Supply module, avalanche triggering system, method for triggering avalanches and method for replacing a supply module

Abstract

The supply module (2) for an avalanche triggering system (1), comprising a docking unit (34) which is conical at least in some sections and which can be arranged on a complementarily conical holding device (18) of a blasting device (3), and at least two gas pressure container connections (19) which are each connected to a gas supply line (21), wherein the two gas supply lines (21) are combined in a common central line (27) a free end of which is arranged centrally with respect to the docking unit (34) and which has a central coupling element (36) for coupling to a line of the blasting device (3).

Description

[0001] Supply module, avalanche triggering system, method for triggering avalanches and method for replacing a supply module

[0002] The invention relates to a supply module for an avalanche triggering system, the avalanche triggering system itself, as well as a method for triggering avalanches with an avalanche triggering system and a method for replacing a supply module.

[0003] Avalanche release devices and avalanche release systems are well known and are designed to prevent accidental avalanche release by triggering them before a danger to people and objects can arise.

[0004] Avalanches are usually triggered by explosive charges or other pressure waves generated by other methods. These act locally on the snowpack. In stationary avalanche release devices and systems, the pressure wave is often triggered by acoustic pressure wave generators or gas pressure wave generators.

[0005] Such a device for triggering pressure waves is known from document CH 713422 A2. The explosive release of stored gas from the compressed gas container generates a pressure wave in the device, which can trigger an avalanche upon impact with a snowpack.

[0006] Furthermore, EP 2287559 A2 discloses a method for triggering avalanches by creating local air pressure differences or vibrations in or on the snow mass suspected of being avalanche-prone. The sudden release of highly compressed gases generates low-frequency vibrations that can lead to the deliberate triggering of an avalanche. These low-frequency vibrations briefly create significantly different air pressure differences, which cause the snowpack to break and trigger an avalanche.

[0007] Document WO 2007 / 096524 A1 discloses a device for triggering avalanches that is flown to the scene of the incident while attached to a helicopter. Within this device, an explosive gas mixture is injected into a balloon. Igniting the gas mixture in the balloon causes it to explode, generating a pressure wave that triggers an avalanche.

[0008] Document EP 2556330 B1 describes a device for triggering an avalanche using a gas pressure wave positioned on a fixed base above the snow cover. The device is suspended from a helicopter by a rope and lifted onto the base. To trigger an avalanche, an explosive gas mixture is ignited within a chamber of the device, triggering a pressure wave toward the snow cover.

[0009] Document EP 2510306 B1 describes a device for triggering avalanches. It is installed stationary on a mountain slope and has a tube with an open end facing the snowpack and a chamber containing a gas mixture and an ignition agent at the other end. The gas mixture is ignited in the chamber. The pressure wave generated by the explosion impacts the snowpack through the open end, thus triggering the avalanche. The gas and the power for the ignition agents are supplied from an adjacent container.

[0010] Document EP 4165363 A1 describes a device for triggering an avalanche that is placed on top of an explosion chamber. In the area of ​​a diffusion chamber, there are diffusion openings through which the explosive gas mixture enters the explosion chamber. Ignition devices are arranged on the diffusion chamber, triggering the explosion in the explosion chamber.

[0011] The document WO 01 / 25717 A1 describes an explosive device that can be placed on an avalanche slope, for example using a crossbow, to artificially trigger avalanches.

[0012] The document US 2011 / 0139029 A1 describes a device for artificially triggering an avalanche by detonating an explosive device attached to a helicopter.

[0013] The document US 6,324,982 B1 describes a method for triggering an avalanche using a balloon to artificially generate excess pressure.

[0014] With stationary avalanche release devices or avalanche release systems, the snowpack is often acted upon in the same location. This causes the snowpack to become increasingly compacted. This can lead to the snowpack being thinner locally in the area of ​​the avalanche release device or avalanche release system than elsewhere, and thus no avalanche is triggered, even though a high avalanche danger exists.

