Snow melting equipment and snow melting system

Abstract

To provide snow melting devices and snow melting systems that can reduce the likelihood of snow falling. [Solution] The snow melting device 100 comprises a support base 10 with a water storage recess 13 formed on its upper surface, and a heater 20 for heating the water stored in the storage recess 13. A drainage mechanism 7 for discharging the water stored in the storage recess 13 is formed in the support base 10. In a plan view, the storage recess 13 is formed inward from the outer peripheral edge 42b of the upper surface of the support base 10. For example, in a plan view, the storage recess 13 is formed at a position that includes the center of the upper surface of the support base 10.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a snow melting device and a snow melting system.

Background Art

[0002] The snow melting device includes, for example, a meandering pipe through which a heat medium flows. The pipe is disposed on the roof of a building (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the snow melting device, there was a possibility that the snow near the end of the roof would fall from the roof during the process of melting the snow accumulated on the roof.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is to provide a snow melting device and a snow melting system that can make it difficult for snow to fall.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present invention includes the following aspects. [1] A snow melting device for melting snow accumulated on a building, comprising: a support base having a storage recess formed on an upper surface capable of storing water; and a heater for heating the water stored in the storage recess, wherein a drainage mechanism for discharging the water stored in the storage recess is formed on the support base, and the storage recess is formed inside the outer peripheral edge of the upper surface in a plan view.

[0007] [2] The heater has a heating section formed in a spiral shape, the winding diameter increasing from one end to the other, the first portion of the heating section including the one end is located in a position that overlaps with the storage recess in a plan view, the second portion of the heating section including the other end is located outside the storage recess in a plan view, and the temperature of the first portion when heated is higher than the temperature of the second portion when heated, as described in [1].

[0008] [3] The snow melting apparatus according to [2], wherein the heating section is a conduit through which a heat transfer medium can flow from one end to the other.

[0009] [4] The snow melting device according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the upper surface of the support base is inclined to become lower from the outer peripheral edge toward the storage recess.

[0010] A snow melting system comprising a snow melting device described in any one of [5][1] to [4], and a water spraying unit for spraying the water discharged by the drainage mechanism. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a snow melting device and a snow melting system that can reduce the likelihood of snow falling. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a schematic plan view of a snow melting device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a snow melting device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a snow melting system according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the snow melting device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the snow melting device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a snow melting device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7]It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a snow melting device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a snow melting device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a schematic plan view of a snow melting device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a schematic plan view of a snow melting device according to the fourth embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] The snow melting device and the snow melting system according to the embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a snow melting device 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the snow melting device 100. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a snow melting system 200 according to the embodiment. FIGS. 4 and 5 are schematic cross-sectional views of the snow melting device 100. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of area A in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of area B in FIG. 4.

[0015] [Snow Melting Device and Snow Melting System] As shown in FIG. 3, the snow melting system 200 includes a snow melting device 100 and a water spraying unit 110. The snow melting system 200 is installed in a building 120. The building 120 includes a roof 121 and a main structure 122 that supports the roof 121. The main structure 122 has columns and outer walls. Examples of the structure of the building 120 include wooden structure, lightweight steel structure, heavyweight steel structure, reinforced concrete structure, etc. The roof 121 may have a function as a rooftop of the building 120.

[0016] The snow melting device 100 is installed on the upper surface 121a of the roof 121 of the building 120. The snow melting device 100 is a device for melting the snow accumulated on the building 120.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the snow melting device 100 includes a support base 10 (base) and a heater 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the support substrate 10 includes a substrate portion 1, leg portions 3, a heat insulating sheet 4, a mesh sheet 5, an exterior plate 6, and a drainage mechanism 7.

[0018] In FIG. 1, the X direction is a direction along one side of the upper surface 121a of the rectangular roof 121. The Y direction is perpendicular to the X direction. One direction along the X direction (the right side in FIG. 1) is “+X”. The direction opposite to +X is “-X”. One direction along the Y direction (the upper side in FIG. 1) is “+Y”. The direction opposite to +Y is “-Y”. The X direction is an example of the “first direction”. The Y direction is an example of the “second direction”. A plan view means viewing from the vertical direction.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the substrate portion 1 includes a central portion 11 and an outer peripheral portion 12. The central portion 11 is formed in a rectangular plate shape in a plan view. The central portion 11 is arranged such that, for example, the upper surface 11a is horizontal. In FIG. 1, the illustration of the exterior plate 6 is omitted.

