Avalanche triggering device

Abstract

The invention relates to an explosion chamber (2) for an avalanche triggering device comprising: - a lower half-chamber (4) closed at its lower end (6) and having an opening at its upper end (8), - an upper half-chamber (18) closed at its upper end (20) and having an opening at its lower end (22), characterized in that the lower end (22) of the upper half-chamber (18) extends around the upper end (8) of the lower half-chamber (4), or the upper end (8) of the lower half-chamber (4) extends around the lower end (22) of the upper half-chamber (18), so as to create at least one gas flow channel (34), the gas flow channel (34) comprising a baffle formed by the lower end (22) of the upper half-chamber (18) and the upper end (8) of the lower half-chamber (4). Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Avalanche triggering device

[0001] The invention relates first to a component for an avalanche triggering system, particularly for snow avalanches. The invention also relates to an avalanche triggering system as such, particularly for snow avalanches, comprising such a component.

[0002] It is known from the prior art to use avalanche triggering devices in areas where snow accumulation could generate avalanches threatening places or people.

[0003] To trigger an avalanche, a shock wave is generally generated by an explosion. Explosive charges can, for example, be placed by an operator at the location where an avalanche is to be triggered. This placement can be done either from a helicopter by dropping the charge, or from the ground, in which case the charge can be dropped, slid, or thrown to the appropriate location. In both cases, the charge is generally detonated by a slow-burning fuse or electrically. In addition to the risks directly related to handling explosives, the operator, when placing explosive charges directly on the ground, must travel to often steep areas with unstable snowpacks. Furthermore, these operations, whether for ground or helicopter-borne charge placement, sometimes have to be carried out in challenging weather conditions.

[0004] Since the movement and handling of explosives is dangerous and regulated, it is preferable to use a mixture of explosive gases to generate the shock wave. Furthermore, to ensure greater operator safety, it is known to use remotely controlled systems. These systems must offer the same performance as other devices in terms of the area of ​​the snowpack potentially affected. Some devices, such as the one known by the trade name "CATEX," use an explosive cable system that passes over one or more avalanche chutes. While this type of solution may limit the risks associated with moving to the avalanche site, it does not provide a solution for the handling and storage of explosives.This system also requires the costly installation of a system of pylons supporting the transmission cable, and this over potentially very long distances.

[0005] One way to reduce the risks associated with handling explosives is to use an explosive gas mixture to generate a shock wave to trigger the avalanche. This approach and the corresponding systems require a containment chamber into which the mixture is injected before ignition (which causes the explosion). and prevent premature dilution before atmospheric detonation. This containment function can be achieved with a flexible membrane (balloon-type) or, more often, with a rigid structure, generally metallic. Depending on its characteristics, it also influences the quality of the explosion, which is why it can be referred to as either a containment enclosure or an explosion chamber. Based on this principle, there are known transportable devices, for example, those described in documents WO 2007 / 096524 A1 and WO 2009 / 080977 A1, which can be brought to the site by helicopter. These devices use a mixture of explosive gases to trigger an explosion above the snowpack. There is also a known device in the form of a containment enclosure open at the bottom and designed to be suspended from a helicopter by a sling.This enclosure is then transported by helicopter and hovered above the snowpack in the area where an avalanche is to be triggered. To trigger an avalanche, the enclosure is filled with an explosive gas mixture lighter than air. This mixture is then ignited, most often electrically, to generate an explosion. The resulting shock wave then shakes the snowpack and triggers an avalanche. The main advantage of these devices is that they can be used in areas not previously equipped, and without any handling of explosives. The disadvantages remain those inherent to helicopter use, namely the significant operating costs and the inability to operate in bad weather.

[0006] Another type of device is that known by the trade name "GAZEX". This type of device, described in document FR 2 636 729 A1, comprises, as its explosion chamber, a closed-bottomed, open-ended, angled blast tube, permanently mounted on a foundation system, with its opening directed towards the snowpack. A gas circuit is used to fill the blast tube with oxidizing and fuel gases, which are ignited by an ignition device mounted at the rear of the blast tube. The resulting shock wave is then directed, through the tube's opening, towards the snowpack, thus triggering the avalanche. Furthermore, the fixed installation of this device ensures sufficient, repeatable, and continuous power for the protection of large avalanche paths.The main disadvantages associated with this type of system are the need for a complex installation requiring significant civil engineering work for the system itself, the adjacent technical room and the connecting pipes, and the need to carry out maintenance on the installation site, which is, by definition, difficult to access or even dangerous.

