DE102011017607A1 - Snow melting device mounted in vehicle e.g. motor car, has heating element that is adapted to melt snow into water and is arranged on inside wall of funnel-shaped aperture formed to direct water into container - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (100) comprises a funnel-shaped aperture (104) for receiving snow or water. A heating element is arranged on an inside wall of the funnel-shaped aperture. A container (102) is provided for receiving water. The heating element is adapted to melt the snow into water. The funnel-shaped aperture is formed to direct the water into the container. An independent claim is included for snow melting method.

Description

The invention relates to a device for melting snow.

Devices for melting snow are known from the prior art. For example, this describes DE 93 15 453 U1 a vehicle equipped with a snowthrower. The snowthrower picks up the snow from the roadway and transports the snow into a snow collecting container, which is equipped with a container bottom heated by hot water pipes. The meltwater is caught in a water tank. The melter is mounted on the bed of a vehicle or mounted on a trailer.

US 5235.762 teaches an apparatus for melting snow having a funnel-shaped melting chamber equipped with a central conduit and heat exchange tubes connected thereto. The heat exchange tubes are provided with openings, with which warmed up water is introduced into the snow.

DE 92 14 895 U describes a snow removal equipment consisting of a self-propelled base and an internally heated tank with a snow-chute in the upper part of the tank, which communicates with the snow chute of the snowthrower. The snow removal equipment is provided with a water outlet.

US 6,336,738 B1 relates to a device for melting snow, which is provided with an upper region for receiving the snow and a lower, tapered region. The upper area is equipped with a fuel-based heater.

DE 40 16 379 A1 claims a method and apparatus for removing snow. Snow is partially melted at a container. The container walls and / or the container bottom are provided with heating pipes. As heating means steam and hot water are called. Furthermore, a direct heating of the tubes or the floor is provided with burners. The melted snow is pumped into a second container. Vehicles can be equipped with the melter.

US 2008/0276498 A1 relates to a transportable snow melter comprising two tanks. The first tank is used to hold the snow, the second tank to melt the snow by means of a fuel-operated heat exchanger.

In contrast, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved snow melting apparatus, an improved system for melting snow and a motor vehicle, and an improved method for melting snow.

The object of the invention is achieved by the independent patent claims. Embodiments of the invention are given in the dependent claims.

The invention relates to a device for melting snow with a funnel-shaped opening for receiving snow or water. A heating element is arranged on an inner wall of the funnel-shaped opening. In addition, the device comprises a container for receiving water. The funnel-shaped opening is arranged on the container, that through the funnel-shaped opening water can be conveyed into the container. For example, the water can be driven by gravity and passed through the funnel-shaped opening into the container when snow or water is added to the funnel-shaped opening.

The heating element is adapted to melt the snow to water before it reaches the container. The snow is thus melted in the funnel-shaped opening during transport and reaches the container as molten snow in the form of water. According to embodiments of the invention, the heating element consists of a tube which runs on the inner wall of the funnel-shaped opening. For example, warm or hot water can be channeled through the pipe, melting the snow. The tube can come directly into contact with the snow to be melted, whereby a quick melting is achieved. Alternatively, the tube may be located behind the inner wall of the funnel-shaped opening and / or installed in the inner wall of the funnel so that the tube does not come into direct contact with the snow, but indirectly melts the snow by heating the inner wall of the funnel-shaped opening ,

According to embodiments of the invention, the heating element is electrically operated. The heating element may for example consist of heating coils and / or heating plates, which are heated by an electric current. These heating coils and / or the heating plates can, for example, run on the inner wall of the funnel-shaped opening in such a way that they come into direct contact with the snow and thus melt the snow. Alternatively or additionally, the heating element can run behind the inner wall of the funnel-shaped opening, so that the heating element is not in direct contact comes with the snow. In this case, the inner wall of the funnel-shaped opening is heated by the heating element and the snow is melted by this heat.

According to embodiments of the invention, the device comprises a motor, wheels and a snow shovel. The motor is designed to drive at least one of the wheels. The snow shovel is adapted to receive snow and transport the snow to the funnel-shaped opening. For example, the snow shovel may be a so-called snowthrower, which picks up the snow and hurls it into the funnel-shaped opening. Alternatively, the snow shovel may be configured to receive the snow through the snow shovel and pass it through a conduit system into the funnel-shaped opening. With the help of the motor, the device can thus be moved over a snow-covered area. The snow shovel absorbs the snow on the ground and directs it into the funnel-shaped opening. There, the snow is melted and the water is absorbed by the container.

