Weather station with bird repellents

Abstract

Weather station (1) for measuring precipitation, comprising a collecting means (2) with an opening (3) for collecting precipitation, characterized in that the weather station (1) has at least one bird deterrent (6).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a weather station having the features of claim 1.

[0002] A weather station comprises a combination of one or more measuring instruments used to measure meteorological variables at a specific location. A weather station for measuring precipitation may include a rain gauge with which the amount of precipitation (e.g. in the form of rain or snow) that has fallen at a specific location over a specific period of time can be determined. For this purpose, the weather station comprises a collecting means for collecting precipitation with an opening through which the precipitation to be measured can enter. The opening is typically surrounded by a rim, although the rim may also be designed as an edge surface. When setting up the weather station, the opening is typically directed upwards, towards the sky and / or in the direction of fall of the precipitation.

[0003] A weather station for measuring precipitation must be set up outdoors. A related nuisance is birds, such as pigeons, which settle on the weather station, for example, on the edge of the opening, leaving bird droppings there, or even nesting inside the opening. Contamination of the weather station by birds is not only unsanitary but can also affect the accurate measurements of the rain gauge. Therefore, contamination of the weather station by birds should be prevented or at least made more difficult.

[0004] The problem is solved by a weather station for measuring precipitation having the features of claim 1.

[0005] Such a weather station comprises a collecting device with an opening for collecting precipitation, such as rain or snow, and at least one bird deterrent. The bird deterrent prevents birds from approaching the weather station or even landing on it.

[0006] The collecting device for collecting precipitation comprises, for example, a cylindrical vessel. The dimensions of the collecting device's opening can roughly correspond to the circular area of ​​the cylinder. Outlet holes can be arranged on the underside of the vessel through which precipitation already recorded by the weather station can escape from the vessel.

[0007] In one embodiment, the collecting means comprises a funnel with an outlet. The precipitation entering through the opening can flow from the funnel to the outlet. A detector is arranged below the outlet to detect the liquid exiting through the outlet. The detector can, for example, comprise a tilting container that can be moved by the liquid exiting the outlet. Using the detection by the detector, the weather station can determine the amount of precipitation, for example, over a specific period of time.

[0008] The opening of the collecting device is typically directed upwards, in the direction of precipitation falling in calm conditions, or at least partially has a section oriented this way. Precipitation can enter the collecting device through the opening. This allows the amount of precipitation entering through the opening, for example, within a specific period of time, to be determined at or by the weather station. The opening is surrounded by a rim, which can also be designed as a surface.

[0009] In one variant, the at least one bird deterrent is arranged at least partially around the opening. For example, the collection means can have a rim around the opening, and the at least one bird deterrent can be arranged, at least partially, on this rim. This can specifically deter birds from landing on the rim in the immediate vicinity of the opening.

[0010] In one embodiment, the at least one bird deterrent comprises a plurality of spikes. A spike refers to a pin, which is typically made of a material such as metal or plastic. The spikes can be pointed, in particular at the top end.

[0011] The spikes are arranged to deter birds from approaching and / or perching on the weather station. In one embodiment, the spikes are arranged around the opening, for example, on the edge of the opening. In particular, a plurality of spikes can be arranged evenly around a circumference of the opening. However, the solution is not limited to any particular arrangement of the spikes. In particular, the spikes can also be arranged at irregular intervals around the opening. The plurality of spikes can be arranged in either a single row or multiple rows, in particular in two rows.

[0012] In one embodiment, the spikes are at least partially directed upwards, making it more difficult for birds to approach. In particular, the spikes can be arranged at least partially perpendicular to the plane of the opening. Additionally or alternatively, the spikes can be at least partially inclined inward toward the opening and / or outward away from the opening. The spikes can also be at least partially inclined in the circumferential direction of the opening. The spikes can be bent in the respective direction of inclination.

[0013] In one version, the spikes are at least partially electrically chargeable. Electrically charging the spikes can enhance their defensive effect.

