DYNAMIC ARTIFICIAL WAVE FACILITIES FOR SURFING

Abstract

The installation includes a wave generator (12), a support (11) comprising an edge zone (15), a peak zone (17), an upward-sloping movement zone (16) between the edge and peak zones, a crest (30) between the peak zone and a zone (31) in depression relative to the crest, water situated above the edge and movement zones, which is part of an aquatic environment (23) comprising upper (25) and deep (26) regions contiguous horizontally and respectively higher and lower than the edge zone, and an internal region (24) above the edge and movement zones and vertically contiguous to the upper region; the installation being configured so that the water at the end of the wave path passes over the crest and falls into a collection volume delimited by the depression zone when the generator is in operation;and a fluidic communication (27) under the support linking said deep region to an opening (33, 39) leading into said collection volume.;

Description

[0001] The invention relates to dynamic artificial wave installations for surfing.

[0002] We know that dynamic artificial waves reproduce natural waves that propagate and should not be confused with static artificial waves which are formed by a layer of water of uniform thickness, for example on the order of 10 cm, projected onto an inclined wall.

[0003] In this document, it is understood that references to artificial waves should be understood as referring to dynamic artificial waves and not static artificial waves.

[0004] We already know from US patent 3,913,332 of an artificial wave installation for surfing which includes, in the embodiment illustrated in figures 8 and 9: a substrate delimiting a lake, which substrate has an upper surface comprising an island or raised area of ​​generally circular shape, a horizontal bottom area and a sloping area extending between the bottom area and the raised area; the substrate also delimiting the outer periphery of the lake; water located within the outer periphery of the lake above the horizontal bottom area and the sloping area, which sloping area has its area closest to the raised area being emerged; an artificial wave generator comprising three water-driving elements, each movable above the horizontal bottom area along a predetermined circular path located along the outer periphery of the lake;the wave generator and the upper surface of the substrate being configured so that when the wave generator is in operation, the moving elements remain angularly equidistant with each moving element which is followed laterally by a wave moving in the water towards the inclined area at the contact of which the wave breaks towards the top of the inclined portion. US3913332A, WO;

[0005] 00 / 05464A1 and KR20090109917A disclose other artificial wave installations according to the state of the art.

[0006] The invention aims, in a first aspect, to provide a similar installation which is efficient in terms of usability and longevity.

[0007] The invention proposes for this purpose an artificial wave installation for surfing, comprising: a support having an upper surface comprising an edge zone, a wave evolution zone and a peak zone, the wave evolution zone extending upwards from the edge zone to the peak zone; water situated above said edge zone and said wave evolution zone; an artificial wave generator comprising at least one movable water-driving element above the edge zone along a predetermined path, said wave generator and said upper surface of the support being configured such that when the wave generator is at rest the peak zone is above water and when the wave generator is in operation the movable element is followed laterally by a wave moving in the water towards the wave evolution zone at the contact of which the generated wave breaks towards the peak zone; characterized in that: said water located above the edge zone and the wave evolution zone is part of an aquatic environment which comprises, external to the support along the edge zone, a region, hereinafter referred to as the upper external aquatic region, located higher than the edge zone and a region, hereinafter referred to as the deep external aquatic region, located lower than the edge zone, the upper external aquatic region and the deep external aquatic region being horizontally contiguous; the upper external aquatic region and the region of the aquatic environment located above said edge zone and said wave evolution zone, hereinafter referred to as the internal aquatic region, are vertically contiguous;The upper surface of the support further comprises a crest and a low-pressure area relative to the crest, which crest is located between the high-pressure area and the low-pressure area, the high-pressure area and the low-pressure area being configured so that when the wave generator is in operation, the water at the end of the wave path passes over the crest and falls into a volume delimited by the low-pressure area, hereinafter referred to as the support collection volume; and a fluidic communication located below the upper surface of the support connects said deep external water region to an opening leading into said support collection volume.

[0008] This avoids, at least in large part, the backwash in the internal aquatic region, since the water at the end of the wave path leaves the internal aquatic region by falling into the collection volume of the support from where it is evacuated without passing through the internal aquatic region since the fluidic communication is located below the upper surface of the support.

[0009] The upper external aquatic region is also not disturbed, or very little so, since it is the deep external aquatic region that is in communication with the collection volume of the support.

[0010] Since the internal aquatic region, and also the upper external aquatic region, are thus not disturbed by the backwash, or at least very little disturbed, it is possible to have a very short delay between two successive waves.

[0011] The installation according to the invention thus presents good usability capabilities.