[0007] Certain additional characteristics of an avalanche triggering device are sought, such as a reduced ground footprint, integration in the landscape and removability by helicopter. This latter characteristic is particularly important as it allows the devices to be removed in summer, when their use is unnecessary to limit their exposure to lightning and rockfalls, but also to carry out maintenance and repair operations while limiting the exposure of operators to the difficult conditions of the high mountains.

[0008] Prior art solutions propose removable remote avalanche triggering devices based on the explosion of a hydrogen / oxygen gas mixture inside an open cone. Document FR2958739A1 presents, in particular, a solution in which a module comprising the explosion chamber is placed on a fixed support stand positioned in avalanche starting zones. This solution is satisfactory in that it provides a removable device capable of triggering avalanches when remotely controlled.

[0009] However, the performance of avalanche triggering devices classically depends on the quantity and type of gases used for the explosive gas mixture, but also on the size and volume of the enclosure used to carry out the explosion. It therefore appears that it is preferable to use a large-volume enclosure with a large quantity of gas to maximize the explosion, since it is within the enclosure that the effects of the explosion will develop from the ignition of this quantity of gas.

[0010] Thus, the pursuit of improved performance can quickly encounter compatibility limitations, particularly with the mass capacities suitable for helicopter transport, given the previously mentioned removability criterion. For an integrated system with a constant mass that can be helicopter transported, it is therefore necessary to find an optimum for distributing this removable mass among the various components of the device, such as the enclosure, gas reserves, and various control and equipment. This optimum is also limiting and does not allow for an indefinite increase in power, as this requires an increase in mass.

[0011] All current techniques for gas avalanche triggering systems therefore use explosion chambers of various shapes and sizes. For the category of metallic explosion chambers, they all have one thing in common: the outlet is fairly direct and unobstructed, and they must have sufficient volume to contain the gas mixture necessary for the explosion's power and reliably trigger an avalanche. However, each device must be adapted to the type of gas used, particularly its density. This is especially true for the explosion chamber, most of which have a fairly direct, unobstructed outlet; that is to say, apart from the path through the containment chamber during filling, the outlet is often directly visible from the point Injection: In other words, the explosion develops unidirectionally and progressively from the ignition point to the outlet. The gas is therefore only partially confined, and the shape of the combustion chamber limits the types of gases that can be used: chambers with a top opening are dedicated to gas mixtures heavier than air (for example, propane and oxygen), and those with a bottom opening are dedicated to gas mixtures lighter than air (for example, hydrogen and oxygen). Furthermore, the injection and ignition times must be rapid to avoid losses.

[0012] The present invention aims to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks by providing an injection chamber suitable for all types of gas mixtures regardless of their density, while improving the power of the generated shock wave.

[0013] To this end, the invention relates to an explosion chamber for an avalanche triggering device, the explosion chamber comprising: - a lower, closed half-chamber with an opening at its upper end, - a half-chamber upper extending above the half-chamber lower, closed at its upper end and including an opening at its lower end.

[0014] According to the invention, the lower end of the upper half-chamber extends around the upper end of the lower half-chamber, or the upper end of the lower half-chamber extends around the lower end of the upper half-chamber, so as to create at least one gas flow channel between the inside and outside of the explosion chamber, air channel comprising at least one baffle formed by the lower end of the upper half-chamber and the upper end of the lower half-chamber.

[0015] Thus, a closed explosion chamber is obtained, both at the top and the bottom. With this type of containment, all types of explosive gas mixtures are compatible with this chamber, whether heavy or light. This also ensures better retention of the gas mixture during its injection phase before ignition, particularly with regard to external wind, and allows for longer procedure times.

[0016] Moreover, such an architecture constrains the explosion at the moment of ignition which, depending on the position of the ignition, can generate different internal rebounds and reflections of the shock wave with the effect of increasing its power for an equal quantity of gas: the mixture is better consumed with a smaller part simply ejected and burned outside as is the case for enclosures according to the prior art.

[0017] The explosion chamber also allows the explosion to be directed according to the interlocking of the upper and lower parts that constitute this new enclosure: one Being more open than the other, it determines the direction of the explosion as it exits the chamber. If the upper half of the chamber is wider and covers the lower half, the explosion is directed downwards. Conversely, the explosion could be directed upwards. Depending on the symmetry or asymmetry of the nesting, additional orientation effects can be achieved. The entire assembly can also be oriented according to the desired effect.

