Snow making device and snowfall testing device

Abstract

A snow making device and a snowfall test device are provided. The snow making device includes a snow making container having an internal space for making snow, a supply portion that supplies minute snow or fine water droplets to the internal space, a capturing portion that captures the minute snow or minute snow generated from the water droplets, and a driving portion that moves the capturing portion toward a position where the minute snow is floating in the internal space. The capturing portion causes the captured snow to fall from the capturing portion by shaking. Accordingly, large snowflakes can be efficiently produced.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of patent application No. 202210019017.6, filed on January 6, 2022, entitled "Snowmaking Apparatus and Snowfall Test Apparatus". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to snowmaking devices and snowfall testing devices. Background Technology

[0003] Previously, as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 11-237152, snowmaking devices for artificial snowfall indoors were known.

[0004] Japanese Patent Publication No. 11-237152 discloses a snowmaking device comprising: a snow-catching body formed of a breathable membrane; a fog generator for generating fog indoors; a cooler and a blower for supplying low-temperature air into the room; and a striking body for striking the snow-catching body from the inside opposite to the snow-attaching surface. According to this snowmaking device, the fog (microscopic water droplets) generated by the fog generator freezes in the low-temperature air, and the frozen body adheres to the attachment surface of the snow-catching body. Then, by striking the snow-catching body from the inside with the striking body, snow falls from the snow-catching body into the room.

[0005] In the snowmaking apparatus described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 11-237152, the water jet outlet of the fog generator faces downwards, and the adhesion surface of the snow catcher is along the vertical direction. Therefore, it is difficult for ice to adhere efficiently to the adhesion surface of the snow catcher. Consequently, on this adhesion surface, it is difficult for the ice to efficiently grow into large snowflakes (large snow particles formed by the combination of tiny snowflakes). Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a snowmaking device and a snowfall test device that can efficiently produce large snowflakes (goose feather snow).

[0007] One aspect of the present invention relates to a snowmaking apparatus comprising: a snowmaking container having an internal space for snowmaking; a supply unit for supplying fine snow or fine water droplets to the internal space; a capturing unit for capturing the fine snow or fine snow generated by the water droplets; and a driving unit for moving the capturing unit toward a portion of the fine snow drifting in the internal space. The capturing unit dislodges the captured snow by shaking.

[0008] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a snowmaking apparatus comprising: a snowmaking container having an internal space for snowmaking; a supply unit for supplying fine snow or fine water droplets to the internal space; a capturing unit for capturing the fine snow or fine snow generated by the water droplets; a driving unit for moving the capturing unit toward a portion of the fine snow drifting in the internal space; and a detaching unit for detaching the snow captured by the capturing unit from the capturing unit.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a snowfall test apparatus comprising: a test chamber; and a snowmaking apparatus for producing snow supplied to the test chamber.

[0010] According to the present invention, large snowflakes can be manufactured with high efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the snowmaking apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 This is an exploded view schematically showing the structure inside the cylinder of the snowmaking device.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the installation status of the capture unit.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the striking body and moving mechanism in the snowmaking apparatus according to the second embodiment.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the snow-making nozzle of the snow-making apparatus according to the fifth embodiment.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a snowmaking apparatus according to other embodiments.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the installation state of the capture unit in other embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The embodiments are described in detail below based on the accompanying drawings.

[0019] (First Implementation)

[0020] First, based on Figure 1 and Figure 2 The structure of the snowmaking device 1 according to the first embodiment is described below. The snowmaking device 1 is suitable for a snowfall test apparatus having a test chamber 100. The snowmaking device 1 is mounted on the top of the test chamber 100 and produces artificial snow S that falls into the test chamber 100. The artificial snow S is large snowflakes (goose feather snow) formed by the combination of tiny snowflakes, with a size (width) of, for example, about 5-10 mm. Figure 1 As shown, the snowmaking device 1 includes a supply unit 10, a cylinder 20 serving as a snowmaking container with an internal space, a blower 30, an air conditioning unit 40, and a circulation loop 50 that circulates the cold air by sequentially arranging these components. The circulation loop 50 includes an outlet channel 51 for supplying cold air from the air conditioning unit 40 to the supply unit 10 and the cylinder 20, and a return channel 52 for returning air from the cylinder 20 to the air conditioning unit 40. The circulation loop 50 may also be thermally insulated to provide thermal isolation from the test chamber 100.