[0012] Moreover, the support is relatively little stressed mechanically by the waves since the water is guided towards the collection volume from which it naturally joins the deep external aquatic region, simply due to fluidic communication.

[0013] The installation according to the invention thus exhibits good performance in terms of longevity.

[0014] It should be noted that, as in the installation of the embodiment illustrated in figures 8 and 9 of US patent 3,913,332, in the installation according to the invention the waves break only on one side of the wave generator.

[0015] Indeed, in the installation according to the invention, the waves break only on the side of the support. No wave can break on the other side, which is occupied only by the deep external aquatic region and the upper external aquatic region, which are horizontally contiguous.

[0016] It should also be noted that it is understood that the subdivision of the aquatic environment into different aquatic regions is based solely on the location of the regions in question in relation to the support, that is to say that the aquatic regions designate places where there is water and not isolated volumes of water.

[0017] In particular, there are no liquid-impermeable walls isolating the different aquatic regions from one another. On the contrary, the water in the aquatic environment circulates between the different aquatic regions. Thus, when the wave generator is at rest, the entire aquatic environment has the same surface level. For example, when the wave generator is at rest, the surface level of the inner aquatic region is identical to the surface level of the upper outer aquatic region.

[0018] According to advantageous characteristics, said support is a platform; said aquatic medium includes below the platform a region, hereinafter referred to as the underlying aquatic region, the deep external aquatic region and the underlying aquatic region being vertically contiguous; and said opening leading into the collection volume of the support leads into the underlying aquatic region, said fluidic communication located below the upper surface of the support being implemented by the underlying aquatic region.

[0019] Therefore, the water is in motion above the platform when the wave generator is in operation, and not above the bottom of the aquatic environment as is the case in the installation described by US patent 3,913,332.

[0020] This avoids suspending sediments, alluvium and similar materials that are generally present on the bottom of an aquatic environment.

[0021] More generally, the disturbances caused by the installation to the underlying aquatic region are minimal since it is simply a circulation of water to maintain a constant level of the platform's collection volume, which occurs naturally according to the principle of communicating vessels.

[0022] The invention aims, in a second aspect, to provide an installation that minimizes disturbances to the aquatic environment.

[0023] The invention proposes for this purpose an artificial wave installation for surfing, comprising: a support having an upper surface comprising an edge zone, a wave evolution zone and a peak zone, the wave evolution zone extending upwards from the edge zone to the peak zone; water situated above said edge zone and said wave evolution zone; an artificial wave generator comprising at least one movable water-driving element above the edge zone along a predetermined path, said wave generator and said upper surface of the support being configured such that when the wave generator is at rest the peak zone is above water and when the wave generator is in operation the movable element is followed laterally by a wave moving in the water towards the wave evolution zone at the contact of which the generated wave breaks towards the peak zone; characterized in that: said water located above the edge zone and the wave evolution zone is part of an aquatic environment which includes, external to the support along the edge zone, a region, hereinafter referred to as the upper external aquatic region, located higher than the edge zone and a region, hereinafter referred to as the deep external aquatic region, located lower than the edge zone, the upper external aquatic region and the deep external aquatic region being horizontally contiguous; the upper external aquatic region and the region of the aquatic environment located above said edge zone and said wave evolution zone, hereinafter referred to as the internal aquatic region, are vertically contiguous; said support is a platform; and said aquatic environment includes below the platform a region, hereinafter referred to as the underlying aquatic region, the deep external aquatic region and the underlying aquatic region being vertically contiguous.

[0024] Therefore, the water is in motion above the platform when the wave generator is in operation, and not above the bottom of the aquatic environment as is the case in the installation described by US patent 3,913,332.

[0025] This avoids suspending sediments, alluvium and similar materials that are generally present on the bottom of an aquatic environment.

[0026] Based on advantageous implementation characteristics: said platform is floating; and optionally said platform includes an opening in which is disposed a pile fixed to the bottom of the underlying aquatic region, the platform and the pile being configured so that the platform slides relative to the pile during changes in the level of the surface of the aquatic environment.

[0027] Alternatively, said support is a substrate in which at least one conduit is provided to implement said fluidic communication located below the upper surface of the support.

[0028] This embodiment is particularly suitable when the aquatic environment is treated water, for example swimming pool water.

[0029] According to advantageous features of the installation according to the invention, said path of said moving element is annular, said edge zone is located on the periphery of the support and said culminating zone is located towards the center of the support.

[0030] The support thus forms an island within the aquatic environment.

[0031] The annular nature of the path of the moving element allows the wave generator to operate continuously.

[0032] This annular shape also allows the installation to be particularly compact.