[0015] In permanently installed, tubular avalanche release devices, as disclosed in document EP 2510306 B1, known under the trade name GAZEX, all operating resources, such as gas or electricity, as well as technical components are housed in a so-called container. These containers are supported on the mountainside by substructures. In some cases, the installation of such a container involves civil engineering work on the mountain. It is also common that the container cannot be placed directly on the avalanche slope due to unsuitable terrain. In this case, long lengths of cable must be laid between the container and the ignition tube. In the event of large amounts of snow or in the event of a malfunction, it is common for the container to be shoveled out by on-site personnel. In avalanche-prone areas, such an approach is often dangerous for people and equipment. Furthermore, such an approach is very costly.

[0016] The object of the invention is to further develop an avalanche triggering device with stationary ignition tubes so that it can be operated cost-efficiently and reliably.

[0017] A further object of the invention is to minimize the risks for operators as far as possible.

[0018] Furthermore, the object of the invention is to ensure safe and reliable triggering of avalanches.

[0019] A further object of the invention is to provide a solution for reusing existing ignition tubes in the spirit of sustainability.

[0020] A supply module according to the invention for an avalanche triggering system comprises:

[0021] - a docking unit which is at least partially conical and which can be arranged on a complementary conical holding device of an explosive device,

[0022] - at least two gas pressure vessel connections, each connected to a gas supply line. The two gas supply lines are

[0023] - a common line which is arranged with a free end centrally to the docking unit and has a coupling element for coupling to a line of the blasting device.

[0024] By connecting a supply module according to the invention, a blasting device is supplied with the respective consumables. The blasting device is thus fed with gas from gas pressure vessels connected via the gas pressure vessel connections. A gas mixture is supplied to the blasting device, as the gases from the gas pressure vessels are combined via gas supply lines into a common central line.

[0025] Since only a limited amount of the gas mixture is fed to the blasting device for a blasting operation and no continuous gas supply is provided, it is not necessary for the coupling of the common line to the blasting device to be perfectly gas-tight. Small losses of a few percent or even around 10% of the gas are economically insignificant. The inventor of the present invention recognized that a very simple coupling between the supply module and the blasting device is possible. Thus, a coupling that is simply established by placing the supply module on the blasting device is sufficient. Screwing it together – which would have to be done manually – is not necessary. This, in turn, allows for easy replacement of the supply modules, which can be carried out without anyone having to directly touch the supply module.

[0026] The conical docking unit and the complementary conical holding device offer the advantage that the supply module is positioned centrally when placed on the holding device. Since the shared line and the coupling element are also positioned centrally to the docking unit, this results in rotational symmetry of the supply module in the area where it connects to the blasting device. This has the advantage that the supply module slides seamlessly into a precise position when placed on the blasting device.

[0027] Due to the conical shape of the docking unit or the holding device, no locking between the supply module and the blasting unit is necessary if the holding device is designed accordingly large or heavy.

[0028] The holding device preferably has a height of the conical section of at least 0.8 m or at least 1 m or at least 1.2 m.

[0029] When transporting the supply module suspended from a helicopter or crane by a rope, a precise lowering of the module onto a blasting device is often only possible with extremely precise work by the pilot or crane operator. The conical shape of the docking unit and the holding device makes it easier to position the supply module precisely on the blasting device, allowing the supply module to be placed on the holding device with a large tolerance.

[0030] Gas supply lines may have valves to control the gas flow, the valve position of which can be changed by a control unit.

[0031] In this way, the gas from the gas cylinders flows out through the gas cylinder connections only when needed. This allows the supply module to deliver a predetermined amount of gas to the blasting device.

[0032] By selectively opening the valves to release a specific amount of gas from the gas pressure cylinders and then closing the valves, it is possible to store gas in the supply module for multiple avalanche triggers. The supply module can have a radio receiver unit and / or a radio transmitter unit and an antenna for receiving and transmitting signals that can be processed by the control unit.

[0033] The radio receiver unit and / or the radio transmitter unit are used for remote control and status reporting of the supply module. This allows an operator to control the safe triggering of an avalanche without being on-site.