[0021] The supply unit 10 is used to supply fine snow into the internal space of the cylinder 20. In this embodiment, the supply unit 10 includes a snowmaking nozzle 11 that sprays fine water droplets and a snowmaking tube 12 that guides the fine snow generated by the water droplets sprayed from the snowmaking nozzle 11 into the internal space of the cylinder 20.

[0022] The snowmaking nozzle 11 is disposed outside the snowmaking tube 12, spraying atomized water droplets from the inlet of the snowmaking tube 12 toward the inside of the snowmaking tube 12. The snowmaking nozzle 11 can be a single-fluid nozzle or a two-fluid nozzle.

[0023] The snowmaking pipe 12 is positioned downstream of the snowmaking nozzle 11 in the direction of cold air circulation. Cold air, conditioned to below freezing by the air conditioning unit 40, is introduced into it. Therefore, water droplets sprayed from the snowmaking nozzle 11 become tiny snowflakes within the snowmaking pipe 12 and are guided by the guide tube 20. In this embodiment, as... Figure 1 As shown, there is an open space between the outlet of the delivery channel 51 and the inlet of the snowmaking pipe 12, and a snowmaking nozzle 11 is arranged in this open space.

[0024] The snowmaking device 1 also includes a snow adhesion prevention section to prevent fine snow particles from adhering to the inner surface of the snowmaking pipe 12. This snow adhesion prevention section has a blower or nozzle 14 that supplies air along the inner surface of the snowmaking pipe 12. The air flows along the inner surface of the pipe, thereby preventing snow adhesion. Furthermore, the snow adhesion prevention section is not a necessary structure in the snowmaking device of the present invention and can be omitted.

[0025] The internal space of the tube 20 functions as a space for snowmaking, and the tube 20 is positioned downstream of the supply unit 10 (snowmaking pipe 12) in the direction of cold air circulation. Inside the tube 20, large snowflakes are created from tiny snow particles supplied through the snowmaking pipe 12. Detailed information about the internal structure of the tube 20 will be described later.

[0026] A blower 30 is configured in the return channel 52 to circulate cold air between the air conditioning unit 40 and the snowmaking pipes 12 and 20. The air conditioning unit 40 cools the air returning from the 20 through the return channel 52 and blows the cooled cold air into the delivery channel 51. This cold air is then delivered into the snowmaking pipes 12 and 20 through the delivery channel 51.

[0027] Below, based on Figure 2 The internal structure of cylinder 20 is described in detail. Figure 2 This indicates the state in which cylinder 20 has been decomposed.

[0028] like Figure 2 As shown, the cylinder 20 includes: a hollow cylindrical body 22 open at both ends; a disc-shaped top plate 21 blocking the upper opening of the body 22; and a disc-shaped bottom plate 23 blocking the lower opening of the body 22. The bottom plate 23 has a feature for directing large snowflakes manufactured inside the cylinder 20 toward the test chamber 100. Figure 1 Snow falls through the outlet 23A. The top plate 21 and bottom plate 23 are respectively mounted to both ends of the main body 22 using fasteners such as screws. Additionally, in Figure 2 For ease of explanation, the cylinder 20 is shown with the main body 22 separated from the top plate 21 and the bottom plate 23.

[0029] An outlet 12A is formed on the side of the snowmaking pipe 12 opposite to the inlet side where the snowmaking nozzle 11 is disposed, allowing the tiny snow particles generated within the snowmaking pipe 12 to flow out. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the portion of the snowmaking tube 12 at the outlet 12A side penetrates the top plate 21 and is inserted into the interior space of the tube 20. Therefore, the interior space of the tube 20 is supplied with fine snow and low-temperature air from the top plate 21 side. Alternatively, instead of the structure that penetrates the top plate 21, the snowmaking tube 12 can be structured such that the end of the snowmaking tube 12 at the outlet 12A side is joined to the top plate 21.

[0030] An air outlet 21A is provided on the top plate 21. Air inside the cylinder 20 flows out of the cylinder 20 through outlet 21A and then through the return channel 52 (… Figure 1 It returns to the air conditioning unit 40. Alternatively, outlet 21A can be omitted. In this case, the low-temperature air may not circulate between the air conditioning unit 40 and the cylinder 20.