[0018] Depending on other optional features of the explosion chamber taken alone or in combination: - the lower half-chamber and the upper half-chamber are fixed to each other by elastically deformable means, - the gas flow channel extends around the entire perimeter of the explosion chamber, - the gas flow channel extends along part of the perimeter of the explosion chamber, - The explosion chamber comprises several distinct gas flow channels extending around its entire perimeter. - the upper half-chamber includes at least one partition or internal chimney extending into the interior of the upper half-chamber, - the lower half-chamber includes at least one partition or internal chimney extending into the interior of the lower half-chamber.

[0019] The invention also relates to an assembly consisting of an explosion chamber according to the invention and an explosion chamber support.

[0020] Depending on other optional features of the assembly taken alone or in combination: - The support and the explosion chamber are fixed to each other via a hinged system, - the support is formed of several straight profiles mounted together in a telescopic manner.

[0021] The invention also relates to an avalanche triggering device comprising: - an assembly according to the invention, and - at least one device for supplying a gaseous mixture into the explosion chamber.

[0022] Depending on other optional features of the avalanche triggering device taken alone or in combination: - The avalanche triggering device also includes a technical unit incorporating at least one of the following elements: - at least one device for receiving fuel and gaseous oxidizer cylinders, - at least one gas injection device inside the explosion chamber, - at least one device for controlling the injection of gas into the explosion chamber, - at least one ignition device for the gas mixture inside the explosion chamber, - the technical unit is interfaced and placed on the explosion chamber without being fixed to the latter. Brief description of the figures

[0023] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0024] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of an explosion chamber according to the invention,

[0025] [Fig.2] is a side view of an explosion chamber according to the invention,

[0026] [Fig.3] is a longitudinal sectional view, along section plane AA of [Fig.2], of an explosion chamber according to the invention,

[0027] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of an assembly consisting of an explosion chamber according to the invention and a support,

[0028] [Fig.5] is a side view of an assembly consisting of an explosion chamber according to the invention and a support,

[0029] [Fig.6] is a longitudinal sectional view, along section plane BB of [Fig.5], of an assembly consisting of an explosion chamber according to the invention and a support,

[0030] [Fig.7] is an exploded view of an assembly consisting of an explosion chamber according the invention and a support,

[0031] [Fig.8] is a perspective view of an avalanche triggering device according to the invention,

[0032] [Fig.9] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a triggering device of avalanches according to the invention, and

[0033] [Fig. 10] is an exploded view of an avalanche triggering device according to the invention. Detailed description

[0034] Reference is now made to Figures 1 to 3 illustrating an explosion chamber 2 of an avalanche triggering device. An explosion chamber is understood to be an enclosure comprising at least one opening into which at least one fuel, and potentially at least one oxidizer, in this case a gas, are injected and ignited so as to trigger an explosion, an explosion generating a shock wave. propagating from explosion chamber 2 and triggering an avalanche, particularly a snow avalanche caused by the release of a snowpack. It would be possible to inject only one or more fuels, using the oxygen present in the air, rather than an oxidizer.

[0035] The explosion chamber 2 comprises a lower half-chamber 4 closed at its lower end 6 and comprising an opening at its upper end 8.

[0036] In the illustrated example, the lower half-chamber 4 has a substantially tubular shape. This shape could be different: it could form a cylinder whose base is not circular, a hollow frustoconical body, etc. As can be seen in Figure 4, the lower half-chamber 4 can be formed of a main portion 10, here tubular in shape, and an assembly of a solid plate 12 and a first domed flange 14 forming the closed lower end 6 of the lower chamber 4. At least one first fixing flange 16 may be present, the lower half-chamber 4 being assembled, for example, by screwing or any other conventional means known to those skilled in the art.

[0037] Alternatively, the lower half-chamber 4 could be made in one piece.

[0038] The explosion chamber 2 further comprises an upper half-chamber 18 extending above the lower half-chamber 4, closed at its upper end 20 and comprising an opening at its lower end 22.

[0039] In the illustrated example, the upper half-chamber 18 has the shape of a truncated conical hollow body. This shape could be different: it could form a cylinder, more particularly a tube, etc.

