DISPENSING ASSEMBLY FOR A SNOW GENERATOR AND SNOW GENERATOR COMPRISING SAID DISPENSING ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A dispensing assembly for a snow generator has a fixed structure (4) having a circular opening (5) extending along the longitudinal axis (A1); a rotor (6) extending along the longitudinal axis (A1), which has one free end (7) at the circular opening (5), and is configured to rotate around a rotational axis, preferably coinciding with the longitudinal axis (A1); and a water supply assembly (10), configured to supply water at a given pressure within the fixed structure (4), at the free end (7) of the rotor (6); the free end (7) of the rotor (6) being coupled to the circular opening (5) of the fixed structure (4) so as to delimit, together with the fixed structure (4), an annular gap configured to guide a jet of atomised water towards the outside of the dispensing assembly (2).

Claims

1-18. (canceled)

19. A snow generator dispensing assembly extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising: a fixed structure extending along the longitudinal axis, the fixed structure defining a circular opening; a rotor extending along the longitudinal axis and rotatable around a rotational axis, the rotor having a free end associated with the circular opening of the fixed structure to delimit, together with the fixed structure, an annular gap configured to guide a jet of atomized water towards an outside of the snow generator dispensing assembly; and a water supply assembly configured to supply water at a designated pressure within the fixed structure towards the free end of the rotor.

20. The snow generator dispensing assembly of claim 19, wherein the rotor is rotatable at an adjustable rotation speed.

21. The snow generator dispensing assembly of claim 19, further comprising a motor coupled to the rotor and configured to drive the rotation of the rotor.

22. The snow generator dispensing assembly of claim 19, wherein the free end of the rotor defines a truncated cone shape.

23. The snow generator dispensing assembly of claim 19, wherein the rotor is moveable, relative to the fixed structure, along a direction coincident with the longitudinal axis.

24. The snow generator dispensing assembly of claim 23, further comprising a moving assembly configured to move the rotor, the moving assembly defining a hollow shaft and comprising an actuator configured to drive the hollow shaft in a direction coincident with the longitudinal axis, wherein the rotor is inserted at least partially inside the hollow shaft, coupled to the hollow shaft and configured to: rotate about the longitudinal axis independent of the hollow shaft, and move in the direction coincident with the longitudinal axis together with the hollow shaft.

25. The snow generating dispensing assembly of claim 24, wherein the moving assembly comprises a bearing assembly, and the rotor and hollow shaft are coupled via the bearing assembly.

26. The snow generator dispensing assembly of claim 24, wherein the moving assembly comprises: an annular body fixed to the fixed structure and having a threaded inner surface; a first gear wheel fixed to the hollow shaft and rotatable about the longitudinal axis together with the hollow shaft; and a second gear wheel engageable with the first gear wheel and controllable by the actuator to control a rotation of the second gear wheel, wherein a portion of an outer surface of the hollow shaft is threaded to be coupled with the threaded inner surface of the annular body.

27. The snow generator dispensing assembly of claim 26, wherein the hollow shaft is screwable into the annular body to cause the rotor to move in the direction coincident with the longitudinal axis.

28. The snow generator dispensing assembly of claim 19, wherein the fixed structure comprises: a body, and a bracket fixed to the body at the free end of the rotor to delimit the annular gap together with the free end of the rotor.

29. A snow generator comprising: a dispensing apparatus comprising: a fixed structure extending along the longitudinal axis, the fixed structure defining a circular opening; a rotor extending along the longitudinal axis and rotatable around a rotational axis, the rotor having a free end associated with the circular opening of the fixed structure to delimit, together with the fixed structure, an annular gap configured to guide a jet of atomized water towards an outside of the dispensing assembly; and a water supply assembly configured to supply water at a designated pressure within the fixed structure towards the free end of the rotor; and an emission assembly configured to emit a jet of a mixture composed of compressed air and a drop of water at the jet of atomized water.

