Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
  • G01W—METEOROLOGY
  • G01W1/00—Meteorology
  • G01W1/14—Rainfall or precipitation gauges
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
  • G01G—WEIGHING
  • G01G19/00—Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in the preceding groups

Definitions

• the present invention relates to the field of rainfall and to an automatic drainage rain gauge device, in particular to an automatic drainage rain gauge device measuring the weight of the rain.
• Such devices are known in the art, for example from WO2015 / 148320 or WO201 7/160239.
• a rain gauge device is equipped with a container for collecting precipitation.
• Different types of rain gauge devices exist. For example, volume counting rain gauges are used. The method of this automatic rain gauge involves guiding the precipitation into small containers that empty automatically when they are full and counting the number of times they empty. Since their volume is known, we can automatically add up the volume of water that has fallen.
• These automatic rain gauges are tipping bucket rain gauges.
• the reliability of the strain gauge is a crucial point for this type of rain gauge and this component is often not stable over time.
• these types of devices are very sensitive to external disturbances, such as wind vibrations, or the passage of birds, tractors on the ground, which disturb the measurement of the weight of the rain.
• they are also sensitive to temperature variations.
• the rain gauge described in WO2015 / 148320, the rain gauge comprises an armature magnetically coupled to a magnet offering resistance to the weight of the fluid collected.
• the weight of the collected fluid once it is sufficient or exceeds a threshold, can constitute a force opposite to the magnetic attraction force and cause the collecting vessel to pivot from a collecting and measuring position to a position. discharge of the fluid.
• the use of a magnet allows the collecting container to return to its initial position once unloaded and not to remain in an intermediate position between the discharge position and the collection position, as can be the case. when the collecting vessel tilts due to the weight of the collected fluid only.
• the use of a magnet at the level of the collecting container can disturb the measurement of the force sensor.
• the magnet used is an electromagnet, as for example in JP S61 79184 A, the device then requires a significant higher power consumption compared to the use of a counterweight or magnet at the level of the collecting container. .
• the devices of the state of the art which make it possible to have temporal information on the rain, that is to say for example to know the start of the rain, or to have more information on the type of rain, such as heavy rain with large drops or fine rain, are systems that are constantly on and require a continuous supply, severely limiting their energy autonomy, or even their place of installation.
• state-of-the-art rain gauge devices are generally used in the field of meteorology, for which they require daily or weekly monitoring for their maintenance.
• these are devices that are not suitable for agriculture or the use of agricultural machinery in the field can interfere with the measurements.
• the object of the present invention is to improve the reliability of the determination of the rainfall measurement by an automatic drain pluviometer device which makes it possible to measure the pluviometry in a precise and more efficient manner by providing further information on the rain, compared to the device of the state of the art, for a suitable use in the agricultural field
• the object of the invention is therefore to overcome the drawbacks described above by providing a rain gauge device comprising a water collector configured to receive water, being movable between a water collection position and a water collection position. emptying, a measuring means configured to measure a parameter representative of a weight measurement, characterized in that the device may further comprise a control unit configured to use a measuring means to perform a plurality of weight measurements.
• the measuring means may be a force sensor configured to perform a plurality of weight measurements.
• the device of the present invention makes it possible to measure a variation in weight throughout the measurement of rainfall.
• the device performs a plurality of weight measurements at several given times, that is to say not only at the time of tilting.
• the plurality of measurements makes it possible to have a representative sample of the weight taking into account several external factors (vibrations, winds) and an average value of the weight measurement can be obtained.
• the force sensor can be a support element connected at one end to the water collector and at its other end to a support, in particular the support element is a beam.
• the support element is a beam.
• the force sensor can be configured to be mechanically isolated from the casing, in particular thanks to the support.
• the force sensor is not mechanically coupled directly to the envelope of the device.
• This mechanical decoupling between the measuring means and the envelope makes it possible to reduce the transmission of vibration from the envelope to the measuring means, and thus makes it possible to reduce the influence of external parameters such as vibrations due to the wind or vibrations from the ground. on the measuring means and thus makes it possible to improve the quality of the measurements made by the measuring means.
• the measuring means may comprise a Wheatstone bridge, said measuring means being able to be configured to measure a plurality of electrical resistance measurements.
• the Wheatstone bridge is a known state-of-the-art system having four resistors connected together, three of which are known and fixed and one resistance is unknown and variable.
• the Wheatstone bridge makes it possible to measure the variation of the unknown resistance and to associate it with a measured parameter.
• the Wheatstone bridge is used to also reduce the impact of temperature differences on the measurement.
• the other three resistances are also continuously measured. All of the resistances change in the same way as the temperature changes.
• the device according to the invention makes it possible to reduce the sensitivity of the rainfall measurements to temperature variations, unlike the device of the state of the art which has a high sensitivity to temperatures.
• control unit can be configured to reset the measuring means after tilting of the water collector.
• the device of the present invention makes it possible to avoid measurement drifts due to water evaporation because the weight measurement is reset to zero at the start of each rain.
• the measurements made by the device according to the invention are more reliable and precise than in the devices of the state of the art.
• control unit can be configured to reset the measuring means after tilting of the water collector, taking into account the tare of the water collector.
• the rain gauge device as described above may further include a tilt detection means, in particular a switch, in particular a flexible reed switch.
• a tilt detection means in particular a switch, in particular a flexible reed switch.
• control unit can be configured to trigger a measurement of the measuring means when the water collector is tilted and when the water collector has returned to its water collection position.
• the device makes it possible to obtain a measurement at the time of the tilting and therefore to obtain a precise measurement of the rainfall, as well as to start the measurements again precisely, at a given time and with a given weight.