[0031] The snowmaking device 1 also includes: a capturing section 60 for capturing tiny snow particles supplied from the snowmaking pipe 12 to the internal space of the cylinder 20; and a driving section 70 for moving the capturing section 60 toward the part of the tiny snow particles drifting in the internal space.

[0032] In this embodiment, the capturing unit 60 is formed using a soft, sheet-like component made of quadrilateral-shaped Teflon (registered trademark). Furthermore, in this embodiment, multiple sheets (in...) are provided. Figure 2 (4 images in the middle) Capture section 60.

[0033] The drive unit 70 includes a motor 71 mounted on the top plate 21 and a rotating shaft 72 connected to the motor 71 and passing through the center of the top plate 21. Driven by the motor 71, the rotating shaft 72 rotates about its axis at a constant speed. Alternatively, the rotational speed of the rotating shaft 72 can be variable.

[0034] The rotating shaft 72 is arranged radially at the center within the cylinder 20 and supports multiple capturing parts 60. Specifically, as... Figure 2 As shown, a plurality of catching units 60 are arranged at equal intervals around a rotating shaft 72. Each catching unit 60 is mounted on the outer periphery of the rotating shaft 72 such that it extends radially outward from the rotating shaft 72. In other words, the plurality of catching units 60 are arranged radially around the rotating shaft 72 and fixed to the rotating shaft 72. The plurality of catching units 60 are driven by a motor 71 to rotate around the rotating shaft 72. Accordingly, each catching unit 60 moves in one circumferential direction.

[0035] The snowmaking tube 12 supplies fine snow to the area through which the capturing section 60 rotates within the interior space of the tube 20, i.e., the area around the rotation axis 72. In other words, the outlet 12A of the snowmaking tube 12 opens towards the area through which the capturing section 60 rotates within the interior space of the tube 20. Therefore, if multiple capturing sections 60 are activated, the fine snow blown from the snowmaking tube 12 is captured by the main surfaces (faces facing the direction of rotation) of the multiple capturing sections 60.

[0036] The snowmaking device 1 also includes a frame 61 (support member) supporting the capture unit 60 and a scraper-shaped snow scraper mounted on the frame 61. The frame 61 and the snow scraper are respectively provided on the multiple capture units 60. Each frame 61 is a frame member having an upper side, a lower side, and an outer side connecting the outer ends of the upper side and the lower side, surrounding the outer periphery of the capture unit 60. In this embodiment, the capture unit 60 is mounted on the frame 61 at both the upper and lower points, but it is not limited to this.

[0037] The snow-scraping section is used to scrape away snow adhering to the inner surface of the cylinder 20, and includes an upper snow-scraping section 62, a lower snow-scraping section 63, and an outer snow-scraping section 64. When the motor 71 is operating, the upper snow-scraping section 62, the lower snow-scraping section 63, and the outer snow-scraping section 64 move around the rotating shaft 72 while contacting the inner surface of the cylinder 20. These snow-scraping sections can be, for example, sheets made of Teflon (registered trademark), or broom-shaped metal or resin bodies. Alternatively, the snow-scraping section may be configured only on a single capturing section 60.

[0038] The upper snow scraper 62 is used to scrape off the snow adhering to the inner surface of the top plate 21, and is installed on the upper side of the frame 61 in a radially extending manner along the cylinder 20. The lower snow scraper 63 is used to scrape off the snow adhering to the inner surface of the bottom plate 23, and is installed on the lower side of the frame 61 in a radially extending manner along the cylinder 20. In addition, the lower snow scraper 63 conveys the snow that falls on the bottom plate 23 to the large snow blade outlet 23A. The outer snow scraper 64 is used to scrape off the snow adhering to the inner circumferential surface of the main body 22, and is installed on the outer side of the frame 61 in a axially extending manner along the rotation axis 72.

[0039] In this embodiment, each capturing part 60 is in the shape of a sheet and is mounted on the frame 61 in a relaxed state. Figure 3 The diagram schematically illustrates the installation state of the capture unit 60. The vertical dimension of the capture unit 60 is larger than the vertical dimension of the frame 61. The upper and lower ends of the capture unit 60 are respectively mounted to the upper and lower edges of the frame 61. The outer side of the capture unit 60 is not mounted to the outer edge of the frame 61. Therefore, the capture unit 60 is bulging in a curved shape from the upper and lower ends toward the central portion in the vertical direction, and the capture unit 60 can be shaken, for example, by blowing compressed air.