30. The snow generator of claim 29, wherein the emission assembly comprises a nozzle coupled to the fixed structure a first distance from the annular gap, and an air supply assembly configured to supply compressed air to the nozzle, wherein the water supply assembly is configured to supply the water at the designated pressure to the nozzle which is configured to mix the compressed air and the water and emit the jet of the mixture at the jet of atomized water.

31. The snow generator of claim 30, wherein the nozzle extends in an inclined direction relative to the longitudinal axis to emit the jet of the mixture in a direction incident to the jet of atomized water.

32. The snow generator of claim 30, wherein the water supply assembly comprises a first chamber inside the fixed structure and configured to contain water at a designated pressure and to supply water to the annular gap and to the nozzle.

33. The snow generator of claim 30, wherein the air supply assembly comprises an annular chamber configured to contain compressed air and to supply compressed air to the nozzle.

34. The snow generator of claim 29, further comprising a dispensing assembly, and a plurality of nozzles arranged around the dispensing assembly.

35. The snow generator of claim 29, further comprising a tubular frame extending along a further longitudinal axis and supporting a dispensing assembly, and a plurality of nozzles arranged next to the dispensing assembly, wherein a fan is located inside the tubular frame and rotatable inside the tubular frame to convey a flow of air incident with at least one of the jet of atomized water and the jet of the mixture of compressed air and water.

36. The snow generator of claim 35, wherein the dispensing assembly extends along the further longitudinal axis and is located inside the tubular frame.

37. The snow generator of claim 35, further comprising a plurality of dispensing assemblies arranged in a ring along one end of the tubular frame

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of a non-limiting embodiment thereof, with reference to the Figures of the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0062] FIG. 1 is a front view, with parts removed for clarity and schematic parts, of a snow generator in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0063] FIG. 2 is a sectional view, with parts removed for clarity and schematic parts, of the snow generator of FIG. 1 along the section lines II-II;

[0064] FIG. 3 is a perspective view, with parts removed for clarity and schematic parts, of a second embodiment of the snow generator of FIG. 1, in accordance with the present invention; and

[0065] FIG. 4 is a perspective view, with parts removed for clarity and schematic parts, of a variant of the second embodiment of the snow generator of FIG. 1.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0066] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, with 1 is indicated, as a whole, a snow generator.

[0067] In the preferred embodiment, the snow generator 1 is used for the generation of artificial snow for snow-making on ski runs, without thereby limiting the wide range of possible different applications of the present invention. In particular, the generator 1 is used as a lance-type generator.

[0068] The generator 1 comprises a dispensing assembly 2, which extends along a longitudinal axis A1, an emission assembly 12 configured to emit at least one jet of a mixture composed of compressed air and drops of water, and a supply and support structure 3 configured to supply the dispensing assembly 2 and the emission assembly 12 with pressurized water, compressed air and electrical energy, and to support the dispensing assembly 2.

[0069] The term “water” is intended to mean both the liquid commonly present in a natural basin and the liquid mixture formed by water and other substances dissolved in it.

[0070] With reference to FIG. 2, the dispensing assembly 2 comprises a fixed structure 4 having a circular opening 5 extending along the longitudinal axis A1; a rotor 6 arranged along the longitudinal axis A1, which has one free end 7 of a truncated cone shape at the circular opening 5 and is configured to rotate around the longitudinal axis A1; a motor 8, preferably electric, to control the rotation of the rotor 6 around the longitudinal axis A1; a moving assembly 9 for moving the rotor 6, configured to move the rotor 6 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A1; and a water supply assembly 10.

[0071] The fixed structure 4 comprises a body 13, which has the circular opening 5; a cover 14, preferably made of plastic material and arranged around the rotor 6 and the moving assembly 9 to protect the rotor 6 and the moving assembly 9 from external agents; and a bracket 15, which is fixed to the body 13, has an annular portion arranged inside the circular opening 5, and is arranged around the free end 7 of the rotor 6 so as to form, together with the free end 7 of the rotor 6, an annular gap.

[0072] In accordance with a variant of the present invention, the cover 14 is made of metallic material, preferably aluminium.