[0020] The outer peripheral portion 12 is formed in a rectangular frame shape surrounding the central portion 11. The outer peripheral portion 12 is inclined so as to be lower from the outer peripheral edge 12b to the inner peripheral edge 12c. The upper surface 12a of the outer peripheral portion 12 is an inclined surface that is inclined so as to gradually become lower from the outer peripheral edge 12b toward the storage recess 13. The inner peripheral edge 12c of the upper surface 12a of the outer peripheral portion 12 is at a position higher than the upper surface 11a of the central portion 11. The central portion 11 is formed lower than the outer peripheral portion 12. The substrate portion 1 is formed of, for example, wood.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the leg portions 3 are provided on the lower surface of the substrate portion 1 to support the substrate portion 1. The leg portions 3 are formed of, for example, wood. The heat insulating sheet 4 is installed on the substrate portion 1. The heat insulating sheet 4 has, for example, a resin sheet and a metal film formed on the surface of the resin sheet. The mesh sheet 5 is formed of, for example, resin. The mesh sheet 5 is formed in a net shape. The mesh sheet 5 is installed on the heat insulating sheet 4.

[0022] As shown in Figure 3, the heater 20 comprises a heat transfer medium supply unit 21, a pump 22, a heating unit 23, and a relay pipeline 24. The heat transfer medium supply unit 21 is a source of heat transfer medium such as hot water. The heat transfer medium supply unit 21 is, for example, a storage tank for storing the heat transfer medium (such as hot water). The heat transfer medium supply unit 21 is provided with a heating source for heating the heat transfer medium (such as hot water). The pump 22 supplies the heat transfer medium from the heat transfer medium supply unit 21 to the heating unit 23 through the relay pipeline 24.

[0023] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the heating unit 23 is installed on top of the mesh sheet 5. As shown in Figure 1, the heating section 23 is, for example, a conduit through which a heat transfer medium (such as hot water) can flow from one end 23a to the other end 23b. The heating section 23 is formed in a spiral shape, with the winding diameter increasing from one end 23a to the other end 23b. The heating section 23 has first to sixth circular sections 25 to 30. The heating section 23 has a rectangular spiral shape.

[0024] The first circumferential portion 25 has a first extension portion 25a extending to the +Y side from one end 23a, a second extension portion 25b extending to the +X side from the tip of the first extension portion 25a, a third extension portion 25c extending to the -Y side from the tip of the second extension portion 25b, a fourth extension portion 25d extending to the -X side from the tip of the third extension portion 25c, and a fifth extension portion 25e extending to the +Y side from the tip of the fourth extension portion 25d. The winding diameter of the first circumferential portion 25 is, for example, the dimension in the X direction from the third extension portion 25c to the fifth extension portion 25e. The winding diameter of the first circumferential portion 25 may also be, for example, the dimension in the Y direction from the second extension portion 25b to the fourth extension portion 25d.

[0025] The second circumferential section 26 circles the outer circumference of the first circumferential section 25 from the tip of the fifth extension 25e. The third circumferential section 27 circles the outer circumference of the second circumferential section 26 from the tip of the second circumferential section 26. The fourth circumferential section 28 circles the outer circumference of the third circumferential section 27 from the tip of the third circumferential section 27. The fifth circumferential section 29 circles the outer circumference of the fourth circumferential section 28 from the tip of the fourth circumferential section 28. The sixth circumferential section 30 circles the outer circumference of the fifth circumferential section 29 from the tip of the fifth circumferential section 29 and reaches the other end 23b.

[0026] The winding diameter of the second winding section 26 is larger than the winding diameter of the first winding section 25. The winding diameter of the third winding section 27 is larger than the winding diameter of the second winding section 26. The winding diameter of the fourth winding section 28 is larger than the winding diameter of the third winding section 27. The winding diameter of the fifth winding section 29 is larger than the winding diameter of the fourth winding section 28. The winding diameter of the sixth winding section 30 is larger than the winding diameter of the fifth winding section 29.

[0027] One end 23a of the heating section 23 is located in a position that overlaps with the central part 11 of the substrate section 1 in a plan view. The first circumferential section 25 and a part of the second circumferential section 26 are located in a position that overlaps with the central part 11 in a plan view. This part (the part that overlaps with the central part 11) is the first part 33. The first part 33 is the part of the heating section 23 that includes one end 23a. The first part 33 is located in a position that overlaps with the storage recess 13 in a plan view.

[0028] The remaining portion of the heating section 23 (excluding the first portion 33) is the second portion 34. The second portion 34 is the portion of the heating section 23 that includes the other end 23b. Most of the second portion 34 is located in a position that overlaps with the outer peripheral portion 12 in a plan view. The second portion 34 is located outside the storage recess 13 in a plan view.