[0033] According to other advantageous features, the installation further comprises a groyne subject to said support, said groyne projecting upwards from the wave evolution zone extending through the internal aquatic region from the culminating zone towards the edge zone.

[0034] The groyne interrupts any water currents that may form around the peak area when the wave generator is in operation.

[0035] The invention aims, in a third aspect, to provide a compact and efficient installation in terms of usage capabilities.

[0036] The invention proposes for this purpose an artificial wave installation for surfing, comprising: a support having an upper surface comprising an edge zone, a wave evolution zone and a peak zone, the wave evolution zone extending upwards from the edge zone to the peak zone; water situated above said edge zone and said wave evolution zone; an artificial wave generator comprising at least one movable water-driving element above the edge zone along a predetermined path, said wave generator and said upper surface of the support being configured such that when the wave generator is at rest the peak zone is above water and when the wave generator is in operation the movable element is followed laterally by a wave moving in the water towards the wave evolution zone at the contact of which the generated wave breaks towards the peak zone;said path of said moving element being annular, said edge zone being located on the periphery of the support and said culminating zone being located towards the center of the support; characterized in that said installation further comprises a groyne subjected to said support, said groyne projecting upwards from the wave evolution zone extending through the region situated above said edge zone and from said wave evolution zone from the culminating zone towards the edge zone.

[0037] The support thus forms an island within the aquatic environment.

[0038] The annular nature of the path of the moving element allows the wave generator to operate continuously.

[0039] This annular shape also allows the installation to be particularly compact.

[0040] The groyne interrupts any water currents that may form around the peak area when the wave generator is in operation.

[0041] It is possible to have a very short delay between two successive waves.

[0042] The installation according to the invention thus presents good usability capabilities.

[0043] Based on advantageous implementation characteristics: said groyne has an upper surface comprising a first lateral zone, a second lateral zone located on the opposite side to the first lateral zone and an intermediate zone extending from the first lateral zone to the second lateral zone, said intermediate zone comprising at least one emerged crest when the wave generator is at rest; said intermediate zone comprises a first crest and a second crest, each emerged when the wave generator is at rest, and comprises a zone in depression with respect to the first crest and the second crest, the first crest being located between the first lateral zone and the zone in depression, the second crest being located between the second lateral zone and the zone in depression;the first crest, the second crest and the depression zone being configured so that when the wave generator is in operation, the water at the end of the wave path passes over the first crest or the second crest and falls into a volume delimited by the depression zone, hereinafter referred to as the groyne collection volume; said water located above the edge zone and the wave evolution zone is part of an aquatic environment which comprises, external to the support along the edge zone, a region, hereinafter referred to as the upper external aquatic region, located higher than the edge zone and a region, hereinafter referred to as the deep external aquatic region, located lower than the edge zone, the upper external aquatic region and the deep external aquatic region being horizontally contiguous; a fluidic communication linking said groyne collection volume to said upper external aquatic region and / or to said deep external aquatic region;and / or said upper surface of the support further comprises a crest and a low-pressure area relative to the crest, which crest is located between the high-pressure area and the low-pressure area, the high-pressure area and the low-pressure area being configured so that when the wave generator is in operation, the water at the end of the wave path passes over the crest and falls into a volume delimited by the low-pressure area, hereinafter referred to as the support collection volume; and said support collection volume and said groyne collection volume meet vertically.

[0044] The description of the invention will now continue with a detailed description of exemplary embodiments, given below by way of illustration and not limitation, with reference to the attached drawings. These drawings include: there figure 1 is a top view of an installation according to the invention in which the artificial wave generator is at rest; the figures 2 And 3are the cross-sectional views marked II-II and III-III on the figure 1 ; there figure 4 is a view similar to the figure 1 but with the artificial wave generator in operation; the figure 5 is the cross-sectional view marked by VV on the figure 4 ; and the figure 6 is a view similar to the figure 2 for a variant of the installation according to the invention.

[0045] Installation 10 illustrated on the figures 1 to 5 includes a floating platform 11 here with a circular external contour and an artificial wave generator 12 installed on the platform 11.

[0046] Platform 11 has a top surface 14 comprising an edge zone 15, a wave evolution zone 16 and a culminating zone 17.

[0047] The artificial wave generator 12 comprises four water drive elements 20, each movable along a predetermined path 21, which is here circular.

[0048] Each moving element 20 moves above the edge area 15.

[0049] Installation 10 is located in a calm body of water, with little or no disturbance such as natural waves. The shoreline of the body of water is some distance from Installation 10, which therefore forms an island.

[0050] When the wave generator 12 is at rest, i.e. when the moving elements 20 are fixed, the culminating zone 17 is emerged.

