JP7803554B2 - Tipping bucket rain gauge - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a tipping bucket rain gauge.

In recent years, heavy rain disasters, such as those caused by linear rain bands, have become more serious, making rain gauges for measuring precipitation more important. Data obtained from rain gauges is used as information for deciding on evacuation advisories and evacuation orders in the event of a heavy rain disaster.

For example, the tipping bucket rain gauge described in Patent Document 1 includes a receiver that receives rainwater, a filter installed below the receiver, a tipping bucket installed below the filter, and a drainage device installed below the tipping bucket. Expensive materials such as sapphire are used for the bearings that support the tipping shaft. The filter removes sand and other dust contained in the rainwater that drips from the receiver. The tipping buckets are configured as a pair of buckets that collect rainwater dripping from the filter, and are symmetrically positioned around the tipping shaft. Each time a certain amount of rainwater accumulates in one bucket, the tipping buckets tip over around the tipping shaft due to the weight of the rainwater, releasing the rainwater collected in one bucket and collecting it in the other bucket. Rainwater drained from the tipping buckets passes through the drainage device and is drained outside the tipping bucket rain gauge.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-249774

However, the tipping bucket rain gauge described in Patent Document 1 requires highly skilled techniques because it is difficult to precisely adjust the tightening of the bearing that receives the tipping shaft during assembly.

The objective of the present invention is to provide a tipping bucket rain gauge that can be easily assembled without requiring skilled workers.

The tipping bucket rain gauge of the present invention comprises a tipping bucket having a tipping axis and a pair of buckets arranged symmetrically around the tipping axis, a support part that supports the tipping buckets, and a bearing part that is arranged between the tipping axis and the support part.

The tipping bucket rain gauge of the present invention is equipped with a bearing part between the tipping axis and the support part, making it easy to assemble without requiring any skilled workers.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing the internal configuration of the tipping bucket rain gauge according to the first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the other end of the tipping shaft. This is an oblique view of the main parts of a tipping bucket rain gauge viewed from above on the front side. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which a pair of buckets and a presser member are removed from the main part of the tipping bucket type rain gauge shown in FIG. 4. FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state in which the tipping shaft is removed from the main part of the tipping bucket rain gauge shown in FIG. 5. This is an oblique view of the main parts of a tipping bucket rain gauge viewed from above on the rear side. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration of a swing arm. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining part of the assembly work of the tipping bucket type rain gauge. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a tipping bucket rain gauge according to a second embodiment, viewed from above on the front side. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a tipping bucket rain gauge according to a second embodiment, viewed from above on the rear side. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a tipping bucket rain gauge according to a second embodiment taken along the XZ plane. FIG. 2 is a front view of the first installation section. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the pressing member is in a closed position. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the pressing member is in an open position. FIG. 10 is a front view of the second installation section. 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams for explaining the procedure for attaching the tipping axis to the support part. 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams for explaining the procedure for attaching the tipping axis to the support part. 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams for explaining the procedure for attaching the tipping axis to the support part. 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams for explaining the procedure for attaching the tipping axis to the support part. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a tipping bucket rain gauge according to a third embodiment, viewed from above on the front side. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a tipping bucket rain gauge according to a third embodiment, viewed from above on the rear side. FIG. 2 is a front view of the first installation section. FIG. 10 is a rear view of the first installation section. 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams for explaining the procedure for attaching the tipping axis to the support part. 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams for explaining the procedure for attaching the tipping axis to the support part. 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams for explaining the procedure for attaching the tipping axis to the support part.

1. First Embodiment In Fig. 1, a tipping bucket rain gauge 10 includes a base 11, an outer cylinder 12, a water receiver 13, and a measuring unit 14. The tipping bucket rain gauge 10 has the measuring unit 14 and the water receiver 13 provided in this order on the base 11, and the base 11, the water receiver 13, and the measuring unit 14 covered by the outer cylinder 12. In Fig. 1, the X-axis direction is the depth direction, the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction is the left-right direction, and the Z-axis direction perpendicular to the X-axis and Y-axis directions is the up-down direction.

The base 11 is a disk-shaped member made of metal, resin, or the like. The base 11 is provided with a pair of drainage ports 16a, 16b. The pair of drainage ports 16a, 16b are connected to a pair of drainers 24a, 24b, which will be described later. The underside of the base 11 is provided with multiple legs 17. The legs 17 are L-shaped and are fixed to a base (not shown) using bolts (not shown).

The outer cylinder 12 is cylindrical and is arranged to surround the outer periphery of the base 11. The lower end of the outer cylinder 12 is fixed to the base 11 using bolts (not shown). An opening 12a is provided at the upper end of the outer cylinder 12.

The water receiver 13 is formed in the shape of a conical funnel and is located slightly below the opening 12a of the outer cylinder 12. The water receiver 13 has a water inlet 13a that receives rainwater that has entered the opening 12a of the outer cylinder 12, and an outlet 13b that allows the rainwater received from the water inlet 13a to flow out into the measuring section 14. Wire mesh (not shown) is provided at the bottom of the water inlet 13a and above the outlet 13b to keep out dust.

The measuring unit 14 is used to measure the rainwater received in the receiver 13. The measuring unit 14 includes a strainer 21, a tipping bucket 22, a support unit 23, and a pair of drainers 24a and 24b.

The filter 21 is installed between the receiver 13 and the tipping bucket 22. The filter 21 has a filter mounting plate 21a fixed to the top of the support part 23, a funnel 21b that removes dust such as sand contained in the rainwater flowing out from the outlet 13b of the receiver 13, and a pipe 21c that drains the rainwater from which dust has been removed by the funnel 21b into the tipping bucket 22.

The tipping bucket 22 has a tipping shaft 26 and a pair of buckets 27a, 27b arranged symmetrically around the tipping shaft 26. The tipping shaft 26 is located below the pair of buckets 27a, 27b on the central axis of the tipping bucket 22. The axial direction of the tipping shaft 26 is parallel to the X-axis direction. The central axis of the tipping bucket 22 is parallel to the Z-axis direction. The tipping shaft 26 is rotatably supported on the support part 23 via a bearing part 28 arranged between the tipping shaft 26 and the support part 23. A weight for quantitative adjustment (not shown) is attached to the tipping shaft 26.