[0014] In another embodiment, the plurality of spikes are at least partially heatable. In yet another variant, the spikes are at least partially movable. The movement of the spikes deters birds from approaching the weather station.

[0015] In one embodiment, the at least one bird deterrent comprises at least one actively luminous and / or at least one passively luminous element. The bird deterrent can also comprise an element that generates light reflections. In one embodiment, the element that generates light reflections can, for example, generate light reflections through sunlight, which are perceived by approaching birds and deter them from landing on the weather station.

[0016] In one embodiment, the collecting means may comprise a funnel on which the at least one bird deterrent is arranged. For example, spikes may be arranged on the funnel of the collecting means. The at least one bird deterrent may be arranged on an edge of the funnel.

[0017] If the weather station is installed outdoors, contaminants such as insects often collect in the funnel, making cleaning the funnel more frequent than other components of the weather station. In one design variant, the funnel is removable from the collection device. This allows for cleaning and / or maintenance of the funnel separately from the weather station. If at least one bird deterrent is mounted on the removable funnel, cleaning and / or maintenance of the bird deterrent separately from the weather station is also possible.

[0018] Further details and advantages of the invention will be made clear in the following description of embodiments with reference to the figures.

[0019] They show: Fig. 1 A side view of a weather station according to a first embodiment; Fig. 2 a top view of the weather station according to Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a bottom view of the weather station according to Fig. 1; Fig. 4 a detailed view of the weather station’s collecting means according to Fig. 1, wherein the collecting means comprises a funnel; Fig. 5 another detailed view of the weather station’s collecting device Fig. 1; Fig. 6 another detailed view of the weather station’s collecting device Fig. 1 comprising a funnel; Fig. 7A a detailed view of the funnel according to the Fig. 4 and Fig. 6; Fig. Figure 7B shows an embodiment in which the Fig. 8A, Fig. 8B, Fig. 8C versions of the weather station from Fig. 1 Fig. 9A, Fig. 9B, Fig. 9C Detailed views of the design variants of the weather stations from the Fig. 8A, Fig. 8B and Fig. 8C.

[0020] Fig. Figure 1 shows a side view of a weather station 1 for measuring precipitation according to a first embodiment. The weather station comprises a collecting means 2 for collecting precipitation. The collecting means 2 includes an opening 3 through which the precipitation can penetrate into the collecting means 2.

[0021] In the illustrated embodiment, the collecting means 2 comprises a substantially cylindrical vessel, with the diameter of the opening 3 of the collecting means 2 approximately corresponding to the diameter of the cylinder. In principle, it is also possible for the opening 3 of the collecting means 2 to be smaller or larger than the diameter of the vessel.

[0022] Furthermore, the illustrated embodiment of the collecting means 2 of the weather station 1 comprises a removable funnel (in Fig. 1 not shown, but see Fig. 4 and Fig. 6) with an outlet for collected water. A detailed view of the funnel is shown in the Fig. 4, Fig. 6, Fig. 7. The funnel is arranged inside the vessel. By means of the funnel, the precipitate entering through the opening 3 is guided to the outlet of the funnel, which in connection with the Fig. 5 will be explained in more detail.

[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of spikes 6 are arranged around the opening 3, forming an obstacle for birds to approach. In the illustrated embodiment, the spikes 6 are arranged at regular intervals around the circumference of the opening 3 and are oriented vertically upwards from the plane of the opening. In other embodiments, the spikes are arranged differently. Generally, the spikes are oriented to prevent birds from approaching and / or landing on the weather station. This form of deterrent can, for example, prevent injury to the animals.

[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, the spikes 6 all have approximately the same length. In other embodiments, however, the spikes 6 may also have different lengths and / or shapes. Further arrangement variants of the spikes 6 will be described later (see Fig. 8a, Fig. 8b, Fig. 9a and Fig. 9b).