[0034] The radio receiver unit can receive a signal to trigger an avalanche via the antenna, in which the control unit opens the valves based on the signal to allow stored gas to flow from the supply module into the blasting device.

[0035] After a certain amount of gas has been released into the blasting device, the control unit can close the valves again. The control unit then generates a signal indicating the gas release. The gas release signal is sent via the radio transmitter unit to a receiver, informing the receiver that a certain amount of gas is present in the blasting device.

[0036] The supply module may have a current interface element for transmitting current from the supply module to a current receiving device of the blasting device designed to correspond to the current interface element.

[0037] In addition to gas, the supply module can also provide energy for igniting the gas explosion. A battery storage unit can be installed in the supply module for this purpose.

[0038] The supply module may have solar modules on its outer surface for generating electricity and a battery storage unit that can be charged by electricity from the solar modules.

[0039] This allows the supply module to operate independently of its energy supply. This allows the supply module to remain connected to its blasting device for months and trigger avalanches as needed.

[0040] One problem with spending months on a mountain in cold temperatures is that battery storage capacity and battery life are reduced. Recharging by solar panels eliminates this problem.

[0041] To transfer stored electrical energy for electrical detonation to the blasting device, a current receiving device is arranged on the blasting device, corresponding to the current interface element. The current interface element can be designed as a metallically conductive contact surface or as an induction coil for inductive coupling, or a capacitor plate for capacitive coupling. Capacitive or inductive coupling has the advantage that a snow-covered or icy outer surface of the blasting device has no influence on the energy transfer from the supply module to the blasting device.

[0042] For inductive coupling, an induction coil can serve as the current interface element and a copper wedge as the current collection device.

[0043] Furthermore, the power interface element and the corresponding power receiving device can be designed rotationally symmetrically around the center of the docking element. Rotational symmetry facilitates precise positioning of the supply module on the blasting device, allowing the supply module to be placed on the holding device with a large tolerance.

[0044] The supply module can have a suspension element for transport, preferably on a helicopter cable. The suspension element is designed to be hooked onto a commercially available load hook, e.g., the LH-20 from HELI HOOK.

[0045] The supply modules can be flown down into the valley by helicopter or other aircraft. There, the gas cylinders can be replaced, battery storage units can be charged, or defective components can be repaired.

[0046] Helicopter transport is particularly advantageous in mountainous regions with difficult access, as transport by motor vehicle is often impossible. Avalanche release systems are often installed on steep slopes near summits, so simply transporting supplies can trigger an avalanche. Therefore, transporting a supply module suspended from a rope by helicopter or other aircraft is relatively easy and safe.

[0047] Furthermore, the conical shape of the docking unit and the holding device offers the advantage that, during transport by helicopter or similar aircraft, no ground personnel are required to precisely position the explosive device on the device. This significantly reduces the risks for operators.

[0048] An avalanche triggering system according to the invention comprises a supply module and a stationary blasting device. The blasting device comprises an ignition tube unit having an ascending ignition tube with an open and a closed end, wherein an ignition chamber is formed in the region of the closed end, in which at least one spark plug is arranged, and at least one gas ignition line with one or more check valves leads into the ignition chamber. The stationary blasting device comprises a stationary unit, which is firmly connected to the ignition tube unit at a first end and has a holding device for receiving the supply module and a gas feed-through line at a second end, so that gas can flow from the supply module into the ignition chamber.

[0049] The ignition tube unit with the ascending ignition tube is already familiar from conventional GAZEX systems. The ignition tube is designed so that the closed end is below the open end, allowing a gas mixture denser than air to collect in the area of ​​the closed end. The ignition chamber is formed in this area of ​​the closed end, where ignition is triggered electrically by a spark plug. The gas mixture is fed to the ignition chamber via a gas ignition line, which is equipped with check valves to prevent a gas explosion from occurring in the area of ​​the gas ignition line.