• the device can be configured such that the control unit can be put on standby and can further include a trigger means configured to wake up the control unit.
• the device of the present invention makes it possible to interrogate the control unit when necessary, and does not require continuous power consumption, thus making it possible to reduce the energy consumption of the rain gauge device.
• the triggering means can be configured to wake up the control unit when the threshold of the parameter representative of a weight measurement of the measuring means is exceeded.
• the trigger means can be configured to wake up the control unit when a low threshold is exceeded or to wake up the control unit when a threshold is exceeded. high.
• the measurements made by the device are more reliable and precise than in the devices of the state of the art, because they take into account the phenomenon of evaporation and make it possible to separate the evaporation from the rainfall measurement when a weight measurement is taken.
• the device can comprise a temperature measuring means and / or a humidity measuring means and in which the control unit can be configured to take into account the temperature and / or the humidity level during of weight determination.
• the rain gauge device can obtain data on parameters external to the device, such as air temperature, humidity level and allows to obtain a more reliable measurement of the rain measurement, compared to the device. of the state of the art.
• control unit can be configured to detect the presence or absence of dew as a function of temperature and / or humidity.
• the rain gauge device can obtain data on parameters external to the device, such as air temperature and humidity level. These ambient parameters make it possible to determine the phenomenon of dew, which can have an influence on the measurement of the rainfall carried out.
• being able to determine the dew from these ambient parameters makes it possible to obtain a measurement of the “real” rain without the dew, and therefore a more reliable measurement of the measurement of the rain, compared to the device of the state of. art.
• the pluviometer device can comprise an envelope, such that the water collector and the measuring system are positioned inside the envelope, characterized in that the envelope comprises a central portion comprising a side wall at least partially curved laterally towards the inside of the casing, in particular in combination with a flared upper portion and / or a flared lower portion.
• the curved shape of the central portion of the casing in particular in combination with the upper and lower flared portions of the casing allow the casing to have an aerodynamic shape and reduce the wind resistance of the rain gauge device, unlike to a rectilinear vertical cylindrical shape of the envelopes of the state of the art.
• the rain gauge device of the present invention makes it possible to make rainfall measurements by reducing the disturbance on the raindrops and the vibrations on the structure linked to the wind in the measurement, therefore a better reliability of the measurements is obtained with this device, compared to the devices of the state of the art.
• the rain gauge device may further comprise a second measuring means, the second measuring means being a means for measuring the vibration of the water collector being located at the level of the water collector.
• the device of the present invention makes it possible to obtain further information on the rain that has fallen, for example the type of rain, fine or heavy rain, dense, as well as for example temporal information, such as the duration of the rain and the start of the rain.
• This thus allows the device of the present invention to obtain more precise rainfall measurements compared to the devices of the state of the art, since the measurement made by the device of the present invention comprises more information than a state of the art device.
• the rain gauge device may include a third measuring means, the third measuring means being a vibration measuring means located at the level of the envelope and / or at the level of a support.
• the third vibration means being located at the level of the envelope or of an external support makes it possible to obtain information on the external disturbances, such as the vibrations due to the wind or the vibrations of the ground and thus make it possible to take them into account for a better evaluation of the rainfall measurements made by the device.
• the measuring means can be an accelerometer to measure the impact of the wind. This vibration means makes it possible to learn vibration information related to phenomena other than rain, to eliminate measurement noise and therefore to refine the measurement of rain.
• the vibration measuring means of the second and / or third means may be an accelerometer or a piezoelectric sensor.
• a piezoelectric sensor supplies a voltage proportional to the shocks it receives.
• the additional vibration measurement on the water collector provides precise and reliable information on the type of rain and on the duration and onset of the rain, information that is not obtained. in the state-of-the-art rain gauge device, and which influence the measurement.
• the device may comprise an autonomous device for supplying energy, in particular electrical, solar, wind or thermal energy. As the device has reduced energy consumption, it can be used without connection to an electrical network.
• the autonomous device for supplying energy for example a battery, a photovoltaic sensor, makes it possible to obtain a measuring device which is essentially autonomous in energy. This allows the installation of the measuring device in several places of a field, for example for the agricultural field, without needing installation of electric lines.
• FIG. 1a shows a side view of the rain gauge device according to a first embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 1b shows a side view of the rain gauge device according to a variant of the first embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 1c shows a side view of the rain gauge device according to another variant of the first embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 2 shows a front view of the rain gauge device according to the first embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 3a shows a three-dimensional (3D) view of the rain gauge device according to the first embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 3b shows a 3D view from above of the rain gauge device according to the first embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 3c represents a view in 3D from below of the rain gauge device according to the first embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 4 shows a side view of the rain gauge device according to a second embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 5a shows a side view of the rain gauge device according to a third embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 5b shows a diagram of the measuring means according to the third embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 5a.
• FIG. 6 shows a side view of the rain gauge device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 7 shows a side view of the rain gauge device according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 8a shows a side view of the rain gauge device according to a sixth embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 8b shows a side view of the rain gauge device according to a seventh embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 1a represents a rain gauge device 100 according to a first embodiment of the invention.
• the rain gauge device 100 comprises a casing 102, a water collector 104, itself comprising a container 105, and a measuring means 106.
• the casing 102 is an outer casing such that the water collector 104 and the measuring means 106 are positioned inside the casing 102.
• the outer casing 102 is made of. one piece but in one variant it can be assembled from several pieces.
• the envelope 102 has an elongated shape in the vertical direction Z with an upper portion 108, a lower portion 110 and a central portion 112.
• the upper portion 108 is located on the upper part of the envelope 102, directed towards the sky and the lower portion 110 is located on the lower part of the casing 102, directed towards the ground when the rain gauge device 100 is in use.