[0073] The moving assembly 9 comprises a hollow shaft 16, inside which the rotor 6 is partially arranged; two bearings 17 and 18 arranged between the rotor 6 and the hollow shaft 16 in order to uncouple the rotation of the rotor 6 from the rotation of the hollow shaft 16; an annular body 19, which is fixed to the body 13 of the fixed structure 4 and has a threaded inner surface; a gear wheel 20, fixed to the hollow shaft 16 so as to rotate around the longitudinal axis A1 together with the hollow shaft 16; a gear wheel 21, which engages with the gear wheel 20; and an actuator 22, preferably an electric motor, configured to control the rotation of the gear wheel 21.

[0074] A portion of the outer surface of the hollow shaft 16 is threaded so as to couple with the threaded inner surface of the annular body 19.

[0075] In accordance with alternative embodiments of the present invention, not shown in the attached Figures, the moving assembly 9 can assume different configurations from the case shown in FIG. 2.

[0076] By way of example, the rotor 6 can be moved along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A1 by a linear actuator, in particular a hydraulic cylinder.

[0077] The water supply assembly 10 comprises a chamber 23, which is obtained inside the fixed structure 4 and delimited by the walls of the body 13, by a wall of the bracket 15 facing the circular opening 5, by one end of the hollow shaft 16 and by the free end 7 of the rotor 6, which is partially arranged inside the chamber 23.

[0078] The chamber 23 communicates with the external environment through the annular gap and is configured to contain water at a given pressure and supply the water to the annular gap.

[0079] In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention, not shown in the attached Figures, the water supply assembly 10 comprises a supply duct having one end arranged near the annular gap to supply water at a given pressure directly to the annular gap.

[0080] The emission assembly 12 comprises an air supply assembly 11 and four nozzles 25 arranged around the annular gap, for the emission of jets of a mixture of compressed air and water.

[0081] The compressed air supply assembly 11 comprises an annular chamber 24, which is obtained inside the fixed structure 4, is delimited by the walls of the body 13 of the fixed structure 4 and by a wall of the bracket 15, and is configured to contain air at a given pressure.

[0082] Each nozzle 25 is coupled to the fixed structure 4 near the annular gap and extends in an inclined direction with respect to the longitudinal axis A1.

[0083] The number of nozzles 25 may vary depending on the particular needs and does not limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0084] Each nozzle 25 comprises a tubular body 26, which has a first portion arranged inside the chamber 23 and a second portion arranged inside the chamber 24.

[0085] In greater detail, the first portion of the tubular body 26 has an opening 27 for the introduction of water into the tubular body 26 and a filter 31 arranged around the first portion of the tubular body 26 at the opening 27.

[0086] The second portion of the tubular body 26 has an opening 28 for the introduction of compressed air into the tubular body 26.

[0087] In accordance with a variant of the present invention, the nozzle 25 has a plurality of openings 27 and 28.

[0088] The supply and support structure 3 comprises a water supply duct 29, in fluidic communication with the chamber 23, and a compressed air supply duct 30, in fluidic communication with the chamber 24.

[0089] With reference to FIG. 3, 32 indicates, as a whole, a snow generator in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] The generator 32 is used for the generation of artificial snow for snow-making on ski runs, without thereby limiting the wide range of possible different applications of the present invention. In particular, the generator 32 is used as a fan-type generator or a snow cannon.

[0091] The generator 32 is provided with a blower, which comprises a tubular frame 33 extending along a longitudinal axis A2; a support structure 38 fixed to the inner wall of the tubular frame 33; a fan 34, which is arranged inside the tubular frame 33, is supported by the support structure 38, and is configured to rotate around the longitudinal axis A2; a plurality of dispensing assemblies 2 supported by the tubular frame 33 and arranged in a ring along one end of the tubular frame 33; and an emission assembly 36 supported by the frame 33 and comprising a plurality of nozzles 35, each of which is configured to emit a jet of a mixture of compressed air and water and is arranged next to at least one dispensing assembly 2 associated therewith.

