JP2021038912A - Snowmaking device, artificial weather chamber, and snowmaking method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a snowmaking device which can obtain a snowmaking amount or a snow supply amount which is not limited by the snowmaking capacity.SOLUTION: A snowmaking device 10 includes: a snow accumulation part 14 having a snowmaking function for generating snow and a snow accumulating function for keeping the generated snow in a non-solid state and accumulating the snow in the state; and a snow falling part 20 into which the snow accumulated in the snow accumulation part 14 is introduced and which causes the introduced snow to fall. The snow accumulation part 14 includes: a tank 22 having the snowmaking function; and a blower 28 which flows air carrying the snow in the tank 22. Operation of the blower 28 causes the air carrying the snow to flow in the tank 22 in a manner that the air goes around along an inner surface of the tank 22.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

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

As disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 below, a snowfall device for artificially snowing is known. For example, the snowfall device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes an ice making chamber in which an ice maker is arranged, and a low temperature chamber in which ice produced in the ice making chamber is crushed into ice particles in a low temperature environment. The ice-grained artificial snow is pumped toward the wind tunnel. On the other hand, in the snowfall device disclosed in Patent Document 2, an ice crystal generation mechanism, an assembly chamber for collecting ice crystals generated by the ice crystal generation mechanism, a liquid spray mechanism for generating fog, and a low-temperature ultrasonic field are formed. It is equipped with an ultrasonic levitation mechanism. In this device, snowflakes become snowflakes while fog and ice crystals are floating in the ultrasonic field, and the snowflakes fall naturally.

Japanese Patent No. 5843240 Special Fair 6-63686 Gazette

The snowfall device disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 has a configuration in which it snows in sequence while making snow. Therefore, the amount of snowfall or the amount of snow supply is limited by the snow-making capacity. In other words, it is not possible to obtain more snowfall than the snow-making capacity.

An object of the present invention is to obtain a snowfall amount or a snow supply amount that is not limited by the snow-making ability.

The snowfall device according to one aspect of the present invention has a snow storage part having a snow making function for generating snow and a snow storage function for storing the generated snow while keeping it in a non-solidified state, and is stored in the snow storage part. It is equipped with a snowfall section where the introduced snow is introduced and the introduced snow is dropped or supplied to the specimen.

The artificial meteorological room according to another aspect of the present invention includes the snowfall device and a test room having a space for arranging the specimen, and the snowfall device allows snow to fall in the test chamber or the test piece. Supply snow to.

The snowfall method according to another aspect of the present invention is a snowfall method using the snowfall device, in which snow is generated in the snow storage section of the snowfall device and the generated snow is solidified in the snow storage section. The snow in the snow storage section is introduced into the snowfall section, and the snowfall section causes the snow to fall or is supplied to the specimen.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a snowfall amount or a snow supply amount that is not limited by the snow-making ability.

It is a figure which shows schematicly the snowfall device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the connection position of the circulation path with respect to a tank. It is a figure which shows typically the snowfall device which concerns on the modification of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows schematicly the snowfall device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows schematicly the snowfall device which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows schematicly the snowfall device which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows schematicly the snowfall device which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows schematicly the artificial weather room which concerns on 6th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows schematicly about the artificial weather room which concerns on the modification of 6th Embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 1, the snowfall device 10 according to the first embodiment is a device that artificially generates snow and causes the generated snow to fall. The snowfall device 10 includes an ice crystal generation unit 12, a snow storage unit 14, an adjustment unit 18, and a snowfall unit 20.

The ice crystal generation unit 12 is configured to generate ice crystals that are the core for growing snow. Ice crystals are formed by freezing fine water droplets generated by a humidifier (not shown) consisting of an ultrasonic humidifier or the like. The ice crystal generation unit 12 has a low temperature space where fine water droplets are sprayed. The temperature in this space is adjusted to, for example, −40 ° C. or lower. Therefore, in the ice crystal generation unit 12, fine mist-like water droplets freeze to generate ice crystals. Ice crystals are ice particles of a size that allows them to float in the air without falling naturally. The ice crystals generated by the ice crystal generation unit 12 are introduced into the tank 22 of the snow storage unit 14, which will be described later, through a pipe.

The snow storage unit 14 is a portion that generates snow and stores the generated snow so that it does not solidify. The snow storage unit 14 branches from the tank 22, the circulation path 24 whose both ends are connected to the tank 22, and the circulation path 24. It has a connecting path 26 and a connecting path 26. The tank 22 is formed in a size capable of temporarily storing snow that can be dropped in a predetermined time such as a set test time.

One end of the circulation path 24 is connected to the bottom (lower part) of the tank 22, and the other end is connected to the side of the tank 22. A blower 28 is arranged in the circulation path 24. By operating the blower 28, the air in the tank 22 is sucked from the bottom of the tank 22. The air flowing through the circulation path 24 is blown into the tank 22 from the side portion of the tank 22. That is, in the circulation path 24, the end connected to the bottom of the tank 22 is the suction end, and the end connected to the side of the tank 22 is the blowout end.

One end of the connecting path 26 is connected to a portion of the circulation path 24 on the downstream side of the blower 28, and the other end is connected to the ceiling portion of the tank 22. A part of the air with snow flowing through the circulation path 24 flows into the connecting path 26. Since the other end of the connecting path 26 is connected to the central portion of the ceiling, the snow blown out from the connecting path 26 into the tank 22 is unlikely to adhere to the inner wall surface of the tank 22.

In the connecting path 26, a cooler 30 for cooling the air accompanied by snow flowing through the connecting path 26 is arranged. The cooler 30 has an ability to cool the air to a temperature at which snow is generated in the tank 22 and a temperature at which fine snowflakes grow in the tank 22. The cooler 30 is composed of, for example, an evaporator of a vapor compression refrigerating machine.

The tank 22 forms a space for generating and growing snow. Specifically, a plurality of nozzles 32 for spraying low-temperature water droplets are arranged in the tank 22, and these nozzles 32 inject water droplets upward in a mist form. The nozzle 32 may be composed of a two-fluid nozzle. The temperature inside the tank 22 is adjusted to about −20 ° C. by introducing air cooled by the cooler 30. Therefore, in the portion above the nozzle 32 in the space inside the tank 22, the ice crystals generated by the ice crystal generation unit 12 and the mist-like water droplets ejected from the nozzle 32 come into contact with each other, and the ice crystals are used as nuclei. It grows into snowflakes. That is, the snow storage unit 14 has a snow-making function, and the space above the nozzle 32 in the tank 22 is a space for generating and growing snow. On the other hand, the space below the nozzle 32 in the tank 22 is a snow storage space in which the generated snow is stored. In other words, in the tank 22, snow is generated by the snow making function above the portion where the air accompanied by snow flows. Since the nozzle 32 is arranged so as to inject water from the bottom to the top, it is possible to prevent water droplets from adhering to the snow in the snow storage space and becoming wet snow.

