Double-module prepayment water meter

Abstract

The utility model aims to provide a double-module prepayment water meter which comprises a handheld device and a water meter body, and the water meter body comprises a communication device, a central processing unit and an electromagnetic valve. The dual-module prepayment water meter comprises a communication device and further comprises a power supply module connected with the communication device, the power supply module comprises a power source and a power supply change-over switch located between the power source and the communication device, the communication device comprises a Cat1 communication module and a LoRa communication module, and the dual-module prepayment water meter has the Cat1 communication mode and the LoRa communication mode. And recharging is carried out through the Cat1 communication module under the condition that the condition is allowed, so that the use convenience of a user can be improved. And under the condition of poor signals, the communication modes can be switched through the power supply change-over switch, and the LoRa communication module is switched to carry out recharging, so that different environments and network conditions can be better adapted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of water meters, and more specifically, to the technical field of intelligent prepaid water meters. Background Art

[0002] A prepaid water meter is a water meter that allows users to prepay water fees in advance and then deduct fees from the prepaid amount according to the usage. Common prepaid water meters are classified by communication type, such as LoRa prepaid water meters, Cat1 prepaid water meters, etc. The main working principle of the LoRa prepaid water meter is as follows: The user obtains a TOKEN code through text messages or other recharge platforms and inputs it into the handheld device. The handheld device sends the TOKEN to the water meter, and its internal LoRa communication module receives and transmits it to the central processor. The central processor determines whether the payment is successful by verifying the validity of the TOKEN code, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the motor valve inside the water meter.

[0003] However, the LoRa prepaid water meter uses LoRa wireless communication technology for users to perform remote recharge and data transmission. The transmission rate is slow and has a high latency, resulting in users mistakenly thinking that the recharge is not successful and thus making duplicate payments. Moreover, the operation is relatively cumbersome. After the user recharges on the recharge platform, there are further steps of inputting the TOKEN code and verifying the TOKEN code by the water meter.

[0004] The Cat1 prepaid water meter performs data transmission and recharge operations by using the 4G LTE Cat1 network. Users can directly interact with the Cat1 communication module inside the water meter through the cloud platform, with convenient operation, eliminating the work of inputting and verifying the TOKEN code. However, in some remote areas or areas with poor signal, the cellular network cannot provide a stable connection. Therefore, the installation environment of the water meter has a high selectivity. Summary of the Utility Model

[0005] The purpose of the utility model is to provide a dual-module prepaid water meter, which improves the convenience of user recharge operations and better adapts to different environmental and network conditions.

[0006] The utility model is achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0007] A dual-module prepaid water meter includes a handheld device and a water meter body. The water meter body includes a communication device, a central processor, and a solenoid valve. It is characterized in that it further includes a power supply module connected to the communication device. The power supply module includes a power supply and a power supply switching switch located between the power supply and the communication device. The communication device includes a Cat1 communication module and a LoRa communication module. The power supply switching switch is used to switch the power supply control of the power supply to the Cat1 communication module and the LoRa communication module.

[0008] When the surrounding environment of the water meter has a strong 4G network signal, the power supply switching switch is controlled to supply power from the power supply module to the Cat1 communication module. At this time, the user can interact with the Cat1 communication module inside the water meter through the cloud platform to complete the payment. If the water meter is installed in some remote areas or areas with poor signal, the power supply switching switch is used to supply power from the power supply module to the LoRa communication module. The user obtains a TOKEN code through a text message or other recharge platforms and inputs it into the handheld device. The handheld device sends the TOKEN code to the LoRa communication module, and the LoRa communication module determines whether the payment is successful by verifying the validity of the TOKEN code. The power supply switching switch can be an electronic switch in the prior art, such as a relay or a switching tube, and the switching of the switch is controlled by an electrical signal. A mechanical switch can also be selected and manually selected by the user.

[0009] This dual-module prepaid water meter has two communication methods, Cat1 and LoRa. Recharging through the Cat1 communication module can improve the convenience of user use when conditions permit. Under poor signal conditions, the communication mode can also be switched through the power supply switching switch to switch to the LoRa communication module for recharging, better adapting to different environments and network conditions.

