Snow generator distribution assembly and snow generator including the distribution assembly

Abstract

A distribution assembly for a snow generator, comprising a fixed structure (4) having a circular opening (5) extending along a longitudinal axis (A1); a rotor (6) extending along the longitudinal axis (A1), the rotor having a free end (7) at the circular opening (5) and being configured to rotate around a rotation axis, the rotation axis preferably coinciding with the longitudinal axis (A1); and a water supply assembly (10), the water supply assembly being configured to supply water at a given pressure in the fixed structure (4) at the free end (7) of the rotor (6); the free end (7) of the rotor (6) being coupled to the circular opening (5) of the fixed structure (4) to define, together with the fixed structure (4), an annular gap configured to direct an atomized water jet toward the outside of the distribution assembly (2).

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This patent application claims the priority of Italian Patent Application No. 102019000021954 filed on November 22, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to a dispensing assembly of a snow generator for making snow on a ski slope of a ski resort and to a snow generator comprising the dispensing assembly. Background Art

[0004] A ski resort usually includes: a plurality of ski slopes; artificial snowmaking equipment arranged along the ski slopes; and a fleet of snow groomers.

[0005] Snowmaking equipment and snow groomers are used to prepare the snow on the ski slopes. More precisely, snowmaking equipment produces a programmed amount of artificial snow in order to compensate for the lack of natural snow or to adequately ensure a constant snow quality, especially if it tends to disappear more quickly, or even further to prepare the artificial structures such as jumps, bumps, half-pipes, etc., which are becoming increasingly popular in snow parks and amusement parks.

[0006] Over the past few decades, artificial snowmaking equipment has become increasingly common to compensate for the lack of natural snow on ski slopes.

[0007] Typically, artificial snowmaking equipment includes a plurality of snow generators arranged along a ski slope.

[0008] As we all know, there are two types of snow generators widely used in ski resorts: spray gun type snow generators and fan type snow generators.

[0009] Both types of generators include a plurality of first nozzles that eject atomized water jets, and a plurality of second nozzles that eject jets consisting of a mixture of compressed air and water in the vicinity of the atomized water jets.

[0010] The compressed air breaks the water into tiny droplets, which, in contact with the external environment, freeze due to the sudden loss of pressure and drop in temperature and form tiny ice particles that constitute the nuclei of artificial snow crystals.

[0011] When the water droplets of the atomized water jet encounter ice particles, they adhere to them and freeze, thus forming artificial snow crystals.

[0012] Typically, a fan-type generator includes a fan configured to diffuse atomized water jets and a mixture of compressed air and water jets into the external environment.

[0013] Currently known snow generators are unable to keep the characteristics of the generated artificial snow unchanged after significant changes in the climatic conditions of the external environment. Summary of the invention

[0014] An object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing assembly of a snow generator for making snow on ski slopes which alleviates the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0015] According to the invention, a dispensing assembly of a snow generator for making snow on a ski slope is provided; the dispensing assembly extends along a longitudinal axis and comprises:

[0016] - a fixing structure having a circular opening extending along the longitudinal axis;

[0017] a rotor extending along the longitudinal axis, having one free end at the circular opening and configured to rotate about an axis of rotation which preferably coincides with the longitudinal axis; and

[0018] - a water supply assembly configured to supply water at a given pressure within a fixed structure at the free end of the rotor;

[0019] The free end of the rotor is coupled to the circular opening of the fixed structure to define an annular gap together with the fixed structure, the annular gap being configured to direct the atomized water jet toward the exterior of the dispensing assembly.

[0020] In this way, atomized water jets can be sprayed to produce snow of higher quality than in the prior art.

[0021] In particular, the rotor is designed to rotate at a rotational speed of the rotor, preferably about the longitudinal axis; wherein the rotational speed of the rotor is adjustable.

[0022] In this way, the size of the water droplets in the atomized water jet can be easily changed by changing the rotation speed of the rotor.

[0023] In more detail, the dispensing assembly includes a motor coupled to the rotor to drive the rotor in rotation, preferably about a longitudinal axis.

[0024] The motor allows the rotation speed of the rotor to be controlled in a simple manner.

[0025] In particular, the free end of the rotor is frustoconical.

[0026] Thus, due to the centrifugal force, the rotation of the rotor causes the ejection of a conical atomized water jet.