The side portion of the tank 22 is formed so as to be inclined so as to be located at a position lower than the central portion at a portion below the connecting portion at the other end of the circulation path 24. For this reason, snow tends to flow down toward the bottom of the central part.

The ice crystal generation unit 12 may be omitted. In this case, if the temperature inside the tank 22 is adjusted to about −40 ° C., snow can be generated in the tank 22.

The other end of the circulation path 24 is connected to the side of the tank 22 at a position below the nozzle 32. As shown in FIG. 2, the other end is connected to the side portion of the tank 22 so that air flows in a direction deviated laterally from the center line 22a extending vertically in the tank 22. .. Specifically, the tank 22 is formed in a circular shape in a top view, and the circulation path 24 is connected to the tank 22 so that the extension line passes through a position deviated from the center line 22a of the circle. .. Therefore, when the blower 28 operates and air is blown out from the circulation path 24 into the tank 22, the inside of the tank 22 is such that the air accompanied by snow circulates along the inner surface of the tank 22. Below the nozzle 32 in, a circulating flow of air with snow occurs. Therefore, the snow generated in the tank 22 and the snow blown out from the circulation path 24 into the tank 22 are collected in the tank 22 while flowing. That is, in the tank 22, the snow is not accumulated in a piled state, but is accumulated in a fluid state. Therefore, in the snow storage section 14, the snow does not harden for a long time and is kept in the snow state. That is, the snow storage unit 14 has a means for keeping the snow in the snow storage unit 14 in a non-solidified state.

In the snow storage unit 14, by the operation of the blower 28, the snow in the tank 22 is conveyed to the air and sucked into the circulation path 24 from the bottom of the tank 22, and the air with snow flowing through the circulation path 24 is removed. Return to the tank 22. Such a cycle is repeated. Further, a part of the air flowing through the circulation path 24 flows into the connecting path 26. The connecting path 26 allows a part of the air with snow flowing through the circulation path 24 to flow into the tank 22 from the ceiling of the tank 22. That is, the blower 28 guides the snow stored in the tank 22 to the snow-making part through the circulation path 24 and the connecting path 26.

The circulation path 24 is provided with an air introduction port (not shown) at a position on the upstream side of the blower 28. As a result, even when snow is supplied through the supply path 34 described later, it is possible to prevent the circulation path 24 from becoming a low pressure close to vacuum on the upstream side of the blower 28.

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

The adjusting unit 18 adjusts the supply flow rate and the supply amount of snow from the snow storage unit 14 to the snowfall unit 20. Specifically, the adjusting unit 18 adjusts the supply flow rate and the supply amount of air accompanied by snow to the snowfall unit 20 in response to a command from the snowfall amount setting device 36. The adjusting unit 18 has a first damper 18a arranged downstream of the connecting portion of the supply path 34 in the circulation path 24, and a second damper 18b arranged in the supply path 34. The snowfall amount setting device 36 controls the opening degree of each of the first damper 18a and the second damper 18b according to the set snowfall amount. The amount of snowfall set in the snowfall amount setting device 36 represents the amount of snow that accumulates per unit time. The amount of snowfall can be set to be larger than the amount of snow that can be generated per unit time in the snow storage unit 14.

At least a part of the air with snow flowing through the circulation path 24 is introduced into the snowfall portion 20. The snowfall section 20 has a snow outlet 20a for letting the introduced snow fall. The snow from the snow outlet 20a is diffused by a diffusion member (not shown) and snow falls. When the snowfall device 10 is used outdoors, the snowfall portion 20 may be arranged outdoors. Alternatively, the snowfall portion 20 may be arranged in a test room (not shown).

The duct forming the supply path 34 may be blown out directly from the snow outlet 20a without being squeezed at the snow outlet 20a, but instead of this configuration, the snow outlet 20a is provided with a snowfall nozzle that squeezes the duct forming the supply path 34. It may be configured to allow snow to fall from the snowfall nozzle.

The snow introduced into the snowfall section 20 is dry snow. Therefore, the snowfall portion 20 is provided with a nozzle 38 for spraying water on the introduced dry snow. As a result, wet snow can be made to fall from the snowfall portion 20. The nozzle 38 may spray air and water at the same time. In this case, a mechanism for adjusting the injection amount of air may be added. Further, the nozzle 38 may be omitted, and the snowfall portion 20 may be configured to allow dry snow to fall.

The nozzle 38 that sprays water toward the snow is connected to a water supply pipe 39 that supplies water to the nozzle 38. The water supply pipe 39 is provided with a water amount adjusting valve 39a. The water amount adjusting valve 39a is configured to adjust the spray amount in response to a command from the water content setting device 42. The water content setting device 42 is a device for setting the water content of the snow that the snowfall unit 20 makes, and outputs a command according to the set water content. The water amount adjusting valve 39a adjusts the opening degree by this command. As a result, the amount of spray from the nozzle 38 is adjusted. That is, the snowfall portion 20 is configured to make snow fall according to the set water content. The water content setting device 42 may be configured so that the set water content can be changed. In this case, it is possible to make snow of various moisture contents fall, and it is possible to change the snow quality. When adjusting the amount of water by the water amount adjusting valve 39a, the amount of snowfall set by the snowfall amount setting device 36 may be taken into consideration. Further, when the snowfall portion 20 is configured to cause wet snow having a constant water content, the nozzle 38 may be configured to spray a constant amount of water. In this case, the water content setting device 42 is omitted. However, when the water content setting device 42 is omitted and the amount of snowfall is changed, the water amount adjusting valve 39a is configured to adjust the amount of water according to the amount of snowfall set by the snowfall amount setting device 36. .. Further, the nozzle 38 may be configured to directly adjust the amount of water sprayed.

Instead of the water content setting device 42, a spray amount setting device may be provided. In this case, the opening degree of the water amount adjusting valve 39a or the spray amount by the nozzle 38 is adjusted so that the spray amount is set by the spray amount setting device. Even with this configuration, the water content of the snow falling from the snowfall portion 20 can be adjusted.

Here, the snowfall method performed by the snowfall device 10 according to the first embodiment will be described. First, ice crystals are generated in the ice crystal generation unit 12. In order to generate ice crystals, a humidifier is used to generate fine water droplets, and the water droplets are sprayed into the ice crystal generation unit 12. Since the temperature inside the ice crystal generation unit 12 is adjusted to, for example, −40 ° C. or lower, the sprayed fine mist-like water droplets freeze and ice crystals are generated.