[0092] In greater detail, each dispensing assembly 2 and the respective emission assembly 36 associated therewith are arranged in respective openings formed in the tubular frame 33 so as to direct the jet of atomised water and the jet of the mixture of compressed air and water in directions incident to each other and transverse to the longitudinal axis A2.

[0093] The fan 34 is configured to convey a flow of air incident to the jets of atomised water and of the mixture of compressed air and water in order to increase the range and facilitate the mixing of said jets.

[0094] With reference to FIG. 4, a variant of the second embodiment is shown, in which the generator 32 comprises a single dispensing assembly 2, which is arranged inside the tubular frame 33, is supported by the support structure 38, and extends along the longitudinal axis A2; and a plurality of nozzles 37, which are arranged inside the frame 33 around the dispensing assembly 2 and are supported by the support structure 38.

[0095] In accordance with a further variant of the second embodiment, not shown in the attached Figures, the generator comprises a plurality of dispensing assemblies 2 arranged in a ring along one end of the tubular frame 33 as well as a dispensing assembly 2 arranged inside the tubular frame 33 and extending along the longitudinal axis A2.

[0096] In accordance with a further alternative embodiment, not shown in the attached Figures, the emission assembly is omitted from the snow generator. In other words, the jet of the mixture of compressed air and water is emitted by an emission assembly external to the snow generator.

[0097] In use and with reference to FIG. 2, the water is supplied from the duct 29 to the chamber 23 at a given pressure.

[0098] The motor 8 controls the rotation of the rotor 6, whose free end 7, by turning, atomizes the water contained in the chamber 23 at the annular gap and emits a conical-shaped jet of atomised water guided by the annular gap towards the external environment.

[0099] The motor 8 is configured to vary the rotation speed of the rotor 6 in order to control the size of the drops of atomised water according to the particular needs.

[0100] The pressurized water inside the chamber 23 is supplied to each nozzle 25 through the respective opening 27.

[0101] The compressed air is supplied from the duct 30 to the chamber 24, and from the chamber 24 to each nozzle 25 through the respective opening 28.

[0102] The water and the compressed air are mixed inside each nozzle 25 to form a mixture.

[0103] The compressed air, by mixing with the water, splits the water into tiny drops of water and then the mixture is emitted in the form of a jet from each nozzle 25, at the conical jet of atomised water.

[0104] Each nozzle 25 emits the jet of the mixture in a direction which is slightly inclined with respect to the conical jet of atomised water so that the jet of the mixture is incident to the jet of atomised water with a reduced angle of incidence.

[0105] When the drops of water of the mixture come into contact with the external environment they freeze in a very short time, due to the rapid decrease in temperature and pressure, thus forming tiny particles of ice. The drops of atomised water come into contact with the ice particles and adhere to the ice particles, allowing the nucleation of artificial snow crystals.

[0106] The moving assembly 9 controls the position of the rotor 6, and in particular of the free end 7, with respect to the circular opening 5 so as to vary the size of the annular gap in order to adjust the flow rate and pressure of the jet of atomised water according to the particular operational needs.

[0107] In greater detail, the actuator 22 controls the rotation of the gear wheel 21 which engages with the gear wheel 20 transmitting the rotation to the gear wheel 20, which, in turn, as it is keyed to the hollow shaft 16, transmits the rotation to the hollow shaft 16.

[0108] Accordingly, the actuator 22 controls the rotation of the hollow shaft 16 around the longitudinal axis A1.

[0109] By rotating, the hollow shaft 16 screws into the thread of the annular body 19, causing the hollow shaft 16 to move in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A1.

[0110] The rotor 6 moves in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis A1 together with the hollow shaft 16 and, as it is coupled to the hollow shaft 16 via the bearings 17 and 18, rotates around the longitudinal axis A1 independently of the rotation of the hollow shaft 16 around the longitudinal axis A1.

[0111] Lastly, it is clear that the present invention can be subject to variations with respect to the embodiments described above without however departing from the scope of protection of the appended claims.