[0027] In particular, the rotor is movable relative to the fixed structure in a direction substantially coincident with or parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0028] In this way, the size of the annular gap can be varied so as to control the flow rate of the atomized water jet ejected through the annular gap based on the pressure of the water entering the generator.

[0029] The flow rate of the atomizing water jet can thus be adjusted to keep the characteristics of the generated snow constant over a wide range of climatic conditions.

[0030] In other words, snow with essentially constant properties can be produced under widely varying climatic conditions.

[0031] With respect to the direction of movement of the rotor, the term substantially coincident with or parallel to the longitudinal axis means that the maximum angle between the direction of movement of the rotor and the longitudinal axis is 20°.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the maximum angle allowed between the movement direction of the rotor and the longitudinal axis is 10°.

[0033] In another preferred embodiment, the maximum permitted angle between the movement direction of the rotor and the longitudinal axis is 5°.

[0034] In another preferred embodiment, the movement direction of the rotor coincides with the longitudinal axis.

[0035] In particular, the distribution assembly includes a moving assembly for moving the rotor; the moving assembly includes a hollow shaft and an actuator configured to drive the hollow shaft in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis; the rotor is at least partially inserted into the interior of the hollow shaft and is connected to the hollow shaft to rotate around the longitudinal axis independently of the hollow shaft and move together with the hollow shaft in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis; preferably, the moving assembly includes a bearing assembly; the rotor and the hollow shaft are connected via the bearing assembly.

[0036] In this way, the rotor may rotate about the longitudinal axis while the rotor moves relative to the fixed structure in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0037] Furthermore, the bearing assembly allows a rotation of the rotor about the longitudinal axis to be decoupled in a simple manner from a rotation of the hollow shaft about the longitudinal axis.

[0038] In other words, the rotor and the hollow shaft are configured to move integrally with each other in a direction parallel to or coincident with the longitudinal axis and to rotate about the longitudinal axis independently of each other.

[0039] In particular, the moving assembly includes: an annular body, which is fixed to a fixed structure and has a threaded inner surface; a first gear, which is fixed to the hollow shaft to rotate around the longitudinal axis together with the hollow shaft; and a second gear, which is meshed with the first gear and controlled by an actuator; a portion of the outer surface of the hollow shaft is threaded to connect with the threaded inner surface of the annular body; the actuator controls the rotation of the second gear.

[0040] In other words, the actuator controls the screwing of the hollow shaft into the annular body so that the hollow shaft and the rotor move in a direction parallel to or coinciding with the longitudinal axis.

[0041] In this way, the size of the annular gap can be changed simply and quickly.

[0042] In particular, the hollow shaft is configured to be screwed into the annular body to move the rotor in a direction coinciding with or parallel to the longitudinal axis.

[0043] In particular, the fixing structure comprises a body and a bracket fixed to the body at the free end of the rotor to define an annular gap together with the free end of the rotor.

[0044] In this way, the size of the circular opening of the fixing structure and the size of the annular gap can be accurately defined.

[0045] Another object of the present invention is to provide a snow generator for making snow on ski slopes which alleviates the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0046] According to the present invention, there is provided a snow generator for making snow on a ski slope; the generator comprises a distribution assembly as described above, and a spray assembly, which is constructed to spray at least one mixture jet consisting of compressed air and water droplets at an atomized water jet; in particular, so as to spray the mixture jet in a direction incident on the atomized water jet.

[0047] In more detail, when the water droplets in the mixture come into contact with the external environment, they freeze and form tiny ice particles, causing the atomized water droplets to attach to the ice particles.

[0048] This facilitates the nucleation of artificial snow crystals.

[0049] In particular, the injection assembly includes at least one nozzle connected to the fixed structure near the annular gap, and an air supply assembly configured to supply compressed air to the at least one nozzle; the water supply assembly is configured to supply water to the at least one nozzle at a given pressure; the at least one nozzle is configured to mix the compressed air and water and spray the mixture jet at the atomized water jet.

[0050] At least one nozzle allows spraying a jet of the mixture near the annular gap to increase the chances of the atomized water droplets adhering to the ice particles and promoting nucleation of artificial snow crystals.

[0051] In particular, the at least one nozzle extends in a direction inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis to spray the mixture jet in a direction incident on the atomizing water jet.