The ice crystals generated by the ice crystal generation unit 12 are introduced into the tank 22 of the snow storage unit 14. In the tank 22 of the snow storage unit 14, the temperature is adjusted to about −20 ° C., and fine water droplets are sprayed from the nozzle 32, so that ice crystals become nuclei and grow into snowflakes. When the snowflake grows gradually and grows to the extent that it falls due to gravity, it falls below the nozzle 32. Further, in the tank 22, the suction action of the blower 28 also works, so that some fine snowflakes also flow below the nozzle 32.

Due to the operation of the blower 28, the snow accumulated in the tank 22, particularly below the nozzle 32, is sucked into the circulation path 24 from the bottom of the tank 22 and flows through the circulation path 24. The air with snow flowing through the circulation path 24 is blown into the tank 22 from its side. At this time, since the air is blown into the tank 22 in a direction deviated from the center line 22a of the tank 22, the air accompanied by snow is along the inner surface of the side portion of the tank 22 below the nozzle 32. It flows so as to go around. As described above, in the snow storage unit 14, air is circulated with the snow through the circulation path 24, and the snow is flowing in the tank 22. Therefore, in the snow storage unit 14, the snow is stored while being kept in a state where it does not solidify. That is, the snow storage unit 14 has a snow storage function.

A part of the snowy air flowing through the circulation path 24 is introduced into the connecting path 26. In the connecting path 26, the air with snow is cooled by the cooler 30. The air with the cooled snow is introduced into the tank 22 from the ceiling of the tank 22. That is, since the cooling air is introduced into the tank 22, the inside of the tank 22 is maintained in a snow-making environment. The snow that has flowed into the tank 22 from the ceiling grows by coming into contact with the water droplets sprayed from the nozzle 32. That is, the air with snow led out from the tank 22 to the circulation path 24 is guided to the snow-making portion located at the upper part in the tank 22, and the snow grows in the snow-making portion. After the predetermined amount of snow is generated, the spraying of water from the nozzle 32 is stopped, but even in this case, the operation of the blower 28 is continued. That is, the snow storage unit 14 can take a state of circulating air with snow while making snow and a state of circulating air with snow without making snow.

The operation of collecting snow in the snow storage unit 14 is performed prior to the operation of collecting snow from the snowfall unit 20. Therefore, before the command from the snowfall amount setting device 36 is sent to the adjusting unit 18, snow can be made and stored in advance. At this time, the second damper 18b is closed and the first damper 18a is fully opened. Therefore, in the snow storage section 14, air accompanied by snow is circulated between the tank 22 and the circulation path 24 without being sent to the snowfall section 20.

When a command is sent from the snowfall amount setting device 36 to the adjusting unit 18, the opening degrees of the first damper 18a and the second damper 18b are adjusted so that the air having a flow rate corresponding to the command flows into the supply path 34. As a result, at least a part of the snow flowing through the circulation path 24 is guided to the snowfall section 20 through the supply path 34. It is also possible to change the amount of snowfall during snowfall by sending a command from the snowfall amount setting device 36. In this case, the amount of snowfall can be changed while snowfalling.

In the snowfall section 20, the opening degree of the water amount adjusting valve 39a is adjusted in response to a command from the water content setting device 42. As a result, the amount of water sprayed from the nozzle 38 is adjusted, and the snow ejected from the snow outlet 20a becomes wet snow having a desired moisture content. The wet snow is diffused by the diffusing member and snow falls. The amount of snowfall set by the snowfall amount setting device 36 may be taken into consideration when adjusting the amount of water sprayed. Further, the snowfall portion 20 may be configured to be wetted by receiving water spray from the nozzle 38 after the snow is diffused by the diffusion member.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the snow storage unit 14 generates snow and stores the generated snow while keeping it in a non-solidified state. Then, the snowfall device 10 causes the snowfall section 20 to drop the snow stored in the snow storage section 14. That is, the amount of snow introduced from the snow storage unit 14 to the snowfall unit 20 per unit time may exceed the snow making capacity of the snow storage unit 14 per unit time. Further, the total amount of snow that can be dropped by the snowfall section 20 within a predetermined time may be stored in the snow storage section 14. Therefore, unlike the configuration in which snow is made and snow is sequentially dropped, the amount of snowfall or the amount of snow supply is not limited by the snow-making ability. Therefore, in the snowfall device 10, it is possible to obtain the amount of snowfall or the amount of snow supply that does not depend on the snowmaking capacity per unit time. Moreover, since the snow storage section 14 is kept in a state in which the snow does not solidify, if the snow accumulated in the snow storage section 14 is introduced into the snowfall section 20, it is possible to make the snow fall from the snowfall section 20. Although the snow is held in the snow storage section 14 so that the snow does not solidify, it does not mean that all of the snow does not solidify at all, and as a result of trying to keep the snow in a non-solidified state, it is partially. The snow may harden. In short, it is sufficient that the snow is maintained in the snow storage section 14 so that the snow can be supplied to the snowfall section 20.

Further, in the present embodiment, the blower 28 operates in the snow storage unit 14, so that air accompanied by snow flows in the tank 22. Therefore, the snow in the tank 22 is accumulated in the snow storage section 14 while continuing to move without being stationary until it is introduced into the snowfall section 20. Therefore, in the snow storage unit 14, the snow can be kept in a state where it does not solidify for a long time even after the snow is formed. That is, it can be said that the configuration in which the air with snow flows is a configuration in which the air with snow in the tank 22 flows due to the force of the air blown into the tank 22.

Further, in the present embodiment, the air accompanied by snow flows in the tank 22 so as to orbit along the inner surface on the side portion of the tank 22. Therefore, the air can be easily flowed in the tank 22 and the snow can be easily maintained in a non-solidified state.

Further, in the present embodiment, the circulation path 24 is connected to the tank 22, and air flows through the circulation path 24 by the operation of the blower 28. As a result, the snow in the tank 22 is conveyed to the air and flows through the circulation path 24. The air with snow flowing through the circulation path 24 returns to the inside of the tank 22. In this way, the snow is conveyed to the air and flows through the circulation path 24 until it is introduced into the snowfall portion 20, so that the snow can be kept from solidifying. Further, the momentum of the air flowing through the circulation path 24 also acts in the tank 22, so that the air flows in the tank 22 with snow. Therefore, the snow is kept from solidifying even in the tank 22. Further, it is possible to suppress the increase in size of the tank 22 as compared with the configuration in which the air with snow is not circulated between the tank 22 and the circulation path 24 but the air with snow is flowed only in the tank 22. it can.