• the central part 112 of the envelope 102 is recessed and comprises a side wall 118.
• the envelope 102 comprises an opening 114, preferably circular with a diameter d1, in its upper portion 108, on a face 108a of the upper portion 108 through which the water enters the rain gauge device 100.
• the diameter di of the opening 114 determines the water collection area.
• the diameter di is defined by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and makes it possible to ensure a reliable measurement of the rainfall by the device.
• WMO World Meteorological Organization
• the diameter di of the opening 114 is between 200cm 2 and 500cm 2 , which corresponds to the standard, in particular between 200cm 2 and 300cm 2 .
• the standard is defined in the “Guide to Meteorological Instruments and Methods of Observation” WMO-No.8, 2017 update.
• the upper portion 108 comprises in its interior an internal vertical wall 115 terminating in a funnel shape 116, being located at the upper level of the central part 112 of the casing 102.
• the funnel shape 116 is positioned centrally at the top. 'inside the casing 102, along the central axis Z, so that the water which enters through the opening 114 of the upper portion 108 of the casing 102 is collected by the funnel shape 116.
• the funnel shape 116 of the inner part of the envelope 102 includes a marked slope with an angle a greater than 45 ° to limit the splashing of water out of the envelope 102, for example if the precipitation is heavy.
• the vertical wall 115 extending from the funnel shape 116 the internal part of the casing 102 is protected from wind and debris.
• the upper portion 108 of the envelope 102 is of flared shape between its face 108a at the end and a part 108b towards the central portion 112 of the envelope 102.
• the flaring of the upper part 108 of the casing 102 ensures better aerodynamics of the casing 102 and therefore of the device 100.
• the funnel shape 116 inside the casing 102 has a diameter d 3 being less than the diameter di of the opening 114 of the upper portion 108 of the casing 102.
• the upper portion 108 further comprises a filter means.
• This filtering means removes impurities present in the rain or in the inlet of the upper portion.
• the wall 118 of the central portion 112 of the casing 102 is at least partially curved over a portion 120 of the wall 118.
• the curved portion 120 of the wall 118 is curved horizontally inwardly of the casing 102.
• the curved portion 120 is visible on the left part of the wall 118 of the central portion 112 of the casing 102, while the right part of the wall 118 is shown as a rectilinear part.
• the curved shape of a portion 120 of the central portion 112 of the casing 102 in combination with the upper 108 and lower 110 flared portions of the casing 102 allow the casing 102 to have a more aerodynamic shape and reduce the wind-up of the rain gauge device 100, unlike a straight vertical cylindrical shape of the envelopes of the state of the art rain gauge devices.
• the lower portion 110 of the casing 102 also has a flared or bevelled outer shape, so that the face 110a of the lower portion 110 situated on the side of the central part 118 is wider than the face 110b of the lower portion 110 located on the ground side when using the rain gauge device 100.
• the casing 102 further comprises a lower surface 122, here in the form of a cover, positioned at the level of the lower face 110b to close the lower portion 110 of the casing 102.
• the flaring of the lower portion 110 of the casing 102 ensures better aerodynamics of the casing 102 and therefore of the device 100.
• the casing 102 has a recess 140 at the level of the lower flared portion 110 of the casing 102. This recess 140 allows the passage of cables necessary for the electrical connections inside the device 100.
• the rain gauge device 100 further comprises a support 124.
• the support 124 includes a portion 123 which extends from the lower surface 122 of the rain gauge device 100 outwardly, preferably vertically along the direction. Z.
• the support 124 is configured in such a way that it allows the rain gauge device 100 to be planted in the ground and thus allows a solid and secure fixing of the rain gauge device 100.
• the rain gauge device 100 can comprise several supports. 124.
• the support 124 makes it possible to place the rain gauge device 100 on the ground in a safe manner, such as for example a tripod.
• the casing 102 of the rain gauge device 100 is connected to the support 124 by the lower surface 122 of the casing 102 in a fixed but removable manner, for example by using screws and nuts.
• the support 124 preferably has a rigidity and an anchoring interface chosen such that vibrations of the casing due to the wind and / or to external vibrations, for example vibrations of the ground, are not transmitted to the elements positioned on the ground. inside the envelope. The support 124 thus makes it possible to position the rain gauge device 100 in an agricultural field, in which the passage of agricultural machinery does not interfere with the operation of the rain gauge device 100.
• the connection between the envelope 102 and the support 124 allows the envelope 102 to be provided with a secure and secure attachment to the device 100 and thus makes it possible to reduce the sensitivity of the envelope 102, as well as that of the elements positioned on the device. inside the casing 102, to the wind and to external vibrations, with respect to a device of the state of the art where the casing is not fixed to the support of the device.
• the rain gauge device according to the invention can also be used in the agricultural field, because the disturbances due to the external parameters on the measurements can be reduced.
• the device according to the invention makes it possible to reduce the influence of vibrations due for example to the passage of agricultural machinery in the field, which is not the case for a state-of-the-art rain gauge device in the meteorological field.
• the device 100 includes a water collector 104, positioned within the casing 102 centrally with respect to the Z axis, below the funnel shape 116 of the casing 102.
• the water collector water 104 and the funnel shape 116 are vertically aligned to allow water to be collected by water collector 104 efficiently, allowing all of the water entering through opening 114 into the casing 102 and passing through the funnel shape 116 to arrive in the water collector 104.
• the water collector 104 comprises a container 105.
• This container 105 has a weight p T.
• the weight p T corresponds to the weight of the empty water collector, without water inside to collect the rainwater which enters through the opening 114 of the casing 102 and which passes through the funnel shape 116
• the container 105 includes a recess 126 located on a lateral side 127 of the container 105. In Figure 1a, the recess 126 is positioned on the right side 127 of the container 105.
