A smart water meter based on piezoelectric ceramic self-powered

Abstract

The present invention proposes an intelligent water meter based on piezoelectric ceramic self-power supply, comprising a control circuit, a storage battery, a piezoelectric ceramic power generation module, and a water volume counter; the piezoelectric ceramic power generation module comprises an elastic strip arranged in a water channel of the water meter; one end of the elastic strip is fixed to a power generation module mounting seat, and the other end is suspended in the water channel of the water meter, the long side of the elastic strip is arranged at an angle to the direction of the water flow, a piezoelectric ceramic thin layer is arranged on the surface of the elastic strip, and the electrical output end of the piezoelectric ceramic thin layer is connected to the storage battery; when the elastic strip is deformed under the impact of the water flow, the electric energy generated by the piezoelectric ceramic thin layer is output to the storage battery for storage; the storage battery supplies power to the control circuit; the water volume counter is connected to the impeller of the water meter, and when the water pressure drives the impeller to rotate, the water volume counter measures the water consumption; the present invention can effectively solve the problem of long-term monitoring, control and power supply of the intelligent water meter, and has the advantages of simple structure, convenient installation, green environmental protection, economy and practicality, etc.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of water meters, in particular to an intelligent water meter based on piezoelectric ceramic self-power supply. Background Art

[0002] In daily life, water meters are installed and used in large numbers. With the advent of the 5G era, a large number of water meters need to be transformed into intelligent ones. However, due to the installation environment of the water meters, most of them are far away from the mains, or even in areas where the mains is not easily accessible. At the same time, due to the access to the mains, additional leakage risks are caused. Simply using batteries can solve short-term electricity consumption, but cannot solve the problem of long-term use. In response to the needs and application scenarios of smart water meters, the present invention uses the flow of water to impact the elastic metal sheet, thereby driving the periodic deformation of the piezoelectric ceramic film to generate electrical energy, which provides electrical energy for the control circuit, thereby solving the power supply problem of the smart water meter nearby, safely and simply.

[0003] In addition, the intelligent water meter also needs to continue to ensure the counting function of the water meter in the case of power outage. The present invention adopts position sensing technologies such as resistance film, magnetic strip, grating, etc. to the counter of the conventional water meter to ensure the measurement accuracy and fairness of the water meter. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention proposes a smart water meter based on piezoelectric ceramic self-power supply, which can effectively solve the long-term monitoring and control power supply problem of the smart water meter, and has the advantages of simple structure, easy installation, green environmental protection, economy and practicality.

[0005] The present invention adopts the following technical solutions.

[0006] A smart water meter based on piezoelectric ceramic self-power supply, the smart water meter comprises a control circuit, a storage battery, a piezoelectric ceramic power generation module, and a water volume counter; the piezoelectric ceramic power generation module comprises an elastic strip arranged in a waterway of the water meter; one end of the elastic strip is fixed to a power generation module mounting seat, and the other end is suspended in the waterway of the water meter, the long side of the elastic strip is arranged at an angle to the direction of water flow, a piezoelectric ceramic thin layer is arranged on the surface of the elastic strip, and the electrical output end of the piezoelectric ceramic thin layer is connected to the storage battery; when the elastic strip is deformed under the impact of the water flow, the electrical energy generated by the piezoelectric ceramic thin layer is output to the storage battery for storage; the storage battery supplies power to the control circuit;

[0007] The water volume counter is connected to the analog-to-digital conversion interface of the control circuit; the water volume counter is connected to the water meter impeller through a counting mechanism. When the water pressure in the water meter waterway drives the impeller to rotate, the counting mechanism of the water volume counter is driven by the impeller to measure the water consumption.

[0008] The counting mechanism of the water volume counter stores the water volume count value in a non-volatile data storage structure; the non-volatile data storage structure includes one of a resistor value position counting structure, a magnetic stripe position counting structure or a grating position counting structure.

[0009] When the non-volatile data storage structure of the water volume counter is a resistor value position counting structure, the counter is connected to the analog-to-digital conversion interface of the control circuit via a resistor interface; the resistor interface includes a counting disc and a resistor ring with a notch; the resistor ring is adjacent to the outer circumference of the counting disc, and the analog-to-digital conversion interface of the control circuit is connected to the counting disc via a first contact; the analog-to-digital conversion interface is connected to the resistor ring via a second contact via a wire; the counting disc is connected to the impeller; when the counting disc rotates under the drive of the impeller, the second contact slips at the resistor ring to change the resistance value of the resistor interface, and the control circuit determines the current water consumption according to the resistance value of the resistor interface of the water volume counter.

[0010] The elastic strip is a metal elastic sheet or an elastic plastic sheet; when the elastic strip is a metal elastic sheet, the surface layer of the elastic strip is a surface layer formed by waterproofing treatment.

