2.

The device 1 further comprises a storage zone 18, intended for example for the storage of buoys 19, located near the exit zone 12.

Device 1 may include barriers 20 extending in particular along at least part of storage area 18 and along at least part of lower edge 7 and entry 11. The operation of such a device 1 will now be described with reference to Figures 3 to 8.

User 15 first enters sliding surface 2 through entrance 11. User 15 can be seated on buoy 19 for example. Once the user 15 is engaged on the gliding surface 2, the position of the user 15 is determined or evaluated and a jet or a blade of water 17 is produced in the associated area so as to gradually move the user. user 15 towards the exit 12 by making one or more alternative movements between the upper part of the sliding surface 2 and the lower part of the sliding surface 2. For this, when the user 15 is located in the upper part of the surface sliding 2, a low or zero water flow is injected at the zone Z1, Z2, Z3 considered, which allows the user 15 to move from the upper part to the lower part by gravity. Conversely, when the user 15 is located in the lower part of the sliding surface 2, a significant flow of water is injected into the zone Z1, Z2, Z3 considered, so that the water jet or the water blade 17 pushes the user 15 towards the upper part. The means for determining the position of the user 15 and the associated control means make it possible, for example, to push the user 15 back to the upper part before the latter reaches the lower end of the sliding surface 2 of so as to create a smooth and shock-free movement for the user 15.

FIGS. 3, 5 and 7 thus illustrate the case where a large flow of water 17 is generated respectively at the level of a first zone Z1, of a second zone Z2 and of a third zone Z3, respectively, so as to allow the user 15 to move towards the upper part of the sliding surface 2.

Figures 4 and 6 illustrate the case where the injected water flow is low or zero, so as to allow movement of the user 15 in the direction of the lower part of the sliding surface 2.

Furthermore, due to the inclination of the wall 5 located at the level of the upper edge 8 of the sliding surface 2, the water is redirected towards the outlet 12, so that the user 15 is also directed simultaneously and gradually towards the exit 12 as and when alternating movements between the lower part and the upper part of the gliding surface 2. A new user 15 can enter the gliding surface 2 as soon as a user 15 has left it for example, without requiring stopping the water injection means, as illustrated in FIG. 1 or 8.

According to a variant not shown, the sliding surface 2 can be inclined from top to bottom and from the inlet 11 to the outlet 12.

The height difference between the inlet 11 and the outlet 12 of the sliding surface 2 is for example between 0 and 2 meters. The water injection means and the associated control means may be able to generate a flow or a sheet of water continuously over time, so as for example to allow use more oriented towards the practice of surfing or similar for example.

In other words, the entrance 11 of the gliding surface 2 can be higher than the exit 12 of the gliding surface 2 so that the user 15 is directed, by gravity, from the entrance 11 towards the output 12.

According to yet another embodiment, it is possible to adjust the inclination of the sliding surface 2, for example by means of jacks, along the X axis and / or along the Y axis.

The water injection means and the associated control means may also be able to generate a water jet or a water blade 17 continuously over time, so as for example to allow more oriented use on surfing or the like for example.

Figures 10 and 11 illustrate a device 1 according to a third embodiment. This comprises a sliding surface 2 comprising a first zone 21 having, in top view, a rounded shape in the form of a U, and a second zone 22 also having a rounded shape in top view, in the general shape of an inverted L. .

The first zone 21 comprises a first end 21a and a second end 21b, formed at the ends of the U. The second zone 22 also comprises a first end 22a, situated in the extension of the second end 21b of the first zone 21, and a second end 22b.

The first end 21a of the first zone 21 is able to form an entrance for a user, the second end 21b of the first zone 21 and / or the second end 22b of the second zone 22 are able to form the exits of the user. the user. The device 1 may include entry or exit platforms 23 or access areas at the ends 21a, 21 bn 22b.

As before, the device 1 comprises means of water injection means and water recycling means capable of recovering the water flowing in particular at the level of the lower end 7 of the sliding surface 2. or outlets 21, 22b, and able to reinject it through the water injection means. An example of a user's journey from the entry 21a to the exit 22b is illustrated diagrammatically by arrows in FIG. 11. It can be seen that, on such a journey, at the ends 21a, 21b of the first zone 21, the user moves alternately between the lower part 7 and the upper part 8 of the sliding surface 2. Barriers 24 formed for example by foam or inflatable tubes, can be placed in different places of the device 1, to contain or direct the flow of water and / or to ensure user safety.

Claims

1. Device (1) for generating waves for the practice of water sports or sliding activities, the device (1) comprising at least one sliding zone (2) comprising an inlet (11), an outlet (12), an upper part and a lower part, the sliding zone (2) being supplied with water by means of water injection means capable of generating a water jet or a layer of water (17), the device (1 ) being designed to direct a user (15) from the entrance (11) to the exit (12) of the gliding zone (2) and alternately from the upper zone to the lower zone of the gliding zone (2), by means in particular of the water jet or the water blade (17), characterized in that the device (1) comprises means for determining the position of the user (15) and control means water injection means capable of generating a jet or a layer of water (17) when the user (15) is in a phase of descent towards the lower part of the sliding zone (2), so to redi straighten said user (15) towards the upper part of the gliding zone (2).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the water injection means comprise at least two water injection zones (Z1, Z2, Z3) offset from one another, the water injection means being designed to be able to supply water, independently, each water injection zone (Z1, Z2, Z3).

3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a rim (3) at least partially surrounding the sliding zone (2), said rim (3) comprising at least one wall (5). ) extending upwards from the upper end (8) of the sliding zone (2), said wall (5) forming a non-zero angle (a) with the direction perpendicular to the direction of injection of the water by the water injection means, said wall (5) being inclined so as to redirect the water towards the outlet (12).

4. Device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that said angle (a) between said wall (5) and the direction perpendicular to the direction of injection of the water is between 15 and 30 °.

5. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the sliding zone (2) is inclined from top to bottom and from the inlet (11) to the outlet (12).

6. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the water injection means are designed to generate a water jet or a water blade (17) directed, at least in part, in the direction of the outlet (12).

7. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the means for determining the position of the user (15) comprise optical or proximity detection means.

8. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the sliding zone comprises at least one curved zone in top view.

9. A method of operating a device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises at least one step of determining the position of the user (15) and at least one step generating a water jet or a water slide (17) when the user (15) is in a descent phase towards the lower part of the gliding zone (2), so as to redirect said user (15) towards the upper part of the gliding zone (2).