[0040] Alternatively, the capturing part 60 may be the same size as the frame 61. In this case, the capturing part 60 may be relaxed by, for example, mounting only the portion on the side of the rotating shaft 72 at the upper end of the capturing part 60 to the frame 61, and further mounting only the portion on the opposite side of the rotating shaft 72 at the lower end of the capturing part 60 to the frame 61.

[0041] In the snowmaking apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the snow captured by the capturing section 60 is dislodged from the capturing section 60 by shaking the capturing section 60. Specifically, the snowmaking apparatus 1 also includes a compressed air supply section 80 provided on the top plate 21, from which compressed air is blown toward the capturing section 60. Accordingly, the capturing section 60 shakes, and the snow falls off the main surface of the capturing section 60. That is, the compressed air supply section 80 functions as a dislodging section that causes the snow captured by the capturing section 60 to fall off the capturing section 60. The outlet of the compressed air supply section 80 is located above the snow outlet 23A.

[0042] The function of the snowmaking device 1 will now be explained.

[0043] First, the internal space of the snowmaking pipe 12 and cylinder 20 is adjusted to a temperature below freezing point by the air conditioning unit 40. That is, low-temperature air adjusted to a temperature below freezing point by the air conditioning unit 40 is supplied to the internal space of the snowmaking pipe 12 and cylinder 20 through the delivery channel 51. Figure 1 Furthermore, from outlet 21A of cylinder 20 ( Figure 2Air flows out through return channel 52 ( Figure 1 Return to air conditioning unit 40.

[0044] On the other hand, if microparticles of water are sprayed from the snowmaking nozzle 11 into the snowmaking pipe 12, these water droplets become tiny snowflakes in the low-temperature air. Furthermore, these tiny snowflakes are guided into the interior space of the tube 20 through the snowmaking pipe 12.

[0045] Inside the tube 20, fine snow particles drift across its surface. When the motor 71 is driven to rotate the shaft 72 around its axis, the capturing section 60 moves around the shaft 72. That is, the capturing section 60 moves toward the area where the fine snow particles are drifting. Accordingly, the fine snow particles drifting inside the tube 20 are efficiently captured by the capturing section 60, and the fine snow particles adhere to the main surface of the capturing section 60. Furthermore, a portion of the fine snow supplied from the snowmaking pipe 12 is blown directly toward the capturing section 60.

[0046] Furthermore, by accumulating tiny snowflakes on the main surface of the capturing section 60, large snowflakes are produced. These large snowflakes are detached from the capturing section 60 by compressed air being blown from the compressed air supply section 80 to the capturing section 60. The detached large snowflakes accumulate on the bottom plate 23 of the cylinder 20, but they move on the bottom plate 23 by the lower snow scraper 63 and fall from the snow outlet 23A. Accordingly, it is possible to test in the laboratory 100 ( Figure 1 The game recreates the snowfall environment of large snowflakes.

[0047] (Second Implementation)

[0048] Next, the snow-making apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment is basically the same as the first embodiment, but the structure for shaking the capturing unit 60 is different. Hereinafter, only the differences from the first embodiment will be described.

[0049] The snowmaking apparatus involved in the second embodiment, such as Figure 4 The impact body 81 shown is used to shake the impact capture unit 60 instead of the compressed air supply unit 80. Figure 2 Furthermore, the snowmaking device also includes a moving mechanism 82 that moves the striking body 81 between a striking position that strikes the capturing part 60 and a retreating position that moves away from the capturing part 60. The striking body 81 and the moving mechanism 82 function as a detachment part that causes the snow captured by the capturing part 60 to fall off the capturing part 60.

[0050] If a certain amount of snow is accumulated in the capturing section 60 to create large snowflakes, the striking body 81 moves from the retreating position to the striking position and collides with the frame 61. Accordingly, the capturing section 60 shakes, causing the large snowflakes to fall off the capturing section 60.

[0051] Alternatively, a vibrating body (not shown) that vibrates the capture unit 60 can be used instead of the striking body 81 and the moving mechanism 82. The vibrating body can vibrate while in contact with the frame 61, or it can directly vibrate the capture unit 60 while in contact with it. Furthermore, these can also be used with the compressed air supply unit 80.