[0011] The power generation module includes a fixing ring and a fixing cross bar running through the fixing ring. The fixing ring is fixed at the water outlet of the water meter with a spiral structure. An elastic strip fixing hole is provided at the fixing cross bar. When the elastic strip is fixed to the elastic strip fixing hole, the elastic strip forms an angle with the water flow direction in the range of 0 to 30 degrees.

[0012] The piezoelectric ceramic thin layer is arranged on the upper surface and / or lower surface of the elastic strip. When water flows in the water meter, it impacts the elastic strip to make it bend and deform periodically, so that at least one piezoelectric ceramic thin layer is compressed and deformed to generate electrical energy; the surface of the piezoelectric ceramic thin layer is covered with waterproof material.

[0013] The smart water meter also includes a solenoid valve arranged at the water inlet of the water meter, and the solenoid valve is connected to the control circuit to open or cut off the water path according to the control instruction.

[0014] The control circuit has a built-in microprocessor; the control circuit includes a card reading circuit and a communication circuit.

[0015] When the smart water meter controls the user's water consumption by reading the water fee card, and the solenoid valve is a normally open solenoid valve, its working process includes the following steps in sequence;

[0016] A1. The user turns on the faucet, causing water flow to form in the water channel of the water meter. The power generation module generates electricity with the water flow and charges the storage battery;

[0017] A2. When the power of the storage battery can drive the control circuit, the control circuit compares the available water volume data stored in the storage chip in the control circuit with the current water volume recorded by the water volume counter to determine whether the user can continue to use water;

[0018] A3. When the control circuit determines that the current water consumption is greater than the available water data, the control circuit controls the solenoid valve to cut off the water meter water circuit;

[0019] A4. When the user puts the recharged water fee card on the control circuit and swipes the card, the control circuit updates the available water volume data stored in the storage chip according to the water fee card data, and controls the solenoid valve to conduct the water meter water path, so that the user can use water normally;

[0020] A5. When the user uses water, the water counter counts the water consumption for the control circuit to read. When the current water consumption read by the control circuit exceeds the available water data stored in the control circuit storage chip again, the control circuit controls the solenoid valve to cut off the water meter water path.

[0021] The present invention utilizes the flow of water in the water meter to impact the elastic metal strip, thereby driving the piezoelectric ceramic thin layer to periodically deform and generate electrical energy, which is stored in a storage battery to provide electrical energy for the control circuit, thereby solving the power supply problem of the smart water meter in a nearby, safe and simple manner.

[0022] In the present invention, the water volume counter is connected to the analog-to-digital conversion interface of the control circuit; the water volume counter is connected to the water meter impeller by a counting mechanism. When the water pressure of the water meter waterway drives the impeller to rotate, the counting mechanism of the water volume counter is driven by the impeller to measure the water consumption. In practical applications, the counter can have multiple counting discs corresponding to multi-digit water meter counting to expand the range. Position sensors such as resistor film (resistance ring or resistor layer), magnetic strip, grating, etc. are installed on the discs. The control circuit reads the count value through the position sensor when necessary. Obviously, the intelligent transformation of the existing water meter by the present invention can not affect the counting and measuring function of the existing water meter, and continue to ensure the accuracy and fairness of the water meter measurement in the case of power failure or power outage.

[0023] The control circuit of the present invention has a built-in communication circuit, which can send the current water meter counting results and working status information to the outside at regular or irregular intervals; other conditions can also trigger the external data status transmission function, thereby realizing the intelligent networking, intelligent billing, intelligent management and other functions of the smart water meter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The present invention is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments:

[0025] Attached Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the interior of a water meter of the present invention;

[0026] Attached Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of a mounting base of a piezoelectric ceramic power generation module of the present invention;

[0027] Attached Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the piezoelectric ceramic power generation module mounting seat of the present invention after the elastic strip is installed;

[0028] Attached Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a piezoelectric ceramic power generation module of the present invention;

[0029] Attached Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the water flow in the water surface waterway impacting the elastic strip to cause it to undergo periodic deformation;

[0030] Attached Figure 6 It is a schematic diagram of a counter when the non-volatile data storage structure of the water volume counter is a resistor value position counting structure;