[0051] On the Figures 1 And 4 The boundary between the emerged and submerged areas when the wave generator is at rest is represented by a line 18 in dashed line.

[0052] When the wave generator 12 is in operation, each moving element 20 is tracked laterally, as can be clearly seen on the figure 4, by a wave 22 moving towards the wave evolution zone 16, at the contact of which the generated wave 22 breaks towards the culminating zone 17.

[0053] Platform 11, for example, has a diameter of 60 to 80 m or more and waves 22 have a height of around 2 m for traditional surfing (surfer standing on a board); while for surfing lying down on an appropriate board (bodyboard), the installation has, for example, a diameter of 18 to 22 m or more and waves 22 have a height of around 50 to 60 cm.

[0054] Here, the body of water is formed by a cove or a sheltered sea bay.

[0055] Alternatively, the cove or sea bay is replaced by another body of water in a natural environment, for example a lake or a river if there is not too much current, or in an artificial environment, for example a masonry basin.

[0056] The aquatic environment 23 (here, the sea) with which the platform 11 and the wave generator 12 cooperate includes a region 24, called the internal aquatic region, located above the edge zone 15 and the wave evolution zone 16.

[0057] In addition to the internal aquatic region 24, the aquatic environment 23 comprises, outside the platform 11 along the edge zone 15, a region 25, called the upper external aquatic region, located higher than the edge zone 15 and a region 26, called the deep external aquatic region, located lower than the edge zone 15.

[0058] The aquatic environment 23 finally includes, below the platform 11, a region 27, called the underlying aquatic region.

[0059] The deep external aquatic region 26 and the upper external aquatic region 25 are horizontally contiguous.

[0060] The internal aquatic region 24 and the upper external aquatic region 25 are vertically contiguous.

[0061] Similarly, the underlying aquatic region 27 and the deep external aquatic region 26 are vertically contiguous.

[0062] It is understood that the subdivision of the aquatic environment 23 into aquatic regions 24 to 27 is based solely on the location of the regions in question in relation to the platform 11, that is to say that regions 24 to 27 designate places where there is water and not isolated volumes of water.

[0063] It should be noted in this regard that there are no liquid-tight walls isolating the different aquatic regions 24 to 27 from each other.

[0064] On the contrary, the water from the aquatic environment 23 (here, seawater) circulates between the different aquatic regions 24 to 27.

[0065] Thus, when the wave generator 12 is at rest, the entire aquatic environment 23 has the same surface level.

[0066] In particular, as can be clearly seen on the figures 1 to 3 , the level of the surface of the internal aquatic region 24 is identical to the level of the surface of the upper external aquatic region 25.

[0067] To protect surfers from potential marine predators, a grid or net 28 may be installed (shown schematically on the only figures 2 , 3 And 5 ) between the internal aquatic region 24 and the upper external aquatic region 25. Similarly, a grid or net (not shown) may be provided around the path 21 to avoid any contact between the moving elements 20 and the surfers.

[0068] The upper surface 14 of the platform 11 includes, in addition to the edge zone 15, the wave evolution zone 16 and the culminating zone 17, a ridge 30 and a zone 31 in depression relative to the ridge 30.

[0069] Ridge 30 is located between the high point 17 and the low point 31. More precisely, ridge 30 is located between the top of the high point 17 and the top of the low point 31.

[0070] As can be clearly seen on the figures 4 And 5 , the peak zone 17 and the depression zone 31 are configured so that when the wave generator 12 is in operation, the water at the end of the wave path 22 crosses the crest 30 and falls into a volume 32 delimited by the depression zone 31, this volume being called the collection volume.

[0071] Openings 33 or 39 made through platform 11 lead respectively into collection volume 32 and into the underlying aquatic region 27.

[0072] The underlying aquatic region 27 provides fluidic communication linking the deep external aquatic region 26 to the openings 33 or 39, and thus to the collection volume 32.

[0073] The result, as can be clearly seen on the figures 2 And 3 , that the surface level of the collection volume 32 remains the same as for the entire aquatic environment 23 when the wave generator 12 is at rest or, as can be clearly seen on the figure 5 , the same as for the aquatic environment 23 outside the internal aquatic region 24 when the wave generator 12 is in operation.

[0074] Thus, when the wave generator 12 is in operation, the water at the end of the wave path 22 leaves the internal aquatic region 24 by falling into the collection volume 32 from where it is evacuated without passing through the internal aquatic region 24 since the fluidic communication is located under the platform 11.

[0075] The upper external aquatic region 25 is also not disturbed, or very little, since it is the deep external aquatic region 26 that is in communication with the collection volume 32.

