Classifications

• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
  • E01H—STREET CLEANING; CLEANING OF PERMANENT WAYS; CLEANING BEACHES; DISPERSING OR PREVENTING FOG IN GENERAL CLEANING STREET OR RAILWAY FURNITURE OR TUNNEL WALLS
  • E01H4/00—Working on surfaces of snow or ice in order to make them suitable for traffic or sporting purposes, e.g. by compacting snow
  • E01H4/02—Working on surfaces of snow or ice in order to make them suitable for traffic or sporting purposes, e.g. by compacting snow for sporting purposes, e.g. preparation of ski trails; Construction of artificial surfacings for snow or ice sports ; Trails specially adapted for on-the-snow vehicles, e.g. devices adapted for ski-trails
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
  • E01H—STREET CLEANING; CLEANING OF PERMANENT WAYS; CLEANING BEACHES; DISPERSING OR PREVENTING FOG IN GENERAL CLEANING STREET OR RAILWAY FURNITURE OR TUNNEL WALLS
  • E01H4/00—Working on surfaces of snow or ice in order to make them suitable for traffic or sporting purposes, e.g. by compacting snow
  • E01H4/02—Working on surfaces of snow or ice in order to make them suitable for traffic or sporting purposes, e.g. by compacting snow for sporting purposes, e.g. preparation of ski trails; Construction of artificial surfacings for snow or ice sports ; Trails specially adapted for on-the-snow vehicles, e.g. devices adapted for ski-trails
  • E01H2004/026—Working on surfaces of snow or ice in order to make them suitable for traffic or sporting purposes, e.g. by compacting snow for sporting purposes, e.g. preparation of ski trails; Construction of artificial surfacings for snow or ice sports ; Trails specially adapted for on-the-snow vehicles, e.g. devices adapted for ski-trails for making half pipes