The pair of manholes 27a, 27b alternately collect rainwater flowing in from the water filter 21. In Figure 1, the boundary between one manhole 27a and the other manhole 27b is indicated by a dotted line. A pair of end stones 29a, 29b are provided below the pair of manholes 27a, 27b. In this embodiment, the pair of end stones 29a, 29b are made of fluororesin, but they may also be made of agate, sapphire, etc.

The tipping bucket 22 collects rainwater flowing out from the pipe 21c of the filter 21 in one of the pair of buckets 27a, 27b. When a certain amount of rainwater accumulates in one bucket, it tips over on the tipping axis 26 as a fulcrum, discharging the water collected in the one bucket while collecting rainwater flowing out from the pipe 21c of the filter 21 in the other bucket. When a certain amount of rainwater accumulates in the other bucket, it tips over on the tipping axis 26 as a fulcrum, discharging the water collected in the other bucket while collecting rainwater flowing out from the pipe 21c of the filter 21 again in the one bucket. While precipitation continues, the tipping bucket-type rain gauge 10 has the tipping buckets 22 repeatedly tipping alternately around the tipping axis 26 as a fulcrum.

The support portion 23 supports the tipping bucket 22. The support portion 23 is provided on the base 11. A pair of stoppers 32a, 32b that prevent the tipping bucket 22 from tipping is provided on the support portion 23 via a pair of mounting members 31a, 31b. The pair of mounting members 31a, 31b are fixed to the support portion 23 below the pair of buckets 27a, 27b, at symmetrical positions across the central axis of the tipping bucket 22. The pair of stoppers 32a, 32b are attached to the mounting members 31a, 31b so that their positions in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) are adjustable. In this embodiment, each mounting member 31a, 31b is formed with a female thread, and each stopper 32a, 32b is formed with a male thread. The position of each stopper 32a, 32b is adjustable in the vertical direction by threading the female thread into the male thread. The pair of stoppers 32a, 32b come into contact with the pair of receiving stones 29a, 29b when the tipping bucket 22 tips over.

The pair of drainers 24a, 24b are mounted on the base 11 below the pair of manholes 27a, 27b, symmetrically across the central axis of the tipping bucket 22. The pair of drainers 24a, 24b are cylindrical. The pair of drainers 24a, 24b discharge rainwater discharged from the pair of manholes 27a, 27b to the outside of the tipping bucket rain gauge 10 through the pair of drain outlets 16a, 16b. A wire mesh (not shown) is provided inside the pair of drainers 24a, 24b to prevent insects such as spiders from entering the tipping bucket rain gauge 10 through the pair of drain outlets 16a, 16b.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the tipping shaft 26. The tipping shaft 26 has one end 26a located on one side of the axial direction, the other end 26b located on the other side of the axial direction, and an attachment portion 26c located between the one end 26a and the other end 26b, to which a pair of boxes 27a, 27b (see Figure 1) are attached.

One end 26a of the tipping shaft 26 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The other end 26b of the tipping shaft 26 is formed so that the cross-sectional shape, when cut in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction (YZ plane), is one of an oval, an ellipse, and a polygon. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the other end 26b is an oval, as shown in Figure 3. The other end 26b of the tipping shaft 26 has a pair of positioning planes 42 at symmetrical positions in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The number of positioning planes 42 is not limited to two, and may be one or more.

The mounting portion 26c has a pair of screw holes 43a, 43b for attaching a pair of measures 27a, 27b, and a screw hole 43c for attaching a weight for quantitative adjustment (see Figure 2).

The bearing portion 28 has a first bearing 28a provided at one end 26a of the tipping axle 26 and a second bearing 28b provided between the other end 26b of the tipping axle 26 and the mounting portion 26c. In this embodiment, the bearing portion 28 has the first bearing 28a and the second bearing 28b, but it may have only one of the first bearing 28a or the second bearing 28b. For example, if the first bearing 28a is used and the second bearing 28b is not, a bearing for supporting the other end 26b of the tipping axle 26 is used in place of the second bearing 28b. The bearing is made of a material such as sapphire, which is more expensive than a bearing. Using at least one of the first bearing 28a and the second bearing 28b reduces manufacturing costs compared to using two bearings to support both ends of the tipping axle.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the main parts of the tipping bucket rain gauge 10 (tipping bucket 22 and support part 23) viewed from above the front side. The support part 23 has a seat panel part 35 attached to the base 11 and a bent nail part 36 attached to the seat panel part 35.

The seat panel 35 is an L-shaped member. It has a fixed plate 35a attached to the top surface of the base 11 (see Figure 1) and a vertical plate 35b standing vertically upward from the base 11. The fixed plate 35a is fixed to the base 11 using bolts (not shown). The lower part of the vertical plate 35b is formed integrally with the fixed plate 35a. A pair of mounting members 31a, 31b are fixed to the front of the vertical plate 35b using bolts. The water filter mounting plate 21a (see Figure 1) is fixed to the upper part of the vertical plate 35b.

The snap nail portion 36 is an L-shaped member. It comprises a horizontal plate 36a arranged horizontally with the base 11 (not shown), a vertical plate 36b standing perpendicularly upward from the horizontal plate 36a, and a presser member 36c attached to the top of the vertical plate 36b. The horizontal plate 36a is positioned at a predetermined height from the top surface of the base 11 and is fixed to the front of the vertical plate 35b of the seat panel portion 35 using bolts (not shown). The lower part of the vertical plate 36b is fixed to the horizontal plate 36a using bolts. The presser member 36c is an L-shaped member and is fixed to the top of the vertical plate 36b using bolts.

In Figure 4, the quantitative adjustment weight 37 is detachably attached to the tipping axis 26 using a bolt (not shown). The weight 37 is made up of multiple metal washers, and the weight can be adjusted by changing the number of metal washers.

Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the tipping bucket rain gauge 10 shown in Figure 4 with the pair of buckets 27a, 27b and the retaining member 36c removed. As shown in Figure 5, the first bearing 28a is installed in the broken nail portion 36, and the second bearing 28b is installed in the seat plate portion 35. The broken nail portion 36 is the first installation portion where the first bearing 28a is installed. The seat plate portion 35 is the second installation portion where the second bearing 28b is installed.

The broken nail portion 36, serving as the first installation portion, has a notch 36d at the tip (upper portion) of the vertical plate 36b, which opens in a first direction (Z-axis direction) perpendicular to the axial direction of the tipping shaft 26. The notch 36d is formed in a U-shape.

Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the tipping bucket rain gauge 10 shown in Figure 5 with the tipping shaft 26 removed from the main part. As shown in Figure 6, the seat panel portion 35, which serves as the second installation portion, has a stepped portion 35c recessed along a second direction (X-axis direction) parallel to the axial direction of the tipping shaft 26, and an oval through-hole 35d that passes through a portion of the stepped portion 35c and extends along the first direction (Z-axis direction).

The other end 26b of the tipping shaft 26 is inserted into the through-hole 35d, the first bearing 28a is fitted into the notch 36d, and the second bearing 28b is fitted into the stepped portion 35c (see Figure 5). A pressing member 36c is provided to close the notch 36d, so that the first bearing 28a fitted into the notch 36d is pressed down by the pressing member 36c (see Figure 4). This allows the tipping shaft 26 to be rotatably supported by the support portion 23.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the main parts of the tipping bucket rain gauge 10, viewed from above on the rear side. As shown in Figure 7, on the rear side of the vertical plate 35b of the seat panel portion 35, a swing arm 38 is attached to the other end 26b of the tipping shaft 26, which protrudes from the through-hole 35d. The swing arm 38 has its base end fixed to the other end 26b of the tipping shaft 26, and swings left and right around the tipping shaft 26 each time the tipping bucket 22 tips. A magnetic body 39 is attached to the tip of the swing arm 38. The magnetic body 39 is made of a magnet or the like.

A reed switch 41 is provided on the back of the vertical plate 35b of the seat panel portion 35. The reed switch 41 is located below the other end 26b of the tipping shaft 26 and responds to a magnetic body 39 fixed to the tip of the swing arm 38. When the tipping bucket 22 rotates once, the swing arm 38 swings, and the reed switch 41 responds to the magnetic body 39 attached to the tip of the swing arm 38 and turns on and off once. As a result, a pulse is generated from the reed switch 41 according to the number of times the tipping bucket 22 tips. The amount of precipitation can be measured by counting the pulses generated by the reed switch 41.

As shown in FIG. 8 , the swing arm 38 has a fixed block 44 fixed to the other end 26b (not shown) of the tipping shaft 26 and a fitting portion 45 that fits with the other end 26b of the tipping shaft 26. In this embodiment, the fitting portion 45 is a hole that penetrates the fixed block 44, and the other end 26b of the tipping shaft 26 is inserted into it. A pair of opposing positioning protrusions 46 is provided on the inner surface of the fitting portion 45. The pair of positioning protrusions 46 contact a pair of positioning flat surfaces 42 provided on the other end 26b of the tipping shaft 26. When the other end 26b of the tipping shaft 26 is fitted into the fitting portion 45, the pair of positioning protrusions 46 contact the pair of positioning flat surfaces 42, limiting rotation of the swing arm 38 around the tipping shaft 26.

The tipping bucket rain gauge 10 is equipped with a heater (not shown). Heat from the heater is transferred to the tipping bucket 22 and the pair of drains 24a, 24b (described below). For example, by using the heater to raise the air temperature inside the tipping bucket rain gauge 10, it is possible to prevent the tipping bucket 22 and the pair of drains 24a, 24b from freezing.

The operation and function of the tipping bucket rain gauge 10 will be explained. The tipping bucket rain gauge 10 receives rainwater from the inlet 13a of the receiver 13. The rainwater received from the inlet 13a is collected in the filter 21. If the rainwater collected in the filter 21 contains dust such as sand, the dust settles to the bottom of the funnel 21b, and the rainwater passes through the pipe 21c and is guided to one of the pair of drains 27a, 27b that make up the tipping bucket 22. When a certain amount of rainwater accumulates in one of the drains 24a, 24b, the tipping bucket 22 tips over the tipping shaft 26 as a fulcrum, and the rainwater passes through one of the pair of drains 24a, 24b and is drained. At this time, the swing arm 38 swings around the tipping shaft 26, and the reed switch 41 reacts to the magnetic body 39 attached to the tip of the swing arm 38, generating a pulse from the reed switch 41. While the rain continues, the tipping bucket 22 repeatedly tips over and over again around the tipping axis 26, and the reed switch 41 generates pulses according to the number of times it tips over.

As described above, the tipping bucket rain gauge 10 is provided with a bearing 28 on the tipping shaft 26, and simply by installing the bearing 28 on the support 23, the tipping shaft 26 can be rotatably attached to the support 23. In conventional tipping bucket rain gauges, the tightening of the bearing that supports the tipping shaft must be adjusted with high precision to prevent rattle in the tipping shaft, requiring skilled techniques for assembly. In contrast, the tipping bucket rain gauge 10 is provided with a bearing 28 between the tipping shaft 26 and the support 23, allowing for easy assembly without requiring skilled labor. Furthermore, the tipping bucket rain gauge 10 uses the bearing 28 instead of a bearing made of an expensive material such as sapphire, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

The swing arm 38 has a fitting portion 45 that fits with the other end 26b of the tipping shaft 26. By fitting the other end 26b of the tipping shaft 26 into the fitting portion 45, rotation of the swing arm 38 around the tipping shaft 26 is restricted. When assembling the tipping bucket-type rain gauge 10, the swing arm 38 can be easily positioned relative to the other end 26b of the tipping shaft 26 simply by fitting the other end 26b of the tipping shaft 26 into the fitting portion 45 of the swing arm 38.