[0076] Since the internal aquatic region 24, and also the upper external aquatic region 25, are thus not disturbed by the backwash, or at least very little disturbed, it is possible to have a very short delay between two successive waves 22.

[0077] Moreover, platform 11 is relatively little mechanically stressed by waves 22 since the water is guided towards the collection volume 32 from which it naturally joins the underlying aquatic region 27 which communicates with the deep external aquatic region 26.

[0078] We will now explain how platform 11, which is floating as indicated above, is kept in place in the aquatic environment 23.

[0079] In general, the buoyancy of platform 11 is designed so that the edge zone 15 is at a predetermined distance below the surface level of the aquatic environment 23.

[0080] This predetermined distance is the one that is suitable for the proper functioning of the wave generator 12.

[0081] To maintain the platform 11 in relation to the bottom 35 of the aquatic environment 23, links 36 such as chains are provided between the platform 11 and deadweights 37 placed on the bottom 35.

[0082] A pile 38 fixed to the bottom 35 is also planned, engaged in a central opening 39 of the platform 11.

[0083] During changes in the surface level of the platform due to the tide, platform 11 slides relative to pile 38 and the links 36 hold platform 11 in place, in particular to prevent it from rotating around pile 38.

[0084] Alternatively, platform 11 is maintained differently with respect to bottom 35, for example only with links such as 36 or only with piles such as 38.

[0085] Here, platform 11 is made of composite materials in the style of a boat hull wall.

[0086] Alternatively, composite materials are replaced by other materials used for the manufacture of boat hulls, for example aluminium or wood.

[0087] To adjust the buoyancy of platform 11, there are planned caissons (not shown) that can be more or less filled with water.

[0088] In normal use, the chambers are filled to adjust the buoyancy as just indicated, that is, so that the edge zone 15 is at the desired predetermined distance below the surface level of the aquatic environment.

[0089] If it is desired that platform 11 emerge more, for example for maintenance operations, the caissons are emptied.

[0090] If it is desired that platform 11 sink further, for example to rest on bottom 35 in case of a storm, the caissons are filled.

[0091] Alternatively, platform 11 is not floating but, for example, supported by pylons fixed to the bottom 35.

[0092] In addition to platform 11 and wave generator 12, installation 10 includes a groyne 40 attached to platform 11.

[0093] The groyne 40 juts upwards from the wave evolution zone 16 extending across the internal aquatic region 24 from the culminating zone 17 towards the edge zone 15.

[0094] The ear 40 has an upper surface 41 comprising a first lateral zone 42, a second lateral zone 43 located on the opposite side to the first lateral zone 42 and an intermediate zone 44 extending from the first lateral zone 42 to the second lateral zone 43.

[0095] Here, the intermediate zone 44 has a first crest 45 and a second crest 46, each emerging when the wave generator 12 is at rest.

[0096] The intermediate zone 44 also includes a zone 47 in depression relative to the first ridge 45 and the second ridge 46, the first ridge 45 being located between the first lateral zone 42 and the depression zone 47, the second ridge 46 being located between the second lateral zone 43 and the depression zone 47.

[0097] More specifically, the first ridge 45 is located between the top of the first lateral zone 42 and one of the two tops of the depression zone 47; and the second ridge 46 is located between the top of the second lateral zone 43 and the other top of the depression zone 47.

[0098] The first crest 45, the second crest 46 and the depression zone 47 are configured so that when the wave generator 12 is in operation, the water at the end of the path of the waves 22 passes over the first crest 45 or the second crest 46 and falls into a volume 48 delimited by the depression zone 47, hereafter called the collection volume.

[0099] Here, collection volume 48 of ear 40 and collection volume 32 of platform 11 are vertically contiguous.

[0100] More specifically, here, as can be clearly seen on the figures 1 to 3 , the depression zone 47 which delimits the collection volume 48 has a U-shaped profile and the depression zone 31 which delimits the collection volume 32 is generally frustoconical in shape with an interruption at the level of the spur 40. The depression zones 31 and 47 connect at the level of the interruption.

[0101] Ridge 30 of platform 11 connects at one end to the first ridge 45 of groyne 40 and connects at the other end to the second ridge 46 of groyne 40.

[0102] On the opposite side to where it connects to collection volume 32, collection volume 48 opens here at the junction between wave evolution zone 16 and edge zone 15.

[0103] The collection volume 48 is thus in fluidic communication with the upper external aquatic region 25 via the part of the internal aquatic region 24 which is located above the edge zone 15.