[0010] As a preference of the present utility model, the water meter body further includes a water meter housing, and a signal shielding device is provided on the water meter housing. The signal shielding device includes a groove wall, a switch plate movably connected to the groove wall, and a cavity for placing the handheld device.

[0011] The signal shielding device provides a dedicated storage location for the handheld device. When the handheld device is not in use, it can be safely stored here, reducing loss caused by forgetting or accidents. In addition, the handheld device may generate electromagnetic interference, and the signal shielding device can effectively isolate these interferences, protecting communication devices such as the Cat1 and LoRa modules from being affected and ensuring the stability and reliability of communication.

[0012] As a preference of the present utility model, a telescopic device is provided in the cavity. One end of the telescopic device abuts against the groove wall, and the other end abuts against the handheld device. A lock is provided on the switch plate. When the switch plate is opened, the handheld device can be automatically ejected out of the signal shielding device through the telescopic device.

[0013] Providing a telescopic device in the cavity facilitates the removal of the handheld device, improving the operation convenience. At the same time, it can save the space of the cavity, thereby ensuring the compactness and small size of the water meter body structure.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the utility model, the power supply switching switch is a mechanical single-pole double-throw switch, which comprises a static contact, a moving contact, a throwing device connected to the moving contact, and a slide located on the water meter housing; the static contact comprises static contact one and static contact two, which are respectively connected to the Cat1 communication module and the LoRa communication module; the two ends of the slide are respectively connected to the static contact one and the static contact two, and the power switching is achieved by controlling the throwing device to slide at both ends of the slide.

[0015] The mechanical single-pole double-throw switch has a simple structure, which helps to simplify the overall circuit design, thereby effectively avoiding misoperation caused by electronic component failure and improving the safety and reliability of the system. In addition, by switching through the single-pole double-throw switch, only one of the Cat1 communication module and the LoRa communication module is in working state, thereby reducing some unnecessary energy waste.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lock includes a buckle and a latch, the buckle is provided on the opening and closing plate, the latch is connected to the throwing device and is consistent with the movement state of the throwing device; when the throwing device slides to the static contact point two, the latch is away from the buckle, and the opening and closing plate is not locked; when the throwing device slides to the static contact point one, the latch enters the buckle, and the opening and closing plate is locked.

[0017] The latch is connected to the throwing device, and when the throwing device moves, the opening and closing plate is driven to open and close automatically and to lock automatically, thereby realizing the automation of the opening and closing of the opening and closing plate, which improves the convenience of use for users, has a simple structure and controllable costs.

[0018] As a preferred embodiment of the utility model, the cavity opens upward, the telescopic device is located at the bottom of the cavity, and includes a contact plate and a telescopic spring, a plurality of the telescopic springs are provided, one end of which is connected to the contact plate, and the other end is connected to the groove wall, the contact plate contacts the handheld device, and the extension surface of the contact plate is perpendicular to the deformation direction of the telescopic spring.

[0019] Multiple telescopic springs can disperse the pressure, making the handheld game console more stable during the ejection process, while the uniform force distribution helps protect the handheld game console from damage. In addition, the cavity opens upward, and the telescopic device is located at the bottom of the cavity. When the opening and closing plate is opened, the support force provided by the handheld game console and the telescopic device reaches a force balance, so that the handheld game console will not accidentally fall out of the cavity, thereby improving the safety of operation. In addition, since the extended surface of the resistance plate is perpendicular to the deformation direction of the telescopic spring, and it can be ensured that the handheld game console is acted on by the telescopic device in a vertically upward direction, it will not cause jamming or friction during the ejection process, thereby ensuring the smoothness and reliability of the ejection of the handheld game console.

[0020] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an elastic resistance device is provided on the opening and closing plate, and when the opening and closing plate is closed, the elastic resistance device flexibly resists the handheld device located inside the opening and closing plate.

[0021] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a filtering and voltage stabilizing module is provided between the power supply module and the communication device.

[0022] The filtering and voltage stabilizing module can select a combination of commonly used capacitors and inductors in the prior art to suppress high-frequency noise and ripple. A filtering and voltage stabilizing module is provided between the power supply module and the communication device, which can reduce the impact of abnormal noise caused by the power supply switching of the power supply switching switch on the communication device, and ensure the stability and reliability of the communication device when receiving and transmitting signals.