The bearing portion 28 has a first bearing 28a provided at one end 26a of the tipping shaft 26 and a second bearing 28b provided between the other end 26b of the tipping shaft 26 and the mounting portion 26c. The support portion 23 has a bent nail portion 36 serving as a first mounting portion where the first bearing 28a is installed, and a seat plate portion 35 serving as a second mounting portion where the second bearing 28b is installed. The tipping bucket-type rain gauge 10 does not use a bearing to support the tipping shaft 26; instead, the tipping shaft 26 is supported on the support portion 23 by the first bearing 28a and the second bearing 28b, which simplifies assembly and reduces manufacturing costs.

A notch 36d is provided in the bent nail portion 36, which serves as the first installation portion, and an oval through-hole 35d is provided in the seat panel portion 35, which serves as the second installation portion (see Figure 6). The notch 36d opens in a first direction (Z-axis direction) perpendicular to the axial direction of the tipping shaft 26. The through-hole 35d has an oval shape that extends in the same direction as the opening of the notch 36d, i.e., along the first direction (Z-axis direction). As shown in Figure 9, when assembling the tipping bucket-type rain gauge 10, the other end 26b of the tipping shaft 26 can be inserted into the through-hole 35d while tilting the tipping shaft 26 by raising the one end 26a side. After inserting the other end 26b of the tipping shaft 26 into the through-hole 35d, the tipping shaft 26 can be easily installed on the support portion 23 by simply lowering the one end 26a side of the tipping shaft 26.

When assembling the tipping bucket rain gauge 10, the first bearing 28a can be easily positioned by simply fitting the first bearing 28a into the cutout 36d and then attaching the L-shaped retaining member 36c to close the cutout 36d.

2. Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, the support portion 23 has a broken nail portion 36 as a first installation portion and a seat panel portion 35 as a second installation portion. The other end 26b of the tipping shaft 26 is inserted into a through hole 35d in the seat panel portion 35, a first bearing 28a is fitted into the notch 36d of the broken nail portion 36, and a second bearing 28b is fitted into a stepped portion 35c of the seat panel portion 35. The first bearing 28a is pressed by a pressing member 36c, so that the tipping shaft 26 is rotatably supported on the support portion 23 via the bearing portion 28. In the second embodiment, the configuration of the support portion differs from that of the first embodiment. The same components as in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

Figure 10A is a perspective view of the tipping bucket rain gauge 50 according to the second embodiment, viewed from above on the front side. Figure 10B is a perspective view of the tipping bucket rain gauge 50, viewed from above on the back side. Figure 10C is a cross-sectional view of the tipping bucket rain gauge 50 cut along the XZ plane. In Figures 10A, 10B, and 10C, the tipping bucket rain gauge 50 includes a base 11, an outer cylinder 12 (not shown), a water receiver 13 (not shown), and a measuring unit 54. The measuring unit 54 includes a strainer 21 (not shown), a tipping bucket 22 (not shown), a support unit 63, a pair of drainers 24a and 24b, and a level 70.

The support portion 63 supports the tipping bucket 22. The support portion 63 is provided on the base 11. The support portion 63 has a back plate portion 64 attached to the base 11, a pair of plate-like members 65, 66 attached to the back plate portion 64 and spaced apart from each other, and a connecting member 67 connecting the pair of plate-like members 65, 66.

The back plate 64 has a fixed plate 64a fixed to the top surface of the base 11 and a vertical plate 64b standing vertically upward from the base 11. Here, "vertical" is not limited to being completely vertical, but also includes being approximately vertical, which can be considered essentially vertical. The fixed plate 64a is formed in a concave shape when viewed from above in the Z-axis direction, and is fixed to the base 11 using fastening members such as bolts or screws.

The vertical plate 64b is formed integrally with the fixed plate 64a and extends upward from the concave edge of the fixed plate 64a. A water filter mounting plate 21a is provided on top of the vertical plate 64b. The water filter mounting plate 21a is formed concavely with an opening downward when viewed from the front side in the X direction in Figure 10A. The vertical plate 64b is formed concavely with an opening upward when viewed from the front. The vertical plate 64b and the water filter mounting plate 21a are connected so that their openings face each other. In this embodiment, the vertical plate 64b and the water filter mounting plate 21a are formed integrally.

A pair of stoppers 32a, 32b are provided on the front surface of the vertical plate 64b of the back plate portion 64 via a pair of mounting members 31a, 31b (see Figure 10A). A reed switch 41 is provided on the back surface of the vertical plate 64b of the back plate portion 64 (see Figure 10B).

A pair of plate-shaped members 65, 66 are positioned between a pair of stoppers 32a, 32b. Plate-shaped member 65 is fixed to the front surface of vertical plate 64b of back plate portion 64 using a fastening member. The front surface of plate-shaped member 65 faces the back surface of plate-shaped member 66. Plate-shaped member 66 has a positioning pin (not shown) at its lower end, which is inserted into a positioning hole (not shown) provided on the upper surface of base 11 to position it relative to base 11. Alternatively, plate-shaped member 66 may be positioned relative to base 11 by providing a positioning hole at the lower end of plate-shaped member 66, providing a positioning pin on the upper surface of base 11, and inserting the positioning pin of base 11 into the positioning hole in plate-shaped member 66.

The connecting member 67 is composed of a columnar member. In Figures 10A to 10C, the connecting member 67 is formed in the shape of a triangular prism extending along the X-axis direction. In this embodiment, one end of the connecting member 67 is fixed to the plate-shaped member 66 using a fastening member, and the other end is formed integrally with the plate-shaped member 65.

The spirit level 70 measures whether the tipping axis 26 of the tipping bucket 22 is in a horizontal position. Here, "horizontal" is not limited to completely horizontal, but also includes approximately horizontal, which can be considered to be substantially horizontal. In this embodiment, a spirit level mounting base 71 is provided on the front of the plate-shaped member 66, and the spirit level 70 is mounted on the spirit level mounting base 71. The spirit level 70 may be a known spirit level, and may be either an analog spirit level or a digital spirit level.