[0050] Instead of a permanently installed container, which served as a supply storage unit in the GAZEX systems, the ignition tube of the avalanche triggering system according to the invention is connected to a stationary unit. A first end has a fixed connection to the ignition tube unit, which has lines for transmitting supply materials for the ignition tube unit, as well as electricity and gas. At a second end, the stationary unit has a holding device for receiving the supply module. The holding device has a complementary conical area to the docking unit of the supply module. Between the two ends, the stationary unit has a gas feed-through line. The stationary unit thus serves as a connecting piece between the supply module and the ignition tube unit. Furthermore, the stationary unit has a type of adapter for supply materials such as electricity and gas from the supply module.

[0051] Conventional GAZEX systems can be easily converted with such a stand-alone unit and continue to be used without the need for laborious transport of the supply materials to the ignition tube or storage there.

[0052] Such a stand-alone system requires only a concrete foundation and, unlike a container, has a small footprint, allowing it to be installed directly next to the ignition tube unit. This eliminates the need for long cable runs between the supply unit and the ignition chamber. Furthermore, installation in uneven terrain is significantly easier.

[0053] Furthermore, the use of conventional GAZEX systems proves to be particularly sustainable, as there is essentially no further interference with nature.

[0054] A further advantage of the avalanche triggering system according to the invention is that the supply of electricity and gas can be carried out safely, quickly, and easily via the easily replaceable supply module. Thus, operators would not have to enter avalanche-prone areas if the supply module is replaced using a helicopter or other aircraft.

[0055] The holding device of the stand unit can be arranged above the ignition chamber.

[0056] In the case of an explosion-causing gas mixture that is denser than the ambient air, this arrangement has the advantage that the explosive gas mixture flows into the ignition chamber and remains there without any expenditure of energy.

[0057] The holding device of the stand unit can have a counter-coupling element for the coupling element for transmitting gas, which is designed complementary to the coupling element of the supply module, and a counter-current interface element for transmitting current, which is designed complementary to the current interface element of the supply module.

[0058] The blasting device can have a current transfer element from the holding device to the spark plugs. The current transfer element transfers the current from the countercurrent interface element to the spark plug with as little loss as possible.

[0059] The current transmission element can be laid parallel to the gas feedthrough line as long as an insulation layer is arranged in between.

[0060] Furthermore, a method according to the invention for triggering avalanches with an avalanche triggering system comprising the following steps is provided:

[0061] - Reception of an ignition signal,

[0062] - Opening the gas pressure vessels and merging the gases via the gas supply lines in the common line,

[0063] - Transfer of the gas mixture via the coupling element, the gas feed-through line and the gas ignition line into the ignition chamber,

[0064] - Triggering of the gas explosion in the ignition chamber

[0065] The ignition signal can be received via the antenna and the radio receiver unit on the supply module. This is a remote-controlled ignition or triggering of an avalanche, which is carried out by an operator in the valley or within sight of the avalanche triggering system.

[0066] After receiving the ignition signal, the control unit opens the gas pressure cylinders. The gases are combined via the gas supply lines in the common line. This creates the explosive gas mixture in the common line within the supply module. This gas mixture is transferred to the stationary unit via the coupling element. It enters the ignition chamber via the gas feedthrough line and the gas ignition line. The gas explosion is then triggered in the ignition chamber. Furthermore, a method for replacing a supply module of an avalanche triggering system is provided. This method comprises the following steps:

[0067] - Transporting the supply module on a rope attached to a helicopter,

[0068] - Docking the supply module to the holding device of the stand unit

[0069] Since only the supply module with gas pressure containers is replaced and not the entire blasting device, transport by helicopter is easy due to its lower weight.

[0070] The conical design of the docking unit on the supply module and the holder on the stand unit enables precise docking, which can be implemented safely and reliably.

[0071] To facilitate docking with the support unit's mounting bracket, the supply module's docking unit can be equipped with ball bearings. The ball bearing rollers can reduce the adhesion resistance to such an extent that the supply module slides quickly and easily into the desired position on the mounting bracket.