[0052] (Third implementation method)

[0053] Next, the snowmaking apparatus according to the third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment is basically the same as the first and second embodiments, except that the shaking method of the capturing unit 60 is different. Hereinafter, only the differences from the first and second embodiments will be described.

[0054] In the third embodiment, the capture section 60 is shaken by air pressure from the snowmaking pipe 12, causing large snowflakes to fall off the capture section 60. Specifically, the air supplied from the snowmaking pipe 12 flows in a circumferential direction within the cylinder 20, causing the capture section 60 to shake and the large snowflakes to fall off. That is, the snowmaking pipe 12 blows out an airflow to shake the capture section 60 in a manner that causes large snowflakes to fall off.

[0055] Accordingly, similar to the first and second embodiments, large snowflakes can be detached from the capturing unit 60 to recreate a snowfall environment. In the third embodiment, the capturing unit 60 is shaken by the flow of circulating air; therefore, a compressed air supply unit 80 is not required. Figure 2 Alternatively, striking body 81 can simplify the device structure.

[0056] (Fourth Implementation)

[0057] Next, the snowmaking apparatus according to the fourth embodiment will be described. The fourth embodiment is basically the same as the first embodiment, except that the point at which snow falls off the capturing unit 60 without shaking it is different. Hereinafter, only the point of difference from the first embodiment will be described.

[0058] In the fourth embodiment, the capturing section 60 is formed of a component that will not shake (is difficult to deform) due to the blowing of compressed air, such as a metal mesh or a perforated plate. The compressed air supply section 80 functions as a release section that causes the snow captured by the capturing section 60 to fall off the capturing section 60. Specifically, the capturing section 60 itself will not shake due to the compressed air blown from the compressed air supply section 80, but the snow accumulated on the capturing section 60 is detached from the capturing section 60 by the force of the compressed air.

[0059] According to the fourth embodiment, it is not necessary to mount the capture part 60 on the frame 61 for easy shaking, and it is not limited to using a soft sheet or other easily shakeable component as the capture part 60. Therefore, the degree of freedom in the structure of the capture part 60 is increased.

[0060] (Fifth Implementation)

[0061] Next, the snowmaking apparatus according to the fifth embodiment will be described. The fifth embodiment is basically the same as the first embodiment, except that the snowmaking nozzle 11 is arranged inside the cylinder 20. Hereinafter, only the differences from the first embodiment will be described.

[0062] In this embodiment, the supply unit 10 includes a snowmaking nozzle 11 that supplies fine water droplets into the interior space of the cylinder 20, but does not include a snowmaking pipe 12. Figure 1 ).like Figure 5 As shown, the snow-making nozzle 11 is disposed downwards near the top plate 21 within the internal space of the cylinder 20. More specifically, the snow-making nozzle 11 is disposed on the upper side of the internal space of the cylinder 20 relative to the passage area of ​​the rotating capture section 60, supplying fine water droplets towards the passage area of ​​the capture section 60 in the region surrounding the rotation axis 72. Only one snow-making nozzle 11 may be disposed within the cylinder 20, or multiple nozzles may be disposed there. Furthermore, Figure 5 The upper snow scraper 62 is omitted in the implementation.

[0063] In this embodiment, the height of the cylinder 20 is larger than that of the first embodiment. That is, the height of the cylinder 20 is greater than that of the frame 61. Therefore, even when the snow-making nozzle 11 is arranged inside the cylinder 20, a distance of more than a predetermined value can be ensured between the snow-making nozzle 11 and the capturing part 60.

[0064] The internal space of cylinder 20 is ventilated by air conditioning unit 40. Figure 1 The temperature is adjusted to below freezing. Therefore, within the internal space of the cylinder 20, tiny snowflakes are generated by water droplets ejected from the snowmaking nozzle 11, and these tiny snowflakes are captured by the capturing section 60, which moves around the rotating shaft 72. Furthermore, similar to the first embodiment, large snowflakes are created on the main surface of the capturing section 60, and are shaken by the capturing section 60, causing the snow to fall off. According to this embodiment, since the snowmaking tube 12 can be omitted, the device structure can be simplified.

[0065] (Other implementation methods)

[0066] Other embodiments of the present invention will be described herein.