Further, in the present embodiment, in the tank 22 of the snow storage portion 14, the snow generation portion is located above the connection portion of the circulation path 24. Of the generated snow, large snowflakes tend to fall down, so it is not necessary to add a mechanism for transporting the large snowflakes below the connection portion of the circulation path 24. On the other hand, in the tank 22, the snow flowing below the connection portion of the circulation path 24 is unlikely to flow to the snow making portion. Therefore, in the tank 22, it is possible to easily stop a large snowflake in the lower part. Moreover, the influence of air flow in the lower part of the tank 22 is unlikely to reach the snow generation site. Therefore, in the snow-making space, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the generated snow is conveyed to the air introduced from the circulation path 24 and flows along the inner wall surface of the tank 22, and the generated snow is transferred to the tank 22. Adhesion to the inner wall surface can be suppressed.

Further, in the present embodiment, the circulation path 24 is connected to the tank 22 so that air flows in a direction deviated from the center line 22a of the tank 22. Therefore, when the air accompanied by snow is blown into the tank 22, the air flows around the center line 22a of the tank (circumferentially) with snow in the tank 22. That is, by adjusting the connection position of the circulation path 24 with respect to the tank 22, it is possible to realize a configuration in which air is circulated in the tank 22, so that it is not necessary to add a stirring mechanism or the like.

Further, in the present embodiment, the air in the snow storage portion in the tank 22 is guided to the snow making portion in the tank 22 through the circulation path 24 and the connecting path 26 together with the snow. Snowflakes can be grown by sending fine snowflakes in the tank 22 to the snow-making part. Therefore, it is possible to reduce snowflakes that have not grown completely.

Further, in the present embodiment, since the adjusting unit 18 is provided, the amount of snow that the snowfall unit 20 can make can be changed. Therefore, it is possible to change the amount of snowfall.

Further, the adjusting unit 18 adjusts the diversion ratio from the circulation path 24 so that at least a part of the air with snow flowing through the circulation path 24 is introduced into the snowfall section 20. That is, the amount of snow transported to the snowfall portion 20 can be adjusted only by adjusting the ratio of the snow circulating through the circulation path 24 to the snow introduced into the snowfall portion 20.

In the present embodiment, the ice crystal generation unit 12 is connected to the tank 22 of the snow storage unit 14, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, air having a temperature of about −40 ° C. may be introduced into the tank 22 of the snow storage unit 14. In this case, a pipe 61 for guiding air is provided in the tank 22. Then, a cooling device 60 for cooling the air flowing in the pipe 61 to about −40 ° C. (for example, −35 ° C. to −45 ° C.) is provided. The air introduced into the tank 22 is preferably dry air.

The air cooled by the cooling device 60 is introduced into the tank 22 of the snow storage unit 14 through the pipe 61. The pipe 61 is connected to the tank 22 so as to eject air toward the water ejected from the nozzle 32 arranged in the tank 22. The nozzle 32 may be arranged so as to eject water in the direction along the side surface of the tank 22 and in the same direction as the circumferential direction by the air from the circulation path 24. The nozzle 32 is configured to eject fine water droplets generated by an ultrasonic humidifier in the form of mist.

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

The tank 22 of the snow storage unit 14, the first damper 18a, or the excitation unit 62 that vibrates the circulation path 24 may be provided. The vibration of the tank 22, the first damper 18a, or the circulation path 24 can prevent snow from adhering to the inside of the tank 22, the first damper 18a, and the circulation path 24. The exciting unit 62 impacts the tank 22, the first damper 18a or the circulation path 24, or shakes the tank 22, the first damper 18a or the circulation path 24 to make the tank 22, the first damper 18a or the circulation path 24. It is configured to vibrate. The excitation unit 62 can be omitted.

The excitation unit 62 may be configured to vibrate the connecting path 26. In this case, it is possible to prevent snow from adhering to the connecting path 26.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. Here, the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the first embodiment, the blower 28 sucks the air in the tank 22 into the circulation path 24 from the end connected to the bottom of the tank 22 in the circulation path 24, and the end connected to the side portion of the tank 22. It is configured to blow air into the tank 22 from the air. That is, in the tank 22, air flows mainly from top to bottom. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the air flows mainly from the bottom to the top in the tank 22. That is, in the second embodiment, the blower 28 sucks the air in the tank 22 into the circulation path 24 from the end connected to the ceiling portion of the tank 22 in the circulation path 24, and is connected to the side portion of the tank 22. It is configured to blow air into the tank 22 from the end. Therefore, large snowflakes are difficult to be sucked into the circulation path 24 and mainly flow in the tank 22.

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

In the second embodiment, the connecting path 26 branching from the circulation path 24 is not provided, and the cooler 30 is arranged in the circulation path 24. When the blower 28 operates, the air cooled by the cooler 30 in the circulation path 24 is blown into the tank 22. Since an upward air flow is mainly generated in the tank 22, large snowflakes orbit below the nozzle 32 in the tank 22, while small snowflakes are conveyed to the air and flow upward. At the upper part in the tank 22, small snowflakes grow into large snowflakes because they come into contact with water droplets ejected from the nozzle 32.

The supply path 34 is not connected to the circulation path 24, but to the tank 22. A damper 18c is arranged in the supply path 34. The damper 18c functions as an adjusting unit 18 for adjusting the supply flow rate and the amount of snow supplied from the snow storage unit 14 to the snowfall unit 20. The snowfall amount setting device 36 controls the damper 18c only when it snows from the snowfall portion 20, and opens the supply path 34. The snowfall amount setting device 36 keeps the damper 18c closed when only generating and storing snow.

In the present embodiment, when the blower 28 is operated, air flows with snow in the tank 22 having a snow-making function. That is, the force of the air blown into the tank 22 causes the air with snow in the tank 22 to flow. Therefore, the snow in the tank 22 is accumulated in the snow storage section 14 while continuing to move without being stationary until it is introduced into the snowfall section 20. Further, the snow is conveyed to the air and flows through the circulation path 24 until it is introduced into the snowfall portion 20. Therefore, in the snow storage unit 14, the snow can be kept in a state where it does not solidify for a long time even after the snow is formed.

Further, in the present embodiment, fine snowflakes in the tank 22 are sent to the snow-making part to grow. Large snowflakes do not easily flow upwards, while small snowflakes tend to flow upwards. Therefore, mainly fine snowflakes are likely to be introduced into the snow-making part. Therefore, it is possible to reduce snowflakes that have not grown completely.

In this embodiment as well, instead of the configuration provided with the ice crystal generation unit 12, air of about −40 ° C. is introduced into the tank 22 of the snow storage unit 14 as in the embodiment shown in FIG. Can be adopted. In this case, the tank 22 is provided with a pipe 61 for guiding air. Then, a cooling device 60 for cooling the air flowing in the pipe 61 to about −40 ° C. is provided. The pipe 61 is connected to the tank 22 so as to eject air toward the water ejected from the nozzle 32 in the tank 22. The nozzle 32 may be arranged so as to eject water in the direction along the side surface of the tank 22 and in the same direction as the circumferential direction by the air from the circulation path 24.