• the water collector 104 also includes a counterweight 128.
• the counterweight 128 is positioned on an outer lower surface 129 of the container 105.
• the counterweight 128 and the recess 126 are positioned diametrically opposed on the container 105. Alternatively, the counterweight 128 may also be in contact with a stopper.
• Counterweight 128 allows water collector 104 to remain in the water collection position when water collector 104 either does not contain water or includes an amount of water less than the predetermined threshold for tilting.
• the counterweight allows tilting of the water collector in the emptying position in a less abrupt and uncontrolled manner than in the devices of the state of the art not comprising a counterweight in which the water collector tilts with respect to its own weight.
• the counterweight 128 rests on a stopper in the water collection position.
• the step 126 and the counterweight 128 are configured such that when the quantity of water in the container 105 reaches a predetermined threshold, the center of gravity of the container 105 will be changed and will cause the container 105 to tilt. (shown in Fig. 1b).
• the step 126 and the counterweight 128 make it possible not to use a magnet at the level of the support of the water collector to ensure the tilting of the container 105 of the collector 104, as in the device of the state of the art.
• the emptying of the container is done without power consumption, unlike the device of the state of the art, when the latter uses for example electromagnets.
• the water collector 104 is connected to a first support member 130 of the device 100 in a movable manner to allow tilting.
• the first support member 130 does not include a magnet, like the state of the art device.
• the counterweight 128 ensures that the container 105 returns to the collection position after tilting to the emptying position in a safe and precise manner. Indeed, when the container 105 has emptied, the counterweight returns the container 105 to its collection position, which corresponds to a horizontal position, at 90 ° relative to the first support element 130 and to the central axis Z , and allows the container 105 not to remain in an intermediate position between the emptying position and the collection position, as can happen in a device of the state of the art having neither counterweight nor magnet, which would distort the following measurements.
• the consequent weight of the container 105 due to the presence of the counterweight 108 limits the phenomena of rebound of the water collector 104, as can happen in the device of the state of the art having neither a counterweight and / or neither a magnet.
• the volume of the container 105 makes it possible to perform emptying less frequently compared to a device of the state of the art and therefore makes it possible to limit the number of emptying required. Consequently, this also makes it possible to limit the phenomenon of rebounds which may accompany these oil changes.
• a connection 136 between the water collector 104 and the first support member 130 is made at one end 130a of the first support member 130.
• the connection 136 between the water collector 104 and the end 130a of the first support member 130 is a pivot connection 136 and allows the water collector 104 to swing about an axis perpendicular to the Z axis and to the plane of Figures 1a and 1b.
• the 136 pivot connection allows thus the water collector 104 to move from a water collection position to an emptying position, depending on the amount of water present.
• the structural features of the water collector 104 allow the device 100 not to require the presence of a magnet located on the first support member 130 to hold the container 105 of the water collector 104 in the collection and measurement position. as in the devices of the state of the art.
• the structural characteristics of the water collector 104 make it possible to have a design of the water collector 104 and therefore of the device 100 which is simpler than in the state of the art, without the presence of a magnet in the device. 100.
• the water collector 104 is in the water collection position.
• the water collector 104 In the water collection position, the water collector 104, and likewise the container 105, is positioned horizontally, parallel to the opening surface 114 of the casing 102 and at an angle of 90 ° by relative to the first support member 130.
• the water collector 104 can receive the water which enters through the opening 114 of the casing 102.
• the counterweight 128 allows the water collector 104 to remain in the water collection position until the water level in the water collector 104 exceeds the tilt limit.
• the water collector 104 Upon tilting, the water collector 104 is oriented at an angle to the opening surface 114 of the casing 102 and to the first support member 130 which is less than the angle of the drain position shown. in figure 1b. Upon tilting, the water collector 104 includes the same amount of water as in the water collection position. Water only begins to drain from the water collector 104 when the water collector 104 has reached the drain position shown in fig. 1b.
• the water collector 104 is positioned in the emptying position, after tilting. In the emptying position, the water collector 104 has tilted and is oriented at an angle to the opening surface 114 of the casing 102 and to the first support member 130. In the emptying position of the figure 1b, the water collector 104 begins to empty by pouring the water accumulated in the container 105 during the water collection position. The water is poured over the side of the container 105 where the recess 126 of the container 105, by the recess 126. The water collector 104 can be emptied entirely or partially in the emptying position.
• an inclined plane is positioned below the water collector 104, on the inner surface of the lower surface 122 of the casing 102 to direct the water emptying from the collector 104 to a predetermined region of the lower surface. 122.
• a predetermined region of the lower surface 122 is a plurality of holes 144 for venting water from the casing 102, as shown in Figure 3c.
• the first support member 130 is mounted on a second support member 132 of the device 100. As shown in Figure 1a, the first support member 130 and the second support member 132 are fixed at an angle of 90 ° to each other. to the other.
• the connection 134 between the first support member 130 and the second support member 132 is made at one end 132a of the second support member 132 at one end 130b of the first support member 130.
• the second support member 132 like the first support element 130, also does not include a magnet. In a variant, no support element of the device 100 comprises a magnet.
• the second support element 132 of the device 100 is mounted at its other end 132b to a third support element 138.
• the third support element 138 can be a base, itself fixed to the external support 124.
• holder 132 is connected to the holder 124, via the third holder member 138.
• the water collector is connected to the holder 124 and n 'is not connected directly to the casing 102 of the device 100.
• the support 124 with its rigidity and its anchoring makes it possible to provide a mechanical separation between the casing 102 and the measuring means 106.