[0067] like Figure 6As shown, the downstream end of the delivery channel 51 can also be connected to a portion of the snowmaking pipe 12 other than the inlet (e.g., the periphery of the pipe side). In this case, the snowmaking nozzle 11 can be located either outside or inside the snowmaking pipe 12. Water droplets are then sprayed from the snowmaking nozzle 11 toward the air conditioning air coming from the delivery channel 51. Alternatively, the downstream end of the delivery channel 51 can be connected to the snowmaking pipe 12, and the snowmaking nozzle 11 can be located within the delivery channel 51.

[0068] The capturing unit 60 is not limited to being mounted on the frame 61 at both the top and bottom. For example, as Figure 7 As shown, the capturing part 60 can also be installed on the frame 61 at both the left and right sides. In this case, the capturing part 60 is fixed to the outer edge of the frame 61 and the rotation axis 72, but not to the upper and lower edges of the frame 61.

[0069] Alternatively, a snow quality adjustment nozzle (not shown) can be configured below the snow outlet 23A to allow the artificial snow S, which is further wetted, to be introduced into the test chamber 100.

[0070] In the first embodiment, an example was described using a structure where compressed air is blown out to shake the capturing section 60. The embodiments are not limited to this; for example, a blower (not shown) can also be used to shake the capturing section 60 to dislodge snow. Furthermore, as another mechanism for shaking the capturing section 60, a mechanism for abruptly stopping the rotating capturing section 60 can be provided. In this case, the capturing section 60 is shaken by abruptly stopping it, thereby dislodging the snow.

[0071] In the first embodiment, a sheet-like member made of Teflon (registered trademark) was described as an example of the capturing part 60, but it is not limited to this. For example, a sheet-like member made of high-density polyethylene, a mesh member made of Teflon (registered trademark), a metal plate, or a cloth may also be used as the capturing part 60. Furthermore, it is not limited to arranging multiple capturing parts 60; only one capturing part 60 may be arranged.

[0072] The drive unit 70 is not limited to a structure that causes the capturing unit 60 to rotate in only one direction around the rotation axis 72. For example, the drive unit 70 may not rotate the capturing unit 60 to 360° around the rotation axis 72, but may change the circumferential direction of movement, for example, every 180° rotation. That is, the direction of movement of the capturing unit 60 is changed by rotating the rotation axis 72 in both directions.

[0073] Furthermore, the drive unit 70 is not limited to a structure that rotates the capture unit 60; it can also move the capture unit 60 in parallel. In this case, the drive unit 70 becomes a structure that moves the capture unit 60 linearly using a ball screw or the like, instead of using a motor 71 to rotate the rotating shaft 72. In this case, the cylinder 20 is preferably a polygonal (square) cylinder.

[0074] The outlet 12A of the snowmaking tube 12 can also open toward an area outside the passage area of ​​the capture section 60 in the interior space of the tube 20.

[0075] The capture unit 60 is not limited to being supported by the frame 61 in a relaxed state; it can also be supported by the frame 61 in a tensioned state.

[0076] The upper snow scraper 62, lower snow scraper 63, and outer snow scraper 64 may be omitted, or all of them may be omitted. If all of these are omitted, a striking body may be provided for the top plate 21 and main body 22 of the striking cylinder 20, a vibrating body may be provided to vibrate the top plate 21 and main body 22, and a nozzle may be provided to blow compressed air onto the inner surface of the top plate 21 and main body 22 to remove snow. The striking body is positioned on the outer or inner side of the cylinder 20 and strikes the cylinder 20. The vibrating body is positioned in contact with the cylinder 20 and vibrates. The snow scraper 62, 63, 64, the striking body, the vibrating body, and the nozzle are all snow removal facilitators that cause snow adhering to the inner surface of the cylinder 20 (snowmaking container) to detach from that inner surface.

[0077] The capture unit 60 is not limited to, for example Figure 3 The case shown is installed in an arc-shaped curved state on the frame 61, but it can also be installed, for example, in a wavy curved state.

[0078] The bottom plate 23 can also be omitted. In this case, the bottom of the cylinder 20 is completely open. Furthermore, in this case, the lower snow scraper 63 is also omitted.

[0079] The snowmaking nozzle 11 can also be configured inside the snowmaking tube 12.