Definitions

• the invention relates to an apparatus according to claim 1 for preparation a mass of snow or ice to be used in the preparation of a snow-like surface, such as a snowboard run, alpine skiing tracks, a ski jump or corresponding.
• the invention further relates to a method according to claim 9 for preparation of an object of snow material.
• US patent No. 4,914,923 One solution for the maintenance of a skiing track created on a concrete bottom is known from US patent No. 4,914,923.
• the equipment presented in the said US patent No. 4,914,923 comprises an equipment mounted on a tractor, by means of which equipment a fixed skiing track construction made of concrete ice, which is formed by means of fixed cooling pipes mounted on the skiing track, is being crushed into a desired size with a rotatab- le milling cutter supplied with picks as the equipment moves forward in the track, while water is sprinkled on a layer of ice not yet crushed, after which the crushed ice is spread back into the skiing track on top of the spread water, and possible skiing tracks are formed on top.
• Suitable equipment for the maintenance of alpine skiing slopes have been presented e.g. in the publications DE 2 244 385 and EP 0 461 303 Al. Both publications present a tracked vehicle adjusted to be moved on the slopes behind which vehicle a roll maintaining the alpine skiing slope can be drawn. Said maintenance roll is rotated so that it's rotation axis is perpendicular to the direction of the movement of the vehicle.
• Such an equipment can not, however, be used in the maintenance of half-pipe tracks, since it is not capable of maintaining the walls of the run.
• the side walls of the runs extend essentially vertically and further they are essentially high, due to which this known equipment cannot reach all the way to the upper edge of the wall. Further, it is impossible even to back-up the known equipment far enough on the wall without the risk of the likely tilting thereof.
• a snowboard run machine that is precisely adapted to the construction of said snow runs. It comprises a fixed arched construction in the form of a half-circle, where the form of the arch corresponds to the radius of curvature of the half-pipe.
• a special cutter carpet is adjusted to rotate around the arched construction is such a way that the looped carpet moves upwards from the bottom on the side of the run along the curvature of the wall and downwards behind the curvature.
• the equipment can also be dragged behind, for example, a so-called snow cat used on the slopes.
• Such an equipment has been presented for instance in an article on page 30 of the journal "Internationale Seilbahn-Rundschau 8/1996".
• the weakness of the solution is, though, that it is adjusted to a single radius of curvature only and changing it from, for example, a run with a radius of 3 meters to a run with 6 meters radius is not possible, which would be desirable due to the difference between the runs.
• the equipment can not be used for any other purpose than to the maintenance of a run of a precise radius of curvature.
• the equipment is also somewhat large and heavy. No means of piloting it automatically has been presented.
• the so-called blade formers correspond to the above mentioned equipment by their basic principles and their problems. In them an essentially big curved "knife" has been provided, which knife is used for the preparation of the wall of the run. The knife cuts off extra snow material when it is pulled in the direction of the wall of the run.
• the object of this invention is to abolish the drawbacks of the prior art and to provide a novel solution for preparation snow-like or ice-like material or mass or other rather soft material used in the alpine skiing foundations, and particularly for the preparation of half- pipe runs.
• the object of the invention is further to provide a solution with which the repair and maintenance of particularly the half-pipe runs is facilitated and made more rapid while improving the resulting quality of the maintenance work.
• An additional object of the invention is to provide a method and an equipment with which it is possible to obtain mechanically the desired forms on the object to be formed.
• An additional object of the invention is to provide a method and an equipment with which the degree of automation of different preparation and maintenance procedures can be elevated.
• a mechanical drive device such as a tractor, a snowmobile, a so-called snow-cat or a slope machine, an excavator or corresponding
• One additional object of the invention is to provide a method and an equipment with which the preparation and the maintenance of the bottom can be done in one stage.
• the invention is based on the principle that a boom means is attached in an articulated manner to a preparation machine adapted to be moved in the direction of the object to be prepared, said boom means being constituted of at least two arm portions mounted in an articulated manner with respect to each other.
• the outer one of the arm means is adjusted to move a preparation head.
• the preparation head comprises a rotatable preparation roll. The rotation of the roll is adjusted to take place around an axis which is essentially parallel to the main direction of movement of the machine and thus essentially perpendicular to the main direction of the object, such as a snow board run.
• inventive equipment is principally characterized by what is set forth in the enclosed claims 1 to 8 and particularly in the characterizing part of the independent claim 1.
