Device for generating waves

Abstract

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

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] This document relates to a wave generation device for practicing water sports or water activities and to a method of operating such a device. State of the prior art

[0002] Documents EP 0 547 117 and US 5 738 590 each describe a wave generation device for practicing water sports or activities in a water park, comprising an inclined sliding area supplied with water by means of water injection means capable of generating a continuous flow of water so as to allow a user to slide, by means of a buoy or a surfboard for example, along the sliding area.

[0003] EP 3 415 204 A1 describes a wave generation device for practicing water sports, the device comprising a sliding zone having an inlet and an outlet, an upper part and a lower part, the sliding zone being supplied with water via water injection means capable of generating a water jet, the device comprising means for determining the position of the user and means for controlling the water injection means.

[0004] The invention aims to propose a device allowing in particular the use of buoys or surfboards, offering a new type of sensation to users and making it possible to absorb a significant flow of users. Presentation of the invention

[0005] For this purpose, the invention relates to a wave generation device for practicing water sports or activities involving sliding, the device comprising at least one sliding zone comprising an inlet, an outlet, an upper part and a lower part, the sliding zone being supplied with water via water injection means capable of generating a jet of water or a blade of water, the device being designed to direct a user from the inlet to the outlet of the sliding zone and alternately from the upper zone to the lower zone of the sliding zone, in particular via the jet of water or the blade of water, the device comprising means for determining the position of the user and means for controlling the water injection means capable of generating a jet or a blade of water when the user is in a descent phase towards the lower part of the sliding zone, so as to redirect said user towards the upper part of the sliding zone.

[0006] The user may be on a buoy or a surfboard, for example. In operation, the user enters the sliding zone through the entrance, then is gradually directed toward the exit by making one or more alternating movements between the upper part of the sliding zone and the lower part of the sliding zone. In particular, when the flow rate of water injected by the water injection means is low or zero, the user descends from the upper part to the lower part of the sliding zone under the effect of gravity. Conversely, when the flow rate of water is high, the water jet or the blade of water pushes the user back toward the upper part. The means for determining the position of the user and the associated control means make it possible, for example, to push the user back toward the upper part before the user reaches the lower end of the sliding zone so as to create a fluid and shock-free movement for the user.

[0007] The fact that users are gradually brought towards the exit ensures a constant and sustained flow of users. A new user can thus enter the sliding zone as soon as a user has left it, for example, without requiring the water injection equipment to be stopped.

[0008] Such a device allows, for example, a flow rate of 120 to 240 users per hour.

[0009] The water injection means may comprise at least two water injection zones offset from each other, the water injection means being designed to be able to supply water, independently, to each water injection zone.

[0010] Such a structure makes it possible in particular to limit the flow of water necessary for the operation of the device in use.

[0011] The device may comprise a rim at least partially surrounding the sliding zone, said rim comprising at least one wall extending upwards from the upper end of the sliding zone, said wall forming a non-zero angle with the direction perpendicular to the direction of injection of the water by the water injection means, said wall being inclined so as to redirect the water towards the outlet.

[0012] Such a structure helps direct the user from the entrance to the exit when using the device. The rim helps contain water within the sliding area.

[0013] The device may include water recycling means capable of recovering the water flowing at the lower end of the sliding zone and capable of reinjecting it through the water injection means.

[0014] Said angle between said wall and the direction perpendicular to the direction of water injection can be between 15 and 30°.

[0015] The sliding area can be tilted from top to bottom and from entry to exit.

[0016] In other words, the entrance to the slide area may be higher than the exit from the slide area so that the user is directed, by gravity, from the entrance to the exit.

[0017] Of course, such a feature can be used in combination with a sloped wall so as to redirect the water flow towards the outlet.

[0018] The height difference between the entrance and exit of the sliding area is, for example, between 0 and 2 meters.

[0019] The water injection means may be designed to generate a water jet or a blade of water directed, at least in part, towards the outlet.

[0020] In other words, the direction of said water jet or water blade has a component oriented towards the exit.

[0021] Such a feature allows to direct the user towards the exit.

[0022] Of course, such a feature can be used in combination with an inclined wall so as to redirect the water flow towards the outlet, and / or in combination with a sliding area inclined from top to bottom and from the inlet to the outlet.

[0023] The means for determining the user's position may include optical or proximity detection means.

[0024] Said optical detection means may, for example, comprise a camera associated with a calculation system capable of determining the position of the user on an image taken by the camera.

[0025] The proximity detection means comprise, for example, at least one infrared sensor and / or at least one ultrasonic sensor capable of detecting the distance between the user and a fixed point of the device.