• the influence on the water collector 104 of the external parameters for example the vibrations due to the wind or the vibrations of the ground, which act on the casing 102 of the device 100, is reduced compared to a device in which the envelope 102 is mechanically directly connected to the measuring means 106.
• connection between the second support member 132 and the third support member 138 is a fixed connection, for example made by screws and nuts.
• the connection between the second support element 132 and the third support element 138 makes it possible to reduce the influence of external parameters, for example vibrations due to the wind or vibrations of the ground, on the second support element 132.
• the rain gauge device according to the invention can also be used in the agricultural field, because the disturbances due to the external parameters on the measurements can be reduced.
• the device according to the invention makes it possible to reduce the influence of vibrations due to the passage of agricultural machinery in the field, which is not the case for a rain gauge device of the state of the art in the field. meteorological. This makes it possible to have a choice of location for the larger and more varied device, without having to take into account any external disturbances that may possibly disrupt the measurements, as is the case with a state-of-the-art rain gauge device.
• a recess 140 located on the left side of the lower portion of the casing 102, facilitates the passage of cables.
• the rain gauge device 100 can include several water collectors, in particular two. Thus, a constant measurement of the rain can be made, with the second water collector receiving the rain while the first water collector is in its emptying position and vice versa.
• the rain gauge device 100 further comprises a measuring means 106 for measuring a parameter representative of a weight measurement.
• the measuring means 106 is positioned on the second support element 132, inside the casing 102.
• the measuring means 106 is also mounted, like the second support element 132, on the third support element. 138.
• the measuring means 106 is therefore not mechanically coupled directly to the casing 102 of the device 100, such that it is mechanically isolated from the casing 102.
• a mechanical decoupling between the means is obtained.
• measurement 106 and the envelope 102 which makes it possible to reduce the transmission of vibration from the casing 102 to the measuring means 106. This thus makes it possible to reduce the influence of external parameters such as vibrations due to the wind or vibrations of the ground on the measuring means 106 located on the second support element 132 and thus makes it possible to improve the quality of the measurements made by the measuring means 106.
• the mechanical decoupling of the measuring means 106 from the casing 102 can be further improved by using a damper.
• the measuring means 106 is therefore connected to the support 124, via the first, second and third support elements 130, 132 and 138.
• the support 124 being anchored in the ground in a fixed and solid manner, thus, the support 124 makes it possible to act as a static reference for the measuring means 106 and makes it possible to reduce the disturbances due to external vibrations on the measurements of the measuring means 106, compared to the devices of the state of the art.
• the measuring means 106 via the first and the second support element 130, 132, is connected to the water collector 104.
• the rain gauge device 100 operates as follows.
• the water collector is in its position. collection of water.
• the measuring means 106 measures the weight of the water collector 104. When the water level has reached the predetermined threshold in the container 105, the container 105 tilts into its emptying position and the container 105 can be emptied. When the water has drained and the container 105 is empty, the counterweight 128 returns the container 105 to its water collection position.
• the device 100 starts again to measure the weight of the container 105, which corresponds to a tare. This tare of the container 105 corresponds to the weight p T of the empty container 105.
• the measurement (s) are sent to the user via a server, storage medium or cloud.
• the measurements are stored in a memory.
• the container 105 tilts into its emptying position and partially empties. The container 105 can return to its water position although it is not completely empty.
• the device 100 starts again to measure the weight of the container 105 which corresponds to the tare.
• the tare corresponds to the weight p T of the empty container 105 plus whatever water or detritus remains in the container 105 once returned to its water collection position after tilting.
• the device according to the invention makes it possible to be able to resume taking a measurement in the collection position after emptying automatically and immediately, because the stabilization period between emptying and the start of a new measurement is shorter than that. state of the art devices.
• FIG. 2 represents a front view of the rain gauge device 100 according to the first embodiment of the invention.
• the front view of the rain gauge device 100 illustrated in FIG. 2 is taken along a plane parallel to the arrow Z illustrated in FIGS. 1a to 1c.
• the first support member 130 has a U-shape, such that the pivot connection 136 between the water collector 104 and the first support member 130 takes place at both ends 130a and 130c of the “U” sticks of the first support element 130.
• the wall 118 of the central portion 112 of the casing 102 is also at least partially curved on both sides on a portion 120 of the wall 118.
• the curved portion 120 of the wall 118 is curved. horizontally towards the inside of the casing 102 to improve the aerodynamics of the rain gauge device 100.
• FIGS. 3a to 3c represent a three-dimensional view (3D) of the rain gauge device 100 according to the first embodiment of the invention. All features of the device Rain gauge 100 shown in Figures 1a, 1b, 1c, and 2 will not be described again, but we refer to their description above with the same reference numerals used in Figures 1a, 1b, 1c and 2.
• Figure 3a shows the outer casing 102 of the rain gauge device 100 of Figures 1a, 1b and 1c, according to the first embodiment of the invention.
• Figure 3a shows the aerodynamic shape of the casing 102 produced by the wall 118 which is at least partially curved inwardly of the casing 102, here represented by the curved portion 120.
• FIG. 3b shows the top of the upper portion 108. Through the opening 114 of diameter d 1, we see the funnel 116 with the restricted opening of diameter d 3 .
• FIG. 3c illustrates a view in 3D from below of the rain gauge device 100 according to the first embodiment of the invention.
• Figure 3c illustrates the lower portion 110 of the casing 102 with the lower surface 122.
• the lower surface 122 includes a plurality of holes 144 to allow water to escape while preventing the wind from seeping inside. the envelope 102 at the level of the lower cover 122.
• each orifice 146a-146f has an elongated shape, in particular a rectangular shape.