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the weather station 1 comprises further optional means for collecting weather-related data. In the illustrated embodiment, the weather station 1 has a wind direction sensor 7 and wind cups 8a, 8b for measuring the wind direction and wind speed, respectively. Furthermore, the weather station has a solar panel 9, a UVI / light sensor 10, and a thermo-hygro sensor 11. There may also be a data processing means with which the collected data is recorded, stored, and / or processed. In addition, the weather station 1 may comprise an antenna 12 for receiving and / or transmitting data.

[0026] In principle, the weather station can have a subset of the components mentioned or additional ones.

[0027] Fig. 2 shows a top view of the weather station 1 according to Fig. 1. In this illustration it can be seen that the opening 3 of the collecting device 2 in the weather station of the Fig. 1 is circular. In other cases, the opening 3 may be rectangular, elliptical or polygonal. It is also not necessarily in a horizontal plane (as in Fig. 1 recognizable).

[0028] Fig. 3 shows a bottom view of the weather station 1 according to Fig. 1. In this illustration it can be seen that the container of the collecting means 2 has drainage holes 13 through which the collected liquid can flow away.

[0029] Fig. 4 shows a detailed view of the collecting means 2 of the weather station 1 according to Fig. 1. The collecting device 2 of the Fig. The weather station shown in Figure 1 includes a removable funnel 4. Fig. Figure 4 shows how the funnel 4 of the collecting device 2 can be inserted into the cylindrical vessel. In the illustrated embodiment, the funnel 4 is inserted into the cylindrical vessel from above and then brought into a predetermined position by means of a rotating movement. This allows the funnel 4 to be inserted into the vessel, for example, using a thread or a bayonet lock. The opening 3 of the collecting device 2 is then determined by the opening of the funnel 4.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the vessel has a thickened rim with locking grooves 16 on the upper edge, which are designed to hold the funnel 4 in a predetermined position. An outlet 17 is arranged at the lower end of the funnel 4.

[0031] Fig. Figure 5 shows a detailed top view of the collecting means 2 for collecting precipitation of the Fig. 1 without the funnel. A precipitation detector in the form of a tilting container 15 and a sensor 14 are arranged within the container.

[0032] The tipping container 15 is movable and can be moved by liquid hitting it. If precipitation enters the collection medium through the opening 3, it is directed—for example, through the funnel—to the tipping container, causing it to move. The movements of the tipping container 15 are detected by the sensor 14. The sensor's detection can be used to determine the amount of precipitation, for example, over a specific period of time.

[0033] In other embodiments, the weather station may measure the amount of precipitation in a different way.

[0034] Fig. 6 shows a detailed view of the funnel 4, which is inserted into the container of the collecting means 2 of the weather station 1 of the Fig. 1. The spikes 6 are arranged along an upper edge 5 of the funnel 4. The spikes 6 prevent birds from landing on the edge 5, thereby protecting the weather station 1 from bird contamination such as bird droppings.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the spikes 6 are arranged at regular intervals from one another. In alternative embodiments, the spikes can be arranged at least partially at irregular intervals. The spikes 6 could, for example, be made of a material such as metal or plastic and / or be pointed or blunt at the upper end.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the spikes 6 are arranged substantially vertically upwards, i.e. approximately at an angle of 90 degrees to the opening plane of the funnel 4. Alternative embodiments of the arrangement of the spikes are Fig. 8a, Fig. 8b or 9a, Fig. 9b.

[0037] At least some of the spikes 6 may be bent.

[0038] Fig. Figure 7A shows another view of the funnel from the Fig. 4 and Fig. 6.

[0039] Fig. Figure 7B shows a variant of a funnel in which the bird deterrents 6 are not designed as rod-shaped spikes, but rather as flat elements. These protrude upward from the funnel and thus make it difficult for birds to perch.

[0040] Fig. Figure 8A shows a variant of the weather station 1, in which the at least one bird deterrent comprises spikes 6, which are inclined inwards towards the opening 3. In principle, all or only some of the spikes can be inclined inwards. It is also possible to use flat elements instead of the spikes (see Fig. 7B), which can be used alone or together with spikes.

