Weather radar system for cold regions

Abstract

To provide a weather radar system for cold regions that can be easily manufactured. [Solution] A weather radar device is provided in which a dome-shaped radome 3 is arranged to cover a flat base 2, and an antenna 41 and a drive mechanism 42 for driving the antenna 41 are arranged in the internal space S between the base 2 and the radome 3, wherein a heat insulating foamed urethane layer 6 is formed on the inner wall surface of the radome 3, and a heat insulating material 7 is provided on the upper surface of the base 2.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , ,

[0001] This invention relates to a weather radar device for cold regions for observing weather in cold regions.

Background Art

[0002] A weather radar device for observing weather has an antenna, a drive mechanism, etc. covered by a radome, and the antenna rotates etc. by the drive mechanism (see, for example, Patent Document 1 etc.). Such a weather radar device generally does not have cold region specifications and could not be used in cold regions. On the other hand, a radome in which an outer skin layer containing resin, a heater, and a heat insulation layer are laminated in this order is known (see, for example, Patent Document 2 etc.).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, when newly designing and manufacturing a weather radar device with cold region specifications, not only does it require a great deal of time and labor, but simply having a heater requires a large heater and there is a risk of fire. Also, with the radome described in Patent Document 2, off-the-shelf and existing radomes cannot be used and it cannot be easily manufactured.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a weather radar device for cold regions that can be easily manufactured.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the invention described in claim 1 is a weather radar device in which a dome-shaped radome is arranged to cover a flat base, and an antenna and a drive mechanism for driving the antenna are arranged in the internal space between the base and the radome, wherein a thermal insulation foamed urethane layer is formed on the inner wall surface of the radome, and a thermal insulation material is arranged on the upper surface of the base. This is a weather radar system for cold regions characterized by the following features.

[0007] The invention described in claim 2 is characterized in that, in the weather radar device for cold regions described in claim 1, the heat insulating material is composed of multiple mat-shaped heat insulating boards stacked together.

[0008] The invention described in claim 3 is characterized in that, in the cold-weather radar device described in claim 1, a retaining device is provided that extends upward from the base and presses down on the heat insulating material from above.

[0009] The invention described in claim 4 is characterized in that, in the cold-weather radar device described in claim 3, components including electrical equipment can be arranged on the retaining device.

[0010] The invention described in claim 5 is characterized in that, in the weather radar device for cold regions described in claim 2, the heat insulating plate is made of a flame-retardant material in a location close to the heat-generating component.

[0011] The invention described in claim 6 is characterized in that, in the weather radar device for cold regions described in claim 2, the heat insulating plate is made of a material that has antistatic properties in a location close to the electronic components. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the invention described in claim 1, a thermally insulating foamed urethane layer is formed on the inner wall surface of the radome, and a thermal insulation material is provided on the upper surface of the base. As a result, the internal space between the base and the radome is insulated, making it possible to use the device even in cold regions. In other words, even in cold regions, the internal space can be maintained at the temperature necessary for the device to operate solely by the heat generated when the device is operating, without the need for a heater, or by short-term heater heating. Furthermore, by simply spraying foamed urethane onto the inner wall surface of the radome and providing thermal insulation material on the base, a weather radar device for cold regions can be manufactured quickly and easily.

[0013] According to the invention described in claim 2, since the insulating material is composed of multiple mat-shaped insulating boards laminated together, it is possible to easily and efficiently secure the desired insulating performance by adjusting the number of insulating boards. Furthermore, by making the thickness of the insulating boards thinner, processing and molding become easier, and the shape can be maintained without hardening even at low temperatures.

[0014] According to the invention described in claim 3, the upper surface of the insulation material is pressed down by a retaining device extending upward from the base, making it possible to properly position and maintain the insulation material in a predetermined location. As a result, it becomes possible to maintain proper insulation performance.

[0015] According to the invention described in claim 4, since components such as electrical equipment can be arranged on the retainer, there is no need to newly provide metal fittings or the like for arranging the components, and it is possible to reduce the space required for arranging the components.

[0016] According to the invention described in claim 5, since the heat insulating plate is made of a flame-retardant material in a location close to the heat-generating component, it is possible to prevent the heat insulating plate and the like from burning.

[0017] According to the invention described in claim 6, since the heat insulating plate is made of an antistatic material in a location close to electronic components, it becomes possible to prevent static electricity buildup on the heat insulating plate and the like. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view showing the weather radar device for cold regions according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view showing the base and radome of the weather radar device for cold regions in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the periphery of the base of the weather radar device for cold regions in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the heat insulating material of the weather radar device for cold regions in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing a pressing metal fitting for pressing the inner peripheral edge of the heat insulating material in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing a state in which components are arranged on a pressing metal fitting for pressing the central portion of the heat insulating material in FIG. 4.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on the illustrated embodiments.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a weather radar device 1 for cold regions according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the base 2 and radome 3 of this weather radar device 1 for cold regions. This weather radar device 1 for cold regions is a weather radar device for observing weather in cold regions (for example, Antarctica), and has a configuration equivalent to that of a general (non-cold-region-use) small weather radar device except for the heat insulation structure described later. In other words, the weather radar device 1 for cold regions is configured by simply applying the heat insulation structure described later to a general off-the-shelf and existing weather radar device.