[0104] Openings 49, similar to openings 33, are provided through the lowest part of the wall which forms the depression zone 47. The openings 49 lead respectively into the collection volume 48 and into the underlying aquatic region 27.

[0105] The collection volume 48 is thus in fluidic communication, via the underlying aquatic region 27, with the deep external aquatic region 26.

[0106] The water at the end of the wave path that falls into the collection volume 48 is thus evacuated towards the deep external aquatic region 26 and / or the upper external aquatic region 25.

[0107] Collection volume 48, because it joins collection volume 32, can participate in the evacuation of water that has fallen into collection volume 32.

[0108] The connection between platform 11 and groyne 40 is achieved here because platform 11 and groyne 40 are one piece, platform 11 and groyne 40 being manufactured jointly in composite materials in the manner of a boat hull wall.

[0109] Alternatively, composite materials are replaced by other materials used for the manufacture of boat hulls, for example aluminium or wood.

[0110] Alternatively, ear 40 is an added piece on platform 11.

[0111] The wave generator 12 comprises, as indicated above, four water drive elements 20, each movable along the predetermined path 21, which is here circular.

[0112] Each movable element 20 moves above the edge area 15, in the direction shown by the arrows on the figure 4 , by drawing water towards the wave evolution zone 16.

[0113] More specifically, each moving element 20 is followed laterally by a wave 22 moving towards the wave evolution zone 16. Upon contact with the wave evolution zone 16, the wave 22 breaks towards the culminating zone 17.

[0114] The moving elements 20 are arranged on the path 21, being angularly equidistant.

[0115] Since artificial wave generators are well known, generator 12 will not be described further here.

[0116] For more details, see in particular US patent 3,913,332.

[0117] It should be noted that it is possible to conform the moving elements 20 so that they can also generate waves by moving in the opposite direction to that illustrated on the figure 4 .

[0118] The installation according to the invention thus offers surfers the possibility of riding on right-hand or left-hand waves, depending on the direction of movement of the moving elements 20.

[0119] The upper surface 14 of the platform 11 includes here, between the edge zone 15, which is horizontal, and the wave evolution zone 16, which is inclined, a shoulder zone 50 which is vertical or substantially vertical.

[0120] The shoulder zone 50 creates an obstacle to the propagation of the water set in motion by the moving element 20, which is favorable to the quality, for the practice of surfing, of the wave generated before it breaks on the wave evolution zone 16.

[0121] The groyne 40, which is positioned across the internal aquatic region 24, allows for the interruption of any water current rotating around the culminating zone 17.

[0122] It should be noted in particular that the waves 22 are stopped by the groyne 40; and that after the mobile element 20 has passed the groyne 40 a new wave 22 starts in calm water or at least water that has not been disturbed by the previous wave 22.

[0123] The presence of the upper external aquatic region 25 is also favorable to the limitation of currents in the internal aquatic region 24.

[0124] Alternatively, the groyne is implemented in an installation where there is no external aquatic region.

[0125] To avoid the backwash as much as possible, the first lateral zone 42 of the groyne 40, which is the one most stressed by the waves 22 since the mobile elements 20 rotate in the direction in which they approach this lateral zone, is provided with arrows 51.

[0126] As explained above, groyne 40 also serves to evacuate water at the end of the wave path.

[0127] To prevent the movable elements 20 from introducing water into the collection volume 48, appropriate measures are implemented, for example a flap that closes the outlet to the outside of the collection volume 48 when the movable element 20 passes in front of it, or the path 21 is configured so that the movable elements 20 pass over the surface of the water at that point.

[0128] Alternatively, the ear 40 does not have a collection volume 48, for example by having the intermediate zone 44 of its upper surface 41 which is replaced by a simple ridge.

[0129] In another variant not shown, installation 10 does not have an ear like ear 40.

[0130] We will now describe, in support of the figure 6 a variant of installation 10.

[0131] For convenience, the same numerical references have been retained for similar elements as for installation 10 illustrated on the figures 1 to 5 .

[0132] In general, installation 10 illustrated on the figure 6 is similar to installation 10 illustrated on the figures 1 to 5, except that the support which provides the upper surface 14 is not a platform situated above an underlying aquatic region but a substrate 55 which is part of the ground and surrounded by an annular basin 56 whose bottom surface 54 is much lower than the edge area 15; and that the water of the aquatic environment 23 is treated water, in this case swimming pool water.

[0133] To implement the fluidic communication located below the upper surface 14 of the support formed by the substrate 55, conduits 57 are provided in the substrate 55. Each conduit 57 opens at one end, through an opening 58, into the collection volume 32 of the substrate 55 and, at the other end, through an opening 59, into the deep aquatic region 26.