In the second embodiment, the tipping axis 26 is configured to be rotatably supported on the support portion 63 via the bearing portion 28. The bearing portion 28 has a first bearing 28a and a second bearing 28b, similar to the first embodiment. The first bearing 28a and the second bearing 28b are configured, for example, with an annular inner ring and an annular outer ring that is rotatable relative to the inner ring. The first bearing 28a is mounted on a plate-shaped member 66, and the second bearing 28b is mounted on a plate-shaped member 65. The plate-shaped member 66 is a first mounting portion on which the first bearing 28a is mounted. The plate-shaped member 65 is a second mounting portion on which the second bearing 28b is mounted.

Figure 11 is a front view of the first installation portion (plate-shaped member 66). As shown in Figure 11, the plate-shaped member 66 serving as the first installation portion has a first cutout 66a that opens in a first direction (Z-axis direction) perpendicular to the axial direction of the tipping shaft 26, and a pressing member 66b that is capable of closing the first cutout 66a. The first bearing 28a is installed in the first cutout 66a.

The first cutout 66a is provided at the tip (upper portion) of the plate-shaped member 66. The first cutout 66a is C-shaped when viewed from the front. The width of the opening of the first cutout 66a in the first direction (Z-axis direction) is set to a dimension that prevents the first bearing 28a from being inserted, but allows the intermediate portion 26d of the tipping shaft 26 (see Figure 14), described below, to be inserted. Specifically, the width of the opening of the first cutout 66a is smaller than the outer diameter of the outer ring of the first bearing 28a, but larger than the diameter of the intermediate portion 26d of the tipping shaft 26. The width of the opening of the first cutout 66a is the length in a third direction (Y-axis direction) that is perpendicular to the first direction (Z-axis direction) and the second direction (X-axis direction).

When the first bearing 28a is fitted into the first notch 66a, the inner peripheral surface of the first notch 66a abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring of the first bearing 28a. The first notch 66a limits the vertical and horizontal movement of the first bearing 28a.

The pressing member 66b is provided on the front side of the plate-shaped member 66. The pressing member 66b closes at least a portion of the front side of the first cutout 66a. When the first bearing 28a is fitted into the first cutout 66a, the rear end face of the pressing member 66b abuts against the front end face of the outer ring of the first bearing 28a fitted into the first cutout 66a. The pressing member 66b restricts movement of the first bearing 28a fitted into the first cutout 66a toward the front side (the front side of the paper in Figure 11). In this way, the first bearing 28a fitted into the first cutout 66a is pressed by the pressing member 66b.

The presser member 66b is composed of a fastening member such as a bolt or screw. The presser member 66b as a fastening member is composed of a threaded portion with external threads formed on its outer periphery and a head portion provided at one end of the threaded portion. The plate-shaped member 66 has a threaded hole (not shown) with internal threads formed on its inner periphery. The presser member 66b can be tightened or loosened by threading the threaded portion into the threaded hole. In Figure 11, the head of the presser member 66b is formed in a cylindrical shape. The diameter of the head is set so that the head can close at least a portion of the front side of the first cutout portion 66a when the presser member 66b is tightened. Note that the head of the presser member 66b is not limited to being formed in a cylindrical shape and may be formed in a polygonal prism shape. If the head is formed in a polygonal prism shape, the diameter of the head is the diameter of the circumscribed circle of the head.

In Figure 11, the retaining member 66b is configured as a screw with a cross-shaped slit formed on the top surface of the head that can engage with the tip of a Phillips screwdriver, but this is not limited to this and it may also be configured as, for example, a knurled screw with multiple grooves formed on the outer periphery of the head. When a knurled screw is used as the retaining member 66b, the worker can tighten and loosen the retaining member 66b by hand without using a tool such as a screwdriver when assembling or disassembling the tipping bucket rain gauge 50, for example, during maintenance.

As shown in Figures 12A and 12B, the presser member 66b is configured to be movable between a closed position in which it closes the first notch 66a and an open position in which it opens the first notch 66a. Figure 12A is an explanatory diagram illustrating the state in which the presser member 66b is in the closed position. The closed position can be achieved by tightening the presser member 66b, which is made of a fastening member. In the closed position, the end face on the back side (right side of the page) of the presser member 66b abuts against the front face of the plate-shaped member 66. Figure 12B is an explanatory diagram illustrating the state in which the presser member 66b is in the open position. The open position can be achieved by loosening the presser member 66b, which is made of a fastening member. In the open position, the end face on the back side (right side of the page) of the presser member 66b is separated from the front face of the plate-shaped member 66.

Figure 13 is a front view of the second installation portion (plate-shaped member 65). As shown in Figure 13, the plate-shaped member 65 serving as the second installation portion has a second cutout 65a that opens in a first direction (Z-axis direction) perpendicular to the axial direction of the tipping shaft 26, and a stepped portion 65b that is connected to the second cutout 65a and recessed in a second direction (X-axis direction) parallel to the axial direction of the tipping shaft 26. A second bearing 28b is installed in the stepped portion 65b.

The second cutout 65a is provided at the tip (upper portion) of the plate-shaped member 65. The second cutout 65a is U-shaped when viewed from the front. The width of the opening of the second cutout 65a in the first direction (Z-axis direction) is set to a dimension that prevents the second bearing 28b from being inserted, but allows the other end 26b of the tipping shaft 26 to be inserted. Specifically, the width of the opening of the second cutout 65a is smaller than the outer diameter of the outer ring of the second bearing 28b, but larger than the major axis of the other end 26b of the tipping shaft 26. The width of the opening of the second cutout 65a is the length in a third direction (Y-axis direction) that is perpendicular to the first direction (Z-axis direction) and the second direction (X-axis direction).

The step portion 65b is located at the tip (upper portion) of the plate-shaped member 65, closer to the front than the second cutout portion 65a. The step portion 65b is C-shaped when viewed from the front. The diameter of the step portion 65b is set to a size that allows the second bearing 28b to be inserted. It is preferable that the diameter of the step portion 65b is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the outer ring of the second bearing 28b. Here, the diameter of the step portion 65b refers to the diameter of an imaginary circle whose circumference is the C-shaped arc.