[0072] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. They show:

[0073] Figure 1 shows an avalanche triggering system with blasting device and a supply module in a partially sectioned view,

[0074] Figure 2a, b each show a supply module a) in a first and b) second sectional view, each viewed at right angles to each other, and

[0075] Figure 3 shows a supply module with stand equipment in a cross-sectional view.

[0076] An avalanche triggering system 1 comprises a supply module 2 and a stationary blasting device 3 (Figure 1).

[0077] The stationary blasting device 3 comprises a stand unit 4 and an ignition tube unit 5.

[0078] Such an ignition tube unit 5 is already known from the conventional GAZEX systems mentioned above. The ignition tube unit 5 comprises an ascending ignition tube 6, an ignition chamber 7 and ignition means 8, as well as a standpipe 9.

[0079] An upper end 10 is held in the air by the standpipe 9 with a solid foundation. At the upper end 10, the ignition tube 6 is inclined toward the ground or snow cover. The ignition tube 6 is arranged at a lower end 11 adjacent to the ground or ground. The lower end 11 is arranged adjacent to a supply unit, such as with supply materials. The lower end 11 is the lower end 11, arranged adjacent to a stand unit 4.

[0080] The ignition chamber 7 is formed in the area of ​​the lower end 11 within the ignition tube 6. The ignition means 8, e.g., spark plugs, are arranged in the ignition chamber 7. The ignition means 8 are electrically connected to an ignition cable 12, so that a current in the ignition cable 12 can be converted into an ignition spark.

[0081] The ignition chamber 7 is formed adjacent to the area of ​​the lower end 11, since a gas mixture which has a higher density than air sinks downwards and thus does not escape through the upper end 10.

[0082] The ignition tube unit 5 is connected to the stand unit 4 for supply.

[0083] The stand unit 4 is mounted on a base so that it points vertically upwards. A lower end 12 of the stand unit 4 rests on the base. At the lower end 12, a base 13 for the stand unit 4 is connected to the ground or rock or secured to a foundation.

[0084] The stand unit 4 is formed from a tubular column 14 made of galvanized steel.

[0085] A gas feedthrough line 15 and an ignition cable 16 run between the upper 17 and lower 12 ends within the tubular column 14.

[0086] At the lower end 12 of the stationary unit 4, the gas feedthrough line 15 and the ignition cable 16 are transferred into the ignition tube unit 5. This connects the stationary unit 4 and the ignition tube unit 5. The ignition cable 16 and the gas feedthrough line 15 are routed underground from the stationary unit 12 to the ignition tube unit 5. However, it is also possible for the gas feedthrough line 15 and the ignition cable 13 to be laid above ground with insulating sheaths if the terrain does not permit underground installation.

[0087] Above the lower end 12, an upper end 17 of the stand unit 4 is formed, on which a holding device 18 is arranged.

[0088] A holding device 18 is arranged on the upper end 17 of the stand unit 4. The supply module 2 is arranged on the holding device 18. The supply module 2 contains the supply materials required to trigger a gas pressure wave.

[0089] Two gas pressure vessel connections 19 are located within the supply module 2. Gas pressure vessels 20 are connected to the gas pressure vessel connections 19. Within the supply module 2, two gas pressure vessels 20 are provided, one for propane gas and one for oxygen.

[0090] A gas supply line 21 leads from each of the gas pressure vessel connections 19. A valve 22 is arranged on each of these gas supply lines 21 to control the gas flow from the gas pressure vessels 20. The valves 22 can be designed, for example, as solenoid valves.

[0091] Gas pressure sensors 23 are arranged adjacent to the valves 22 along the gas supply lines 21 in order to be able to determine the gas pressure in the respective gas supply line 21.

[0092] Both the valves 22 and the gas pressure sensors 23 are connected to a control unit 24. The control unit 24 can monitor and control the gas pressure in the respective gas supply line 21. The valves 22 are switched depending on the gas pressure, which is determined by the gas pressure sensor 23.

[0093] Two scales 25 for measuring the fill level of the respective gas pressure vessel 20 are connected to the control unit 24. The scales 25 are arranged below each gas pressure vessel 20.