[0040] As can be seen in [Fig.7], the upper half-chamber 18 can be formed of a main portion 24, here of truncated conical shape, and an assembly of a second domed flange 26 and a second fixing flange 28 forming the closed lower end of the lower chamber. In the illustrated example, an injection pipe 30 and an injection pipe fixing flange 32 are fixed to the upper end 20 of the upper half-chamber 18. In such a case, a gas injection device is connected to the injection pipe 30 so as to close the upper half-chamber 18. Obviously, and in the case where the gases are brought to the explosion chamber 2 in another way, the upper half-chamber 18 may not have an opening, for example by including a solid plate closing its upper end 22. The upper half-chamber 18 is assembled in the example by screwing or any other conventional means known to a person skilled in the art.

[0041] Alternatively, the upper half-chamber 18 could be made in one piece.

[0042] According to the invention: - the lower end 20 of the upper half-chamber 18 extends around the upper end 8 of the lower half-chamber 4, or - the upper end 8 of the lower half-chamber 4 extends around the lower end 20 of the upper half-chamber 18, so as to create at least one gas flow channel 34 between the inside and outside of the explosion chamber 2, gas flow channel 34 comprising at least one baffle formed by the lower end 20 of the upper half-chamber 18 and the upper end 8 of the lower half-chamber 4.

[0043] In other words, one of the two half-chambers is placed over the other without actually touching it, thus forming the gas flow channel 34. This configuration makes it possible to obtain the effects described above. In the example illustrated in the figures, the half-chamber extending around the other (here, the upper half-chamber 18 extending around the lower half-chamber 4) forms an external skirt around said chamber. This external skirt, along with the wall of the half-chamber extending furthest inward, contributes to the formation of the gas flow channel 34. The shape of this skirt, and more broadly of external deflectors, helps to guide the shock wave in a desired direction, in whole or in part, and symmetrically or asymmetrically, in order to trigger an avalanche.

[0044] Such a configuration implies that one of the two related ends is larger than the other. In the illustrated example, it is the lower end 20 of the upper half-chamber 18 that is wider than the upper end 8 of the lower half-chamber 4. The reverse is also possible.

[0045] Advantageously, the lower half-chamber 4 and the upper half-chamber 18 are fixed to each other by elastically deformable means. In the illustrated example, the two half-chambers are fixed to each other using a fastening element comprising fixing bars 36 and fixing nuts 38, as well as spring-type return means 40. This allows relative movement of the half-chambers with respect to each other at the moment of the explosion and thus better absorption of the forces experienced by the explosion chamber 2 during the generation of the shock wave. It is therefore understood that the dimensioning of the elastically deformable means allows deformation of the explosion chamber 2 at the moment of said explosion, while allowing it to return to its rest shape after the explosion. This could also allow the size of the gas flow channel 34 to be varied.

[0046] Alternatively, it is possible to fix the two half-chambers by means of rigid means preventing any deformation, for example by welding or bolting them to each other.

[0047] In the illustrated example, the gas flow channel 34 extends around the entire perimeter of the explosion chamber 2. Depending on the desired result in terms of shock wave power and direction, it is possible to provide that: - the gas flow channel 34 extends over part of the perimeter of the explosion chamber 2, or that - several separate gas flow channels 34 extending over all or part of a perimeter of the explosion chamber.

[0048] Generally, the position and / or size of the gas flow channel(s) 34 is chosen according to the desired shock wave, both in terms of its power and its direction. Indeed, the total size of the opening (i.e., of a single gas flow channel 34 or the sum of the gas flow channels 34) partly determines the level of stress for the gas outlet and thus allows for modulation of the shock wave power. As for the direction, it is clear why the position of the gas flow channel(s) 34 determines it.

[0049] Advantageously, the upper half-chamber 18 and / or the lower half-chamber 4 comprise at least one internal partition or chimney, extending, for example, from its closed end to the interior of said half-chamber, or even to the other half-chamber. Such a configuration makes it possible to increase the effects of an explosion by refining the orientation of the shock wave, further increasing the stresses on the explosion by generating more rebounds and internal reflections of the shock wave in order to increase its power for an equivalent quantity of gas.

[0050] The explosion chamber 2 can be formed of two metallic half-chambers, for example made of steel, or made of plastic material. The shapes of the two half-chambers can be identical or different, as can the materials forming them.

[0051] The explosion chamber 2 may include elements to facilitate access to it, means for evacuating water inlets, points for securing operators, means for guiding on its support and / or for accommodating a technical unit, etc.

[0052] Advantageously, the explosion chamber 2 can be equipped with a handling and / or gripping device. This device can be manual or automatic.