[0021] Here, we will omit a detailed explanation of the general configuration and structure of a weather radar system, but it generally has the following configuration. Specifically, it consists of a round, flat base 2 made of FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic) and a round, dome-shaped radome 3 also made of FRP, with the radome 3 positioned to cover the base 2. An antenna 41 and a drive mechanism 42 that drives the antenna 41 are arranged within the internal space S formed by the base 2 and the radome 3. A support column 51 extends downward from the bottom surface of the base 2, and a mounting frame 52 is provided at the bottom of this support column 51, on which the cold-weather weather radar system 1 is installed.

[0022] Next, we will describe the thermal insulation structure of the cold-climate weather radar system 1.

[0023] First, a thermal insulation foamed polyurethane layer 6 is formed on almost the entire inner wall surface of the radome 3. That is, foamed polyurethane is sprayed onto the inner wall surface of the radome 3 to form the foamed polyurethane layer 6. Here, the foamed polyurethane material has been selected to have an expansion ratio of 30 times or more so as not to affect radar performance, a low shrinkage rate at low temperatures (e.g., -50°C), and can be scraped or added after spraying, and a needle-shaped ruler can be easily inserted to check the thickness. Furthermore, the thickness of the foamed polyurethane layer 6 is set so that the desired thermal insulation performance is obtained, that is, so that the temperature inside the internal space S can be maintained at the temperature necessary for the operation of the cold-weather radar device 1.

[0024] Furthermore, an insulating material 7 is provided on the upper surface of the base 2. Specifically, a circular insulating material 7 made of polyethylene foam is laid to cover almost the entire upper surface of the base 2. This insulating material 7 is divided into several insulating blocks 7A to 7C in a planar manner, and each insulating block 7A to 7C is composed of multiple layers of mat-shaped insulating boards 71.

[0025] In other words, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the base 2 is divided into a circular first insulation block 7A located in the center, two large fan-shaped second insulation blocks 7B located outside the first insulation block 7A, and two small fan-shaped third insulation blocks 7C located between the ends of the two second insulation blocks 7B. Each of these insulation blocks 7A to 7C is constructed by stacking a predetermined number of insulation boards 71 ​​that have the same planar shape.

[0026] Here, the number of layers in each insulation block 7A to 7C is set so that components and equipment can be properly arranged and the desired insulation performance described above can be obtained. In particular, the lower part of the power supply, which is a heat-generating component, has a reduced number of layers of insulation boards 71 ​​to prevent the power supply from becoming partially overheated due to excessive insulation. The first insulation block 7A is further divided into multiple insulation blocks or has holes formed in its plane depending on the components and equipment to be arranged. On the other hand, the third insulation block 7C is provided in a position opposite the opening / closing hatch 21 provided on the base 2, and multiple insulation boards 71 ​​are integrated so that each third insulation block 7C can be attached to and detached from the opening / closing hatch 21.

[0027] The material used for the insulating board 71 that constitutes these insulating blocks 7A to 7C is selected to have a hardness and softness that does not become brittle even at low temperatures (e.g., -50°C), allows for proper pressing with the retaining clips (pressing devices) 81 and 82 described later, and allows for easy and proper formation of notches for inserting the second retaining clip 82 described later. Furthermore, the thickness of the insulating board 71 is set to a thickness that allows for deformation under its own weight even at low temperatures without hardening. In addition, it is desirable to use flame-retardant materials in areas close to heat-generating components such as heaters H, antistatic materials in areas close to electronic components, and materials that are resistant to surface scratches in areas pressed by the retaining clips 81 and 82 described later. This makes it possible to prevent combustion, static electricity buildup, or damage to the insulating board 71 and other components.

[0028] Furthermore, the second insulation block 7B is held in place by retaining brackets 81 and 82 and positioned and fixed to the base 2. Specifically, the first retaining bracket 81, as shown in Figure 5, is a bracket that holds down the inner periphery (edge ​​of the inner circle) of the second insulation block 7B. This first retaining bracket 81 comprises a first vertical part 811 extending upward from the base 2 and a first horizontal part 812 extending horizontally from the center of the first vertical part 811, and the first horizontal part 812 holds down the inner periphery of the second insulation block 7B from above.

[0029] Furthermore, a bolt insertion hole (not shown) is formed in the first vertical section 811. By inserting a bolt 813 through this bolt insertion hole and tightening it into a screw hole formed in the component rack 101 on which the components 91, including electrical equipment, are mounted, the components 91, such as electrical equipment, can be placed on the first retaining bracket 81.