[0094] The valves 22, gas pressure sensors 23 and scales 25, as well as the gas pressure vessels 20 are arranged rotationally symmetrically around a central axis 26 or axially symmetrically around the central axis 26 in order to achieve a uniform weight distribution of the supply module 2 on the blasting device 3.

[0095] A common line 27 is arranged along the central axis 26 to bring together the gas supply lines 21 from the two gas pressure vessels 20.

[0096] The gas supply lines 21 are connected via a T-piece 28 and flow into the common line 27. The T-piece 28 is aligned such that the two gas supply lines 21 are connected horizontally and vertically into the central common line 27 along the central axis 27. For remote control of the control unit 24, the supply module 2 has a radio receiver 29 and an antenna 30. The antenna 30 is connected to the radio receiver 29. The radio receiver 29 transmits received radio signals to the control unit 24, where they are then processed.

[0097] The supply module 2 has a battery 31. This battery 31 supplies power to the control unit 24, the valves 22, and the radio receiver 29. In the present embodiment, the ignition spark is also generated using energy from the battery 31. To ensure even weight distribution within the supply module 2, the battery 31 is arranged rotationally symmetrically around the central axis 26.

[0098] To charge the battery 31, solar modules 32 are arranged radially around the outer surface of the supply module 2. This allows the supply module 2 to be operated in an energy-autonomous manner, i.e., the supply module 2 does not require an external power supply.

[0099] It is also possible for the supply module 2 to have a fuel cell for charging the battery 31.

[0100] An upwardly projecting transport coupling 33 is arranged on the supply module 2, which is designed to complement the attachment to a load hook. Such a load hook is available under the trade name LH-20 from the company HELI HOOK. To transport the supply module 2, such a load hook can be arranged on a helicopter suspended from a rope. The transport coupling 33 and the load hook can be coupled and uncoupled from the helicopter. Suspended from the rope, the supply module 2 can be transported to the blasting device 3 and placed on the blasting device 3.

[0101] To connect the supply module 2 to the blasting unit 3, a docking unit 34 is formed on the supply module 2 corresponding to the holding device 18. The docking unit 34 is conical at least in sections, with the holding device 18 being conically shaped in sections complementary to it.

[0102] In the present embodiment, the docking unit 34 is funnel-shaped, with the opening of the funnel pointing toward the holding device 18 or downwards. Complementarily, the holding device 18 is conical, with the tip of the cone pointing toward the docking unit 34 or upwards. The cone has a standing height of at least 0.8 m, at least 1 m, or at least 1.2 m.

[0103] Due to the conical or complementary conical design of the docking unit 34 and the holding device 18, the supply module 2 is connected to the blasting device 3 with a precise fit. Due to the conical or complementary conical shape, when the docking unit is placed on top of one another

[0104] 34 on the holding device 18 a centering of the docking unit 34 along the central axis 27.

[0105] In one embodiment, ball bearings 35 are arranged on the docking unit 34 and / or on the holding device 18 so that the docking unit 34 slides easily, i.e., with little adhesion resistance, into a central position above the stand unit 4 when placed on the holding device 18. (Figure 3)

[0106] In both an embodiment with and without ball bearings 35, the docking unit 34 and the holding device 18 are rotationally symmetrical about the central axis 26. This rotational symmetry results in a radially independent mounting of the supply module 2 on the blasting device 3.

[0107] The docking unit 34 and the holding device 18 are made of galvanized steel.

[0108] In order to transfer the gas mixture from the common line 27 to the blasting device 3, a coupling element 36 is arranged in the region of a funnel tip of the docking unit 34.

[0109] The coupling element 36 is formed at the free end of the common line 27 as a cylindrical or conical section, which is geometrically designed to fit the coupling to the free end of the gas feedthrough line 15. The diameter of the coupling element 36 is adapted to the diameter of the tubular common line 27 at at least one opening.

[0110] The coupling element 36 is provided with a sealing element 37 opposite the blasting device 3. This sealing element 37 is designed as an O-ring (rubber).