[0029] As shown in Figure 5, the heating section 23 comprises an inner tube 31 made of resin and an outer tube 32 made of metal. The inner tube 31 is made of, for example, resin. The cross-sectional shape of the inner tube 31 perpendicular to its length is, for example, rectangular. The outer tube 32 covers the outer surface of the inner tube 31. The outer tube 32 is in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the inner tube 31.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, the relay conduit 24 is formed from the heat transfer medium supply unit 21 to one end 23a of the heating unit 23.

[0031] As shown in Figure 2, the outer panel 6 is made of a metal such as aluminum alloy or stainless steel. The outer panel 6 is rectangular in shape when viewed from above. The outer panel 6 is larger than, for example, the substrate portion 1. The outer panel 6 is installed so as to overlap the substrate portion 1 when viewed from above. The outer panel 6 encloses the substrate portion 1 when viewed from above.

[0032] The outer panel 6 comprises a central portion 41, an outer peripheral portion 42, a side panel portion 43, and an outer panel portion 44. The central portion 41 is rectangular in shape when viewed from above. The central portion 41 is approximately the same shape as the central portion 11 of the substrate portion 1. The central portion 41 is positioned to overlap with the central portion 11 of the substrate portion 1. The central portion 41 is positioned such that, for example, its upper surface 41a is horizontal. The lower surface of the central portion 41 is in contact with the upper surface of the first portion 33 of the heating portion 23.

[0033] The side plate portion 43 rises from the outer peripheral edge of the central portion 41. In other words, the side plate portion 43 hangs down from the inner peripheral edge 42c of the outer peripheral portion 42. A storage recess 13 is formed in the center of the upper surface 6a of the exterior plate 6 by the central portion 41 and the side plate portion 43. The storage recess 13 is a rectangular recess in plan view. The storage recess 13 is formed inward from the outer peripheral edge (outer peripheral edge 42b) of the upper surface 6a of the exterior plate 6 in plan view. The storage recess 13 is formed at a position that includes the center of the upper surface 6a of the exterior plate 6 in plan view. The upper surface 6a of the exterior plate 6 is the upper surface of the support base 10.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2, the outer periphery 42 extends outward from the upper edge of the side plate portion 43. In plan view, the outer periphery 42 is formed in the shape of a rectangular frame surrounding the central portion 41. The outer periphery 42 is sloped so as to become lower from the outer edge 42b to the inner edge 42c. The upper surface 42a of the outer periphery 42 is an inclined surface that slopes gradually downward from the outer edge 42b toward the storage recess 13. The lower surface of the outer periphery 42 is in contact with the upper surface of the second portion 34 of the heating portion 23. The outer plate portion 44 hangs down from the outer edge 42b of the outer periphery 42.

[0035] The central portion 41, the outer peripheral portion 42, the side plate portion 43, and the outer plate portion 44 are integrally formed. The central portion 41 and the side plate portion 43 can be formed by bending and deforming the central part of a metal plate into a concave shape by pressing or other methods.

[0036] The drainage mechanism 7 has the function of discharging the water stored in the storage recess 13 to the outside of the system. The drainage mechanism 7 has an outlet pipe 51 that guides the water stored in the storage recess 13. The outlet pipe 51 has a first outlet section 52, a second outlet section 53, and a third outlet section 54.

[0037] The first outlet portion 52 extends vertically. The portion including the upper end of the first outlet portion 52 protrudes upward from the center of the upper surface 41a of the central portion 41 of the exterior panel 6. The upper end opening of the first outlet portion 52 is open. The first outlet portion 52 extends downward through a through hole formed in the center of the central portions 11, 41. The second outlet portion 53 extends from the lower end of the first outlet portion 52 along the upper surface 121a of the roof 121. The third outlet portion 54 extends from the tip of the second outlet portion 53 and reaches the interior of the main structure portion 122 (see Figure 3).

[0038] As shown in Figure 3, the watering unit 110 comprises a storage tank 111, a pump 112, a discharge pipe 113, and a watering head 114. The storage tank 111 is installed inside the main structure 122 of the building 120. The storage tank 111 can store water guided by the drainage mechanism 7. The pump 112 supplies water from the storage tank 111 to the watering head 114 through the discharge pipe 113.

[0039] The outlet pipe 113 guides water from the storage tank 111. The outlet pipe 113 extends outside the structure 120. A watering head 114 is attached to the end of the outlet pipe 113. The watering head 114 can spray the water guided by the outlet pipe 113.