[0053] As can be seen in Figures 1 to 7, the explosion chamber 2 may further include a deflector 39, located in the illustrated example at the lower end 6 of the lower half-chamber 4. This deflector allows the shock wave to be directed in a desired direction, in whole or in part, and symmetrically or asymmetrically, in order to trigger an avalanche. The positioning and shape of the deflector 39 may, of course, differ from the illustrated example, while retaining a guiding function for at least part of the shock wave generated by the explosion chamber 2.

[0054] The invention also relates to an assembly 41 formed by an explosion chamber 2 according to the invention and an explosion chamber support 42. This assembly 41 is visible in Figures 4 to 7.

[0055] The explosion chamber 2 can be fixedly connected to the ground by a support 40, for example a foot system, vertical or not, connected at a point in the explosion chamber 2, for example at the level of the lower half of the chamber 4. This connection can be rigid or articulated to allow a sweeping movement (obtained by the asymmetry of the aforementioned nesting) during the explosion to better diffuse the shock wave emitted by the explosion.

[0056] As an alternative to a fixed connection, the explosion chamber 2 can be placed / fitted via the corresponding parts onto a support 42 itself founded on the ground and allowing its seasonal helicopter transport.

[0057] Alternatively, the explosion chamber 2 can be part of a complete system itself that can be airlifted or transported under a cable or pipeline.

[0058] In summary, the assembly 41 may be removable or not, and can be transported by helicopter in one or more parts. Its composition may be made of steel, plastic, or any other material.

[0059] The assembly 41 can be positioned vertically on a base or inclined in all directions, including in the direction of the slope, by being fixed directly or by any structure allowing connection with the ground.

[0060] Advantageously, the support 42 is formed of several straight profiles 44 mounted together in a telescopic or sliding manner, for example on a mounting plate 45. Again, this allows for better absorption of the stresses exerted by the shock wave, this time on the assembly 4L. More broadly, it is advantageous for the support 41 to allow movement of the explosion chamber so as to absorb some of the energy and / or limit the stresses on the civil engineering works. This movement can also generate vibrations in the ground to increase the efficiency of the system. Alternatively, and if desirable, it is possible to provide a support that does not allow such vertical movements.

[0061] The assembly 41 can be held in place by its own weight or by means of external means.

[0062] The support 42 may include a connecting plate 47 fixed to a profile 44 so as to create a fixing interface with the explosion chamber 2, for example with the lower chamber 4. Ribbed lugs 49 are arranged at the connection between the profile 44 and the connecting plate 47 so as to reinforce this connection. Such lugs 49 may also be arranged at the base plate 45.

[0063] The invention also relates to an avalanche triggering device 46 (visible in Figures 8 to 10) comprising: - an assembly 41 according to the invention and described above, and - at least one component for supplying a gaseous mixture into the explosion chamber.

[0064] The gas mixture supplying device may, for example, include one or more gas supply pipes from one or more remote tanks to the assembly 41, and more particularly to the explosion chamber 2.

[0065] The explosion chamber 2 may in this case include a connection element for the pipe(s) to the assembly as well as elements enabling the ignition of a gaseous mixture or the control of the avalanche triggering device 46, for example via sensors.

[0066] Advantageously, the avalanche triggering device 46 can include a removable technical unit 48, generally placed and interfaced on the upper half-chamber 18. It is in this specific case that the upper end 20 of the upper half-chamber 18 is open without the placement of the technical unit 48, the latter closing the upper end 22 of the explosion chamber 2.

[0067] The technical unit 48 can be fixed to the explosion chamber 2 or simply placed on it in a movable manner. A movable placement allows relative movement of the technical unit 48 with respect to the explosion chamber 2, particularly at the level of said explosion, so as to improve the resistance of the avalanche triggering device 46 over time.

[0068] Technical unit 48 may comprise at least one of the following elements: - Receiving devices 50 for bottles 51 of gaseous fuel and oxidizer. - At least one gas injection device inside the explosion chamber 2. This may, for example, be a diffusion chamber attached to a chassis 52, receiving the gases from the receiving devices 50 and having one end extending into the explosion chamber 2 so as to inject the received gases into it. - At least one control device for the injection of gas into the explosion chamber 2. This control device includes, for example, a power generation device configured to supply electrical power to the equipment, and / or an electrical energy storage element configured to store said electrical energy, and a communication element configured to exchange instructions with an external control unit. The control device may be configured to control at least one ignition device.