According to embodiments of the invention, the engine may be an electric motor or an internal combustion engine. The motor can be used to supply the heating element with energy for melting the snow and / or for driving the wheel. To supply the heating element with electrical energy for melting the snow, a generator can convert the mechanical energy generated by the engine into electrical energy and then output it to the heating element. If an electric motor is used to drive the wheel, the energy required for the operation of the motor can be provided by means of a rechargeable battery. The same accumulator can then also be used to supply the heating element with electrical energy. In this case, the use of a generator can be dispensed with, since the electrical energy is provided directly by the accumulator.

Embodiments of the invention are particularly advantageous because the snow is already melted in the hopper. In the container so only the melt water. The volume of snow is many times greater than the volume of water. Therefore, it is advantageous to only direct water into the container, as more mass can be taken up with a fixed container volume. This is advantageous in comparison to the prior art, since more water can be taken up in a container of equal size than snow. The density of snow is between 30 and 500 kg / m ³ , while the density of water is 1000 kg / m ³ .

This is particularly advantageous when a lot of snow in a short time to be eliminated. By melting the snow already in the hopper, it is ensured that there is only water in the tank and that the volume of the tank is better utilized than if there were snow in the tank.

Embodiments of the invention are also advantageous because the snow can still be melted during the winter at temperatures below 0 ° C. Thus, the snow is continuously melted throughout the winter and there is no cumulative snowmelt at the end of winter when temperatures rise above 0 ° C again. Thus, flooding due to snowmelt is reduced, and the burden of channel systems in cities during snowmelt in spring is also reduced.

As already mentioned above, embodiments of the invention are equipped with a motor and wheels. Thus, these embodiments are mobile and can either move automatically or be controlled by a user. Other embodiments of the invention are not mobile but have a fixed location. Such a device can stand, for example, where much snow is produced. For example, such a device may be fixedly mounted in a parking lot. A user could then, while clearing snow, put the collected snow in the device to be melted. Permanently installed devices are preferably installed in locations that are easily accessible by a snow clearing user. For example, this can also be in the front yard of a residential building.

In addition, it is possible to use the device in the winter for recovering water from the snow. For example, can be operated with the water toilet flushes or washing machines. For this purpose, a filter system can be used to prepare the water. For example, during the summer, the device may trap rainwater and provide that rainwater for use in the toilet flush or washing machine. For example, the device can be connected via a pipe with a gutter. Thus, the rainwater is collected by the container, which would otherwise seep through the gutter into the ground. Preferably, permanently installed devices are used for this purpose.

According to embodiments of the invention, the device comprises a platform. On the platform, the container and the funnel-shaped opening are arranged. The platform is adapted to lift the device. For example, the Device installed in the ground, so that it is invisible, for example, in summer. If this device is then needed in winter, it is raised with the help of the platform from the ground up and can be filled with snow.

According to embodiments of the invention, the funnel-shaped opening comprises first sensors. The first sensors are designed to detect whether snow is received through the funnel-shaped opening. The sensors thus detect, for example, whether a user is filling snow in the funnel-shaped opening or whether snow is being conveyed into the funnel-shaped opening by another way, for example by means of a snowblower. The first sensors are configured to turn on the heating element when it has been detected that snow is being received by the funnel-shaped opening. In other words, the first sensors turn on the heating element when snow is being conveyed into the funnel-shaped opening. This is advantageous to reduce energy consumption. The heating element is only switched on when it is needed to melt snow.

According to embodiments of the invention, the container comprises a plurality of sensors which detect different states. After filling the funnel, the heating power starts and works continuously. This process in all cycles is automatically controlled according to the requirements. In other words, the heating power of the heating element is increased when it is detected that the heating power is insufficient and snow accumulates in the funnel-shaped opening. Thus, the heating power of the amount of snow is adjusted, which is absorbed by the funnel-shaped opening. If little snow is picked up, a low heat output is enough to guarantee a melting of the snow. On the other hand, if more snow is picked up, the heating power has to be increased so that all the snow is melted and the funnel-shaped opening is not clogged or snow gets into the tank.

According to embodiments of the invention, the container comprises a valve and a drain. The valve can be opened and closed manually and / or automatically. When closed, the valve closes the drain. For example, the valve may be open when filling the device with snow, so that the water, which consists of the molten snow, flows directly from the drain. In this case, the device may for example be arranged so that the effluent water is fed directly to the sewer system.