[0040] [How to use snow melting devices and snow melting systems] Figures 6 and 7 are schematic cross-sectional views of the snow melting device 100. An example of how to use the snow melting device 100 and the snow melting system 200 will be explained with reference to Figures 6 and 7.

[0041] As shown in Figure 6, we assume that snow S has accumulated on the roof 121 where the snow melting device 100 is installed. Some of the snow S accumulates on the exterior panels 6. As shown in Figure 3, the heat transfer medium (such as hot water) from the heat transfer medium supply unit 21 is circulated to the heating unit 23 through the relay pipe 24. As shown in Figure 1, the heat transfer medium flows through the heating unit 23 from one end 23a to the other end 23b.

[0042] As the heat transfer medium flows through the heating section 23 from one end 23a to the other end 23b, it is cooled by the snow S and the outside air, and its temperature gradually decreases. Therefore, the temperature of the first part 33 (the part that overlaps with the storage recess 13) of the heating section 23 is higher than the temperature of the second part 34 (the part outside the storage recess 13) when it is heated.

[0043] As shown in Figure 7, the heat transfer medium flowing through the heating section 23 heats the outer panel 6. The snow S in contact with the outer panel 6 melts. Some of the water obtained from the melted snow S accumulates in the storage recess 13. The water W in the storage recess 13 is heated by the heating section 23 in contact with the central section 41, and its temperature is increased.

[0044] A portion of the snow S in the central part of the exterior panel 6 melts as its temperature is raised by the water in the storage recess 13. As a result, the snow S accumulated on the exterior panel 6 becomes thinner in the area including the storage recess 13 when viewed from above. Because the snow S on the exterior panel 6 becomes thinner in the central part, an inward force (towards the center when viewed from above) is more likely to act on the snow S. The upper surface 42a of the outer periphery 42 of the exterior panel 6 is a sloping surface that gradually slopes downward toward the storage recess 13, so an inward force is more likely to act on the snow S on the outer periphery 42.

[0045] As shown in Figure 3, when the water level in the storage recess 13 exceeds the height of the upper end of the first outlet 52, some of the water W flows into the first outlet 52 through the upper end opening. The water W is then guided to the storage tank 111 through the second outlet 53 and the third outlet 54 and stored in the storage tank 111. The water in the storage tank 111 is guided through the outlet pipe 113 and can be sprayed by the watering head 114. By spraying water on the accumulated snow with the watering head 114, snow melting can be promoted.

[0046] [Effects of the snow melting device according to this embodiment] According to the snow melting device 100, snow S accumulated on the exterior panel 6 can be heated by water W stored in the storage recess 13 (see Figures 6 and 7). In a plan view, the snow S accumulated on the exterior panel 6 becomes thinner in the portion including the storage recess 13. Since the storage recess 13 is formed inward from the outer edge of the upper surface 6a of the exterior panel 6, an inward force is more likely to act on the snow S. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the portion of the snow S including the outer edge from falling from the roof 121. Thus, according to the snow melting device 100, it is possible to make it less likely for snow to fall from the roof 121.

[0047] The heating section 23 has a first portion 33 that overlaps with the storage recess 13 in a plan view, and a second portion 34 that is outside the storage recess 13 in a plan view (see Figure 1). As the heat transfer medium flows through the heating section 23, it is cooled by snow S and outside air, and its temperature gradually decreases. Therefore, the temperature of the first portion 33 of the heating section 23 during heating is higher than the temperature of the second portion 34 during heating. As a result, the water W in the storage recess 13 can be heated efficiently.

[0048] Since the heating section 23 is a conduit through which a heat transfer medium can flow, the water W in the storage recess 13 can be efficiently heated by circulating the heat transfer medium.

[0049] The upper surface 42a of the outer periphery 42 of the exterior panel 6 (the upper surface of the support base 10) is sloped so as to gradually decrease toward the storage recess 13, making it easier for an inward force to act on the snow S on the outer periphery 42. Therefore, it is possible to make it less likely for snow to fall from the roof 121.

[0050] [Effects of the snow melting system based on this model] As shown in Figure 3, the snow melting system 200 allows water from the storage tank 111 to be sprayed by the watering head 114. By spraying water on the accumulated snow, snow melting can be promoted.

[0051] [Snow melting device] (Second embodiment) Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the snow melting device 300 according to the second embodiment. Components common to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. As shown in Figure 8, the snow melting device 300 is a device for melting snow accumulated on the building 320. The snow melting device 300 is installed on the upper surface of the roof 321 of the building 320.

