Snowfall sensor

Abstract

To provide a snowfall sensor that can estimate temperature with high accuracy.SOLUTION: A snowfall sensor 1 comprises: a casing 11 that is formed in part with an opening 35 communicating the inside and outside with each other; and a temperature sensor module 12 that is accommodated in the casing 11, and has a substrate 51 having a metal pattern 61, in which at least part of a range having the metal pattern 61 is arranged in the opening 35, a temperature sensor 52 provided on the substrate 51 and detecting the temperature of the metal pattern 61, and a moisture-proof coating 53 covering an outer surface of the substrate 51 and an outer surface of the temperature sensor 52.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a snowfall sensor for determining snowfall. [Background technology]

[0002] In areas where snowfall is heavy, a known technology is to use snow melting devices to sprinkle water when it snows, in order to prevent snow from accumulating on roads and sidewalks that are essential for daily life. These snow melting devices use snow sensors that detect snowfall (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The snow sensor detects air temperature using a temperature sensor and detects snowflakes using a motion sensor, and determines the snowfall situation from both pieces of information.

[0003] The temperature sensor is placed inside the housing of the snow sensor. Therefore, in order to measure the outside air temperature with the temperature sensor inside the housing, parts of both the outside and inside of the housing are made of metal with high thermal conductivity, and the temperature sensor is attached to the metal part of the housing, and the outside air temperature is estimated by measuring the temperature of the metal that the temperature sensor is in contact with. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-64581 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The snowfall sensor described above measures the temperature of the metal part of the housing, so there is a discrepancy between the temperature measured by the temperature sensor and the actual air temperature. Therefore, there is a demand for a snowfall sensor that can estimate the air temperature with higher accuracy.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a snowfall sensor that can estimate air temperature with high accuracy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a snowfall sensor comprises a casing having an opening formed in a portion thereof that connects the inside to the outside, a substrate having a metal pattern and at least a portion of the area having the metal pattern being positioned in the opening, a temperature sensor provided on the substrate that detects the temperature of the metal pattern, and a temperature sensor module housed within the casing that has a moisture-proof coating covering the outer surface of the substrate and the outer surface of the temperature sensor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a snowfall sensor that can estimate air temperature with high accuracy. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a snowfall sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view, partially in cross section, showing the configuration of the snowfall sensor; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front view, partially in cross section, showing the configuration of the snowfall sensor; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a main part of a casing used in the snowfall sensor. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the main configuration of the snowfall sensor; [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating the main configuration of the snowfall sensor; [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a temperature sensor module used in the snowfall sensor; [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a side view schematically showing the configuration of the temperature sensor module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A snow sensor 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of the snow sensor 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view, partially in cross section, schematically illustrating the configuration of the snow sensor 1, and FIG. 3 is a front view, partially in cross section, schematically illustrating the configuration of the snow sensor 1. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a base 21, which is a main component of a casing 11 used in the snow sensor 1, and FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the configuration of the base 21. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram, partially in cross section, showing the configuration of a holder unit 33 and a temperature sensor module 12, which are main components of the snow sensor 1. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram, partially in cross section, showing the main components of the holder unit 33 and the temperature sensor module 12. FIG. 8 is a front view, partially in cross section, showing the configuration of the temperature sensor module 12 used in the snow sensor 1, and FIG. 9 is a side view, partially in cross section, showing the configuration of the temperature sensor module 12.

[0011] As shown in Fig. 1, snow sensor 1 is fixed to a pole 100 that extends in the direction of gravity and is fixed to, for example, a road surface or a building. Below, the direction of gravity is defined as the up-down direction, and the configuration of snow sensor 1 when fixed to pole 100 will be described. As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, snow sensor 1 includes a casing 11, a temperature sensor module 12, a motion sensor 13, a heat retention heater 14, a control board 15, a heat sink 16, and a connector 17. Snow sensor 1 is a sensor that detects a detection target using, for example, motion sensor 13, and detects snowfall from the number of detected snowflakes and the air temperature.

[0012] The casing 11 is the housing of the snowfall sensor 1. The casing 11 houses the temperature sensor module 12, the motion sensor 13, the heater 14, the control board 15, the heat sink 16, and the connector 17. The casing 11 is made of a non-conductive resin material. The casing 11 includes a base 21 and a cover 22.