According to embodiments of the invention, the container comprises second sensors, a valve and a drain. The second sensors are designed to detect a filling level of the container. The valve closes the drain in the closed state. The second sensors are configured to open the valve when the level exceeds a second threshold. In other words, the drain is opened as soon as the level exceeds the second threshold. The drain can, for example, in a disposal system, such as the sewer, open, so that the water is disposed of directly. Alternatively, the drain may also discharge into a pipe that provides the drained water for a toilet flush or for a washing machine. For example, the second sensors can also be designed to give an indication that the second threshold value is exceeded by the fill level in the container. In this case, a user may take action to suitably absorb or drain the water. Alternatively, using the second sensors, only the warning can be issued and not automatically open the valve. The valve may then be manually opened by the user or automatically when the user has taken the action to drain the water. For example, the user may place a second container under the drain or connect a pipe or hose to the drain.

According to embodiments of the invention, the device comprises a filter. The filter is located in the drain or directly in front of the drain. The filter is designed to filter the water when the container is emptied. This is advantageous, for example, if the water is to be used, for example, for a toilet flush or for a washing machine. In addition, such a filter may also be advantageous when the water is passed into the sewer system. Here, legal regulations must be observed, which are adhered to by the use of the filter.

According to embodiments of the invention, the heating element is arranged such that the temperature of the funnel-shaped opening increases from an upper opening of the funnel-shaped opening toward a lower opening of the funnel-shaped opening when the heating element is switched on. The upper opening serves to receive snow in the funnel-shaped opening. The lower opening serves to transport the molten snow, ie the water, into the container. The cross-sectional area of the upper opening is greater than the cross-sectional area of the lower opening, so that a funnel effect comes into play. The temperature rise from the upper opening to the lower opening is advantageous because it ensures that the snow melts before it reaches the container. This is achieved by having the highest temperature there is present where the funnel-shaped opening opens into the container. For this purpose, for example, be arranged at the lower opening another heating element.

According to embodiments of the invention, the heating element is arranged spirally on the inner wall of the funnel-shaped opening. In other words, the heating element spirals along the inner wall of the funnel-shaped opening. Such a helical winding of the heating element is advantageous, since an extremely large heating surface is thus achieved with a single heating element. The heating element can thereby run along visibly for the user on the inner wall of the funnel-shaped opening. so that it comes into direct contact with the snow to be melted.

Alternatively or additionally, the heating element may extend behind the inner wall of the funnel-shaped opening so that it is invisible to the user and does not come into direct contact with the snow.

According to embodiments of the invention, the funnel-shaped opening comprises a further heating element which is arranged on the lower opening of the funnel-shaped opening. This second heating element can be used to ensure that the snow is melted before it enters the container.

The use of the further heating element is particularly advantageous because the heating element and the further heating element can be controlled independently of each other in their heating power. For example, the heating power of the further element can be increased, without the heating power of the heating element is also increased. Thus, an individual control of the temperature profile within the funnel-shaped opening is possible. In particular, it can be achieved that the temperature rises from the upper opening of the funnel-shaped opening toward the lower opening in order to ensure melting of the snow before it reaches the container.

According to embodiments of the invention, the funnel-shaped opening comprises temperature sensors. The temperature sensors are designed to measure a temperature at the lower opening. The temperature sensors are also designed to trigger an increase in the heating power of the other heating element. In addition, further temperature sensors may be arranged in the funnel-shaped opening, which allow, for example, a regulation of the heating power of the heating element. For example, the temperature sensors may increase the heating power of the further heating element when the temperature falls below a temperature threshold. For example, the temperature may fall below the temperature threshold because snow has accumulated at the lower opening and clogs the funnel-shaped opening. In this case, the temperature falls below the temperature threshold and the heating power of the further heating element is increased. Thus, the snow is melted and frees the funnel-shaped opening of snow.

According to embodiments of the invention, the temperature sensors are adapted to reduce the heating power of the further heating element when the temperature rises above a further temperature threshold. This serves to save energy. For example, if less snow is poured, the heating power of the other heating element can be reduced without snow enters the container or the funnel-shaped opening clogged.

In a further aspect, the invention relates to a system of a device according to embodiments of the invention and a motor vehicle. This is advantageous because the motor of the motor vehicle can be used to provide the electrical energy for the heating element. In addition, the vehicle may be used to transport the device. For example, the vehicle may be a vehicle with a snow shovel, wherein the captured snow is conducted into the funnel-shaped opening of the device and is melted there. For example, the motor vehicle may also include a snowthrower configured to hurl the snow into the funnel-shaped opening where the snow is then melted.

The device for melting snow may be arranged on the motor vehicle itself or alternatively, the device for melting snow wheels. In the latter case, the device is pulled or pushed by the motor vehicle.