[0052] This allows the mixture jet to be ejected at a reduced angle of incidence relative to the atomizing water jet, so as to facilitate the incidence between the mixture jet and the atomizing water jet.

[0053] In particular, the water supply assembly comprises a first chamber obtained inside the fixed structure, configured to contain water at a given pressure and to supply water to the annular gap and to the at least one nozzle.

[0054] In this way, the first chamber acts as a reservoir for containing water and continuously supplies water at a given pressure to the annular gap and the at least one nozzle.

[0055] In particular, the air supply assembly includes a second annular chamber configured to contain compressed air and supply the compressed air to the at least one nozzle.

[0056] In this way, the second chamber acts as a reservoir for containing air and continuously supplies air at a given pressure to the at least one nozzle.

[0057] According to a first embodiment of the invention, the generator comprises at least one distribution assembly and a plurality of nozzles arranged around the at least one distribution assembly; the generator is preferably of the spray gun type.

[0058] In particular, the spray gun type generator comprises a single dispensing assembly.

[0059] According to a second embodiment of the present invention, the generator includes a tubular frame extending along another longitudinal axis and supporting at least one distribution assembly and a plurality of nozzles arranged near the at least one distribution assembly; and a fan placed inside the tubular frame, which is constructed to rotate within the tubular frame, preferably around another longitudinal axis, to convey an air flow incident together with an atomized water jet and / or a jet of a mixture of compressed air and water.

[0060] In this case, the generator is fan-type.

[0061] In particular, the distribution assembly extends along a further longitudinal axis and is arranged within the tubular frame; preferably, the generator comprises a support structure fixed to an inner wall of the tubular frame; preferably, the distribution assembly is supported by the support structure.

[0062] According to a variant of the second embodiment, the generator comprises a plurality of distribution assemblies arranged in a ring along one end of the tubular frame; preferably, the generator comprises a plurality of nozzles, wherein each nozzle is arranged in the vicinity of at least one distribution assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0063] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of non-limiting embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0064] - Figure 1 is a front view of a snow generator according to a first embodiment of the present invention, with some parts removed for clarity and some parts schematically;

[0065] - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a snow generator along section line II-II, with some parts removed for clarity and some parts being schematic;

[0066] - Figure 3 According to the present invention Figure 1 a perspective view of a second embodiment of a snow generator, with some parts removed for clarity and some parts schematically; and

[0067] - Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a variant of the second embodiment of the snow generator, with some parts removed for clarity and some parts schematically shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , with 1 representing the snow generator as a whole.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment, the snow generator 1 is used to generate artificial snow for making snow on ski slopes, without thereby limiting the wide range of different possible applications of the invention. In particular, the snow generator 1 is used as a snow generator of the lance type.

[0070] The generator 1 includes a distribution component 2 extending along a longitudinal axis A1, an injection component 12 configured to inject at least one mixture jet consisting of compressed air and water droplets, and a supply and support structure 3 configured to supply pressurized water, compressed air and electrical energy to the distribution component 2 and the injection component 12 and to support the distribution component 2.

[0071] The term "water" is intended to mean liquids commonly found in natural basins and liquid mixtures formed from water and other substances dissolved therein.

[0072] Reference Figure 2 The distribution assembly 2 includes: a fixed structure 4 having a circular opening 5 extending along the longitudinal axis A1; a rotor 6 arranged along the longitudinal axis A1, the rotor 6 having a truncated cone-shaped free end 7 at the circular opening 5 and being configured to rotate around the longitudinal axis A1; a motor 8 for controlling the rotation of the rotor 6 around the longitudinal axis A1, the motor being preferably electric; a moving assembly 9 for moving the rotor 6, which is configured to move the rotor 6 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A1; and a water supply assembly 10.

[0073] The fixed structure 4 comprises: a main body 13 having a circular opening 5; a cover 14, which is preferably made of a plastic material and is arranged around the rotor 6 and the moving assembly 9 to protect the rotor 6 and the moving assembly 9 from external factors; and a bracket 15, which is fixed to the main body 13, has an annular portion arranged inside the circular opening 5, and is arranged around the free end 7 of the rotor 6 to form an annular gap together with the free end 7 of the rotor 6.

[0074] According to a variant of the invention, the cover 14 is made of a metallic material, preferably aluminium.