[0013] The base 21 includes a base plate 31, an attachment portion 32, and a holder portion 33. The base 21 is formed by integrally molding the base plate 31, the attachment portion 32, and the holder portion 33 from a non-conductive resin material. The base 21 may be formed from metal, but is preferably formed from a non-conductive resin material in consideration of suppressing surges. The base 21 also has an accommodating space 34 that accommodates at least a portion of the temperature sensor module 12. For example, the base 21 forms the accommodating space 34 that accommodates the temperature sensor module 12 with at least a portion of the base plate 31, the attachment portion 32, and the holder portion 33.

[0014] The base plate 31 includes, for example, a flat plate portion 41, a protrusion 42, a rib 43, a plurality of first fixing portions 44, and a plurality of second fixing portions 45. The base plate 31 also has a holder hole 46, a connector hole 47, and a cover hole 49. To the base plate 31, for example, a control board 15, a heat sink 16, a connector 17, and a cover 22 are fixed.

[0015] The flat plate portion 41 is formed in a flat plate shape. A holder hole 46, a connector hole 47, and a cover hole 49 are formed in the flat plate portion 41. For example, one main surface of the flat plate portion 41 faces upward and the other main surface faces downward. The flat plate portion 41 is formed in a substantially triangular shape whose width gradually increases from one direction to the other in the planar direction of the main surface, for example.

[0016] The protrusion 42 protrudes from the upper surface of the flat plate portion 41. The protrusion 42 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the flat plate portion 41. The protrusion 42 divides the upper surface of the flat plate portion 41 into a first region 41a that surrounds a portion of the central side of the upper surface of the flat plate portion 41, and a second region 41b that is the other portion of the upper surface of the flat plate portion 41 on the outer edge side. The protrusion 42 includes a tubular portion 42a that constitutes a portion of the upper end of the mounting portion 32, and a wall portion 42b that is formed in an annular shape integral with the tubular portion 42a.

[0017] The tubular portion 42a protrudes in a cylindrical shape with a bottom from the upper surface of the flat plate portion 41. A cover hole 49 is formed through the center of the upper end of the tubular portion 42a. The tubular portion 42a is formed, for example, on the end side of the flat plate portion 41 that is narrower in width than the center.

[0018] The wall portion 42b protrudes in a wall-like shape from the upper surface of the flat plate portion 41. The wall portion 42b is formed in a shape that is smaller than the outer edge shape of the flat plate portion 41 and follows the outer edge shape of the flat plate portion 41, and is formed integrally with the tubular portion 42a. The height of the wall portion 42b from the flat plate portion 41 is, for example, constant. For example, the height of the wall portion 42b from the upper surface of the flat plate portion 41 is formed to be the same height as the height of the tubular portion 42a from the upper surface of the flat plate portion 41. The thickness of the wall portion 42b is, for example, formed integrally. Both ends of the wall portion 42b are continuous with the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 42a and are formed in an annular shape together with the tubular portion 42a, thereby surrounding a portion of the upper surface of the flat plate portion 41 as the first region 41a.

[0019] The rib 43 is formed in a wall shape protruding from the upper surface of the flat plate portion 41. The rib 43 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the flat plate portion 41 in a wall shape in the first region 41a. For example, the rib 43 extends linearly in one direction, with one end continuing to the inner circumferential surface of the protrusion portion 42 and the other end separated from the inner circumferential surface of the protrusion portion 42, thereby forming a gap between the inner circumferential surface of the protrusion portion 42. The height of the rib 43 from the upper surface of the flat plate portion 41 is formed to be the same as the height of the wall portion 42b from the upper surface of the flat plate portion 41. For example, the rib 43 extends along the width direction of the flat plate portion 41, extending from the inner circumferential surface of one wall portion 42b toward the inner circumferential surface of the other wall portion 42b in the width direction of the flat plate portion 41.

[0020] The first fixing portion 44 is formed in a cylindrical shape. Screws for fixing the control board 15 and the heat sink 16 are screwed into the first fixing portion 44. The first fixing portion 44 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the flat plate portion 41 and opens from the upper end side so that the screws can be screwed into it.

[0021] The second fixing portion 45 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and a plurality of second fixing portions 45 are formed around a connector hole 47 formed in the flat plate portion 41. The second fixing portions 45 protrude upward from the upper surface of the flat plate portion 41 and open from below the flat plate portion 41 so that screws for fixing the connector 17 can be screwed into them.