[0026] Alternatively, the means for determining the position of the user may comprise a timing system capable of generating a jet of water or a blade of water at defined time intervals from a determined instant, for example the instant when the user leaves the entrance to the sliding zone.

[0027] The timing system is a means for indirectly determining the position of the user. The timing system may be associated with a means for detecting the user at the entry zone, in particular a means capable of determining the moment when the user leaves the entry zone to go to the sliding zone. Such detection may be carried out by any means, for example optical, such as a laser.

[0028] The device may include a scale capable of determining the mass of the user, and possibly of one or more of the user's accessories, such as a buoy or a surfboard, the water injection means then being able to be designed to adapt the flow rate of the injected water flow according to the mass determined by the scale.

[0029] The scale can also be used to determine when the user leaves the entry area and enters the slide area.

[0030] The device may include a storage area, intended for storing buoys for example, located near the exit of the sliding area.

[0031] The sliding zone comprises at least one concave portion, at least one convex portion and / or at least one flat zone.

[0032] The curvature of the sliding surface may be continuous and may not include any break in slope.

[0033] The device may include a ramp allowing a user to enter at the entrance to the sliding surface.

[0034] The sliding zone may comprise at least one curved zone in top view, for example a generally U-shaped zone. The sliding zone may comprise several contiguous curved zones, so as to form a sliding path having a complex trajectory, adapted in particular to the installation zone of such a device.

[0035] The invention also relates to a method of operating a device of the aforementioned type, characterized in that it comprises at least one step of determining the position of the user and at least one step of generating a jet of water or a blade of water when the user is in a phase of descent towards the lower part of the sliding zone, so as to redirect said user towards the upper part of the sliding zone. Brief description of the figures

[0036] [ Fig. 1 ] is a perspective view of a device according to a first embodiment of the invention, [ Fig. 2 ] is a top view of the device, [ Fig. 3 ], [ Fig. 4 ], [ Fig. 5 ], [ Fig. 6 ], [ Fig. 7 ] And [ Fig. 8 ] are views illustrating different successive stages of the operation of the device, [ Fig. 9 ] is another perspective view of a device according to the first embodiment of the invention, [ Fig. 10 ] is a perspective view of a device according to a second embodiment of the invention, [ Fig. 11 ] is a top view of the device of the figure 10 . Detailed description of the invention

[0037] THE figures 1 à 8 illustrate a device 1 for generating waves for practicing water sports or activities involving sliding, the device 1 comprising a structure comprising a sliding surface or zone 2 surrounded, in part, by a rim 3 formed of walls 4, 5, 6 extending vertically upwards. The sliding surface 2 comprises a so-called lower or low end 7, a so-called upper or high end 8, a first lateral end 9, a second lateral end 10, an entry zone 11 and an exit zone 12.

[0038] The inlet zone 11 is located at the lower end 7 and close to the first lateral end 9. The outlet zone 12 is located at the second lateral end 10 and close to the upper end 8.

[0039] The lower 7 and upper 8 ends are offset from each other along a first axis, denoted X. The lateral ends 9, 10 are offset from each other along a second axis, denoted Y, perpendicular to the X axis. The inlet and outlet are offset from each other along the X axis and along the Y axis. The X and Y axes are located in a horizontal plane. A vertical axis Z is also defined, orthogonal to the X and Y axes.

[0040] The edges of the sliding surface 2 delimited by the first and second lateral ends 9, 10 mentioned above are here perpendicular to the edge defined by the lower end 7. The edge defined by the upper end 8 forms, in top view ( figure 2 ) an angle α relative to the edge formed by the lower end 7.

[0041] The angle α is oriented towards the outlet 12 or the second end 10. In other words, the upper edge 8 deviates from the lower edge 7 of the end 9 towards the end 10, at least over a part of said upper edge 8. Said angle α is for example between 15 and 30°.

[0042] In the embodiment of the figures 1 à 8 , the sliding surface 2 has a curved concave zone 13 ( figure 1 ) extending upwards, located near the upper end 8. The remainder of the sliding surface 2 may be flat and located in a horizontal plane. The curvature of the sliding surface 2 is preferably continuous and does not include a break in slope.

[0043] The height difference, i.e. the distance along the Z axis, between the highest point of the upper end 8 and the lower end 7 is between 0 and 2 meters, for example. The radius of curvature of the concave zone 13 is, for example, between 3 and 9 meters.

[0044] The device 1 may comprise a ramp 14 allowing the introduction of a user 15 at the level of the entrance 11 of the sliding surface 2.