• the orifices 146a-146f are aligned next to each other in a region 148 of the outer lower surface 122 of the flared portion 110.
• the orifices 146a-146f may be arranged differently on the lower surface. outside 122 of the flared portion 110 and separately to cover a larger area of the lower outer surface 122 of the flared portion 110.
• the recess 140 is connected to the lower flared portion 110 of the casing 102.
• the support member 124 of the device 100 is also visible in Figure 3c.
• FIG 4 shows a side view of a rain gauge device 200 according to a second embodiment of the invention. All the characteristics of the rain gauge device 200 of the second embodiment which are common with the rain gauge device 100 of the first embodiment illustrated in Figures 1a to 1c will not be described again, but we refer to their description above with the same reference numbers used in Figures 1a to 1c. Further, the variations based on the structure of the first embodiment can also be applied to the rain gauge device 200 of the second embodiment.
• the rain gauge device 200 corresponds to the rain gauge device 100 of the first embodiment further comprising a second measuring means 206.
• This second measuring means 206 is a vibration measuring means, in particular a piezoelectric sensor.
• the second measuring means 206 can also be a hydrophone, a piezoresistor, an strain gauge.
• the rain gauge device 200 has the same operation as the rain gauge device 100, but the second measuring means 206 allows the rain gauge device 200 to obtain more information than the rain gauge device 100.
• the rain gauge device 200 may not include an envelope 102 according to the first embodiment but an envelope as known in the state of the art.
• the second measuring means 206 is positioned outside on a side wall of the container 105.
• the second measuring means 206 can be positioned at another location on the container 105, for example under the container 105. It can also be positioned inside the water collector 104.
• the second measuring means 206 can be glued to a wall of the water collector 104 to provide a reliable and durable connection.
• the second measuring means 206 measures the vibrations which are due to the raindrops falling into the water collector 104.
• the second measuring means 206 thus enables the rain gauge device 200 to obtain additional information on the rain compared to the rain gauge according to the state of the art which measures only the volume or the weight.
• the measurement obtained by the second measuring means 206 makes it possible to obtain temporal information in the sense that the rain gauge device can now know when the rain started to fall, therefore the start of the rainy episode.
• the measurement of the second measuring means 206 is proportional to the impact of the rain, the measurement makes it possible to obtain information on the type of rain that falls, for example if the rain contains large drops of water. or if it's a fine rain.
• the rain gauge device 200 makes it possible to have temporal information on the rain and information on the type of rain that falls. This information makes it possible to obtain additional precision on the rainfall measurement and makes it possible to obtain a more precise measurement containing more information compared to the measurements of a state-of-the-art rain gauge device.
• the second measuring means 206 being positioned on the water collector 104, therefore inside the casing 102, it makes it possible to obtain a measurement which is protected from parameters external to the device, for example vibrations. wind or flying detritus.
• the rain gauge device 200 makes it possible to obtain an improvement in the quality of the measurement compared to the rain gauge device 100 and compared to the rain gauge device of the state of the art.
• the device can comprise a third measuring means positioned 306 on the casing 102 or on the support 124.
• the third measuring means 306 can also be a vibration measuring means, in particular an accelerometer. or a piezoelectric sensor.
• the third measuring means 306 can also be a hydrophone, a piezoresistor, an strain gauge.
• the third vibration measurement means 306 located on the outside makes it possible to obtain information on external disturbances, such as vibrations due to the wind or vibrations of the ground and therefore allow them to be taken into account for a better evaluation of the measurements. of rainfall made by the device.
• This third vibration measuring means 306 therefore also makes it possible to obtain further information on the type of precipitation and not only the quantity of precipitation obtained as in the devices of the state of the art.
• by combining the third measuring means 306 with the second measuring means 206 it is possible to distinguish rain other disturbances. It is therefore possible to do more advanced signal processing to analyze the rain more precisely, for example the type, size, or duration of the rain as well as the influence of the wind on the type and size of the rain. ..
• Figure 5a shows a side view of the rain gauge device according to a third embodiment of the invention.
• the rain gauge device 300 is based on the rain gauge device 100 of the first embodiment. All the characteristics of the rain gauge device 300 of the third embodiment which are common with the rain gauge device 100 of the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1a to 1c will therefore not be described again, but we refer to their description above. with the same reference numbers used in Figures 1a to 1c.
• the variants based on the structure of the first and / or second embodiment can also be applied to the rain gauge device 300 of the third embodiment.
• the rain gauge device 300 may not include an envelope 102 according to the first embodiment but include an envelope according to the state of the art.
• the rain gauge device 300 is illustrated with the water collector 104 in its water collection position.
• the rain gauge device 300 includes a control unit 302 configured to perform multiple measurements of the weight of the water collector 104, in particular at regular intervals and to perform a plurality of weight measurements at different times. According to the invention, it is thus possible to measure a variation in the weight of the water collector 104 while the latter is filling with rainwater.
• the plurality of measurements makes it possible to have a representative sample of the weight taking into account several external factors (vibrations, winds) and an average value of the weight can be obtained from the plurality of measurements.
• the plurality of weight measurements is carried out continuously at a given time, in particular the plurality of measurements comprises between 5 and 10 weight measurements at a given time. After a fixed regular interval, chosen to minimize the energy consumption of the device, at another given instant, another plurality of measurements is made by the measuring means 106 of the device 300.
• the device 300 of the present invention makes it possible to measure a variation in weight throughout the measurement of rainfall.
• the device performs a plurality of weight measurements at several given times, unlike the device of the state of the art which only measures the weight at the time of tilting or determines the weight as a function of the number of tiltings, or even which determines the weight continuously.