[0075] The moving assembly 9 includes: a hollow shaft 16, in which the rotor 6 is partially arranged; two bearings 17 and 18, which are arranged between the rotor 6 and the hollow shaft 16 to separate the rotation of the rotor 6 from the rotation of the hollow shaft 16; an annular body 19, which is fixed to the body 13 of the fixed structure 4 and has a threaded inner surface; a gear 20, which is fixed to the hollow shaft 16 to rotate around the longitudinal axis A1 together with the hollow shaft 16; a gear 21 meshing with the gear 20; and an actuator 22 constructed to control the rotation of the gear 21, and the actuator 22 is preferably an electric motor.

[0076] A portion of the outer surface of the hollow shaft 16 is threaded to couple with the threaded inner surface of the annular body 19 .

[0077] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention not shown in the drawings, the mobile assembly 9 may be of the type Figure 2 The cases shown are of different constructions.

[0078] For example, the rotor 6 may be moved in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A1 by means of a linear actuator, in particular a hydraulic cylinder.

[0079] The water supply assembly 10 comprises a chamber 23 obtained inside the fixed structure 4 , delimited by the wall of the body 13 , the wall of the support 15 facing the circular opening 5 , one end of the hollow shaft 16 and the free end 7 of the rotor 6 , which is partially disposed inside the chamber 23 .

[0080] The chamber 23 communicates with the external environment through the annular gap, and is configured to contain water at a given pressure and supply the water to the annular gap.

[0081] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention (not shown in the drawings), the water supply assembly 10 comprises a supply conduit having one end arranged in the vicinity of the annular gap to supply water directly to the annular gap at a given pressure.

[0082] The spraying assembly 12 comprises an air supply assembly 11 and four nozzles 25 arranged around the annular gap for spraying jets of a mixture of compressed air and water.

[0083] The compressed air supply assembly 11 comprises an annular chamber 24 obtained inside the fixed structure 4 , delimited by the walls of the body 13 of the fixed structure 4 and of the support 15 , and configured to contain air at a given pressure.

[0084] Each nozzle 25 is coupled to the fixed structure 4 in the vicinity of the annular gap and extends in a direction inclined relative to the longitudinal axis A1 .

[0085] The number of nozzles 25 can be varied according to specific needs and does not limit the protection scope of the present invention.

[0086] Each nozzle 25 comprises a tubular body 26 having a first portion disposed within the chamber 23 and a second portion disposed within the chamber 24 .

[0087] In more detail, the first portion of the tubular body 26 has an opening 27 for introducing water into the tubular body 26 and a filter 31 provided around the first portion of the tubular body 26 at the opening 27 .

[0088] The second portion of the tubular body 26 has an opening 28 for introducing compressed air into the tubular body 26 .

[0089] According to a variant of the invention, the nozzle 25 has a plurality of openings 27 and 28 .

[0090] The supply and support structure 3 comprises a water supply conduit 29 in fluid communication with the chamber 23 and a compressed air supply conduit 30 in fluid communication with the chamber 24 .

[0091] Reference Figure 3 , 32 as a whole represents a snow generator according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] Generator 32 is used to generate artificial snow for making snow on ski slopes, without thereby limiting the wide range of possible different applications of the invention. In particular, snow generator 32 is used as a fan-type snow generator or snow cannon.

[0093] The snow generator 32 comprises: a blower including a tubular frame 33 extending along a longitudinal axis A2; a support structure 38 fixed to an inner wall of the tubular frame 33; a fan 34 disposed inside the tubular frame 33, supported by the support structure 38, and configured to rotate around the longitudinal axis A2; a plurality of distribution assemblies 2 supported by the tubular frame 33 and arranged in a ring along one end of the tubular frame 33; and an injection assembly 36 supported by the frame 33 and including a plurality of nozzles 35, wherein each nozzle 35 is configured to spray a jet of a mixture of compressed air and water and is disposed adjacent to at least one distribution assembly 2 associated therewith.

[0094] In more detail, each distribution assembly 2 and the respective spray assembly 36 associated therewith are arranged in respective openings formed in the tubular frame 33 to direct the jets of atomized water and the jets of the mixture of compressed air and water in directions incident on each other and transverse to the longitudinal axis A2.

[0095] The fan 34 is configured to deliver a flow of air incident upon the atomized water jet and the compressed air and water mixture jet to increase the range and promote mixing of the jets.