[0022] The holder hole 46 penetrates the flat plate portion 41 of the base plate 31 in the vertical direction. The holder hole 46 forms the upper part of the accommodation space 34. The holder hole 46 is formed in the first region 41a. The holder hole 46 is, for example, formed adjacent to the cylindrical portion 42a, and is an opening formed in a semicircular shape with a constant width on the cylindrical portion 42a side and a gradually decreasing width on the opposite side to the cylindrical portion 42a. The holder hole 46 is formed in a shape larger than the outer shape of the part to be accommodated in the accommodation space 34 of the temperature sensor module 12, so that the part to be accommodated in the accommodation space 34 of the temperature sensor module 12 can be inserted into the holder hole 46.

[0023] The connector hole 47 is a through-hole formed in the flat plate portion 41. The connector hole 47 is provided in the first region 41a. The connector 17 is disposed in the connector hole 47. The connector hole 47 is formed in, for example, a circular shape.

[0024] The cover holes 49 penetrate from the upper surface to the lower surface of the flat plate portion 41. For example, the cover holes 49 are provided in two locations in the second region 41b, and one location on the top plate portion of the mounting portion 32. The cover holes 49 are formed so that screws for fixing the cover 22 to the flat plate portion 41 can be inserted therein. Note that the positions of the cover holes 49 can be set appropriately as long as screws for fixing the cover 22 can be inserted in multiple locations.

[0025] The mounting portion 32 is formed to be connected to the pole 100 and to be able to fix the pole 100. The mounting portion 32 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending downward from the lower surface of the flat plate portion 41. For example, the inner diameter of the mounting portion 32 is larger than the outer diameter of the pole 100. For example, the mounting portion 32 is formed with a plurality of holes for inserting screws for fixing it to the pole 100.

[0026] The holder portion 33 is integrally connected to the lower surface of the flat plate portion 41 of the base plate 31 and the outer circumferential surface of the mounting portion 32. The holder portion 33 extends downward from the flat plate portion 41 in the vertical direction. An opening 35 is formed on the side of the lower end of the holder portion 33 opposite the mounting portion 32. The holder portion 33, including this opening 35, is covered by the base plate 31 in the direction of gravity (vertical direction). The holder portion 33, together with the base plate 31 and the mounting portion 32, forms an accommodation space 34. The holder portion 33 covers a portion of the outer periphery of the mounting portion 32. The holder portion 33 includes a pair of first side portions 33a facing each other in the circumferential direction of the outer circumferential surface of the mounting portion 32, a second side portion 33b facing the outer circumferential surface of the mounting portion 32, a first bottom portion 33c provided at the lower ends of the pair of first side portions 33a, and a second bottom portion 33d provided at the lower end of the second side portion 33b.

[0027] The first side portions 33a protrude in a rectangular shape from the outer peripheral surface of the mounting portion 32 and the lower surface of the flat plate portion 41. The pair of first side portions 33a are spaced a predetermined distance apart in the circumferential direction of the mounting portion 32 and are integrally provided on the mounting portion 32 and the flat plate portion 41. The distance between the pair of first side portions 33a is greater than the width of the temperature sensor module 12 when inserted into the accommodation space 34. In other words, the pair of first side portions 33a and the temperature sensor module 12 are set to have a dimensional relationship such that a predetermined gap is formed between the inner surfaces of the pair of first side portions 33a and the outer surface of the temperature sensor module 12. Here, the predetermined gap is a dimension that allows water to flow; more specifically, a dimension that allows water to fall due to gravity without remaining due to surface tension.

[0028] The second side portion 33b is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape extending downward from the lower surface of the flat plate portion 41. The second side portion 33b is formed integrally with the pair of first side portions 33a and the flat plate portion 41. The distance between the outer surface of the mounting portion 32 and the inner surface of the second side portion 33b is greater than the width of the temperature sensor module 12 in the opposing direction of the mounting portion 32 and the second side portion 33b. In addition, the length from the lower surface of the flat plate portion 41 to the lower end of the second side portion 33b is formed shorter than the length from the lower surface of the flat plate portion 41 to the lower end of the first side portion 33a. The first bottom portion 33c protrudes in a rectangular shape from the outer peripheral surface of the mounting portion 32. The first bottom portion 33c is integrally formed with the lower ends of the pair of first side portions 33a. The upper surface of the first bottom portion 33c holds the lower end of the temperature sensor module 12. The upper surface of the first bottom portion 33c is positioned lower than the lower surfaces of the second side portions 33b.