• the control unit 302 uses a measuring means 106 in the form of a force sensor 106 to carry out the measurements.
• This force sensor 106 corresponds to the second support element 132 which is a metal beam with a silicone part to protect it from water.
• the control unit 302 comprises, among other things, an analog / digital converter allowing the processing of signals coming from the measuring means 106 and a microprocessor for analysis and determining the weight.
• the force sensor 106 is connected at its end 132a to the water collector 104, via the first support member 130, and at its other end 132b to the third support member 138. Thus, the force sensor 106 is also connected. connected to the support 124 via the third support element 138. It is the support 124 which makes it possible to act as a static reference for the measuring means 106 and makes it possible to reduce the disturbances due to external vibrations on the measurements of the measuring means 106, compared to the device of the state of the art.
• the second support member 132 flexes under the effect of the weight of the container 105, which is converted to a measure of weight.
• the measuring means 106 comprises a Wheatstone bridge.
• the Wheatstone bridge is located in the silicone part, protected from water, of the beam as shown in figure 5a.
• a Wheatstone bridge is a set of four resistors R1, R2, R3, R4 connected together electrically, as illustrated in FIG. 5b, three of which are known and fixed. and a variable unknown resistance.
• the Wheatstone bridge makes it possible to measure the variation of the unknown resistance and to associate it with a measured parameter.
• the Wheatstone bridge makes it possible to measure the variation of the unknown resistance and to associate it with the parameter of the weight of the water collector 104.
• the sensor 106 is thus placed in the branch represented by CD in FIG. 5b, the other three resistors are fixed.
• the unknown resistance R2 varies linearly with the weight, allowing a measurement of the weight of the water collector 104 to be made.
• the Wheatstone bridge is also used in a different way to take into account the effect of temperature on the weight measurement.
• the control circuit is configured to also measure the other three resistors continuously. According to the diagram illustrated in FIG. 5b, there are four measurement points named A, B, C and D. According to this embodiment, all these measurement points are used to measure the resistance of the beam R2. All of the resistances change in the same way with the variation in temperature. Thus, by taking into account these four measurement points, therefore by continuously measuring the four resistors, instead of based on their value communicated at a temperature of 25 ° C, the temperature variation is automatically compensated electrically. The device 300 therefore measures a plurality of electrical resistances at several given times.
• the device 300 makes it possible to measure the value of the weight while canceling the impact of the temperature on the measurement.
• the device according to the invention makes it possible to reduce the sensitivity of rainfall measurements with temperature variations.
• FIG. 6 represents a side view of the rain gauge device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.
• Device 400 is shown with water collector 104 in the water collection or reception position, but it may as well have water collector 104 in the drain position.
• the rain gauge device 400 may not include an envelope 102.
• the rain gauge device 400 corresponds to the rain gauge device 100 of the first embodiment and further comprises a control unit 402.
• the control unit 402 is configured to trigger a measurement of the measuring means 106 upon tilting of the water collector 104.
• the rain gauge device 400 comprises a tilt detection means 404, located at the level of the water collector 104.
• the tilt detection means 404 can be a switch, in particular a flexible reed switch.
• a reed switch is an evacuated tube with two metal blades inside. When a magnet, attached to container 105, is approached to vacuum tube 404, the blades stick together allowing a current of electricity to pass. The absence of current therefore indicates a changeover.
• This tilting detection means 404 makes it possible to accurately detect the tilting of the container 105 of the water collector 104.
• the tilting of the water collector 104 corresponds to the moment when the water collector 104 begins to tilt, before the water collector 104 loses water. Indeed, the tilting time before loss of water is of the order of a second, the movement begins slowly until the mass of water moves and the rotation of the water collector 104 towards the inclined position. draining speed and that the draining properly speaking begins. Between the start of tilting and the start of emptying, a measurement of the weight of the container 105 is made, and thus makes it possible to measure the weight of the container 105 at the time of the tilting before the start of emptying of the container 105 from the collector d water 104.
• the changeover time before loss of water is of the order of a second, and the time necessary for the control unit 402 to initiate a measurement of the measuring means 106 and for the measuring means 106 of measuring a plurality of measurements is of the order of 100 ms.
• the tilting detection means 404 makes it possible to know exactly when the tilting takes place and to measure the weight of the container at the time of tilting, preceding the start of emptying,
• the tilting detection means 404 may be located at a height and thus be activated when tilting the water collector 104, thus limiting the power consumption in the water collection position. In this variant, the presence of current indicates a switchover.
• the control unit 402 is also configured to reset the measuring means 106 after a tilting of the water collector 104.
• the control unit 402 is positioned on the support member 124 in Figure 6. But alternatively, it can be positioned at another position on the device 400.
• the control unit 402 reinitializes the measuring means 106 after a tilting of the water collector 104 and especially after emptying the water collector 104 taking into account the tare of the water collector 104, that is to say of the weight of the water collector 104 after emptying and returning to the water collection position.
• the water collector 104 is empty without water or partially empty after tilting into its emptying position. After tilting into its emptying position, the water collector 104 may in fact still have a little water or debris, which will modify its weight for the next rain measurement.
• the measurement of the weight of the water collector 104 is reset to zero at the start of each new filling of the container 105, by measuring the tare of the water collector 104.
• measurement drifts due to clogging of the container 105 , by leaves or dust are avoided. So the measurements are more precise and reliable.
• the tilting detection means 404 makes it possible to accurately detect the tilting of the container 105 of the water collector 104 and also makes it possible to measure the weight of the container 105 after the emptying of the container 105, when the latter is empty or partially. empty to determine the tare.
• the control unit 402 is configured to trigger a zeroing of the measuring means 106 after the tilting of the water collector 104 in the emptying position, when the water collector 104 has returned to its collection / reception position. of water.