[0134] Here, the substrate 55 and the annular basin 56 are formed by a masonry structure.

[0135] In variants not shown: the number of moving elements such as 20 of the wave generator such as 12 is different from four, for example one, two, three or more than four; an emerged island is provided at the center of the collection volume such as 32 of the support such as the platform 11 or the substrate 55, for example an island on which buildings are arranged; the path such as 21 of the moving element(s) such as 20, and therefore the contour of the support such as the platform 11 or the substrate 55 is annular without being circular, for example oval, oblong and / or with undulations; or this path is not annular, for example straight or curved.

Claims

1. An artificial wave facility for the practice of surfing, comprising: - a support (11; 55) having an upper surface (14) comprising an edge zone (15), a wave progression zone (16) and a culminating zone (17), the wave progression zone (16) extending, in an upwards slope, from the edge zone (15) to the culminating zone (17); - water situated over said edge zone (15) and said wave progression zone (16); - an artificial wave generator (12) comprising at least one water driving member (20) movable over the edge zone (15) along a predetermined path (21), said wave generator (12) and said upper surface (14) of the support (11; 55) being configured such that when the wave generator (12) is at rest the culminating zone (17) is emerged and when the wave generator (12) is in use, the movable member (20) is laterally followed by a wave (22) moving in the water towards the wave progression zone (16) in contact with which the generated wave (22) breaks towards the culminating zone (17); characterized in that: - said water situated over the edge zone (15) and the wave progression zone (16) forms part of an aquatic environment (23) which, externally of the support (11; 55) along the edge zone (15), comprises a region (25), hereinafter called upper outer aquatic region, situated higher than the edge zone (15) and a region (26), hereinafter called deep outer aquatic region, situated lower than the edge zone (15), the upper outer aquatic region (25) and the deep outer aquatic region (26) being horizontally contiguous; - the upper outer aquatic region (25) and the region (24) of the aquatic environment (23) situated over said edge zone (15) and said wave progression zone (16), hereinafter called inner aquatic region, are vertically contiguous; - the upper surface (14) of the support (11; 55) further comprises a crest (30) and a depressed zone (31) which is depressed relative to the crest (30), which crest (30) is located between the culminating zone (17) and the depressed zone (31), the culminating zone (17) and the depressed zone (31) being configured such that when the wave generator (12) is in use, the water at the end of travel of the waves (22) gets past the crest (30) and falls into a volume (32) delimited by the depressed zone (31), hereinafter called reception volume of the support; and - fluidic communication (27; 57) situated below the upper surface (14) of the support (11; 55) connects said deep outer aquatic region (26) to an opening (33, 39; 58) which is open to said reception volume (32) of the support.

2. A facility according to claim 1, characterized in that said support is a platform (11); said aquatic environment (23) comprises, under the platform (11), a region (27), hereinafter called underlying aquatic region, the deep outer aquatic region (26) and the underlying aquatic region (27) being vertically contiguous; and said opening (33, 39) that is open to the reception volume of the support (32) is open to the underlying aquatic region (27), said fluidic communication situated below the upper surface (14) of the support (11) being implemented by the underlying aquatic region (27)..

3. An artificial wave facility for the practice of surfing, comprising: - a support (11; 55) having an upper surface (14) comprising an edge zone (15), a wave progression zone (16) and a culminating zone (17), the wave progression zone (16) extending, in an upwards slope, from the edge zone (15) to the culminating zone (17); - water situated over said edge zone (15) and said wave progression zone (16); - an artificial wave generator (12) comprising at least one water driving member (20) movable over the edge zone (15) along a predetermined path (21), said wave generator (12) and said upper surface (14) of the support (11; 55) being configured such that when the wave generator (12) is at rest the culminating zone (17) is emerged and when the wave generator (12) is in use, the movable member (20) is laterally followed by a wave (22) moving in the water towards the wave progression zone (16) in contact with which the generated wave (22) breaks towards the culminating zone (17); characterized in that: - said water situated over the edge zone (15) and the wave progression zone (16) forms part of an aquatic environment (23) which, externally of the support (11; 55) along the edge zone (15), comprises a region (25), hereinafter called upper outer aquatic region, situated higher than the edge zone (15) and a region (26), hereinafter called deep outer aquatic region, situated lower than the edge zone (15), the upper outer aquatic region (25) and the deep outer aquatic region (26) being horizontally contiguous; - the upper outer aquatic region (25) and the region (24) of the aquatic environment (23) situated over said edge zone (15) and said wave progression zone (16), hereinafter called inner aquatic region, are vertically contiguous; - said support is a platform (11); and - said aquatic environment (23) comprises, under the platform (11), a region (27), hereinafter called underlying aquatic region, the deep outer aquatic region (26) and the underlying aquatic region (27) being vertically contiguous.