[0029] The second bottom portion 33d is formed in a semicircular plate shape. The second bottom portion 33d is disposed at the lower end of the second side portion 33b. The holder portion 33 has the lower ends of the pair of first side portions 33a, the first bottom portion 33c that is continuous with the lower ends of the pair of first side portions 33a, and the lower end of the second side portion 33b, and the second bottom portion 33d that is spaced a predetermined distance from the upper surface of the first bottom portion 33c in the vertical direction to form the opening 35.

[0030] The accommodation space 34 is a space surrounded by the mounting portion 32 and the holder portion 33, and the upper end of the accommodation space 34 is continuous with the upper space of the base plate 31 through a holder hole 46 formed in the flat plate portion 41, and is in communication with the outside through an opening 35 formed in the holder portion 33. The accommodation space 34 accommodates at least a part of the temperature sensor module 12, thereby exposing the portion of the temperature sensor module 12 facing the opening 35 to the outside air.

[0031] The cover 22 covers the upper side of the base plate 31. The cover 22 has an opening that is the same shape as the outer periphery of the main surface of the flat plate portion 41. The opening of the cover 22 fits to the side of the flat plate portion 41. The cover 22 is formed, for example, with one portion being flat and the other portion being curved. The cover 22 is formed, for example, from resin. The cover 22 has a window 36.

[0032] The window 36 is made of a resin material. The window 36 is formed integrally with other parts of the cover 22. The window 36 is provided, for example, in a flat portion of the cover 22. The window 36 is made of a translucent resin material, for example, a transparent resin material such as acrylic resin. Note that the window 36 is not limited to being transparent as long as it can transmit infrared rays used in the motion sensor 13.

[0033] The temperature sensor module 12 is housed within the casing 11, with at least a portion of it housed in the accommodation space 34. The outer shape of the portion of the temperature sensor module 12 housed in the accommodation space 34 is smaller than the accommodation space 34. Between the temperature sensor module 12 and the inner surface of the holder part 33 that forms the accommodation space 34, a gap is formed that continues from the upper end of the accommodation space 34 to the opening 35, allowing water to flow through. The lower end of the temperature sensor module 12 is held on the upper surface of the first bottom part 33c, and is positioned opposite the opening 35 formed on the side of the lower end of the holder part 33. The temperature sensor module 12 is provided with one or more cables, which are positioned above the accommodation space 34.

[0034] As a specific example, the temperature sensor module 12 is formed in the shape of a thin plate extending in one direction, and includes a substrate 51, a temperature sensor 52, and a moisture-proof coating 53.

[0035] The substrate 51 is, for example, a rigid substrate. A configuration in which a plurality of substrates 51 are provided, or a configuration in which a single substrate 51 is provided, may be employed. For example, the substrate 51 is provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the temperature sensor module 12. Furthermore, the substrate 51 may be provided on one side in the thickness direction of the temperature sensor module 12, which is perpendicular to both the longitudinal and lateral directions.

[0036] For example, at least the substrate provided at one end of the temperature sensor module 12, specifically the substrate 51 arranged on the lower end side of the holder part 33, is a multilayer substrate having a metal pattern 61 therein. The metal pattern 61 may be a circuit pattern or a solid pattern. For example, the metal pattern 61 is formed of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as copper or gold. The substrate 51 on which the metal pattern 61 is formed has an area where the metal pattern 61 is formed located in the opening 35. A cable is also provided on one of the substrates 51. The metal pattern 61 may be formed on a substrate 51 other than the substrate 51 arranged on the lower end side of the holder part 33.

[0037] The temperature sensor 52 includes, for example, an element whose resistance value changes with temperature, and detects the temperature of the target as a voltage. The temperature sensor 52 is provided on the substrate 51. The temperature sensor 52 is thermally connected to a metal pattern 61 of the substrate 51, which is disposed on the lower end side of the holder part 33, and detects the temperature of the metal pattern 61.

[0038] The moisture-proof coating 53 covers the outer surface of the substrate 51 and the outer surface of the temperature sensor 52. The moisture-proof coating 53 forms an outer layer formed on the surface of the temperature sensor module 12. It protects the internal substrate 51 and temperature sensor 52 from moisture and the like.