• inventive method is principally characterized by what is set forth in the claims 9 to 12 and particularly in the characterizing part of claim 9.
• the preparation head means can comprise a rotatable crushing roll means.
• the crushing roll means can also be comprised of several roll elements attached to each other in an articulated manner.
• the boom may be provided for instance by a crane jib or corresponding and it can comprise articulation means and drive means enabling a multiaxial movement thereof.
• the preparation head means is adjusted to be moved essentially linearly between two guide rails provided in connection with it's ends and in their longitudinal direction in such a way that said rails guide the movement of the preparation head means.
• the inventive equipment may also include control means for an automatic control of the action of the preparation head means according to preestablished parameters.
• the inventive method for preparation of snow-like material comprises moving a rotatable roll or a corresponding preparation head means by means of an arm means relative to the snow-like material to be shaped.
• it comprises the step of moving the preparation head means along the snow wall or surface in a direction upwards from the bottom, while the preparation roll means of the preparation head means is rotated in a direction opposite to said direction of movement.
• the method further comprises the detection of the relative location of the preparation head means and also the control of the operation of the preparation head means on the basis of this detection information in such a way that the object becomes prepared in a desired manner.
• inventive equipment it is possible to utilize known components, which makes it economically advantageous to implement.
• the invention provides a solution with which it is possible to prepare objects with varying measurements in a flexible manner.
• the invention also enables to raise the degree of automation of the preparation work.
• Figure 1 represents a simplified schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.
• Figure 2 represents an embodiment of the inventive preparation head.
• Figures 3 a and 3b represent a schematic view of another embodiment of the inventive preparation head in it's two different working positions.
• FIGS 4, 5, 6, 7a and 7b represent schematic partial views of certain preferable additional embodiments of the invention.
• FIG 1 an inventive preparation apparatus fixed to a driving device 1 is represented, which exemplifying driving device essentially corresponds to an excavator moving on the bottom of the run 4 in the direction of the run.
• This movement in the direction of the snowboard run is shown with an arrow X and it is called the main direction of movement of the preparation machine 1.
• the shape of the run usually corresponds to a half-ellipse of which, for clarity, only one wall 2 is represented in figure 1.
• the radius of the walls 2 can be, for instance, in the range of 2 to 8 meters and the distance between the walls can be, for instance, in the range of 6 to 25 meters.
• the preparation device comprises as an essential part a movable boom means 8, which in the example is constituted of two arm members 12 and 14 fixed to each other in an articulated manner (13).
• a preparation head 10 is arranged at the end of the outer arm member 12, the attachment being preferably implemented in an articulated manner (1 1).
• the preferred structure of the preparation head 10 is described in detail in connection with figures 2 and 3.
• the boom means 8 can be a boom or a crane boom attached in an articulated manner from the arm member 14 at 15 to an excavator 1 or a corresponding preparation machine, as is disclosed in figure 1.
• the articulation means 15 should preferably have a rotation radius (working area) of at least 180° or more, so that both walls of the run can be prepared at the same time without a need to turn the machine 1.
• Examples of a suitable boom means are also the crane of a forestry machine, the lifting booms used in trucks etc., or for example a robot or a manipulator or corresponding arranged to perform three-axial movements, set on a suitable support. All suitable boom means are per se known to the person skilled in the art and are thus not described here in detail. In view of the invention it is essential that the preparation head 10 can be moved in a desired manner by means of at least one arm member 12.
• the preparation of the run 2 is done by moving the preparation head 10 by means of the boom 8.
• this work is performed so that the preparation head is moved from the bottom of the run 4 towards the upper edge 3 thereof while at the same time the preparation roll is rotated in the example of the figure clockwise, that is against the direction of movement.
• the detached snow material can be directed upwards on the curve of the run and by means of this it is also possible to raise the height of the top edge 3 of the run.
• an embodiment of the preparation head 10 is presented. It comprises a rotatable cylindrical roll means 20 which may be manufactured for example of a suitable pipe pari- son.
• the diameter of the parison can be, for example, 5 to 25 cm, preferably 10 to 20 cm, and the length 0,8 to 2,0 meters, preferably 1,0 to 1,4 m. It can also be coated with e.g. plastic or rubber material or be completely made of a suitable non-metallic material.
• the crushing or cutting roll 20 is adjusted to be rotated by means of a suitable motor means, such as a hydraulic motor or an electric motor, that can be set at the end of the roll 20 or inside it.
• a suitable motor means such as a hydraulic motor or an electric motor