[0096] Reference Figure 4 , shows a variation of the second embodiment, in which the generator 32 includes a single distribution component 2, which is arranged inside a tubular frame 33, supported by a support structure 38, and extends along the longitudinal axis A2; and a plurality of nozzles 37, which are arranged around the distribution component 2 inside the frame 33 and supported by the support structure 38.

[0097] According to another variant of the second embodiment not shown in the drawings, the generator comprises a plurality of distribution assemblies 2 arranged in a ring along one end of the tubular frame 33 and a distribution assembly 2 arranged inside the tubular frame 33 and extending along the longitudinal axis A2.

[0098] According to another alternative embodiment, not shown in the drawings, the spray assembly is omitted from the snow generator. In other words, the jet of the mixture of compressed air and water is sprayed by a spray assembly outside the snow generator.

[0099] In use and reference Figure 2 , water is supplied from pipe 29 to chamber 23 at a given pressure.

[0100] The motor 8 controls the rotation of the rotor 6, and the free end 7 of the rotor 6 atomizes the water contained in the chamber 23 at the annular gap by rotating, and ejects a conical atomized water jet, which is guided toward the external environment by the annular gap.

[0101] The motor 8 is configured to vary the rotational speed of the rotor 6 to control the size of the atomized water droplets according to specific needs.

[0102] Pressurized water within the chamber 23 is supplied to each nozzle 25 through a corresponding opening 27 .

[0103] Compressed air is supplied from a conduit 30 to the chamber 24 and from the chamber 24 to each nozzle 25 through a corresponding opening 28 .

[0104] The water and the compressed air are mixed in each nozzle 25 to form a mixture.

[0105] The compressed air breaks the water into minute water droplets by mixing with the water, and then the mixture is ejected in the form of a jet from each nozzle 25 to a cone-shaped jet of atomized water.

[0106] Each nozzle 25 sprays the mixture jet in a direction slightly inclined with respect to the conical atomized water jet, so that the mixture jet is incident on the atomized water jet at a reduced incident angle.

[0107] When the water droplets in the mixture come into contact with the external environment, they freeze in a very short time due to the rapid decrease in temperature and pressure, forming tiny ice particles. The atomized water droplets come into contact with the ice particles and adhere to them, nucleating the artificial snow crystals.

[0108] The moving assembly 9 controls the position of the rotor 6 relative to the circular opening 5, especially the position of the free end 7 relative to the circular opening 5, to change the size of the annular gap, thereby adjusting the flow rate and pressure of the atomized water jet according to specific operating requirements.

[0109] In more detail, the actuator 22 controls the rotation of the gear 21 , which meshes with the gear 20 , thereby transmitting the rotation to the gear 20 , and the gear 20 in turn transmits the rotation to the hollow shaft 16 because it is keyed to the hollow shaft 16 .

[0110] Thus, the actuator 22 controls the rotation of the hollow shaft 16 about the longitudinal axis A1 .

[0111] By rotating, the hollow shaft 16 is screwed into the thread of the annular body 19 , causing the hollow shaft 16 to move in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A1 .

[0112] The rotor 6 moves together with the hollow shaft 16 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A1 and rotates about the longitudinal axis A1 independently of the rotation of the hollow shaft about the longitudinal axis A1 because it is coupled to the hollow shaft 16 via bearings 17 , 18 .

[0113] Finally, it is obvious that the invention may be modified to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of protection of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A distribution assembly of a snow generator for making snow on a ski slope, the distribution assembly (2) extending along a longitudinal axis (A1) and comprising: - a fixing structure (4) having a circular opening (5) extending along said longitudinal axis (A1); - a rotor (6) extending along the longitudinal axis (A1), the rotor having a free end (7) at the circular opening (5) and being configured to rotate about a rotation axis coinciding with the longitudinal axis (A1) at a rotation speed of the rotor (6), wherein the rotation speed of the rotor (6) is adjustable and the rotor (6) is movable relative to the fixed structure (4) in a direction substantially coinciding with or parallel to the longitudinal axis (A1); and - a water supply assembly (10) configured to supply water at a given pressure within the fixed structure (4) at the free end (7) of the rotor (6); The free end (7) of the rotor (6) is coupled to the circular opening (5) of the fixed structure (4) to define, together with the fixed structure (4), an annular gap configured to direct the atomized water jet toward the outside of the distribution assembly (2).