Particularly advantageous in the system of the device and the motor vehicle, the use of the second sensors. For example, the second sensors may warn the driver of the motor vehicle when the level of the container exceeds the second threshold. In this case, the user is presented with a warning in the form of acoustic and / or optical signals. The user can then park the vehicle and empty the container. For example, the container can be disposed of in the sewer, in a dedicated disposal point or in another container. The further container may for example be designed to be many times larger than the container of the device and accommodate a plurality of fillings of the container. The water in The other container can then be used for example for street cleaning or for the operation of a washing machine or a toilet flush.

In yet another aspect, the invention relates to a method of melting snow in a device having a funnel-shaped opening and a container. First, the snow is absorbed through the funnel-shaped opening. Subsequently, the snow is melted in the funnel-shaped opening. This can be done for example by one or more heating elements in the funnel-shaped opening. The water is then taken up by the container. The forwarding of the water from the funnel-shaped opening to the container can take place, for example, by means of gravity, wherein the water is passed through the funnel-shaped opening into the container.

In the following, embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. Show it:

1 a schematic view of a device according to embodiments of the invention;

2 a schematic view of a funnel-shaped opening of a device according to embodiments of the invention; and

3 schematic views of several devices according to embodiments of the invention.

Elements of the following figures that correspond to each other are identified by the same reference numerals.

1 schematically shows a device 100 for melting snow. The device 100 includes a container 102 and a funnel-shaped opening 104 , In the funnel-shaped opening 104 snow or water can be introduced. The funnel-shaped opening 104 includes a heating element (not shown here, see 2 ). The heating element serves to melt the snow when in the funnel-shaped opening 104 is filled. It is important that the snow in the funnel-shaped opening 104 is melted so he does not put in the container as snow 102 arrives. As snow, it would take up much more volume than water. When the snow has melted into water, the water will automatically enter the tank 102 directed. This is done by gravity. The water gets through the funnel-shaped opening 104 in the container 102 directed. The device also includes a drain 106 , The drain, in turn, has a valve 108 and a filter 110 on. The drain 106 is in a lower area of the container 102 arranged so that the container 102 can be emptied as far as possible. The valve 108 can be opened manually, for example. Alternatively or additionally, an opening of the valve takes place 108 automatically by sensors of the container 102 indicating the level of the container 102 detect.

The valve may also be open for a full period of time when filling the device with snow. In this case, the water drains directly from the container. Preferably, the device is then arranged so that the effluent water is fed to a sewer system.

For example, the sensors solve an automatic opening of the valve 108 off when the level exceeds a threshold. When the valve is opened, the water gets out of the container 102 through the drain 106 drained. The water passes through the filter 110 , The filtered water can be used, for example, in washing machines or toilet flushes. In summer, the funnel-shaped opening 104 serve to pick up rainwater and into the container 102 to lead. Thus, the container 102 be used in the summer for water production. For example, the funnel-shaped opening 104 placed under a gutter or connected to a gutter by means of a hose or a pipe. So the rainwater that runs through the gutter, through the container 102 added. The device 100 can be used in winter for snow removal. In addition, the device may 100 used for water production both in summer and in winter.

2 is a schematic view of a cross section of a funnel-shaped opening 104 , The funnel-shaped opening 104 has an inner wall 200 to which a heating element 202 is arranged spirally. The heating element 202 For example, it can carry warm water to the funnel-shaped opening 104 to melt introduced snow or be heated by electrical energy. The funnel-shaped opening 104 also includes an upper opening 204 , Furthermore, the funnel-shaped opening comprises 104 a lower opening 206 , At the lower opening is another heating element 208 arranged. The further heating coil 208 also runs spirally on the inner wall 200 the funnel-shaped opening 104 , The heating coils 202 and 208 can for example be controlled by temperature sensors (not shown here). In this case, the heating power is increased when the temperature drops and the heating power decreases as the temperature rises. Thus, energy can be saved, and it is prevented. that snow gets into the container or the funnel-shaped opening 104 clogged. In particular, the heating coils 208 be regulated so that at the lower opening, which is the area with the smallest cross-sectional area of the funnel-shaped opening 104 represents, no blockage by the snow takes place. For this purpose, sensors can be used in addition to temperature sensors, the level of snow in the funnel-shaped opening 104 detect. When the snow level in the funnel-shaped opening 104 exceeds a certain threshold, the heating power is at least one of the heating elements 202 and 208 increased so that the snow is melted and the funnel-shaped opening 104 becomes free.

The heating element 202 is spiral in the funnel-shaped opening 104 arranged, for example, the in 2 represented axis 210 represents the axis of the spiral.