[0111] The coupling element 36 and the sealing element 37 are arranged along the central axis 26. The coupling element 36 is placed centrally on the holding device 18 and thus coupled to the gas feedthrough line 15.

[0112] In addition to the gas supply, the supply module 2 can also supply electrical energy for ignition to the blasting device 3. The required electrical energy is supplied from the battery 31, which in turn is charged by the solar modules 32. The electrical voltage from the battery is transferred to an induction coil 38 via an inverter. The induction coil 38 is arranged tangentially around the docking unit 34 within the supply module 2 (Figure 2b). Complementing this, the holding device 18 has a receiving coil 39. The induction coil 38 and receiving coil 39 are arranged adjacent to one another.

[0113] Furthermore, this form of energy exchange between supply module 2 and stand unit 12 allows rotational symmetry along the central axis 26 to be maintained. The electromagnetic waves emanating from the induction coil 38 are picked up by the pickup coil 39. From the pickup coil 38, the current is further conducted through the ignition cable 13 to the ignition device 7.

[0114] The following describes a method for triggering avalanches using such an avalanche triggering system 1. For this purpose, the supply module 2 is already arranged on the blasting device 3.

[0115] An ignition signal is received via the antenna 31 and forwarded to the control unit via the radio receiver 30. The control unit 25 then opens the valves 23 of the gas supply lines 21. The gas then flows from the gas pressure vessels 20 into the gas supply lines 21. The gas mixture is combined in the common line 27 via the T-piece 28.

[0116] The gas pressure vessels 20 are filled with propane and oxygen gases. A propane-oxygen mixture forms in the common line 27, which has a greater density than the ambient air. The gas mixture generated in the common line 27 collects in the ignition chamber 7 of the ignition tube 6. The gas explosion is triggered in the ignition chamber 7 by the ignition means 8.

[0117] For triggering with the ignition means 8, the current from the supply module 2, stored there in the battery 31, is transmitted via the induction coil 38 and the pickup coil 39 to the ignition cable 13. The ignition means 8 creates an ignition spark in the ignition chamber 7, which leads to the explosion of the gas mixture. Subsequently, the pressure wave from the gas explosion impacts the snowpack via the upper end of the ignition tube, causing an avalanche to release.

[0118] The invention has been explained above using an exemplary embodiment. This exemplary embodiment can be modified in various ways, as explained in more detail below.

[0119] This makes it possible for the control unit to send a radio signal about a successful ignition or a status signal about the gas level and the charge level of the battery 31 to an operator via a radio transmitter unit and the antenna 31. Instead of the induction coil 38 and the pickup coil 39, electrical contacts can also be provided, with a circumferential contact element, such as a circumferential copper coil, being arranged, in particular, on the supply module 2 and / or on the holding device 18.

[0120] Instead of an electrical transmission element between the supply module 2 and the holding device 18, the supply module 2 and the blasting unit 3 can each be provided with a separate electrical supply unit (battery; solar module; fuel cell) and each have radio devices which communicate directly with a corresponding radio device of a user and / or communicate directly with each other.

[0121] The supply module 2 is interchangeable on the blasting device 3, so that the supply module 2 can be easily filled with the supply materials

[0122] The following describes a method for replacing a supply module of an avalanche triggering system 1. In a first step, the supply module 2 is suspended from a rope and transported by helicopter to a blasting device 3.

[0123] Once the helicopter pilot has approximately reached the position of the blasting device, he lowers the supply module 2, allowing the supply module 2 to slide into a precise position thanks to the conical shape of the docking unit 34 and the complementary conical shape of the holding device 18. The ball bearings 35 can provide support in this process. As soon as the supply module 2 is on the blasting device 3, the supply module 2 is lowered into a precise position on the blasting device 3. The load hook described above is then released from the transport coupling 33, and the helicopter can pick up a new supply module.