[0052] The snow melting device 300 comprises a support base 310 and a heater 20. The support base 310 comprises an insulating sheet 4, a mesh sheet 5, an outer panel 6, and a drainage mechanism 7. The support base 310 differs from the support base 10 of the snow melting device 100 shown in Figure 2 in that it does not have a base plate 1 and leg portions 3.

[0053] The upper surface of the roof 321 has a rectangular central portion 311 in plan view, and an outer peripheral portion 312 surrounding the central portion 311. The central portion 311 is lower than the outer peripheral portion 312. Therefore, the central portion 311 is concave on the upper surface of the roof 321. The insulation sheet 4 is installed on the upper surface of the roof 321. The mesh sheet 5 is installed on top of the insulation sheet 4. The heating unit 23 is installed on top of the mesh sheet 5. The exterior panel 6 is installed on top of the heating unit 23.

[0054] According to the snow melting device 300, snow accumulated on the exterior panels 6 can be heated by water stored in the storage recess 13. In a plan view, the snow accumulated on the exterior panels 6 becomes thinner in the portion including the storage recess 13, making it easier for inward forces to act on the snow. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of snow falling from the roof 321.

[0055] [Snow melting device] (Third embodiment) Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the snow melting device 400 according to the third embodiment. Components common to other embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. As shown in Figure 9, the snow melting device 400 differs from the snow melting device 100 (see Figure 1) in that it has a heating unit 423 instead of a heating unit 23. The heating section 423 differs from the heating section 23 (see Figure 1) in that it has only the first portion 33 that overlaps with the central portion 11 in a plan view.

[0056] The snow melting device 400 can efficiently heat the water in the storage recess 13 with the heating unit 423.

[0057] [Snow melting device] (Fourth embodiment) Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the snow melting device 500 according to the fourth embodiment. Components common to other embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. As shown in Figure 10, the snow melting device 500 differs from the snow melting device 400 (see Figure 9) in that it has a heating unit 523 instead of the heating unit 423. The heating element 523 differs from the heating element 423 (see Figure 9) in that it is formed of a heating element.

[0058] Since the snow melting device 400 has a heating section 523 formed by electric heating wires, the temperature of the heating section 523 can be precisely adjusted.

[0059] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the configurations and combinations thereof in the embodiments are merely examples, and additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications to the configurations are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, in the snow melting device 100 shown in Figure 1, the storage recess 13 is formed in a portion including the center of the exterior plate 6, but the position of the storage recess 13 is not particularly limited as long as it is inside the outer peripheral edge of the upper surface 6a of the exterior plate 6. For example, the storage recess 13 may be formed in a position closer to the outer peripheral edge than the center of the exterior plate 6 in a plan view.

[0060] In the snow melting device 100 shown in Figure 1, the storage recess 13 is rectangular in plan view, but the shape of the storage recess is not particularly limited. For example, the storage recess may be circular in plan view, or it may be polygonal, elliptical, or the like in plan view. The snow melting device 100 shown in Figure 1 is installed on the roof 121 of the building 120, but the snow melting device may also be installed on the roof of the building. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0061] 6a...Top surface, 7...Drainage mechanism, 10, 310...Support base, 13...Storage recess, 20...Heater, 23, 423, 523...Heating section, 23a...One end, 23b...Other end, 33...First part, 34...Second part, 100, 300, 400, 500...Snow melting device, 110...Watering section, 120...Structure, 121...Roof, 200...Snow melting system

Claims

1. A snow-melting device that melts snow accumulated on top of buildings, A support base having a water storage recess formed on its upper surface, A heater for heating the water stored in the aforementioned storage recess, Equipped with, A drainage mechanism is formed in the support base for discharging the water stored in the storage recess. The storage recess is formed inward from the outer peripheral edge of the upper surface in a plan view. Snow melting equipment.

2. The heater has a heating section formed in a spiral shape, where the winding diameter increases from one end to the other. The first portion of the heating section, including the one end, is located in a position that overlaps with the storage recess in a plan view. The second portion of the heating section, including the other end, is located outside the storage recess in a plan view. The heating temperature of the first part is higher than the heating temperature of the second part. The snow melting device according to claim 1.

3. The heating section is a conduit through which a heat transfer medium can flow from one end to the other end. The snow melting device according to claim 2.

4. The upper surface of the support base is inclined to become lower from the outer peripheral edge toward the storage recess. The snow melting device according to claim 1.

5. A snow melting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The system includes a watering section for spraying the water discharged by the drainage mechanism, Snow melting system.

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