• the choice of a drive device providing a suitable rotative movement is a normal task to the person skilled in the art, and the different alternatives or their techniques are not described here, except that according to the preferable alternative a drive device is used that takes the power needed from the operating system of the basic machine 1, such as from the hydraulic, pneumatic or electrical system thereof.
• the rotational speed of the crushing roll can be e.g. in the range of 200 to 300 1/min, but if necessary other speed values may also be used. In some cases it is preferable to arrange a possibility for rotation in both directions.
• protuberances 22 or “nodules” have been provided -n order to render the cutting work more efficient
• the protuberances may also be teeth, sharp-edged pyramids or cones or other such means or, they may have been created by means of a chain, a wire cable, a ribbing or corresponding means extending on the surface of the roll
• the material of the protuberances may be steel, plastic, rubber, nylon plastic or other similar material
• a protective casing 24 represented with a broken line may preferably also be provided around the rotatable crushing roll 20
• the casing 24 is utilized in the event of crushing the cut snow mass so that the snow set in motion by the cutter rotating with, for instance, the speed of about 300 1/m ⁇ n rotates inside the casing for example in a way known from blenders, whence the casing enables to ensure that the crushing of the mass into sufficiently fine-crvstalline snow mass can be assured and from which mass, after it has left the casing, a suitable form can be formed or crystallized for instance with the aid of a suitable control or smoothmg plate (not shown) or similar
• the preparation head 10 is attached preferably with an articulated device 1 1 to the outer arm member 12 so that it is possible for it to turn in relation to the arm member both horizontally and vertically, and also to rotate in relation to the arm, that is that it is possible for it to move in relation to at least three axis
• An example of a suitable articulated device is the grab articulation of the lumber grab loader
• the rotatable fixing of the roll 20 to the articulated device 1 1 can be arranged with support arms 26 in a way known per se by the person skilled
• the rotatable preparation member of the preparation head 10 can also be formed, instead of the roll means 20, of for instance a rotatable crushing carpet which is set to extend between two rolls
• FIG 3a a preferable embodiment of a preparation head 10 is presented, which enables the preparation or cutting of forms differing from a straight surface
• the preparation head 10 is divided into several partial shapers by dividing the crushing roll 20 into several interleaving partial rolls 20a-20e
• the partial rolls 20a-e are fixed in an articulated manner to the others by means of an articulation means 27 so that, for example, the curved form presented in figure 3b becomes possible
• the form is changed by means of a fixing means 26 mounted at the ends of the outer rolls 20a and 20e of the group of preparation rolls by turning it's position with a suitable actuator means
• Other suitable wavs of turning, accomplished either manually or by means of a suitable motor means are known to the person skilled in the art
• a protective casing it is preferable to set a separate protective casing on each roll.
• a common protective casing may also be arranged on several partial rolls. It is also possible to set rolls for example in such a way that they are both interleaved and parallel or
• a snow guide 28 according to an additional feature of the invention is presented schematically.
• the purpose of this is to prevent loose snow from flowing down and to lift snow material which is cut-off by the roll 10 rotating counter-clockwise upwards on the upper edge 3 of the run and thus to raise the walls 2 of the run from their previous (worn down) level 5 to level 3.
• the guide plate 28 can be adapted to press loose snow into the possible suppressions on the walls of the run and generally to tighten/finish the crushed surface after the preparation.
• a position of the arm member 12 has been represented with a broken line in which position it is preparing the bottom 4 of the run. Since the angle of the preparation head 10 in relation to the wall 2 of the run changes as it moves upwards, it is preferable to arrange the snow guide plate 28 to be movable as presented in figure 4 so that it's position (angle and location) changes in relation to the preparation head 10 and the arm 12, which leads to a situation where the angle and the distance between the guide plate 28 and the wall 2 is perpetually as optimal as possible for lifting the snow mass upwards.
• Moving the guide plate 28 can be accomplished by means .of a mechanical equipment, which adjusts the position of the guide 28 according to the position of the arm member 12, and which obtains it's driving force from the movement of the arm member, or by means of e.g. a suitable hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder means or an electrical drive (not shown).
• the regulation of the length of the arm member or the adjustment of the curve radius of the run can preferably be performed with a control means that is operationally connected to the operating equipment, such as a cylinder means, of the arm member 12, which control means could be, for example, a suitable programmable microprocessor or logic means or similar.
• Figure 6 discloses a still another preferred embodiment of the invention.
• a boom means 8 is equipped with a support leg 30.