There is also the possibility to use surface heating elements, which are attached laterally. An attachment of the surface heating elements can be achieved for example by an adhesive or screw connection.

There are also other designs of the heating element 202 possible. For example, the heating element may consist of a plurality of strips which extend on the inner wall of the funnel-shaped opening. There are also several or a single heating element possible, which extend meandering on the inner wall of the funnel-shaped opening.

3a Figure-c shows schematically various embodiments of the invention. In 3a the funnel-shaped opening is partially in the container 102 admitted. In 3b This is quite the case, so that the upper opening of the funnel-shaped opening is flush with the wall of the container 102 concludes. In 3c is the area of the funnel-shaped opening with the smallest cross-sectional area completely in the container. The area of the funnel-shaped opening, in which the cross-sectional area increases, is still partially in the container. To another part of the funnel-shaped opening protrudes from the container.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100

contraption

102

container

104

funnel-shaped opening

106

outflow

108

Valve

110

filter

200

inner wall

202

heating element

204

upper opening

206

lower opening

208

heating element

210

axis

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 9315453 U1 [0002]
• US 5235762 [0003]
• DE 9214895 U [0004]
• US 6336738 B1 [0005]
• DE 4016379 A1 [0006]
• US 2008/0276498 A1 [0007]

Claims (12)

Contraption ( 100 ) for melting snow, comprising: - a funnel-shaped opening ( 104 ) for receiving snow or water, wherein a heating element ( 202 ) on an inner wall ( 200 ) the funnel-shaped opening ( 104 ) is arranged; - a container ( 102 ) for receiving water; the heating element ( 202 ) is adapted to melt the snow to water; the funnel-shaped opening ( 104 ) is adapted to the water in the container ( 102 ). Contraption ( 100 ) according to claim 1, wherein the device ( 100 ) comprises a platform on which the container ( 102 ) and the funnel-shaped opening ( 104 ) are arranged, and wherein the platform is adapted to the device ( 100 ). Contraption ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the funnel-shaped opening ( 104 ) first sensors, the first sensors for detecting whether snow through the funnel-shaped opening ( 104 ) are formed, and wherein the first sensors are adapted to the heating element ( 202 ) when it has been detected that snow from the funnel-shaped opening ( 104 ) is recorded. Contraption ( 100 ) according to claim 3, wherein the first sensors for a detection of a filling level of the funnel-shaped opening ( 104 ) are formed, and wherein the first sensors a heating power of the heating element ( 202 ) when the level exceeds a first threshold. Contraption ( 100 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container ( 102 ) second sensors, a valve ( 108 ) and an outflow ( 106 ), wherein the second sensors for detecting a filling level of the container ( 102 ) are formed, wherein the valve ( 108 ) in the closed state the drain ( 106 ), and wherein the second sensors are adapted to output a signal to open the valve when the level exceeds a second threshold. Contraption ( 100 ) according to claim 5, wherein the device ( 100 ) a filter ( 110 ), wherein the filter ( 110 ) in or just before the outflow ( 106 ), and wherein the filter ( 110 ) is designed to filter the water when the container ( 102 ) is emptied. Contraption ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating element ( 202 ) is arranged so that the temperature of the funnel-shaped opening ( 104 ) from an upper opening ( 204 ) to a lower opening ( 206 ) rises when the heating element ( 202 ), wherein the upper opening has a first cross-sectional area and the lower opening has a second cross-sectional area, and wherein the first cross-sectional area is larger than the second cross-sectional area. Contraption ( 100 ) according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the heating element ( 202 ) spirally on the inner wall ( 200 ) the funnel-shaped opening ( 104 ) runs along. Contraption ( 100 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the funnel-shaped opening ( 104 ) another heating element ( 208 ), which at the lower opening ( 206 ) is arranged. Contraption ( 100 ) according to claim 9, wherein the funnel-shaped opening ( 104 ) Temperature sensors, wherein the temperature sensors for measuring a temperature in the transition region ( 206 ) are formed, and wherein the temperature sensors are adapted to increase the heating power of the further heating element ( 208 ) when the temperature falls below a temperature threshold. System of a device ( 100 ) according to any one of claims 1-10 and a motor vehicle. Method for melting snow in a device ( 100 ) with a funnel-shaped opening ( 104 ) and a container ( 102 ), the method comprising the following steps: - picking up the snow through the funnel-shaped opening ( 104 ); Melting of the snow in the funnel-shaped opening ( 104 ) to water; and - receiving the water into the container ( 102 ).

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