[0039] The motion sensor 13 is provided within the casing 11. Specifically, the motion sensor 13 is disposed in the space formed between the base plate 31 and the cover 22. The motion sensor 13 is provided above the base plate 31. The motion sensor 13 is also disposed facing the window 36 of the cover 22. The motion sensor 13 is also provided on the first region 41a via a control board 15 or the like. As shown in FIG. 3 , the motion sensor 13 includes a light-emitting unit 71 and a light-receiving unit 72. The motion sensor 13 is a photoelectric sensor that emits infrared light from the light-emitting unit 71, transmits the infrared light through the window 36, and outputs a signal when the infrared light reflected by an object is received by the light-receiving unit 72, indicating that an object has been detected. The motion sensor 13 outputs a signal when the light-receiving unit 72 receives the infrared light. The light-emitting unit 71 and the light-receiving unit 72 face the window 36.

[0040] The warming heater 14 is disposed in the space surrounded by the base plate 31 and the cover 22. The warming heater is provided on the first area 41a via the control board 15, etc. The warming heater 14 generates heat using electricity and maintains the inside of the casing 11 at a predetermined temperature. One or more warming heaters 14 may be provided, and may be disposed around the motion sensor 13 and the window 36, for example.

[0041] The control board 15 is disposed in the first region 41a. The control board 15 is fixed to the first fixing portion 44 with screws, for example. The control board 15 is, for example, a circuit board. The control board 15 has, for example, a motion sensor 13 and a plurality of warming heaters 14 mounted thereon.

[0042] The heat sink 16 is disposed in the space surrounded by the base plate 31 and the cover 22. The heat sink 16 is fixed to the base plate 31 with screws. The heat sink 16 is provided on the first region 41a. The heat sink 16 is formed in the shape of a plate with a partial opening. The heat sink 16 contacts the heater 14 and the window 36. The heat sink 16 transfers heat generated by the heater 14 to the window 36 and prevents snow from adhering to the window 36 and blocking infrared rays. The heat sink 16 is formed of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum.

[0043] A cable that transmits information detected by the snowfall sensor 1 to a device outside the casing is connected to the connector 17. The connector 17 is attached to a connector hole 47 of the base plate 31 and fixed to the second fixing part 45 with a screw or the like. The connector 17 has waterproof performance equivalent to, for example, IP67.

[0044] When snow falls in the surrounding area of the snow sensor 1 configured as described above, the motion sensor 13 detects snowflakes by reflecting infrared rays through the window 36, and outputs a signal to the outside via the cable connected to the connector 17. The snow sensor 1 also outputs a signal to the outside via the cable connected to the connector 17, in the form of temperature information detected by the temperature sensor module 12.

[0045] Furthermore, by disposing the temperature sensor module 12 in the storage space 34, at least a portion of the area of the substrate 51 of the temperature sensor module 12, including the metal pattern 61, is located in the opening 35 that connects the inside and outside of the casing 11. Therefore, the area of the substrate 51 where the metal pattern 61 is formed, is directly exposed to the outside air. Therefore, the temperature of the metal pattern 61 becomes very close to the outside air temperature. The temperature sensor 52 detects the temperature of the metal pattern 61, so it can detect a temperature close to the outside air temperature. Therefore, the difference between the outside air temperature and the temperature value detected by the temperature sensor module 12 is small, and therefore correction values, etc., can be small. Therefore, the snow sensor 1 can estimate the outside air temperature with high accuracy. The substrate 51 and the temperature sensor 52 are covered with a moisture-proof coating 53. Therefore, even if water enters the inside of the casing 11 through the opening 35, the substrate 51 and the temperature sensor 52 can be prevented from corroding or being damaged by the water.

[0046] Furthermore, because the temperature sensor module 12 can detect the outside air temperature with a portion exposed to the outside, the casing 11 does not need to be made of a highly thermally conductive material, such as metal, and can be made of, for example, a non-conductive resin material. Resin materials are lightweight and inexpensive, so the weight of the snow sensor 1 can be reduced and it can be manufactured inexpensively. Furthermore, by making the casing 11 out of a non-conductive resin material, noise caused by lightning can be suppressed.

[0047] Furthermore, the temperature sensor module 12 can be easily attached because it can be inserted through the holder hole 46 formed in the flat plate portion 41 of the base plate 31. In particular, the holder portion 33 extends in the vertical direction and is configured to hold the lower end of the temperature sensor module 12 with the first bottom portion 33c. Therefore, the temperature sensor module 12 only needs to be placed in the accommodation space 34, and no additional components are required for fixing, making assembly easy.