• the support leg 30 is preferably fixed by means of an articulation 31 to the arm 14 and it is equipped at the bottom thereof with a suitable ski or sledge means 32.
• By adjusting the support leg the location of the articulation point 13 can be fixed and/or it's location can be precisely adjusted, whence the desired curvature of the wall of the run is achieved.
• the support leg offers another considerable advantage when the boom means 8 and the inventive preparation device 10 are mounted in connection with a substantially light equipment, such as on a separate sleigh that is pulled or pushed with the aid of e.g. a snowmobile 1 or a snow cat or a slope machine. Without the support the weight and the location of the point of gravity of the inventive construction might tilt the sleigh or another light device.
• the one and same preparation machine can be used in the manner exposed above for the preparation of snow runs, ski-jumps or other, as well as for the maintenance of traditional down hill skiing slopes.
• the preparation means 10 set at the end of the arm member is set, in the latter case, behind the traction machine so that the direction of the roll 20 has been turned about 90° and it is lowered in the down position so that it can be pulled behind the machine while it cuts/trims the surface.
• the arrangement further comprises means for providing a fixed control point which the preparation machine is set to follow automatically.
• the equipment knows it's relative location to the object to be shaped, such as the walls of the run, whereby the control mechanism of the apparatus, such as a microprocessor means, controls the work circle of the equipment in such a way that the desired form is obtained in the run evenly and automatically as the apparatus advances on the bottom of the run.
• the solution may be based for instance on a suitable arrangement utilizing machine vision, radar or radio signal, which are known, for instance, from industrial automatic guided vehicle arrangements.
• the detection equipment set in the construction machine performs the localization operations based on the techniques mentioned above.
• a control cable or a rail has been placed on the bottom of the snow run or another foundation and the construction machine 1 is set to follow it without any real contact with it.
• the basic principles of this solution are known from the automatic guided vehicles.
• the outer arm member 12 is adapted to be rotated around the articulation point 13 for instance with the aid of a hydraulic motor so, that the arm makes a full 360° circle around the articulation 13, the rotation taking place around an axis which is essentially parallel to the main direction of movement X.
• the arm member 12 can rotate the preparation head 10 by means of successive rotations so that the preparation head 10 comes into contact with the other wall 2 of the run on each turn, while the construction machine 1 at the same time moves forward in the run in the direction X.
• the to- and- from motion of the arm 12 can be avoided on the wall 2 of the run.
• FIGS 7a and b a partially sectional view of yet another embodiment of the invention is presented.
• the preparation head 10 is adjusted to extend essentially across the width of the descent slope of the ski-jump hill.
• the preparation head 10 may be constituted of one cylindrical roll 20 or of several flexibly joined rolls.
• On both sides of the slope 2 guide rail means 40 are provided. While the crushing roll 10 is being rotated it is also being moved in relation to the rails 40 with suitable drive equipment, such as a chain traction or a cable traction or a device getting it's power from the rotation of the roll 20, such as a suitable pinion means 42.
• a casing means 24 is presented schematically, as well as a guide plate means 25 smoothing down the prepared snow mass.
• the equipment according to figures 7a and b can be moved both up and downhill, for example in the landing slope of a ski jump or corresponding. With the aid of this an even, "tamped", surface can be easily and quickly achieved. This can be performed often and repeatedly, even between the successive competitors during one competition round.
• the invention thus provides an apparatus and a method with which a considerable improvement is achieved in the preparation of an object/material of snow-like or ice-like material. It should be noted, however, that for the person skilled in the art it is obvious to change and modify the invention from what has been exposed above without departing from the scope of the claims. He may, for instance, arrange the rotation of the preparation means to take place essentially on the same level as where the surface to be shaped is located with the aid of a so-called plate cutter having an essentially large diameter. It will also be obvious for him to provide a cutting effect with other than rotatable means, for instance by means of movable rakes, levellers or similar.

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=8548016

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (5)

Cited By (1)

Families Citing this family (2)

Family Cites Families (5)

• 1997
  • 1997-02-03 FI FI970458A patent/FI103824B1/fi not_active IP Right Cessation
• 1998
  • 1998-02-03 EP EP98902014A patent/EP0960240A1/en not_active Withdrawn
  • 1998-02-03 WO PCT/FI1998/000098 patent/WO1998033986A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 1998-02-03 JP JP53231998A patent/JP2001509221A/ja active Pending
  • 1998-02-03 AU AU58675/98A patent/AU5867598A/en not_active Abandoned

Non-Patent Citations (1)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events