When the second bearing 28b is fitted into the stepped portion 65b, the inner peripheral surface of the stepped portion 65b abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring of the second bearing 28b, and the end face of the stepped portion 65b (the surface facing the back of the paper in Figure 13) abuts against the end face on the back side of the outer ring of the second bearing 28b. The stepped portion 65b restricts the movement of the second bearing 28b fitted into the stepped portion 65b in the up/down direction, left/right direction, and toward the back side (the back side of the paper in Figure 13).

The procedure for attaching the tipping shaft 26 to the support portion 63 during assembly of the tipping bucket rain gauge 50 is described below. First, as shown in Figure 14, the retaining member 66b is loosened to the open position, and the middle portion 26d of the tipping shaft 26 is positioned above the opening of the first notch 66a, while the other end 26b of the tipping shaft 26 is positioned above the opening of the second notch 65a. The middle portion 26d of the tipping shaft 26 is the portion between the one end 26a of the tipping shaft 26 and the mounting portion 26c, and is formed cylindrically in this embodiment. The diameter of the middle portion 26d is set to be larger than the diameter of the one end 26a and the inner diameter of the inner ring of the first bearing 28a, but smaller than the inner diameter of the outer ring of the first bearing 28a. When the first bearing 28a is inserted into the one end 26a, the middle portion 26d abuts against the rear end face of the inner ring of the first bearing 28a, but is configured not to abut against the rear end face of the outer ring of the first bearing 28a. A pair of manholes 27a, 27b are attached to the tipping shaft 26. In Figure 14, manhole 27b is visible, while manhole 27a is hidden behind the page.

Next, as shown in Figure 15, the tipping shaft 26 is moved downward. The middle portion 26d of the tipping shaft 26 is inserted into the first notch 66a, and the other end 26b is inserted into the second notch 65a.

Next, as shown in Figure 16, the tipping shaft 26 is moved toward the rear of the tipping bucket rain gauge 50 (to the right of the page) so that the rear end face of the outer ring of the second bearing 28b abuts against the front end face of the stepped portion 65b. The first bearing 28a is fitted into the first cutout portion 66a, and the second bearing 28b is fitted into the stepped portion 65b.

Next, as shown in Figure 17, the pressing member 66b is tightened to the closed position. In the plate-shaped member 66 serving as the first mounting portion, the inner peripheral surface of the first cutout 66a abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring of the first bearing 28a, and the rear end face (right side of the page) of the pressing member 66b abuts against the front end face of the outer ring of the first bearing 28a. In the plate-shaped member 65 serving as the second mounting portion, the inner peripheral surface of the stepped portion 65b abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring of the second bearing 28b, and the end face of the stepped portion 65b abuts against the rear end face of the outer ring of the second bearing 28b. In this way, the tipping shaft 26 can be rotatably attached to the support portion 63.

The procedure for removing the tipping shaft 26 from the support part 63 when disassembling the tipping bucket rain gauge 50 is described below. First, the retaining member 66b is loosened to the open position. Next, the tipping shaft 26 is moved toward the front of the tipping bucket rain gauge 50, so that the middle part 26d of the tipping shaft 26 is positioned below the opening of the first notch 66a, and the other end 26b of the tipping shaft 26 is positioned below the opening of the second notch 65a. By moving the tipping shaft 26 upward, the middle part 26d is removed from the first notch 66a, and the other end 26b is removed from the second notch 65a. In this way, the tipping shaft 26 can be removed from the support part 63.

The tipping bucket rain gauge 50 of the second embodiment has a support portion 63 instead of the support portion 23 of the tipping bucket rain gauge 10 of the first embodiment. The support portion 63 has a plate-shaped member 66 as a first installation portion and a plate-shaped member 65 as a second installation portion. The plate-shaped member 66 has a first notch 66a that opens in a first direction (Z-axis direction) perpendicular to the axial direction of the tipping shaft 26, and a pressing member 66b that is arranged to close the first notch 66a. The plate-shaped member 65 has a second notch 65a that opens in the first direction (Z-axis direction) perpendicular to the axial direction of the tipping shaft 26, and a step portion 65b that is recessed along a second direction (X-axis direction) parallel to the axial direction of the tipping shaft 26. The retaining member 66b is configured to be movable between an open position, which opens the first notch 66a, and a closed position, which closes the first notch 66a. When the retaining member 66b is in the open position, the first bearing 28a can be installed in the first notch 66a, and the second bearing 28b can be installed in the stepped portion 65b. When the retaining member 66b is in the closed position, the first bearing 28a can be rotatably installed in the first notch 66a, and the second bearing 28b can be rotatably installed in the stepped portion 65b. Thus, the tipping bucket rain gauge 50 can be easily assembled without requiring skilled workers, because the tipping shaft 26 can be rotatably attached to the support portion 63 simply by installing the bearing portion 28 in the support portion 63. Furthermore, the tipping bucket rain gauge 50 uses the bearing portion 28 instead of a bearing made of an expensive material such as sapphire, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

In the tipping bucket rain gauge 50, the retaining member 66b is configured as a fastening member, so the tipping shaft 26 can be easily attached and detached to the support part 63 simply by tightening and loosening the retaining member 66b. If the retaining member 66b is configured as a knurled screw, the tipping shaft 26 can be easily attached and detached to the support part 63 without the need for tools.

The retaining member 66b is not limited to being a fastening member, but may be a leaf spring-like member that is elastically deformable in a second direction parallel to the axial direction of the tipping shaft 26. When the retaining member 66b is a leaf spring-like member, the retaining member 66b can be set to the open position by elastically deforming in one direction of the second direction, and to the closed position by elastically deforming in the other direction of the second direction. The one direction of the second direction is the direction in which the tip of the retaining member 66b moves away from the first notch 66a. The other direction of the second direction is the direction in which the tip of the retaining member 66b moves closer to the first notch 66a. When the retaining member 66b is in the closed position, the initial state is defined as the state in which the retaining member 66b is in the closed position. The operator can grasp the tip of the retaining member 66b in the initial state with the fingers of the hand and elastically deform the retaining member 66b in one direction of the second direction to set the retaining member 66b to the open position. The pressing member 66b, which is in the open position, can be returned to the closed position (i.e., the initial state) by elastically deforming in the other direction of the second direction.