[0124] List of reference symbols

[0125] 1 avalanche release system 21 gas supply line

[0126] 2 supply modules 22 valves

[0127] 3 blasting device 23 gas pressure sensor

[0128] 4 Stand unit 24 Control unit

[0129] 5 Ignition tube unit 25 Scale

[0130] 6 ignition tube 26 central axis

[0131] 7 ignition chamber 27 common line

[0132] 8 ignition devices 28 T-piece

[0133] 9 Standpipe 29 Radio receiver

[0134] 10 upper end (ignition tube) 30 antenna

[0135] 11 lower end (ignition tube) 31 battery

[0136] 12 lower end (stand unit) 32 solar module

[0137] 13 Stand 33 Transport coupling

[0138] 14 Column 34 Docking element

[0139] 15 Gas feedthrough line 35 Ball bearing

[0140] 16 Ignition cable 36 Coupling element

[0141] 17 upper end (standing unit) 37 sealing element

[0142] 18 Holding device

[0143] 19 Gas pressure vessel connections 38 Induction coil

[0144] 20 Gas pressure vessel 39 Take-up coil

Claims

Patent claims 1. Supply module (2) for an avalanche triggering system (1), comprising - a docking unit (34) which is at least partially conical and which can be arranged on a complementarily conical holding device (18) of an explosive device (3), - at least two gas pressure vessel connections (19), each connected to a gas supply line (21), characterized in that the two gas supply lines (21) are arranged in - a common central line (27) which is arranged with a free end centrally to the docking unit (34) and - a central coupling element (36) for coupling to a line (15) of the blasting device (3).

2. Supply module (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the gas supply lines (21) have valves (22) for controlling the gas flow, the valve position of which can be changed by a control unit (24).

3. Supply module (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that the supply module (2) has a radio receiver unit (29) and / or radio transmitter unit and an antenna (30) for receiving and transmitting signals that can be processed by the control unit (24).

4. Supply module (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the supply module (2) has a current interface element (38) for transmitting current from the supply module (2) to a current receiving device (39) of the blasting device (3) designed to correspond to the current interface element (38).

5. Supply module (2) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the supply module (2) has a suspension element (33) for transport, preferably on the cable of a helicopter.

6. Supply module (2) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the supply module (2) has on its outer surface solar modules (32) for power generation and a battery storage unit (31) which can be charged by the power from the solar modules (32).

7. Avalanche triggering system (1) comprising a supply module (2) according to one of claims 1 to 6 and a stationary blasting device (3) with -an ignition tube unit (5) which has an ascending ignition tube (6) with an open (10) and a closed (11) end, wherein an ignition chamber (7) is formed in the region of the closed end (11), in which at least one spark plug (8) is arranged, and at least one gas ignition line with one or more check valves leads into the ignition chamber (7), and -a standing unit (4) which is conductively connected to the ignition tube unit (5) at a first end (12) and has a holding device (18) for receiving the supply module (2) and a gas feedthrough line (15) at a second end (17) so that gas can flow from the supply module (2) into the ignition chamber (7).

8. Avalanche triggering system (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the holding device (18) is arranged above the ignition chamber (7).

9. Avalanche triggering system (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the holding device (18) has a counter-coupling element designed complementary to the coupling element (36) of the supply module (2) for transmitting gas and a current receiving device (39) designed complementary to the current interface element (38) of the supply module (2) for transmitting current.

10. Avalanche triggering system (1) according to one of claims 9, characterized in that the blasting device (3) has a current transmission element (16) from the holding device (18) to the spark plugs (8).

11. A method for triggering avalanches with an avalanche triggering system (1) according to one of claims 7 to 10, comprising the steps: - Receiving an ignition signal - Opening the gas pressure containers (20) and combining the gases via the Gas supply lines (21) in the common line (27) - Transfer of the gas mixture via the coupling element (36), the gas feed-through line (15) and the gas ignition line into the ignition chamber (7) - Triggering of the gas explosion in the ignition chamber (7) 12. A method for replacing a supply module (2) according to one of claims 1 to 6 of an avalanche triggering system (1) according to one of claims 7 to 10, comprising the following steps: - Transporting the supply module (2) on a rope which hangs from a helicopter - Docking the supply module (2) to the holding device (18) of the stand unit (4)

Images