The inner surface of the tank 22 may be subjected to surface treatment such as water repellent treatment, hydrophilic treatment, and mirror finish. An excitation unit 62 that vibrates the tank 22 or the circulation path 24 may be provided.

Although the description of other configurations, actions and effects will be omitted, the description of the first embodiment can be incorporated into the second embodiment.

(Third Embodiment)
FIG. 5 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. Here, the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the first embodiment, a nozzle 32 for spraying water droplets is arranged in the tank 22. On the other hand, in the third embodiment, the nozzle 32 is arranged not in the tank 22 but on the downstream side of the cooler 30 in the circulation path 24. One end (suction end) of the circulation path 24 is connected to the bottom of the tank 22, and the other end (blowing end) of the circulation path 24 is connected to the ceiling of the tank 22. The nozzle 32 is arranged in the vicinity of the blowout end in the circulation path 24.

The blowout end of the circulation path 24 is connected to the ceiling instead of the side surface of the tank 22. Therefore, in the tank 22, a downward air flow from the ceiling to the bottom is generated. When air is blown into the tank 22 from the circulation path 24, the flow velocity of the air decreases. Therefore, the air flowing in the tank 22 reaches the bottom of the circulation path 24 over the time required for the snow to grow. Further, the fine water droplets ejected from the nozzle 32 mainly freeze in the tank 22 in which the flow velocity is reduced. Therefore, it is difficult for snow to adhere to the inner wall surfaces of the circulation path 24 and the tank 22. Further, the air accompanied by snow flows through the tank 22 and the circulation path 24, and flows from top to bottom in the tank 22, so that the snow is kept in a non-solidified state.

The supply path 34 is connected to a portion of the circulation path 24 on the downstream side of the cooler 30, but is connected to a portion of the circulation path 24 on the upstream side of the cooler 30 and on the downstream side of the blower 28. You may.

In this embodiment as well, instead of the configuration provided with the ice crystal generation unit 12, air of about −40 ° C. is introduced into the tank 22 of the snow storage unit 14 as in the embodiment shown in FIG. Can be adopted. In this case, the tank 22 is provided with a pipe 61 for guiding air. Then, a cooling device 60 for cooling the air flowing in the pipe 61 to about −40 ° C. is provided.

The inner surface of the tank 22 may be subjected to surface treatment such as water repellent treatment, hydrophilic treatment, and mirror finish. The tank 22, the first damper 18a, or the excitation unit 62 that vibrates the circulation path 24 may be provided.

Although the description of other configurations, actions and effects will be omitted, the description of the first and second embodiments can be incorporated into the third embodiment.

(Fourth Embodiment)
FIG. 6 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Here, the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

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

The partition member 44 includes, for example, a tubular wall portion 44a and a tapered inclined portion 44b connected to the lower end of the wall portion 44a. Although the upper end portion of the wall portion 44a is connected to the ceiling portion of the tank 22, a gap may be formed between the upper end portion and the ceiling portion of the tank 22. The tubular wall portion 44a is arranged at a position separated inward from the side portion of the tank 22, and the inclined portion 44b of the partition member 44 is arranged at a position separated inward from the bottom portion of the tank 22. Therefore, spaces are formed inside and outside the partition member 44, respectively.

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

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

At the lower end of the inclined portion 44b, an opening 44c that communicates the snow making space and the snow storage space is formed. The snow generated in the snow-making space falls through the opening 44c and is introduced into the snow storage space. The snow-making space and the snow-storing space communicate with each other through the opening 44c of the partition member 44.

The air with snow blown out from the circulation path 24 into the snow storage space flows downward while flowing around the tubular wall portion 44a. Then, it is sucked into the circulation path 24 from the bottom of the tank 22. Such air flow occurs in the snow storage space. On the other hand, since the snow making space is separated from the snow storage space by the partition member 44, it is not easily affected by the air flow in the snow storage space.

The connecting path 26 branching from the circulation path 24 is connected to the central portion in the ceiling portion of the tank 22. Therefore, the air with snow flowing through the connecting path 26 is introduced into the snow-making space in the tank 22. A damper 46 is arranged on the connecting path 26. The damper 46 is closed when the snow formation in the tank 22 is completed.

In the present embodiment, since the inner space of the tank 22 is divided into a snow making space and a snow storage space by the partition member 44, the snow making space for generating snow is affected by the flow of air in the snow storage space. It is possible to suppress receiving.

Further, in the present embodiment, snow is generated in the snow-making space in the tank 22, and the generated snow is introduced into the snow storage space through the opening 44c of the partition member 44. Of the generated snow, large snowflakes tend to fall down, so it is not necessary to add a mechanism for transporting the generated snow in the tank 22 to the air flow portion.

In the fourth embodiment, the connecting path 26 is connected to the circulation path 24, but the connecting path 26 may be omitted. In this case, for example, a gap is formed between the upper end of the wall portion 44a and the ceiling portion of the tank 22, and the air accompanied by snow flowing through the circulation path 24 flows into not only the snow storage space but also the snow making space. It may be configured to be used. Further, for example, air with ice crystals may be introduced into the snow-making space from the ice crystal generation unit 12.

In this embodiment as well, instead of the configuration provided with the ice crystal generation unit 12, the snow-making space (snow-making space) in the tank 22 of the snow storage unit 14 is filled with air at about −40 ° C. as in the embodiment shown in FIG. A configuration introduced into the space inside the partition member 44) may be adopted. In this case, a pipe 61 for guiding air to the snow-making space is provided. Then, a cooling device 60 for cooling the air flowing in the pipe 61 to about −40 ° C. is provided. The pipe 61 is connected to the partition member 44 so as to eject air toward the water ejected from the nozzle 32 in the snow-making space.

The inner surface of the tank 22 and the partition member 44 may be subjected to surface treatment such as water repellent treatment, hydrophilic treatment, and mirror finish. The tank 22, the first damper 18a, or the excitation unit 62 that vibrates the circulation path 24 may be provided. The excitation unit 62 may be configured to vibrate the connecting path 26 or the partition member 44.

Although the description of other configurations, actions and effects will be omitted, the description of the first embodiment can be incorporated into the fourth embodiment.