2. Dispensing assembly according to claim 1, comprising a motor (8) coupled to the rotor (6) to drive the rotor (6) in rotation about the longitudinal axis (A1).

3. The dispensing assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The free end (7) of the rotor (6) is truncated-conical.

4. The dispensing assembly according to claim 1 comprises a moving assembly (9) for moving the rotor (6); the moving assembly (9) comprises a hollow shaft (16) and an actuator (22) configured to drive the hollow shaft (16) in a direction parallel to or coinciding with the longitudinal axis (A1); the rotor (6) is at least partially inserted into the interior of the hollow shaft (16) and is connected to the hollow shaft (16) to rotate around the longitudinal axis (A1) independently of the hollow shaft (16) and move together with the hollow shaft (16) in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (A1).

5. The dispensing assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The moving assembly (9) comprises: an annular body (19) which is fixed on the fixed structure (4) and has a threaded inner surface; a first gear (20) which is fixed on the hollow shaft (16) to rotate around the longitudinal axis (A1) together with the hollow shaft (16); and a second gear (21) which is meshed with the first gear (20) and is controlled by the actuator (22); a portion of the outer surface of the hollow shaft (16) is threaded to connect with the threaded inner surface of the annular body (19); the actuator (22) controls the rotation of the second gear (21).

6. The dispensing assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The hollow shaft (16) is configured to be screwed into the annular body (19) to move the rotor (6) in a direction coinciding with or parallel to the longitudinal axis (A1).

7. The dispensing assembly of claim 1, wherein: The fixing structure (4) comprises a main body (13) and a bracket (15) fixed to the main body (13) at the free end (7) of the rotor (6) to define the annular gap together with the free end (7) of the rotor (6).

8. A snow generator for making snow on a ski slope, the generator (1; 32) comprising a distribution assembly (2) according to any of the preceding claims, and a spray assembly (12; 36), which is constructed to spray at least one mixture jet consisting of compressed air and water droplets at the atomized water jet in a direction incident on the atomized water jet.

9. The generator according to claim 8, wherein: The spray assembly (12; 36) comprises at least one nozzle (25; 35; 37) connected to the fixed structure (4) near the annular gap, and an air supply assembly (11) configured to supply compressed air to the at least one nozzle (25); the water supply assembly (10) is configured to supply water to the at least one nozzle (25; 35; 37) at a given pressure; and the at least one nozzle (25; 35; 37) is configured to mix compressed air and water and spray the mixture jet at the atomized water jet.

10. The generator according to claim 9, wherein: The at least one nozzle (25; 35; 37) extends in a direction inclined relative to the longitudinal axis (A1) to eject the mixture jet in a direction incident on the atomized water jet.

11. The generator according to claim 9, wherein: The water supply assembly (10) comprises a first chamber (23) obtained inside the fixed structure (4), the first chamber (23) being configured to contain water at a given pressure and to supply water to the annular gap and to the at least one nozzle (25; 35; 37).

12. The generator according to claim 9, wherein: The air supply assembly (11) comprises a second annular chamber (24) configured to contain compressed air and to supply the compressed air to the at least one nozzle (25; 35; 37).

13. The generator according to claim 8, comprising at least one distribution assembly (2), and a plurality of nozzles (25) arranged around the at least one distribution assembly (2).

14. The generator according to claim 8, comprising: a tubular frame (33) extending along another longitudinal axis (A2) and supporting at least one dispensing assembly (2) and a plurality of nozzles (35; 37) arranged in the vicinity of the at least one dispensing assembly (2); and a fan (34) placed inside the tubular frame (33), the fan being configured to rotate inside the tubular frame (33) to deliver an air flow incident together with the atomizing jet and / or the jet of a mixture of compressed air and water.

15. The generator according to claim 14, wherein: The distribution assembly (2) extends along the other longitudinal axis (A2) and is arranged inside the tubular frame (33); the generator (32) includes a support structure (38) fixed on the inner wall of the tubular frame (33); the distribution assembly (2) is supported by the support structure (38).

16. The generator according to claim 14, comprising a plurality of distribution components (2) arranged in a ring along one end of the tubular frame (33); the generator (32) comprises a plurality of nozzles (35), each of which is arranged near at least one distribution component (2).

Images