While the second installation portion uses a plate-shaped member 65 in the second embodiment, the seat panel 35 of the first embodiment may also be used. When assembling a tipping bucket rain gauge 50 that includes the seat panel 35 as the second installation portion, first loosen the retaining member 66b to the open position, then raise and tilt one end 26a of the tipping axle 26 while inserting the other end 26b of the tipping axle 26 into the through-hole 35d of the seat panel 35. Next, lower one end 26a of the tipping axle 26, and insert the middle portion 26d of the tipping axle 26 into the first notch 66a. Next, move the tipping axle 26 toward the back of the tipping bucket rain gauge 50 until the rear end face of the outer ring of the second bearing 28b abuts against the front end face of the stepped portion 35c of the seat panel 35. As a result, the first bearing 28a fits into the first cutout 66a, and the second bearing 28b fits into the stepped portion 35c. The pressing member 66b is then tightened to the closed position. Disassembly can be performed by reversing the assembly procedure.

3. Third Embodiment In the second embodiment, the first bearing 28a is rotatably attached to the first notch 66a by displacing the pressing member 66b between the open position and the closed position. In the third embodiment, the first bearing is rotatably attached to the first notch by elastically deforming the first notch. The same components as those in the above embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Figure 18A is a perspective view of the tipping bucket rain gauge 100 according to the third embodiment, viewed from above on the front side. Figure 18B is a perspective view of the tipping bucket rain gauge 100 according to the third embodiment, viewed from above on the back side. In Figures 18A and 18B, the tipping bucket rain gauge 100 comprises a base 11, an outer cylinder 12 (not shown), a water receiver 13 (not shown), and a measuring unit 104. The measuring unit 104 comprises a strainer 21 (not shown), a tipping bucket 22 (not shown), a support unit 113, a pair of drainers 24a and 24b, and a level 70.

The support portion 113 supports the tipping bucket 22. The support portion 113 is provided on the base 11. The support portion 113 has a back plate portion 64 attached to the base 11, a pair of plate-like members 65, 116 attached to the back plate portion 64 and spaced apart from each other, and a connecting member 67 connecting the pair of plate-like members 65, 116.

In the third embodiment, the tipping axis 26 is configured to be rotatably supported on the support portion 113 via the bearing portion 28. Similar to the first embodiment, the bearing portion 28 has a first bearing 28a and a second bearing 28b, with the first bearing 28a mounted on the plate-shaped member 116 and the second bearing 28b mounted on the plate-shaped member 65. The plate-shaped member 116 is the first mounting portion on which the first bearing 28a is mounted. The plate-shaped member 65 is the second mounting portion on which the second bearing 28b is mounted.

Figure 19 is a front view of the first installation portion (plate-shaped member 116). Figure 20 is a rear view of the first installation portion (plate-shaped member 116). As shown in Figures 19 and 20, the plate-shaped member 116 serving as the first installation portion has a first cutout 116a that opens in a first direction (Z-axis direction) perpendicular to the axial direction of the tipping shaft 26, and a pressing member 116b that is capable of closing the first cutout 116a. A first bearing 28a is installed in the first cutout 116a.

The first cutout 116a is provided at the tip (top) of the plate-shaped member 116. The first cutout 116a is C-shaped when viewed from the rear side in the X direction. The opening width of the first cutout 116a in the first direction (Z-axis direction) is set to a dimension slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the outer ring of the first bearing 28a.

The first cutout 116a is formed from an elastic material such as resin or metal. The first cutout 116a is configured to be elastically deformable in a first direction (Z-axis direction) perpendicular to the axial direction of the tipping shaft 26, and in a third direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to a second direction (X-axis direction) parallel to the axial direction of the tipping shaft 26.

The procedure for attaching the tipping shaft 26 to the support portion 113 during the assembly of the tipping bucket rain gauge 100 is described below. First, as shown in FIG. 21, the first bearing 28a is placed above the opening of the first cutout 116a in the first direction. Next, as shown in FIG. 22, the first bearing 28a is moved downward until it abuts against the edge of the opening of the first cutout 116a. The first bearing 28a is then moved further downward and pressed into the opening of the first cutout 116a. As the first bearing 28a moves downward, the edge of the opening of the first cutout 116a rubs against the outer peripheral surface of the first bearing 28a, elastically deforming in the third direction (Y-axis direction). When the first bearing 28a is moved further downward and its outermost diameter passes the edge of the opening of the first cutout 116a, the elastically deformed first cutout 116a returns to its original shape due to its elastic restoring force as the edge of the opening rubs against the outer surface of the first bearing 28a. As a result, the first bearing 28a is inserted (fitted) into the first cutout 116a, as shown in Figure 23. The first cutout 116a exerts an elastic force that holds the first bearing 28a within it.

The procedure for removing the tipping shaft 26 from the support part 113 during disassembly of the tipping bucket rain gauge 100 is described below. First, the first bearing 28a inserted (fitted) into the first cutout 116a is moved upward. As the first bearing 28a moves upward, the edge of the opening of the first cutout 116a rubs against the outer surface of the first bearing 28a, elastically deforming in the third direction (Y-axis direction). When the first bearing 28a is moved further upward until the outermost diameter portion of the first bearing 28a passes the edge of the opening of the first cutout 116a, the elastically deformed first cutout 116a returns to its original shape due to elastic restoring force, with the edge of the opening rubbing against the outer surface of the first bearing 28a. This allows the first bearing 28a to be removed from the first cutout 116a.