[0030] As shown in Figure 6, the second retaining bracket 82 is a fitting that holds down the central part (non-edge portion) of the second insulation block 7B. This second retaining bracket 82 is elongated and comprises a second vertical part 821 extending upward from the base 2 and a second horizontal part 822 extending horizontally from the upper end of the second vertical part 821. By forming a notch in the second insulation block 7B and inserting the second retaining bracket 82, the central part of the second insulation block 7B is held down from above by the second horizontal part 822.

[0031] Furthermore, multiple screw holes 823 are formed in the second horizontal section 822. A parts rack 102 on which parts 92, including electrical equipment, are mounted is placed on the second horizontal section 822, and bolts 824 are inserted through bolt insertion holes formed in the parts rack 102 and tightened into the screw holes 823, thereby allowing parts 92, such as electrical equipment, to be placed on the second retaining bracket 82. In this state, with the parts 92 and parts rack 102 in place, they also have the effect of holding and fixing the second heat-insulating block 7B.

[0032] Here, the first vertical portion 811 of the first retaining bracket 81 and the second vertical portion 821 of the second retaining bracket 82 may extend directly from the base 2, or they may extend from a fitting integrally molded with the base 2. Also, as shown in Figure 3, a heater H can be placed near the drive mechanism 42.

[0033] With this configuration of the cold-weather weather radar system 1, a thermal insulation foamed urethane layer 6 is formed on the inner wall surface of the radome 3, and a thermal insulation material 7 is placed on the upper surface of the base 2. As a result, the internal space S between the base 2 and the radome 3 is insulated, making it possible to use the system even in cold regions. In other words, even in cold regions, the internal space S can be maintained at the temperature necessary for the system 1 to operate, either by the heat generated when the system 1 operates without a heater H, or by short-term heater heating. Furthermore, by simply spraying foamed urethane on the inner wall surface of the radome 3 and placing the thermal insulation material 7 on the base 2, the cold-weather weather radar system 1 can be manufactured quickly and easily from off-the-shelf or existing weather radar systems.

[0034] Furthermore, since the insulation material 7 is composed of multiple layers of mat-shaped insulation boards 71, it is possible to easily and efficiently secure the desired insulation performance by adjusting the number of insulation boards 71. In addition, by making the thickness of the insulation boards 71 ​​thinner, it becomes easier to process and mold, and it is possible to maintain its shape without hardening even at low temperatures. Moreover, since the insulation material 7 is divided into multiple insulation blocks 7A to 7C, it is possible to secure appropriate insulation performance by adjusting the number of insulation boards 71 ​​in each insulation block 7A to 7C according to the components and equipment to be installed.

[0035] Furthermore, since the upper surface of the insulation material 7 is held down by the retaining brackets 81 and 82 extending upward from the base 2, it becomes possible to properly position and maintain the insulation material 7 in the designated location. As a result, it becomes possible to maintain appropriate insulation performance.

[0036] Furthermore, since components 91 and 92 of electrical equipment can be mounted on the retaining brackets 81 and 82, there is no need to newly install brackets or other fittings for mounting the components 91 and 92, and it is possible to reduce the space required for mounting the components 91 and 92.

[0037] Although embodiments of this invention have been described above, the specific configuration is not limited to the embodiments described above, and any design changes, etc., that do not depart from the gist of this invention are also included. For example, in the above embodiment, the insulation material 7 is divided into five large insulation blocks 7A to 7C, but it may be divided into different numbers or configurations depending on the size and location of the components and equipment to be installed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0038] 1. Weather radar system for cold regions 2 bases 3 Radomes 41 Antenna 42 Drive mechanism 6. Foamed polyurethane layer 7. Insulation 7A~7D Insulation Blocks 71 Insulation board 81. First retaining clip (retaining device) 82. Second retaining clip (retaining device) Parts 91 and 92 101, 102 Parts Rack S interior space

Claims

1. A weather radar device is provided in which a dome-shaped radome is arranged to cover a flat base, and an antenna and a drive mechanism for driving the antenna are arranged in the internal space between the base and the radome, A thermal insulation foamed urethane layer is formed on the inner wall surface of the aforementioned radome. An insulating material is provided on the upper surface of the base. A weather radar system for cold regions characterized by the following features.

2. The aforementioned insulation material is composed of multiple layers of mat-shaped insulation boards. The weather radar device for cold regions according to feature 1.

3. It comprises a retaining device that extends upward from the base and presses down on the insulation material from above, The weather radar device for cold regions according to feature 1.

4. The aforementioned retaining device is capable of accommodating components including electrical equipment. The weather radar device for cold regions according to feature 3.

5. The aforementioned insulation board is made of a flame-retardant material in areas close to the heat-generating components. The weather radar device for cold regions according to feature 2.

6. The aforementioned heat insulating board is made of a material that has antistatic properties in areas close to electronic components. The weather radar device for cold regions according to feature 2.

Images