JPS6055249A - Snowfall detector - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enable detection of a snowfall discriminately from a rainfall and to release automatically the detection signal when the snowfall ends by measuring the presence or absence of the snow laid on an inclined reflecting plate as a change in the quantity of light and removing the laid snow at a fixed cycle. CONSTITUTION:A reflecting plate 10 is installed obliquely so as to face a light emitting part 3. A photodetecting part 4 receives the light reflected from the reflecting plate and detects the decrease in the quantity of the reflected light from the snow deposited on the reflecting plate. A control parts 2 starts snow- removing mechanisms 12, 13 of the plate 10 and a light emitting and receiving part 1 at every set time. The device is provided with an electric power source for the control part and a transmitter 16 of a detection signal.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Technical Field in which the Invention Will Decline] This invention provides a snowfall detection method that uses a well-focused light beam such as a laser to detect that the amount of light reflected from a reflector plate decreases due to snow accumulation. Regarding equipment.

Generally, it is desired that this type of device be of a simple structure that can distinguish snowfall, does not require adjustment in combination with temperature, and is suitable for being left outdoors.

[Prior art and its problems]

Road heating automatic control devices have long been known as this type of snowfall detection device, but since this melts fallen snow and detects it as moisture, it is not possible to directly distinguish between rain and snow. However, since the relationship between temperature and snow cannot be said to be constant, in cases where only snow is to be detected, unnecessary operations will inevitably occur.

Some systems use a very simple weight scale to measure the snow load and then turn on the switch, but the drawback is that even if the snow has stopped, the signal continues to be output until the first layer of snow has melted. Falling down on railway tracks:) When snow has stopped falling,
It is desirable to cancel the signal from the viewpoint of saving snow melting energy.

There is also a method that uses light beams to detect particles passing between the receiver and the receiver, but it is difficult to distinguish between rain and snow particles, and the circuit components are complicated, so it is not suitable for general-purpose outdoor installations. It is unsuitable for eel use.

[Purpose of the invention]

This invention detects the snow itself and sends a signal, without relying on indirect methods such as a combination of moisture and temperature, in order to directly detect the presence or absence of snowfall when damage caused by snow is a problem. Furthermore, in view of the necessity of interlocking with a snow damage removal device, it is an object of the present invention to provide a snowfall detection device that has a function of automatically stopping the signal when snowfall stops.

[Key points of the invention]

(7) The light source 834 is composed of a light beam generating section such as a laser with good convergence, a reflecting plate facing the light beam installed at an angle with a certain interval, and a light receiving section that receives the reflected light. Snowfall can be detected by reducing the amount of reflected light due to the head piled up on the board.

The reflector has a mirror surface with good reflection efficiency, and is covered with a transparent plate with a large number of small prism elements so that the reflected light irradiates the light receiving part even if it is installed at an angle of 1. When there is no snow, the amount of light that exceeds the set value is reflected to the light receiving section, but when there is snow, the amount of reflected light decreases due to the opacity and diffuse reflection of snow, and when it falls below the set value, the light receiving section detects snowfall. give a signal.

After issuing a snowfall signal, snow removal mechanisms such as hot air blowers and wipers are used to remove snow on the reflector, and the initial conditions for the next measurement, which is repeated at time intervals set by a timer, are set. Determine whether the snowfall is continuing or has stopped, and confirm.

The issue will continue to be suspended.

If there is rain falling on the reflector, the raindrops will reduce the amount of light reflected, but the slope of the reflector will allow the rain to flow away, so the impact can be kept to a minimum, making it possible to clearly distinguish between rain and snow. .

Furthermore, since this device is essentially installed and used outdoors, there may be cases where there is no power wiring for the power supply, so a secondary 'Kameike' that is charged by solar cells is attached for use in such cases. However, it has been made available for use.

Furthermore, a wireless signal device is attached to transmit the detected signal to the key station without installing a signal wire, so that it can be used even in such a case.

[Embodiments of the invention]

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention, in which a light receiving/emitting section 1 and a reflecting section 14 are attached to a support 5 facing each other, and a light beam 9 from the light emitting section 3 passes through a lens 7 and is reflected by a reflecting plate 10. The reflected light 8 passes through the lens 6 and returns to the light receiving section 4 . If the amount of light entering the light receiving section is greater than or equal to the set sensitivity of the light receiving section, no signal will be output; however, if the amount of light is below the set sensitivity, it will be transmitted to the outside from the detection signal transmitter 16 as a detection signal. A hot air blower 13. A hot air blowing nozzle 12 and a snow removal mechanism such as a wiper (not shown) are installed. - After detecting that there is snow on the bottom, the snow on the reflector is removed to prepare for the next intermittent measurement. .

Control unit 2Kl-1: Contains a control circuit that starts measurement circuits such as a light receiving and emitting unit at regular time intervals and a detection sensitivity adjuster. Necessary power is supplied by a power source 5 having a rechargeable battery to be charged.

In such a configuration, if snow falls on the reflector 10, a snowdrift will gradually form due to the snow girder 11, and due to the opacity and diffuse reflection of the snow, the amount of light entering the light receiving section 4 will decrease, and the sensitivity will drop below the set sensitivity. When this occurs, this device will issue a snowfall detection signal. If it is raining, the amount of reflected light will hardly decrease as it flows over the reflective surface.

The flow of this detection operation is shown in a block diagram in FIG.

〔Effect of the invention〕

According to this invention, the presence or absence of snow on the inclined reflector can be detected by
It is measured as a change in the amount of light and is constant σ).

Since the device is equipped with a device that removes snow on the reflector with a bicycle, snowfall can be clearly distinguished from rain and detected.
Moreover, it has the effect of determining whether snowfall continues and automatically canceling the detection signal when snowfall stops.

Furthermore, by including solar cells and wireless equipment,
Even if installed outdoors where there are no electrical cables installed, measurements can be made and the key station can receive detection signals.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 2 is an operational block diagram of the embodiment of the invention. 2: Control unit, 3: Light emitting unit, 4: Light receiving unit, 5: Power supply, 10
: Reflector, 16: Detection signal transmitter. Ding 1 Leap 2

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1) A light emitting unit, a reflective plate installed at an angle opposite to the light emitting unit, and the amount of light reflected by the snow that has fallen on the reflective plate after receiving the reflected light from the reflective plate is reduced. a light receiving section that detects that
A snowfall detection device comprising: a control unit that activates the snow removal mechanism of the reflector and the light receiving/emitting unit at set time intervals; a power source for the control unit; and a detection signal transmitter. 2. The snowfall detection device according to claim 1, wherein the power source is a secondary battery charged by a solar cell. 3) A snowfall detection device according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the detection signal transmitter is a radio.