(Fifth Embodiment)
FIG. 7 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Here, the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

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

Specifically, in the fifth embodiment, the connecting path 26 is omitted, and a second circulation path 48 configured separately from the circulation path 24 is provided. One end of the second circulation path 48 is connected to the ceiling of the tank 22, and the other end of the second circulation path 48 is connected to a portion of the tank 22 below the nozzle 32. A blower 49 is arranged in the second circulation passage 48, and when the blower 49 operates, the air with snow produced in the tank 22 is passed through the second circulation passage 48 to a nozzle in the tank 22. Lead below 32. The cooler 30 is arranged in the second circulation path 48 instead of the circulation path 24. Since air flows from the bottom to the top in the upper part of the tank 22, fine snowflakes are introduced into the tank 22 below the nozzle 32 and then head toward the top of the nozzle 32. As a result, fine snowflakes grow. On the other hand, large snowflakes naturally fall in the tank 22 below the nozzle 32 regardless of the above air flow.

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

In this embodiment as well, instead of the configuration provided with the ice crystal generation unit 12, air of about −40 ° C. is introduced into the tank 22 of the snow storage unit 14 as in the embodiment shown in FIG. Can be adopted. In this case, the tank 22 is provided with a pipe 61 for guiding air. Then, a cooling device 60 for cooling the air flowing in the pipe 61 to about −40 ° C. is provided. The pipe 61 is connected to the tank 22 so as to eject air toward the water ejected from the nozzle 32 in the tank 22. The nozzle 32 may be arranged so as to eject water in the direction along the side surface of the tank 22 and in the same direction as the circumferential direction by the air from the circulation path 24. In this case, the second circulation path 48 may be connected to the tank 22 so that the air blown out from the second circulation path 48 also circulates in the same direction.

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

Although the description of other configurations, actions and effects will be omitted, the description of the first embodiment can be incorporated into the fifth embodiment.

(Sixth Embodiment)
The sixth embodiment is an artificial weather room 50 provided with the snowfall device 10 according to the first embodiment. The snowfall device 10 of the first embodiment is not limited to the case where it is arranged in the artificial weather room 50, and may be used for snowing indoors or outdoors, for example. On the other hand, in the fifth embodiment, the snowfall device 10 is used to make snow fall in the artificial weather room 50.

As shown in FIG. 8, the artificial weather room 50 according to the fifth embodiment includes a snowfall device 10 and a test room 52. Here, the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The test chamber 52 is formed in a size capable of accommodating a specimen (not shown) and allowing snow to fall. The inside of the test chamber 52 is adjusted to, for example, a temperature of about −20 ° C. or a temperature of about 5 ° C. by an air conditioner (not shown).

The snowfall device 10 includes an ice crystal generation unit 12, a snow storage unit 14, an adjustment unit 18, and a snowfall unit 20. A humidifier 13 that generates fine water droplets is connected to the ice crystal generation unit 12. The humidifier 13 is arranged outside the test chamber 52. On the other hand, the ice crystal generation unit 12, the snow storage unit 14, the adjustment unit 18, and the snowfall unit 20 are arranged in the test room 52. The ice crystal generation section 12, the tank 22 of the snow storage section 14, and the circulation path 24 may or may not be covered with a heat insulating material. Equipment that is not desirable to be placed in an extremely low temperature environment, such as a motor 54 that drives a blower 28 provided in the circulation path 24, is placed outside the test chamber 52.

The ice crystal generation unit 12, the snow storage unit 14, and the adjustment unit 18 do not have to be arranged in the test room 52. In this case, the ice crystal generation unit 12, the snow storage unit 14, and the adjustment unit 18 may be arranged in an air-conditioned room formed separately from the test room 52. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, the ice crystal generation unit 12, the snow storage unit 14, and the adjustment unit 18 are arranged outside the test chamber 52, and the ice crystal generation unit 12, the snow storage unit 14, and the adjustment unit 18 are arranged. The configuration may be covered with the heat insulating material 58. On the other hand, the snow outlet 20a of the snowfall portion 20 is arranged in the test chamber 52. In this configuration, it is not necessary to lower the temperature inside the test chamber 52 to a low temperature that does not affect snow formation or snow storage, and the temperature inside the test chamber 52 is set to a temperature suitable for the environment required for testing the specimen. The snowfall test can be conducted after adjusting the temperature. Therefore, it is possible to have a degree of freedom regarding the temperature in the test chamber 52.

Also in the artificial weather room 50, the ice crystal generation unit 12 is not provided, but a pipe 61 for guiding air is provided in the tank 22, and a cooling device 60 for cooling the air flowing in the pipe 61 to about −40 ° C. is provided. You may. In this case, the pipe 61 and the cooling device 60 may be covered with the heat insulating material 58.

The snowfall portion 20 may be arranged in an area above the area where the specimen is arranged in the test chamber 52 or in an area outside the area above the area where the specimen is arranged in the test chamber 52. The snow outlet 20a is not arranged so as to allow snow to fall in the test chamber 52, but is arranged, for example, on the side of the area where the specimen is arranged so that the snow is sprayed toward the specimen. It may be arranged, and instead of blowing snow directly toward the specimen, the snow blown out from the snow outlet 20a in a direction different from that of the specimen is eventually supplied to the specimen. You may. In this case, it may be arranged above the area outside the area where the specimen is arranged.

Although the description of other configurations, actions and effects will be omitted, the description of the first embodiment can be incorporated into the sixth embodiment.

The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered to be exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the blower 28 arranged in the circulation path 24 is used to flow the air in the tank 22, but the present invention is not limited to this. A blower may be attached to the tank 22 separately from the blower arranged in the circulation path 24, and the air may flow in the tank 22 by the blower.

In the above embodiment, the adjusting unit 18 for adjusting the flow rate and the amount of snow transported to the snowfall unit 20 is provided, but the adjusting unit 18 may be omitted. That is, the configuration may be such that a constant amount of snow is supplied instead of adjusting the flow rate of snow supplied to the snowfall portion 20. In this case, an on-off valve (or damper) is arranged in the supply path 34, and the on-off valve is closed when the snow is stored in the snow storage section 14, and the on-off valve is closed when the snow is conveyed to the snowfall section 20. It may be an open configuration.

The adjusting unit 18 is not limited to the configuration including the first damper 18a and the second damper 18b. For example, the adjusting unit 18 may be composed of one valve such as a three-way valve.

In the above embodiment, the adjusting unit 18 has a first damper 18a and a second damper 18b. Instead, for example, the adjusting unit 18 is arranged at the position of the first damper 18a in FIG. The configuration may include a first blower and a second blower arranged at the position of the second damper 18b. The first blower is driven when the air with snow is circulated in the snow storage section 14, and the second blower is driven when the air with snow is sent from the snow storage section 14 to the snowfall section 20 through the supply path 34. Driven.