[0080] The size of the snow can also be adjusted by adjusting the rotation speed of the rotating shaft 72 or the spray volume from the snowmaking nozzle 11.

[0081] The shape of the capturing part 60 is not limited to a rectangle; other shapes may also be used. For example, the shape of the capturing part 60 may be trapezoidal, with the end located on the radially outer side of the cylinder 20 longer than the end located on the radially inner side. In this case, the capturing part 60 is mounted to the frame 61 in a relaxed state on the radially outer side, so it can be shaken by blowing compressed air or the like. On the other hand, since the capturing part 60 is mounted to the frame 61 in a tensioned state on the radially inner side, it is difficult to shake. Accordingly, around the rotation shaft 72, interference between adjacent capturing parts 60 can be suppressed. Furthermore, the shape of the capturing part 60 is not limited to a trapezoid; it may also be a shape whose outline includes a curved portion.

[0082] With the inlet of the snowmaking pipe 12 open, the open space can be cooled or kept at room temperature.

[0083] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative at all points and should not be considered as limiting. The scope of the invention is defined not by the description but by the claims, and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0084] Here, the implementation method is described in summary.

[0085] (1) The snowmaking apparatus according to the embodiment includes: a snowmaking container having an internal space for snowmaking; a supply unit for supplying fine snow or fine water droplets to the internal space; a capturing unit for capturing the fine snow or fine snow generated by the water droplets; and a driving unit for moving the capturing unit toward a part of the fine snow drifting in the internal space. The capturing unit shakes to cause the captured snow to fall off the capturing unit.

[0086] According to the snowmaking device, the drive unit moves the capturing unit toward the part where fine snowflakes are drifting inside the snowmaking container, thus allowing the fine snowflakes to adhere to the capturing unit efficiently. Consequently, fine snowflakes easily accumulate in the capturing unit, and large snowflakes can be produced more efficiently compared to conventional snowmaking devices. Furthermore, fine snowflakes can be captured efficiently even when they are drifting inside the snowmaking container.

[0087] In addition, the “micro-snow” captured by the capturing section includes not only micro-snow supplied from the supply section or micro-snow generated by water droplets supplied from the supply section, but also snow that grows by combining with each other in the internal space of the snowmaking container.

[0088] (2) In the snowmaking device, the capturing part can also be shaken by the wind pressure from the supply part, so that the snow falls off the capturing part.

[0089] According to this structure, since the supply unit has the function of shaking the capture unit, there is no need to set up a structure for shaking the capture unit outside the supply unit, which can simplify the device structure.

[0090] (3) The snowmaking apparatus according to the embodiment includes: a snowmaking container having an internal space for snowmaking; a supply unit for supplying fine snow or fine water droplets to the internal space; a capture unit for capturing the fine snow or fine snow generated by the water droplets; a drive unit for moving the capture unit toward a part of the fine snow drifting in the internal space; and a detachment unit for detaching the snow captured by the capture unit from the capture unit.

[0091] According to this structure, since the tiny snowflakes floating inside the snowmaking container can be efficiently attached to the capturing section, large snowflakes can be produced efficiently. Moreover, the detachment section can be used to detach the snow captured by the capturing section, thus creating a snowfall environment that produces large snowflakes efficiently.

[0092] (4) In the snowmaking device, the drive unit may also be configured to rotate the rotating shaft supporting the capture unit. In this case, the capture unit may also move by rotating the rotating shaft driven by the drive unit.

[0093] Based on this structure, tiny snowflakes drifting inside the snowmaking container can be captured efficiently using a simple device.

[0094] (5) In the snowmaking device, the supply unit may also supply the tiny snowflakes or the water droplets toward the area through which the capture unit rotates in the interior space.

[0095] According to this structure, tiny snowflakes supplied from the supply section or generated from water droplets supplied from the supply section can be easily and directly captured by the capture section. Therefore, large snowflakes can be produced efficiently in the capture section.

[0096] (6) In the snowmaking device, multiple capture parts, including the capture part, may be arranged around the rotating shaft.

[0097] According to this structure, due to the arrangement of multiple capture sections, the capture area is increased, which can efficiently capture tiny snowflakes drifting in the internal space of the snowmaking container.

[0098] (7) The snowmaking device may also include a support member to support the capturing part. The capturing part may also be supported by the support member in a relaxed state.