[0045] The rim 3 has a first side wall 5 extending along the edge of the first end 9, a second side wall 6 extending along a portion of the edge of the second end 10 and a wall 5 extending along the edge of the upper end 8.

[0046] The wall 5 extending along the edge of the upper end 5 thus also forms an angle α with the lower edge 7 of the sliding surface 2.

[0047] The exit zone 12 at the edge of the second end 10 is devoid of a wall so as to allow the passage of users 15. The exit zone 12 comprises an exit sliding surface 16 extending in the extension of the sliding surface 2, beyond the second end 10 of the sliding surface 2.

[0048] The device 1 further comprises water injection means capable of generating a water jet or a water blade (delimited by dotted lines 17 in the figures) at the end 7, the device 1 being designed to direct a user 15 from the inlet 11 to the outlet 12 of the sliding surface 2 and alternately from the upper part to the lower part of the sliding surface 2, in particular by means of the water jet or the water blade 17.

[0049] The water injection means may comprise at least two water injection zones, here three distinct zones denoted Z1, Z2 and Z3 in the figures, offset from each other along the Y axis, the water injection means being designed to be able to supply water, independently, to each injection zone Z1, Z2, Z3. In this particular embodiment, the jets or blades of water 17 generated at each zone are oriented perpendicular to the lower edge 7. Of course, other orientations are also possible, preferably in directions oriented towards the second lateral end 6 and towards the upper edge 8.

[0050] The device 1 also comprises water recycling means capable of recovering the water flowing in particular at the lower end of the sliding surface 2 or the outlet 12, and capable of reinjecting it through the water injection means.

[0051] The device 1 further comprises means for determining the position of the user 15 and means for controlling the water injection means capable of generating a jet or a blade of water 17 when the user 15 is in a phase of descent towards the lower part of the sliding surface 2, so as to redirect said user 15 towards the upper part of the sliding surface 2.

[0052] Said means for determining the position of the user 155 may comprise optical detection means. Said optical detection means may for example comprise a camera associated with a calculation system capable of determining the position of the user 155 on an image taken by the camera.

[0053] Alternatively, the means for determining the position of the user 15 may comprise at least one infrared sensor and / or at least one ultrasonic sensor capable of detecting the distance between the user 155 and a fixed point of the device 1.

[0054] According to yet another variant, the means for determining the position of the user 15 may comprise a timing system capable of generating a jet of water or a blade of water 17 at defined time intervals from a determined instant, for example the instant when the user 155 leaves the entrance 11 of the sliding surface 2.

[0055] The device 1 further comprises a storage area 18, intended for example for the storage of buoys 19, located near the exit area 12.

[0056] The device 1 may comprise barriers 20 extending in particular along at least part of the storage area 18 and along at least part of the lower edge 7 and the entrance 11.

[0057] The operation of such a device 1 will now be described with reference to figures 3 à 8 .

[0058] The user 15 first enters the sliding surface 2 through the entrance 11. The user 15 may be seated on a buoy 19 for example. Once the user 15 is engaged on the sliding surface 2, the position of the user 15 is determined or evaluated and a jet or blade of water 17 is produced in the associated zone so as to gradually move the user 15 towards the exit 12 by making one or more alternating movements between the upper part of the sliding surface 2 and the lower part of the sliding surface 2. For this, when the user 15 is located in the upper part of the sliding surface 2, a low or zero flow of water is injected at the zone Z1, Z2, Z3 considered, which allows the user 15 to move from the upper part to the lower part by gravity.Conversely, when the user 15 is located in the lower part of the sliding surface 2, a significant flow of water is injected into the zone Z1, Z2, Z3 considered, so that the water jet or the blade of water 17 pushes the user 15 towards the upper part. The means for determining the position of the user 15 and the associated control means make it possible, for example, to push the user 15 towards the upper part before the latter reaches the lower end of the sliding surface 2 so as to create a fluid and shock-free movement for the user 15.

[0059] THE figures 3 , 5 And 7 thus illustrate the case where a significant flow of water 17 is generated respectively at the level of a first zone Z1, a second zone Z2 and a third zone Z3, respectively, so as to allow movement of the user 15 towards the upper part of the sliding surface 2.

[0060] THE figures 4 And 6 illustrate the case where the injected water flow rate is low or zero, so as to allow movement of the user 15 towards the lower part of the sliding surface 2.