In the above embodiment, snow is generated by arranging the nozzle 32 in the snow storage unit 14, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, it may be configured to scrape ice to generate snow, or it may be configured to generate snow by a humidification method. As a configuration for scraping ice to generate snow, for example, water may be sprayed on a wall surface to form an ice film, and the ice film formed on the wall surface may be scraped off with a blade to generate snow. Further, the ice generated from the outside may be carried into the snow storage section 14 and the ice may be scraped in the snow storage section 14. On the other hand, the humidification method may be a method in which high-humidity air is introduced into the snow storage section 14 from the humidifier (not shown) to make snow in the snow storage section 14. The humidifier may be any type of humidifier, such as a boiler, a pan dish, or an ultrasonic humidifier.

Here, the embodiment will be outlined.

(1) The snowfall device according to the embodiment has a snow storage unit having a snow making function for generating snow and a snow storage function for storing the generated snow while keeping it in a non-solidified state, and storing the generated snow in the snow storage unit. It is equipped with a snowfall section where the introduced snow is introduced and the introduced snow is dropped or supplied to the specimen.

In the snowfall device according to the embodiment, snow is generated in the snow storage section, and the generated snow is stored while being kept in a non-solidified state. Then, the snow accumulated in the snow storage section is dropped by the snowfall section or supplied to the specimen. That is, the amount of snow introduced from the snow storage section to the snowfall section per unit time may exceed the snow making capacity per unit time in the snow storage section. In addition, the total amount of snow that is allowed to fall within a predetermined time by the snowfall section or is supplied to the specimen may be stored in the snow storage section. For this reason, unlike the configuration in which snow is made in sequence when it is made to fall, the amount of snowfall or the amount of snow supply is not limited by the snow-making ability. Therefore, with this snowfall device, it is possible to obtain the amount of snowfall or the amount of snow supply that does not depend on the snowmaking capacity per unit time. Moreover, since the snow is kept in a state where it does not solidify in the snow storage section, if the snow accumulated in the snow storage section is introduced into the snowfall section, it is possible to make the snow fall from the snowfall section. Although the snow is retained in the snow storage area so that it does not solidify, it does not mean that all of the snow does not solidify at all, and as a result of trying to keep it in a non-solidified state, it partially The snow may harden. In short, it is sufficient that the snow is maintained in the snow storage section so that the snow can be supplied to the snowfall section.

(2) In the snowfall device, the snow storage function may include means for keeping the snow in a state in which the snow does not solidify in the snow storage portion.

In this aspect, the snow accumulated in the snow storage portion is unlikely to solidify. Therefore, it is possible to prolong the time that the snow condition is maintained. That is, not only is the snow accumulated in the snow storage section temporarily not solidified, but also a means for maintaining the snow so that it does not solidify is provided in the snow storage section. As a result, the snow can be kept in a state where it does not solidify for a long time. Although the snow is retained in the snow storage area so that it does not solidify, it does not mean that all of the snow does not solidify at all, and as a result of trying to keep the snow in a non-solidified state by the above means. The snow may partially solidify. In short, it is sufficient that the snow is kept in the snow storage part in a state where the snow can be supplied to the snowfall part by means for keeping the snow in a non-solidified state.

(3) The snow storage unit includes a tank having the snow-making function and a blower, and the blower may flow air with snow in the tank.

In this embodiment, the operation of the blower causes air to flow with snow in the tank having a snow-making function. Therefore, the snow in the tank is accumulated in the snow storage part while continuing to move without being stationary until it is introduced into the snowfall part. Therefore, in the snow storage section, the snow can be kept in a state where it does not solidify for a long time even after the snow is formed. In this case, the configuration for flowing the air with snow may be a configuration for flowing the air with snow in the tank by the force of the air blown into the tank.

(4) By operating the blower, air accompanied by snow may flow in the tank so as to orbit along the inner surface of the tank.

In this aspect, in the tank, air with snow flows so as to orbit along the inner surface of the tank. Therefore, the air can be easily flowed in the tank, and the snow can be easily maintained in a non-solidified state.

(5) In the tank, snow may be generated by the snow making function above the portion where the air accompanied by snow flows.

In this aspect, the snow forming part is located above the snow flowing part in the tank. Of the generated snow, large snowflakes tend to fall down, so there is no need to add a mechanism for transporting the large snowflakes to the air flow part. On the other hand, it is difficult for snow that flows in the air flow part to flow to the snow-making part. Therefore, it is possible to easily stop large snowflakes in the air flow portion in the tank. Moreover, the influence of the air flow at the air flow part in the tank is unlikely to reach the snow generation part. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the generated snow from being conveyed to the fluidized air and flowing along the inner wall surface of the tank, and to prevent the generated snow from adhering to the inner wall surface of the tank. ..

(6) The snow storage portion may include a circulation path in which both ends are connected to the tank and the blower is provided. In this case, the snow storage function may include a configuration in which the snow in the tank is conveyed to the air by the operation of the blower, flows through the circulation path, and then returns to the tank again.

In this embodiment, the operation of the blower causes air to flow through the circulation path. As a result, the snow in the tank is conveyed to the air and flows through the circulation path. The snowy air flowing through the circulation returns to the tank. In this way, the snow is transported to the air and flows through the circulation path until it is introduced into the snowfall portion, so that the snow can be kept from solidifying. In addition, the momentum of the air flowing through the circulation path also acts in the tank, so that the air flows in the tank with snow. Therefore, the snow is kept from solidifying even in the tank. In addition, the size of the tank can be suppressed as compared with the configuration in which the air accompanied by snow flows only in the tank.

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

In this embodiment, the snow forming site is located above the connection of the circulation path. Of the generated snow, large snowflakes tend to fall down, so there is no need to add a mechanism for transporting the large snowflakes below the connection of the circulation path. On the other hand, it is difficult for snow that flows below the connection part of the circulation path to flow to the snow-making part. Therefore, in the tank, it is possible to easily stop a large snowflake in the lower part. Moreover, the influence of air flow in the lower part of the tank is unlikely to reach the snow generation site. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the generated snow from being conveyed to the air introduced into the tank and flowing along the inner wall surface of the tank, and to prevent the generated snow from adhering to the inner wall surface of the tank. be able to.

(8) The circulation path may be connected to the tank so that air flows in a direction deviated from the center line of the tank.

In this embodiment, the air with snow is blown into the tank, so that the air flows (circumferiorly) around the center line of the tank with snow in the tank. That is, by adjusting the connection position of the circulation path with respect to the tank, it is possible to realize a configuration in which air is circulated in the tank, so that it is not necessary to add a stirring mechanism or the like.

(9) The blower may flow the air accompanied by snow so that the air in the tank flows to the snow-making part above the tank.