[0041] Fig. Figure 8B shows a further embodiment of the weather station 1, in which the at least one bird deterrent comprises spikes 6, which are inclined away from the opening 3. In principle, all or only some of the spikes can be inclined outwards from the opening 3. Here, too, additional or alternatively, planar elements (see Fig. 7B) can be used.

[0042] In one design variant, some of the spikes are angled inward toward the opening, while others are angled outward. The outward-facing and inward-facing spikes can alternate. The spikes can also be angled in the circumferential direction of the opening. The spikes can be arranged in single or multiple rows along the circumferential direction of the opening.

[0043] Fig. Figure 8C shows another embodiment of the weather station, in which the at least one bird deterrent comprises a spiral made of a thin wire arranged at the upper edge around the opening 3. Such a spiral is known to act as a barrier to birds approaching. At the same time, a spiral offers a more animal-friendly alternative to spikes, as birds cannot injure themselves on the spiral.

[0044] Additionally or alternatively, the bird deterrent 6 may comprise at least one actively luminous element and / or at least one passively luminous, in particular a reflective, element. For example, the spikes or the planar elements (see Fig. 7B) of the bird deterrent 6 may be painted with a luminous paint (fluorescent, phosphorescent) and / or have LEDs as actively luminous elements.

[0045] For example, instead of sharp objects that could injure the birds, rod-shaped, non-sharp objects coated with aluminum foil can be used. The light reflections reduce the risk of a bird landing near opening 3 or on the edge. The reflective element is a form of passively illuminated element.

[0046] The Fig. 9A, Fig. 9B and 9C respectively show a top view of the variants of the Fig. 8A, Fig. 8B or 8C. List of reference symbols 1 weather station 2 collection devices 3 Opening 4 funnels 5 Edge 6 bird repellents 7 wind direction indicators 8a, 8b Wind bowls 9 solar panels 10 UVI / light sensor 11 Thermo-Hygro Sensor 12 Antenna 13 drainage holes 14 Rain sensor 15 tipping containers 16 locking grooves 17 Discharge

Claims

[1] Weather station (1) for measuring precipitation, comprising a collecting means (2) with an opening (3) for collecting precipitation, characterized by that the weather station (1) has at least one bird repellent (6). [2] Weather station (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the at least one bird deterrent is arranged at least partially around the opening (3), in particular on an edge and / or an edge surface of the opening. [3] Weather station (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the at least one bird repellent (6) comprises a plurality of spikes. [4] Weather station (1) according to claim 3, characterized by that the multitude of spikes is at least partially electrically chargeable. [5] Weather station (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by that the plurality of spikes (6) can be at least partially heated. [6] Weather station (1) according to at least one of claims 3 to 5, characterized bythat the plurality of spikes (6) is at least partially movable. [7] Weather station (1) according to at least one of claims 3 to 6, characterized by that the plurality of spikes (6) are arranged around the circumference of the opening. [8] Weather station (1) according to at least one of claims 3 to 7, characterized by that the plurality of spikes (6) is arranged at least partially perpendicular to the opening plane of the opening (3). [9] Weather station according to at least one of claims 3 to 8, characterized by that the plurality of spikes (6) is at least partially inclined inwards towards the opening (3) and / or wherein the plurality of spikes (6) is at least partially inclined outwards from the opening (3). [10] Weather station (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by that the collecting means (2) comprises a funnel (4) with an outlet. [11] Weather station (1) according to claim 10, characterized bythat the funnel (4) can be removed from the collecting means (2). [12] Weather station (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the at least one bird deterrent (6) is arranged on an edge of the funnel (4). [13] Weather station (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by that the at least one bird deterrent (6) comprises at least one actively luminous element and / or at least one passively luminous, in particular a reflective, element. [14] Weather station (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the at least one bird deterrent (6) comprises a spiral wire.

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