[0048] Furthermore, since there is a temperature difference between the inside and outside of the casing 11, there is a risk of condensation forming inside the casing 11, but the holder part 33 extends from the underside of the base plate 31 downward toward the base plate 31, and an opening 35 is formed on the side of the lower end. Furthermore, a gap through which water can flow is formed between the outer surface of the temperature sensor module 12 and the inner surface of the holder part 33, so the holder part 33 has a drain function that allows condensation formed inside to be discharged through the opening 35. Therefore, it is possible to prevent condensation from accumulating inside the casing 11.

[0049] Furthermore, the upper surface of the base plate 31 is continuous with the upper surface of a first region 41a, which is a region surrounded by a portion of the upper surface of the base plate 31, by protrusions 42 protruding upward from the upper surface of the flat plate portion 41. Therefore, condensation water accumulated in the first region 41a moves into the holder portion 33 through the holder holes 46. Furthermore, even if a wall-like rib 43 is provided in the first region 41a of the flat plate portion 41, for example, by making one end of the rib 43 continuous with the wall portion 42b and the other end discontinuous with the wall portion 42b, the top of the first region 41a is continuous, thereby preventing condensation water from accumulating on the first region 41a.

[0050] Furthermore, since the base plate 31 covers the upper part of the holder part 33 including the opening 35, it is possible to prevent rainwater from entering through the opening 35.

[0051] According to the snowfall sensor 1 of the above embodiment, the air temperature can be estimated with high accuracy.

[0052] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made in the implementation stage without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the embodiments may be implemented in appropriate combinations, in which case the combined effects can be obtained. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments include various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by combining selected elements from the disclosed elements. For example, if the problem can be solved and the desired effect can be obtained even if some elements are deleted from all elements shown in the embodiments, the configuration from which these elements are deleted can be extracted as an invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 1...snowfall sensor, 11...casing, 12...temperature sensor module, 13...motion sensor, 14...heat retention heater, 15...control board, 16...heat sink, 17...connector, 21...base, 22...cover, 31...base plate, 32...mounting portion, 33...holder portion, 33a...first side portion, 33b...second side portion, 33c...first bottom portion, 33d...second bottom portion, 34...accommodation space, 35... Opening, 36...window, 41...flat plate portion, 41a...first region, 41b...second region, 42...protrusion portion, 42a...tubular portion, 42b...wall portion, 43...rib, 44...first fixing portion, 45...second fixing portion, 46...holder hole, 47...connector hole, 49...cover hole, 51...board, 52...temperature sensor, 53...moisture-proof coating, 61...metal pattern, 71...light-emitting portion, 72...light-receiving portion, 100...pole.

Claims

1. a casing having an opening formed in a part thereof that connects the inside and the outside; A snow sensor comprising: a substrate having a metal pattern, at least a portion of the area having the metal pattern being positioned in the opening; a temperature sensor provided on the substrate for detecting the temperature of the metal pattern; and a temperature sensor module housed within the casing, the temperature sensor module having a moisture-proof coating covering the outer surface of the substrate and the outer surface of the temperature sensor.

2. The snow sensor according to claim 1 , wherein the casing is made of a non-conductive resin material.

3. a motion sensor disposed within the casing; the casing includes a base plate on which the motion sensor is provided, a base having a holder portion that houses at least a portion of the temperature sensor module and forms an accommodation space whose upper end opens into the base plate, and a cover that covers the upper side of the base plate and has a window that faces the motion sensor; The snow sensor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the opening is formed in the holder portion.

4. the holder portion extends downward from the underside of the base plate, The opening is formed in a side portion of a lower end of the holder portion, the outer shape of the portion of the temperature sensor module accommodated in the accommodation space is smaller than the accommodation space; The snow sensor according to claim 3, wherein a gap is formed between the inner surface of the holder portion that forms the storage space and the temperature sensor module, the gap continuing from the upper end of the storage space to the opening and allowing water to flow therethrough.

5. the base plate includes a flat plate portion and a protrusion portion protruding from an upper surface of the flat plate portion and dividing the upper surface into a first region that surrounds a part of the upper surface and a second region that is the other part of the upper surface; The upper end of the accommodation space is formed in the first region, The snow sensor of claim 4 , wherein the motion sensor is provided on the first region.

6. The snow sensor described in claim 5, wherein the base plate has a rib in the first region that protrudes from the upper surface, one end of which is continuous with the inner surface of the protrusion, and the other end of which forms a gap between the inner surface of the protrusion and the rib that is long in one direction.

7. The snow sensor according to claim 4 , wherein the base plate covers an upper portion of the holder portion in the vertical direction, including the opening.

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