• the device can thus be used continuously, because the resetting of the measuring means is carried out once the collector has returned to its horizontal collection position, after each tilting, which also allows precise measurement over a period of prolonged time.
• this makes it possible to avoid or at least minimize the steps of recalibration of the device and especially of the measuring means of the device, which are necessary during the life of the product and which are difficult to carry out, unlike the measuring device. state of the art.
• Figure 7 shows a side view of the rain gauge device according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.
• Device 500 is shown with water collector 104 in the water receiving position, but it may as well have water collector 104 in the drain position.
• the rain gauge device 500 may not include an envelope 102.
• the rain gauge device 500 is based on the third embodiment of the invention.
• the control unit's microprocessor 502 is configured to put itself and / or power-consuming component (s), such as a display, to sleep mode to reduce power consumption
• control unit 502 also includes a trigger means 504, which in this embodiment is integrated with the analog-to-digital converter.
• the trigger means 504 is configured to measure the electrical voltage across the terminals of the measuring means 106 and wakes up the microprocessor and / or any other component placed on standby when a threshold is exceeded. Thus, it suffices to supply the triggering means 504 and the force sensor 106.
• the verification of rain and / or evaporation is therefore independent of the use of the control unit 502.
• the device 500 according to l According to the invention, the rain check can be performed more often while having reduced power consumption.
• the device 500 can therefore perform a plurality of weight measurements at several given times while having reduced energy consumption compared to a state of the art device which continuously measures the weight.
• a threshold with a low limit Preferably, two thresholds are used, a threshold with a low limit and a threshold with a high limit. Crossing the upper limit upwards corresponds to the onset of precipitation which causes the weight in the water collector to change.
• the microprocessor is woken up and configured to measure and record a plurality of weight measurements on a continuous basis. In addition, the time of the onset of rain can also be recorded. Once the precipitation is complete, the microprocessor and / or any other energy consuming component is returned to standby mode and a new low and high threshold is determined and recorded.
• the microprocessor After a regular time interval, chosen to optimize the energy consumption of the device, for example every minute or every 5 minutes, the microprocessor is again woken up to again take a plurality of weight measurements such as previously. If there was rain but below the threshold, the new value is saved and the low and high thresholds are updated.
• the time of the end of the rain can be recorded and the microprocessor and / or any other energy consuming component is put back into standby mode until the next alarm clock allowing to have a follow-up. on evaporation and readjust the thresholds of the triggering means.
• the microprocessor is woken up to take a plurality of measurements as before, and the new value is recorded and the low and high thresholds are updated.
• Exceeding the lower limit from below corresponds to evaporation of water in the water collector 104 and therefore to a loss of weight. If evaporation is not taken into account, the measurement of the amount of rain may be distorted. Indeed, it has been observed that strong evaporations of water, sometimes exceeding two millimeters in less than twelve hours, can take place over relatively short periods. Without taking this evaporation into account and if it rains again, the measured rain will only be that exceeding the last recorded rain thus losing the two millimeters of difference linked to evaporation.
• control unit 502 is put to sleep and a new low and high threshold is determined and saved.
• Figure 8a shows a rain gauge device 600 according to a sixth embodiment.
• the rain gauge 600 is based on the fifth embodiment and further comprises a temperature sensor 604 and a humidity sensor 606 connected to the control unit 602.
• the rain gauge 600 can be based on one of the other modes. of achievement one to four.
• the control unit 602 has the same functionalities as the control unit 302, 402, 502 of the other embodiments and in addition is configured to receive the temperature and humidity measurements from the sensors 604, 606. These ambient parameters can have an influence on the measurement of the rain carried out, in particular on the presence or absence of dew. Thus the determined amount of rain can be corrected when the presence of dew is detected. Indeed, with the coupling of the rain gauge 600 with the humidity sensor 606 and the temperature sensor 604, the meteorological conditions leading to the formation of dew can be determined and thus, it is possible to take this “false” into account. rain and correct the rain measurement accordingly. According to a seventh embodiment, illustrated in FIG.
• a rain gauge device according to the first to the sixth embodiment 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 is mounted on a connection interface 702 of a weather station 700 in using suitable connection means 704.
• the interface 702 and the connection means 704 can be of the “plug and play” type, allowing at the same time a fast mechanical and electrical connection.
• data can be exchanged between the rain gauge device and sensors of the weather station, such as a temperature sensor 706 and / or a humidity sensor 708. These data can then be processed by the control unit of the weather station. rain gauge and / or the control unit of the 700 weather station and / or by a remote control unit connected wirelessly.
• the device can be a self-contained device in electrical energy.
• the rain gauge device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 may include an autonomous device for supplying energy, in particular solar, thermal or wind energy.
• the autonomous energy supply device makes it possible to obtain a rain gauge device which is essentially energy autonomous. This allows the installation of the rain gauge device in several places in a field without the need for the installation of power lines.

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• Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
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• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Sampling And Sample Adjustment (AREA)
• Level Indicators Using A Float (AREA)
• Measuring Fluid Pressure (AREA)
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• 2019
  • 2019-09-05 FR FR1909765A patent/FR3100617B1/fr active Active
• 2020
  • 2020-09-04 CA CA3150255A patent/CA3150255A1/fr active Pending
  • 2020-09-04 EP EP20764431.1A patent/EP4025941A1/de active Pending
  • 2020-09-04 US US17/753,516 patent/US20230014089A1/en active Pending
  • 2020-09-04 BR BR112022004092A patent/BR112022004092A2/pt unknown
  • 2020-09-04 WO PCT/EP2020/074868 patent/WO2021044033A1/fr unknown

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