[0061] Furthermore, due to the inclination of the wall 5 located at the upper edge 8 of the sliding surface 2, the water is redirected towards the exit 12, so that the user 15 is also directed simultaneously and progressively towards the exit 12 as the user alternates between the lower part and the upper part of the sliding surface 2. A new user 15 can enter the sliding surface 2 as soon as a user 15 has left it, for example, without requiring the water injection means to be stopped, as illustrated in FIG. figure 1 Or 8 .

[0062] According to a variant not shown, the sliding surface 2 can be inclined from top to bottom and from the inlet 11 to the outlet 12.

[0063] The height difference between the entrance 11 and the exit 12 of the sliding surface 2 is for example between 0 and 2 meters.

[0064] The water injection means and the associated control means may be capable of generating a flow or a blade of water continuously over time, for example so as to allow use more oriented towards the practice of surfing or the like.

[0065] In other words, the entrance 11 of the sliding surface 2 may be higher than the exit 12 of the sliding surface 2 so that the user 15 is directed, by gravity, from the entrance 11 to the exit 12.

[0066] According to yet another embodiment, it is possible to adjust the inclination of the sliding surface 2, for example by means of jacks, along the X axis and / or along the Y axis.

[0067] The water injection means and the associated control means may also be capable of generating a water jet or a blade of water 17 continuously over time, for example so as to allow use more oriented towards the practice of surfing or the like, for example.

[0068] THE figures 10 et 11 illustrate a device 1 according to a third embodiment. This comprises a sliding surface 2 comprising a first zone 21 having, in top view, a rounded U-shaped shape, and a second zone 22 also having a rounded shape in top view, in the general shape of an inverted L.

[0069] The first zone 21 comprises a first end 21a and a second end 21b, formed at the ends of the U. The second zone 22 also comprises a first end 22a, located in the extension of the second end 21b of the first zone 21, and a second end 22b.

[0070] The first end 21a of the first zone 21 is capable of forming a user entrance, the second end 21b of the first zone 21 and / or the second end 22b of the second zone 22 are capable of forming user exits. The device 1 may comprise entry or exit platforms 23 or access zones at the ends 21a, 21bn 22b.

[0071] As previously, the device 1 comprises water injection means and water recycling means capable of recovering the water flowing in particular at the lower end 7 of the sliding surface 2 or the outlets 21, 22b, and capable of reinjecting it through the water injection means. An example of a user's path from the inlet 21a to the outlet 22b is illustrated schematically by arrows at the figure 11. It is noted that, on such a route, at the ends 21a, 21b of the first zone 21, the user moves alternately between the lower part 7 and the upper part 8 of the sliding surface 2. Barriers 24 formed for example by foam or inflatable tubes, can be placed in different places of the device 1, to contain or direct the flow of water and / or to ensure the safety of the user.

Claims

1. A device (1) for generating waves for the practice of sports or water sledging activities, the device (1) comprising at least one sledging zone (2) including an inlet (11), an outlet (12), a top part and a bottom part, the sledging zone (2) being supplied with water by means of water injection means capable of generating a water jet or a water blade (17), the device (1) being designed to direct a user (15) from the inlet (11) to the outlet (12) of the sledging zone (2) and alternately from the top zone to the bottom zone of the sledging zone (2), in particular by means of the water jet or the water blade (17), the device (1) including means for determining position of the user (15) and means for controlling the water injection means capable of generating a water jet or a water blade (17) when the user (15) is in a lowering phase towards the bottom part of the sledging zone (2), so as to redirect said user (15) to the top part of the sledging zone (2).

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the water injection means include at least two water injection zones (Z1, Z2, Z3) offset from each other, the water injection means being designed to be able to independently supply each water injection zone (Z1, Z2, Z3) with water.

3. The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that it includes a rim (3) at least partly surrounding the sledging zone (2), said rim (3) including at least one wall (5) extending upwardly from the top end (8) of the sledging zone (2), said wall (5) forming a non-zero angle (α) with the direction perpendicular to the direction of water injection by the water injection means, said wall (5) being tilted so as to redirect water towards the outlet (12).

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

5. The device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the sledging zone (2) is tilted from top to bottom and from the inlet (11) to the outlet (12).

6. The device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the water injection means are designed to generate a water jet or a water blade (17) at least partly directed towards the outlet (12).

7. The device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the means for determining position of the user (15) include optical or proximity detection means.

8. The device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the sledging zone includes at least one curved zone in a top view.

9. A method for operating a device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that it comprises at least one step of determining position of the user (15) and at least one step of generating a water jet or a water blade (17) when the user (15) is in a lowering phase towards the bottom part of the sledging zone (2), so as to redirect said user (15) towards the top part of the sledging zone (2).

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