4. A facility according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that said platform (11) is a floating platform.

5. A facility according to claim 4, characterized in that said platform (11) comprises an opening (39) in which is disposed a pile (38) fastened on the bottom (35) of the underlying aquatic region (27), the platform (11) and the pile (38) being configured for the platform (11) to slide relative to the pile (38) when changes occur in the surface level of the aquatic environment (23).

6. A facility according to claim 1, characterized in that said support is a substrate (55) in which is provided at least one pipe (57) to perform said fluidic communication situated below the upper surface (14) of the support.

7. A facility according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said path (21) of said movable member (20) is annular, said edge zone (15) is situated at the periphery of the support (11; 55) and said culminating zone (17) is situated towards the center of the support (11; 55).

8. A facility according to claim 7, characterized in that it further comprises a groin (40) connected to said support (11), said groin (40) projecting upwardly from the wave progression zone (16) while extending crosswise of the inner aquatic region (24) from the culminating zone (17) towards the edge zone (15).

9. An artificial wave facility for the practice of surfing, comprising: - a support (11; 55) having an upper surface (14) comprising an edge zone (15), a wave progression zone (16) and a culminating zone (17), the wave progression zone (16) extending, in an upwards slope, from the edge zone (15) to the culminating zone (17); - water situated over said edge zone (15) and said wave progression zone (16); - an artificial wave generator (12) comprising at least one water driving member (20) movable over the edge zone (15) along a predetermined path (21), said wave generator (12) and said upper surface (14) of the support (11; 55) being configured such that when the wave generator (12) is at rest the culminating zone (17) is emerged and when the wave generator (12) is in use, the movable member (20) is laterally followed by a wave (22) moving in the water towards the wave progression zone (16) in contact with which the generated wave (22) breaks towards the culminating zone (17); said path (21) of said movable member (20) being annular, said edge zone (15) being situated at the periphery of the support (11; 55) and said culminating zone (17) being situated towards the center of the support(11; 55); characterized in that said facility further comprises a groin (40) connected to said support (11), said groin (40) projecting upwardly from the wave progression zone (16) while extending crosswise of the region (24) situated over said edge zone (15) and said wave progression zone (16) from the culminating zone (17) towards the edge zone (15).

10. A facility according to any one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that said groin (40) has an upper surface (41) comprising a first lateral zone (42), a second lateral zone (43) situated on the opposite side to the first lateral zone (42) and an intermediate zone (44) extending from the first lateral zone (42) to the second lateral zone (43), said intermediate zone (44) comprising at least one crest (45, 46) that is emerged when the wave generator (12) is at rest.

11. A facility according to claim 10, characterized in that said intermediate zone (44) comprises a first crest (45) and a second crest (46), each of which is emerged when the wave generator (12) is at rest, and comprises a depressed zone (47) which is depressed relative to the first crest (45) and the second crest (46), the first crest (45) being located between the first lateral zone (42) and the depressed zone (47), the second crest (46) being located between the second lateral zone (43) and the depressed zone (47); the first crest (45), the second crest (46) and the depressed zone (47) being configured such that when the wave generator (12) is in use, the water at the end of travel of the waves (22) gets past the first crest (45) or the second crest (46) and falls into a volume (48) delimited by the depressed zone (47), hereinafter called reception volume of the groin; - said water situated over the edge zone (15) and the wave progression zone (16) forms part of an aquatic environment (23) which, externally of the support (11; 55) along the edge zone (15), comprises a region (25), hereinafter called upper outer aquatic region, situated higher than the edge zone (15) and a region (26), hereinafter called deep outer aquatic region, situated lower than the edge zone (15), the upper outer aquatic region (25) and the deep outer aquatic region (26) being horizontally contiguous; - fluidic communication (24, 49) linking said reception volume of the groin (48) to said upper outer aquatic region (25) and / or to said deep outer aquatic region (26).

12. A facility according to claim 11, characterized in that the upper surface (14) of the support (11; 55) further comprises a crest (30) and a depressed zone (31) which is depressed relative to the crest (30), which crest (30) is located between the culminating zone (17) and the depressed zone (31), the culminating zone (17) and the depressed zone (31) being configured such that when the wave generator (12) is in use, the water at the end of travel of the waves (22) gets past the crest (30) and falls into a volume (32) delimited by the depressed zone (31), hereinafter called reception volume of the support; and said reception volume (32) of the support and said reception volume (48) of the groin meet vertically.