[0069]

[0070]

[0071]

[0072]

[0073]

[0074]

[0075]

[0076]

[0077]

[0078]

[0079]

[0080]

[0081]

[0082]

[0083]

[0084]

[0085]

[0086]

[0087]

[0088]

[0089]

[0090]

[0091]

[0092]

[0093]

[0094]

[0095]

[0096] - At least one ignition device for the gas mixture inside the explosion chamber 2. This device triggers an explosion of the gas mixture. The ignition of the ignition device can be controlled by the control unit, particularly based on instructions communicated by the communication element and / or measurements taken by one or more physical sensors, for example, a thermometer, an accelerometer, a seismometer, or an anemometer. All of these elements can be assembled on a 52 chassis. Technical unit 48 is known from the prior art and is described in document WO 2021 / 255370 AL. It will not be described in more detail. List of references 2: Explosion chamber 4: lower half-room 6: lower end of the lower half of the chamber 8: upper end of the lower half of the chamber 10 Main portion of the lower half-chamber 12 Solid plate 14 First domed flange 16 First fixing flanges 18 Upper half-chamber 20 Upper end of the upper half-chamber 22 Lower end of the upper half-chamber 24 Main portion of the upper half-chamber 26 Second domed flange 28 Second fixing flange 30 Injection pipe 32 Injection pipe fixing flange 34 Gas flow channel 36 Fixing bars 38 Fixing nuts 39 Deflector 40 Spring 41 Assembly 42 Support 44 Profiles 45 Fixing plate 46 Avalanche triggering device

[0097]

[0098]

[0099]

[0100]

[0101]

[0102] 47: connecting plate 48: technical unit 49: lugs 50: receiving element 51: bottle 52: chassis

Claims

Demands

1. Explosion chamber (2) of an avalanche triggering device (46), the explosion chamber (2) comprising: - a lower half-chamber (4) closed at its lower end (6) and comprising an opening at its upper end (8), - an upper half-chamber (18) extending above the lower half-chamber (4), closed at its upper end (20) and comprising an opening at its lower end (22), characterized in that the lower end (22) of the upper half-chamber (18) extends around the upper end (8) of the lower half-chamber (4), or the upper end (8) of the lower half-chamber (4) extends around the lower end (22) of the upper half-chamber (18), so as to create at least one gas flow channel (34) between the inside and outside of the explosion chamber (2),the gas flow channel (34) comprising at least one baffle formed by the lower end (22) of the upper half-chamber (18) and the upper end (8) of the lower half-chamber (4).

2. Explosion chamber (2) according to claim 1, wherein the lower half-chamber (4) and the upper half-chamber (18) are fixed to each other by elastically deformable means.

3. Explosion chamber (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gas flow channel (34) extends around a whole perimeter of the explosion chamber (2).

4. Explosion chamber (2) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the gas flow channel (34) extends over a portion of a periphery of the explosion chamber (2).

5. Explosion chamber (2) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, comprising several distinct gas flow channels (34) extending around a whole perimeter of the explosion chamber (2).

6. Explosion chamber (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper half-chamber (18) comprises at less an internal partition or chimney extending into the upper half-chamber (18).

7. Explosion chamber (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower half-chamber (4) comprises at least one internal partition or chimney extending into the interior of the lower half-chamber (4).

8. Assembly (41) consisting of an explosion chamber (2) according to any one of the preceding claims and an explosion chamber support (42) (2).

9. Assembly (41) according to claim 8, wherein the support (42) and the explosion chamber (2) are fixed to each other by means of an articulated system.

10. Assembly (41) according to any one of claims 8 and 9, wherein the support (42) is formed of several straight profiles (44) mounted together in a telescopic manner.

11. Avalanche triggering device (46) comprising: - an assembly (41) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, and - at least one element for supplying a gaseous mixture into the explosion chamber (2).

12. Avalanche triggering device (46) according to claim 11, further comprising a technical unit (48) incorporating at least one of the following elements: - at least one receiving element (50) for fuel and gaseous oxidizer cylinders, - at least one gas injection element inside the explosion chamber (2), - at least one gas injection control element inside the explosion chamber (2), - at least one gas mixture ignition element inside the explosion chamber (2).

13. Avalanche triggering device (46) according to claim 12, wherein the technical unit (48) is interfaced and placed on the explosion chamber (2) without being fixed to the latter.

Images