In this aspect, fine snowflakes in the tank are sent to the snow-making site to grow. Large snowflakes do not easily flow upwards, while small snowflakes tend to flow upwards. Therefore, mainly fine snowflakes are likely to be introduced into the snow-making part. Therefore, it is possible to reduce snowflakes that have not grown completely.

(10) The snowfall device may include a partition member that partitions the space inside the tank into a snow-making space having the snow-making function and a snow-storing space having the snow-storing function. In this case, the circulation path may be configured to suck the air in the snow storage space with snow.

In this aspect, since the inner space of the tank is divided into a snow making space and a snow storage space by a partition member, the snow making space for generating snow is affected by the flow of air in the snow storage space. It is possible to prevent it from being stored. The snow in the snow storage space is transported to the air and flows through the circulation path.

(11) The partition member may have an opening for dropping the snow generated in the snow making space and introducing it into the snow storage space.

In this aspect, snow is generated in the snow-making space in the tank, and the generated snow is introduced into the snow storage space through the opening of the partition member. Of the generated snow, large snowflakes tend to fall down, so there is no need to add a mechanism to transport the generated snow in the tank to the air flow part.

(12) The snowfall device may include an adjusting unit for adjusting the amount of snow supplied from the snow storage unit to the snowfall unit. In this aspect, the amount of snow that the snowfall part can make can be changed. Therefore, it is possible to change the amount of snowfall.

(13) The snowfall device includes an adjustment unit that adjusts the amount of snow supplied from the snow storage unit to the snowfall unit, and the adjustment unit is the snowfall unit of the air with snow flowing through the circulation path. It may be configured to adjust the amount of air introduced into the.

In this embodiment, the operation of the blower causes air to flow through the circulation path. As a result, the snow in the tank is conveyed to the air and flows through the circulation path. Then, the air with snow flowing through the circulation path returns to the tank. In this way, air with snow circulates through the circulation path. The adjusting unit adjusts the diversion ratio from the circulation path so that at least a part of the air with snow flowing through the circulation path is introduced into the snowfall section. That is, the amount of snow transported to the snowfall portion can be adjusted only by adjusting the ratio of the snow circulating through the circulation path to the snow introduced into the snowfall portion.

(14) The snow storage portion has a nozzle for spraying water, and snow may be made using ice crystals generated by cooled air and water sprayed from the nozzle. In this aspect, since the snow is made by using the ice crystals generated by the cooled air and the water sprayed from the nozzle in the snow storage part, the snow can be easily grown. Therefore, it is possible to make snow without lowering the temperature inside the snow storage portion to an extremely low temperature such as −40 ° C.

(15) The snowfall device may include an excitation unit that vibrates the snow storage unit. In this aspect, it is possible to prevent snow from adhering to the snow storage portion.

(16) The artificial meteorological room according to the embodiment includes the snowfall device and a test room having a space for arranging the specimen, and the snowfall device allows snow to fall in the test chamber or is attached to the test piece. Supply snow.

(17) The snowfall method according to the embodiment is a snowfall method using the snowfall device, which generates snow in the snow storage section of the snowfall device and does not solidify the generated snow in the snow storage section. It is stored while being kept in a state, and the snow in the snow storage section is introduced into the snowfall section, and the snowfall section causes the snow to fall or is supplied to the specimen.

10: Snowfall device 14: Snow storage unit 18: Adjustment unit 20: Snowfall unit 22: Tank 22a: Center line 24: Circulation path 26: Connection path 28: Blower 44: Partition member 44c: Opening 50: Artificial weather room 52: Test Room

Claims (17)

A snow storage unit that has a snow-making function that generates snow and a snow storage function that stores the generated snow while keeping it in a non-solidified state.
A snowfall device including a snowfall portion in which the snow accumulated in the snow storage portion is introduced and the introduced snow is dropped or supplied to a specimen. In the snowfall device according to claim 1,
The snow storage function includes a means for keeping the snow in a state where the snow does not solidify in the snow storage unit. In the snowfall device according to claim 1 or 2.
The snow storage unit includes a tank having the snow-making function and a blower.
The blower is a snowfall device that flows air with snow in the tank. In the snowfall device according to claim 3,
A snowfall device in which air accompanied by snow flows in the tank so as to orbit along the inner surface of the tank by the operation of the blower. In the snowfall device according to claim 3 or 4.
A snowfall device in which snow is generated by the snow making function above a portion where air accompanied by snow flows in the tank. In the snowfall device according to any one of claims 3 to 5,
The snow storage portion includes a circulation path in which both ends are connected to the tank and the blower is provided.
The snow storage function is a snowfall device including a configuration in which snow in the tank is conveyed to air by the operation of the blower, flows through the circulation path, and then returns to the tank again. In the snowfall device according to claim 6,
A snowfall device in which snow is generated by the snow making function in the tank above the connection portion of the circulation path. In the snowfall device according to claim 6 or 7.
The circulation path is a snowfall device connected to the tank so that air flows in a direction deviated from the center line of the tank. In the snowfall device according to any one of claims 5 to 8.
The blower is a snowfall device that flows air with snow so that the air in the tank flows to a snow-making part above the tank. In the snowfall device according to claim 6,
A partition member for partitioning the space inside the tank into the snow-making space having the snow-making function and the snow-storing space having the snow-storing function is provided.
The circulation path is a snowfall device configured to suck air in the snow storage space with snow. In the snowfall device according to claim 10,
The partition member is a snowfall device having an opening for dropping snow generated in the snow making space and introducing it into the snow storage space. In the snowfall device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.
A snowfall device including an adjusting unit for adjusting the amount of snow supplied from the snow storage unit to the snowfall unit. In the snowfall device according to any one of claims 6 to 8.
A control unit for adjusting the amount of snow supplied from the snow storage unit to the snowfall unit is provided.
The adjusting unit is a snowfall device configured to adjust the amount of air introduced into the snowfall unit among the air accompanied by snow flowing through the circulation path. In the snowfall device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.
The snow storage unit has a nozzle for spraying water, and is a snowfall device that creates snow using ice crystals generated by cooled air and water sprayed from the nozzle. In the snowfall device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.
A snowfall device including an excitation unit that vibrates the snow storage unit. The snowfall device according to any one of claims 1 to 15.
It is equipped with a test room that has a space for arranging specimens.
The snowfall device is an artificial weather room that snows in the test chamber or supplies snow to the specimen. A snowfall method using the snowfall device according to any one of claims 1 to 15.
Snow is generated in the snow storage section of the snowfall device,
In the snow storage section, the generated snow is stored while being kept in a non-solidified state.
Introducing the snow in the snow storage section into the snowfall section,
A snowfall method in which snow is made to fall by the snowfall part or is supplied to a specimen.

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