[0099] Based on this structure, the capturing part can be easily shaken, causing large snowflakes to fall off the capturing part.

[0100] (8) In the snowmaking device, the supply unit may also include: a snowmaking nozzle that sprays the water droplets; and a snowmaking tube that guides the tiny snow generated by the water droplets sprayed from the snowmaking nozzle into the interior space.

[0101] According to this structure, a longer distance can be maintained between the snowmaking nozzle and the capturing unit compared to placing the snowmaking nozzle inside the snowmaking container. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the capture of coarse, granular snow particles by the capturing unit.

[0102] (9) The snowmaking device may also include a snow adhesion prevention part to prevent the tiny snow particles from adhering to the inner surface of the snowmaking tube.

[0103] This structure can prevent snow blockage inside the snowmaking pipe.

[0104] (10) In the snowmaking device, an outlet for the tiny snow particles to flow out may also be formed in the snowmaking pipe, the outlet opening toward the passage area of ​​the capturing part.

[0105] According to this structure, the tiny snow particles flowing out of the snowmaking pipe are captured by the moving capture section, so the snow is more likely to accumulate in the capture section.

[0106] (11) The embodiment is a snowfall test apparatus having a test chamber and a snowmaking device for producing snow supplied to the test chamber.

[0107] As can be seen from the above description, a snowmaking device capable of efficiently producing large snowflakes can be provided.

[0108] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-4842, filed on January 15, 2021, the contents of which are included in this application.

[0109] To illustrate the invention, it has been adequately and sufficiently described above with reference to the accompanying drawings and by way of embodiments. However, it should be recognized that modifications and / or improvements to the above-described embodiments can be readily made by those skilled in the art. Therefore, any modified or improved embodiments implemented by those skilled in the art, as long as they do not depart from the scope of protection of the claims set forth in the claims, can be interpreted as being included within the scope of protection of those claims.

Claims

1. A snowmaking device, characterized in that... include: A snowmaking container having an internal space for snowmaking; The supply unit supplies tiny snowflakes or fine water droplets into the interior space; The capturing unit captures the tiny snowflakes or the tiny snowflakes generated by the water droplets; and, The drive unit includes a rotating shaft that supports the capturing unit, and rotates the rotating shaft in such a way that it moves the capturing unit toward the part of the tiny snowflakes drifting in the interior space. The supply unit includes a snow-making nozzle that sprays water droplets toward the passage area of ​​the capture unit. The snow-making nozzle is disposed within the internal space of the snow-making container. The capturing section causes the captured snow to fall off by shaking.

2. The snowmaking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The capturing section shakes the snow off the capturing section by using wind pressure from the supply section.

3. A snowmaking device, characterized in that... include: A snowmaking container having an internal space for snowmaking; The supply unit supplies tiny snowflakes or fine water droplets into the interior space; The capturing unit captures the tiny snowflakes or the tiny snowflakes generated by the water droplets; A drive unit includes a rotating shaft that supports the capturing unit, and rotates the rotating shaft in such a way that it moves the capturing unit toward the part of the tiny snowflakes drifting in the interior space; and, The detachment section allows the snow captured by the capturing section to detach from the capturing section, wherein... The supply unit includes a snow-making nozzle that sprays water droplets toward the passage area of ​​the capture unit. The snow-making nozzle is disposed within the internal space of the snow-making container.

4. The snowmaking apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Multiple capturing units, including the capturing unit, are arranged around the rotating shaft.

5. The snowmaking apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The snowmaking nozzle is positioned on the upper side of the internal space relative to the passage area of ​​the rotating capture section.

6. The snowmaking apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that... Also includes: Supporting member, supporting the capturing part, wherein, The height of the snowmaking container is greater than the height of the supporting member. The snowmaking nozzle is positioned in the gap between the top plate of the snowmaking container and the support member.

7. The snowmaking apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The support member is a frame member having an upper part, a lower part, and an outer part connecting the outer ends of the upper part and the lower part, and surrounds the outer periphery of the capturing part.

8. The snowmaking apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that... Also includes: Supporting member, supporting the capturing part, wherein, The capturing part is supported by the supporting member in a relaxed state.

9. A snowfall test device, characterized in that... include: Laboratory; as well as, The snowmaking apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8 for producing snow supplied to the laboratory.

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