[0031] In the figure: 1-elastic strip; 2-fixing ring of power generation module; 3-storage battery; 4-piezoelectric ceramic thin layer; 5-water volume counter; 6-control circuit; 7-solenoid valve; 8-water meter; 9-impeller; 10-fixing cross bar of power generation module; 11-fixing hole of elastic strip of power generation module; 12-electrical output end (wire) of piezoelectric ceramic thin layer; 13-first contact of analog-to-digital conversion interface; 14-second contact of analog-to-digital conversion interface; 15-resistance ring with notch; 16-wire of analog-to-digital conversion interface; 17-counting disc. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] like Figure 1-6 As shown, a smart water meter based on piezoelectric ceramic self-power supply, the smart water meter 8 includes a control circuit 6, a storage battery 3, a piezoelectric ceramic power generation module, and a water volume counter 5; the piezoelectric ceramic power generation module includes an elastic strip 1 arranged in the waterway of the water meter; one end of the elastic strip 1 is fixed to the power generation module mounting seat, and the other end is suspended in the waterway of the water meter, the long side of the elastic strip 1 is arranged at an angle with the water flow direction, the surface of the elastic strip 1 is provided with a piezoelectric ceramic thin layer 4, and the electrical output end of the piezoelectric ceramic thin layer 4 is connected to the storage battery; when the elastic strip 1 is deformed under the impact of the water flow, the electric energy generated by the piezoelectric ceramic thin layer 4 is output to the storage battery for storage; the storage battery 3 supplies power to the control circuit;

[0033] The water volume counter 5 is connected to the analog-to-digital conversion interface of the control circuit; the water volume counter is connected to the water meter impeller 9 through a counting mechanism. When the water pressure in the water meter waterway drives the impeller 9 to rotate, the counting mechanism of the water volume counter is driven by the impeller to measure the water consumption.

[0034] The counting mechanism of the water volume counter 5 stores the water volume count value in a non-volatile data storage structure; the non-volatile data storage structure includes one of a resistor value position counting structure, a magnetic stripe position counting structure or a grating position counting structure.

[0035] When the non-volatile data storage structure of the water volume counter 5 is a resistor value position counting structure, the counter 5 is connected to the analog-to-digital conversion interface of the control circuit 6 via a resistor interface; the resistor interface includes a counting disc 17 and a resistor ring 15 with a gap; the resistor ring 15 is adjacent to the outer periphery of the counting disc 17, and the analog-to-digital conversion interface of the control circuit 6 is connected to the counting disc 17 via a first contact 13; the analog-to-digital conversion interface is connected to the resistor ring 15 via a second contact 14 via a wire 12; the counting disc 17 is connected to the impeller 9; when the counting disc 17 rotates under the drive of the impeller 9, the second contact 14 slips at the resistor ring to change the resistance value of the resistor interface, and the control circuit determines the current amount of water used according to the resistance value of the resistor interface of the water volume counter.

[0036] The elastic strip 1 is a metal elastic sheet or an elastic plastic sheet; when the elastic strip is a metal elastic sheet, the surface layer of the elastic strip is a surface layer formed by waterproofing.

[0037] The power generation module includes a fixing ring 2 and a fixing cross bar 10 that runs across the fixing ring. The fixing ring 2 is fixed to the water outlet of the water meter in a spiral structure. An elastic strip fixing hole 11 is provided at the fixing cross bar 10. When the elastic strip 1 is fixed to the elastic strip fixing hole 10, the elastic strip 1 forms an angle with the water flow direction in the range of 0 to 30 degrees.

[0038] The piezoelectric ceramic thin layer 4 is arranged on the upper surface and / or lower surface of the elastic strip 1. When water flows in the water meter, it impacts the elastic strip 1 to cause it to bend and deform periodically, so that at least one piezoelectric ceramic thin layer 4 is compressed and deformed to generate electrical energy; the surface of the piezoelectric ceramic thin layer is covered with waterproof material.

[0039] The smart water meter 8 further comprises a solenoid valve 7 arranged at the water inlet of the water meter, and the solenoid valve 7 is connected to the control circuit to open or cut off the water path according to the control instruction.

[0040] The control circuit has a built-in microprocessor; the control circuit includes a card reading circuit and a communication circuit.

[0041] When the smart water meter controls the user's water consumption by reading the water fee card, and the solenoid valve is a normally open solenoid valve, its working process includes the following steps in sequence;

[0042] A1. The user turns on the faucet, causing water flow to form in the water channel of the water meter. The power generation module generates electricity with the water flow and charges the storage battery;

[0043] A2. When the power of the storage battery can drive the control circuit, the control circuit compares the available water volume data stored in the storage chip in the control circuit with the current water volume recorded by the water volume counter to determine whether the user can continue to use water;

[0044] A3. When the control circuit determines that the current water consumption is greater than the available water data, the control circuit controls the solenoid valve to cut off the water meter water circuit;

[0045] A4. When the user puts the recharged water fee card on the control circuit and swipes the card, the control circuit updates the available water volume data stored in the storage chip according to the water fee card data, and controls the solenoid valve to conduct the water meter water path, so that the user can use water normally;

[0046] A5. When the user uses water, the water counter counts the water consumption for the control circuit to read. When the current water consumption read by the control circuit exceeds the available water data stored in the control circuit storage chip again, the control circuit controls the solenoid valve to cut off the water meter water path.