In the tipping bucket rain gauge 100 according to the third embodiment, the first cutout 116a is configured to be elastically deformable, so that the first bearing 28a can be easily inserted into or removed from the first cutout 116a simply by pushing the first bearing 28a into or pulling the first bearing 28a out of the opening of the first cutout 116a, and the tipping shaft 26 can be easily attached to or detached from the support part 63.

While the third embodiment uses a plate-shaped member 65 as the second installation portion, the seat panel 35 of the first embodiment may also be used. When assembling a tipping bucket-type rain gauge 100 that includes a seat panel 35 as the second installation portion, first, one end 26a of the tipping shaft 26 is raised and tilted, while the other end 26b of the tipping shaft 26 is inserted into the through-hole 35d of the seat panel 35. Next, the first bearing 28a is moved downward until it abuts against the edge of the opening of the first notch 116a. The first bearing 28a is then moved further downward and pushed into the opening of the first notch 116a. As a result, the first bearing 28a is inserted (engaged) into the first notch 116a, and the second bearing 28b is engaged in the stepped portion 35c of the seat panel 35. Disassembly can be performed by reversing the assembly procedure.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Each component of the tipping bucket rain gauge 10, 50, 100 is positioned with high precision by fitting a positioning pin into a positioning hole. For example, one or more positioning pins are provided on the pair of mounting members 31a, 31b, and one or more positioning holes are provided on the vertical plate 35b. When assembling the tipping bucket rain gauge 10, 50, 100, the pair of mounting members 31a, 31b can be easily positioned by fitting the positioning pins of the pair of mounting members 31a, 31b into the positioning holes in the vertical plate 35b.

10, 50, 100 Tipping bucket type rain gauge 22 Tipping bucket 23, 63, 113 Support part 26 Tipping axis 26a One end 26b Other end 26c Mounting part 27a, 27b Pair of buckets 28 Bearing part 28a First bearing 28b Second bearing 35 Seat plate part (second installation part)
35c Step portion 35d Through hole 36 Broken nail portion (first installation portion)
36c Pressing member 36d Notch 38 Swing arm 45 Fitting portion 65 Plate-shaped member (second installation portion)
65a: Second notch portion 65b: Step portion 66: Plate-shaped member (first installation portion)
66a: First notch portion 66b: Pressing member 116: Plate-shaped member (first installation portion)
116a First notch 116b Pressing member

Claims (9)

A tipping bucket having a tipping axis and a pair of buckets symmetrically arranged around the tipping axis,
A support portion supporting the tipping bucket;
a bearing portion provided between the tipping shaft and the support portion ;
The tipping box has a swing arm that swings every time the tipping box falls,
The swing arm has a fitting portion that fits with the tipping shaft,
The tilting shaft has one end provided on one side in the axial direction and another end provided on the other side in the axial direction,
The other end of the tipping shaft has a positioning plane,
The fitting portion of the swing arm has a positioning protrusion that comes into contact with the positioning plane,
A tipping bucket type rain gauge in which the other end of the tipping shaft is fitted into the fitting portion, causing the positioning protrusion to come into contact with the positioning plane and limiting the rotation of the oscillating arm around the tipping shaft . The tipping shaft has a mounting portion between the one end and the other end to which the pair of plates are attached,
The bearing portion includes a first bearing provided at the one end of the tipping shaft and a second bearing provided between the other end of the tipping shaft and the mounting portion,
2. The tipping bucket rain gauge according to claim 1, wherein the support portion has a first mounting portion on which the first bearing is mounted and a second mounting portion on which the second bearing is mounted. A tipping bucket having a tipping axis and a pair of buckets symmetrically arranged around the tipping axis,
A support portion supporting the tipping bucket;
a bearing portion provided between the tipping axis and the support portion,
The tipping shaft has a mounting portion between one end and the other end in the axial direction to which the pair of butts are attached,
The bearing portion includes a first bearing provided at the one end of the tipping shaft and a second bearing provided between the other end of the tipping shaft and the mounting portion,
the support portion has a first mounting portion on which the first bearing is mounted and a second mounting portion on which the second bearing is mounted;
the first installation portion has a notch portion that opens in a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the tipping shaft,
the second installation portion has a stepped portion recessed along a second direction parallel to the axial direction, and an oval through-hole penetrating a portion of the stepped portion and extending along the first direction,
A tipping bucket rain gauge in which the other end of the tipping shaft is inserted into the through hole, the first bearing is fitted into the cutout portion, and the second bearing is fitted into the stepped portion. the first installation portion has an L-shaped pressing member provided to close the notch,
4. The tipping bucket rain gauge according to claim 3 , wherein the first bearing fitted in the notch is pressed by the pressing member. A tipping bucket having a tipping axis and a pair of buckets symmetrically arranged around the tipping axis,
A support portion supporting the tipping bucket;
a bearing portion provided between the tipping axis and the support portion,
The tipping shaft has a mounting portion between one end and the other end in the axial direction to which the pair of butts are attached,
The bearing portion includes a first bearing provided at the one end of the tipping shaft and a second bearing provided between the other end of the tipping shaft and the mounting portion,
the support portion has a first mounting portion on which the first bearing is mounted and a second mounting portion on which the second bearing is mounted;
The first installation portion has a first notch portion that opens in a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the tipping shaft, and a pressing member that is provided so as to be able to close the first notch portion,
the second installation portion has a second notch portion that opens in the first direction, and a step portion that is connected to the second notch portion and is recessed along a second direction that is parallel to the axial direction,
A tipping bucket type rain gauge in which the first bearing is fitted into the first notch, the other end of the tipping shaft is inserted into the second notch, and the second bearing is fitted into the step portion. The tipping bucket rain gauge according to claim 5 , wherein the pressing member is configured to be displaceable between a closing position in which the first cutout portion is closed and an opening position in which the first cutout portion is open. 7. The tipping bucket rain gauge according to claim 6 , wherein the pressing member is formed of a fastening member. 8. The tipping bucket rain gauge according to claim 7 , wherein the pressing member is formed of a knurled screw. The tipping bucket rain gauge according to claim 5 , wherein the first cutout portion is configured to be elastically deformable in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.