Claims

1. A smart water meter based on piezoelectric ceramic self-powered, characterized in that: The smart water meter comprises a control circuit (6), a storage battery (3), a piezoelectric ceramic power generation module, and a water volume counter (5); the piezoelectric ceramic power generation module comprises an elastic strip (1) arranged in a waterway of the water meter; one end of the elastic strip (1) is fixed to a power generation module mounting seat, and the other end is suspended in the waterway of the water meter; the long side of the elastic strip (1) is arranged at an angle to the direction of water flow; a piezoelectric ceramic thin layer (4) is provided on the surface of the elastic strip, and the electrical output end of the piezoelectric ceramic thin layer is connected to the storage battery (3); when the elastic strip (1) is deformed under the impact of the water flow, the electrical energy generated by the piezoelectric ceramic thin layer (4) is output to the storage battery for storage; the storage battery supplies power to the control circuit; The water volume counter is connected to the analog-to-digital conversion interface of the control circuit; the water volume counter is connected to the water meter impeller through a counting mechanism, and when the water pressure of the water meter waterway drives the impeller to rotate, the counting mechanism of the water volume counter is driven by the impeller to measure the water consumption; The power generation module comprises a fixing ring and a fixing cross bar running through the fixing ring, wherein the fixing ring is fixed at the water outlet of the water meter in a spiral structure; an elastic strip fixing hole is provided at the fixing cross bar; when the elastic strip is fixed to the elastic strip fixing hole, the elastic strip forms an angle with the water flow direction in the range of 0 to 30 degrees; The piezoelectric ceramic thin layer is arranged on the upper surface and / or the lower surface of the elastic strip. When the water in the water meter flows, it impacts the elastic strip to make it bend and deform periodically, so that at least one piezoelectric ceramic thin layer is compressed and deformed to generate electrical energy; the surface of the piezoelectric ceramic thin layer is covered with a waterproof material; The smart water meter also includes a solenoid valve disposed at the water inlet of the water meter, the solenoid valve being connected to the control circuit to open or cut off the water path according to a control instruction; The control circuit has a built-in microprocessor; the control circuit includes a card reading circuit and a communication circuit; When the smart water meter controls the user's water consumption by reading the water fee card, and the solenoid valve is a normally open solenoid valve, its working process includes the following steps in sequence; A1. The user turns on the faucet, causing water flow to form in the water channel of the water meter. The power generation module generates electricity with the water flow and charges the storage battery; A2. When the power of the storage battery can drive the control circuit, the control circuit compares the available water volume data stored in the storage chip in the control circuit with the current water volume recorded by the water volume counter to determine whether the user can continue to use water; A3. When the control circuit determines that the current water consumption is greater than the available water data, the control circuit controls the solenoid valve to cut off the water meter water circuit; A4. When the user puts the recharged water fee card on the control circuit and swipes the card, the control circuit updates the available water volume data stored in the storage chip according to the water fee card data, and controls the solenoid valve to conduct the water meter water path, so that the user can use water normally; A5. When the user uses water, the water counter counts the water consumption for the control circuit to read. When the current water consumption read by the control circuit exceeds the available water data stored in the control circuit storage chip again, the control circuit controls the solenoid valve to cut off the water meter water path.

2. The smart water meter based on piezoelectric ceramic self-power supply according to claim 1, characterized in that: The counting mechanism of the water volume counter stores the water volume count value in a non-volatile data storage structure; the non-volatile data storage structure includes one of a resistor value position counting structure, a magnetic stripe position counting structure or a grating position counting structure.

3. The smart water meter based on piezoelectric ceramic self-power supply according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the non-volatile data storage structure of the water volume counter is a resistor value position counting structure, the counter is connected to the analog-to-digital conversion interface of the control circuit via a resistor interface; the resistor interface includes a counting disc and a resistor ring with a notch; the resistor ring is adjacent to the outer circumference of the counting disc, and the analog-to-digital conversion interface of the control circuit is connected to the counting disc via a first contact; the analog-to-digital conversion interface is connected to the resistor ring via a second contact via a wire; the counting disc is connected to the impeller; when the counting disc rotates under the drive of the impeller, the second contact slips at the resistor ring to change the resistance value of the resistor interface, and the control circuit determines the current water consumption according to the resistance value of the resistor interface of the water volume counter.

4. The smart water meter based on piezoelectric ceramic self-power supply according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic strip is a metal elastic sheet or an elastic plastic sheet; when the elastic strip is a metal elastic sheet, the surface layer of the elastic strip is a surface layer formed by waterproofing treatment.

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