[0023] As a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, the water meter body further includes a booster antenna, the booster antenna is connected to the communication device, and a unidirectional isolator is provided between the booster antenna and the communication device.

[0024] In high-speed mobile or signal coverage edge areas, the gain antenna can provide a stronger signal to enhance the signal transmission capability. The unidirectional isolator can use the circulator in the prior art, which allows the signal to be transmitted in one direction, thereby reducing reverse interference.

[0025] In summary, the utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0026] 1. This dual-module prepaid water meter has two communication modes: Cat1 and LoRa. When conditions permit, recharging through the Cat1 communication module can improve the convenience of user use; under conditions of poor signal, the communication mode can also be switched through the power supply switch, switching to the LoRa communication module for recharging, so as to better adapt to different environments and network conditions.

[0027] 2. The mechanical single-pole double-throw switch has a simple structure, which helps to simplify the overall circuit design, thus effectively avoiding misoperations caused by electronic component failures and improving the safety and reliability of the system. In addition, by switching through the single-pole double-throw switch, only one of the Cat1 communication module and the LoRa communication module is in the working state, thereby reducing some unnecessary energy waste.

[0028] 3. A filter voltage stabilization module is provided between the power supply module and the communication device, which can reduce the influence of abnormal noise brought by the power supply switching of the power supply switching switch on the communication device and ensure the stability and reliability of the communication device when receiving and transmitting signals.

[0029] 4. The signal shielding device provides a dedicated storage location for the handheld device. When the handheld device is not in use, it can be safely stored here, reducing losses caused by forgetting or accidents. In addition, the handheld device may generate electromagnetic interference, and the signal shielding device can effectively isolate these interferences, protecting communication devices such as Cat1 and LoRa modules from being affected and ensuring the stability and reliability of communication.

[0030] 5. A telescopic device is provided in the cavity to facilitate the removal of the handheld device, improving the operation convenience. At the same time, it can save the space of the cavity, thus ensuring the compactness and small size of the water meter body structure.

[0031] 6. The gain antenna can provide a stronger signal, thereby enhancing the signal transmission ability; the unidirectional isolator can allow the signal to be transmitted unidirectionally, thereby reducing reverse interference.

[0032] 7. By connecting the bolt to the throwing device, when the throwing device moves, it drives the automatic opening, closing and automatic locking of the opening and closing plate together, realizing the automation of the opening and closing of the opening and closing plate. While improving the convenience of user use, the structure is simple and the cost is controllable. Description of the Drawings

[0033] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the water meter body;

[0034] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the external structure of the water meter;

[0035] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the signal shielding device.

[0036] In the figure: 1. Water meter shell, 2. Groove wall, 3. Opening and closing plate, 4. Cavity, 5. Lock, 51. Buckle ring, 52. Bolt, 6. Telescopic device, 61. Contact plate, 62. Telescopic spring, 7. Handheld device, 8. Mechanical single-pole double-throw switch, 81. Throwing device, 82. Slideway, 9. Elastic contact device. Detailed implementation mode

[0037] The present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] This specific embodiment is only an interpretation of the present utility model, and it is not a limitation of the present utility model. After reading this specification, those skilled in the art can make modifications to this embodiment without creative contributions as needed, but as long as they are within the scope of the claims of the present utility model, they are protected by the patent law.

[0039] As Figure 1 shown, a dual-module prepaid water meter includes a handheld device 7 and a water meter body. Among them, the water meter body includes a signal shielding device, a communication device, a central processing unit, a solenoid valve, a power supply module, a voltage stabilizing and filtering module, a gain antenna, and a unidirectional isolator.

[0040] The power supply module includes a power supply, a power supply switching switch located between the power supply and the communication device, and a voltage stabilizing and filtering module. The communication device includes a Cat1 communication module and a LoRa communication module. The power supply switching switch is used to switch the power supply for power supply control of the Cat1 communication module and the LoRa communication module. The filtering and voltage stabilizing module can select a combination of common capacitors and inductors in the prior art to suppress high-frequency noise and ripple, so as to reduce the influence of abnormal noise caused by power supply switching of the power supply switching switch on the communication device, and ensure the stability and reliability of the communication device during signal reception and transmission.

[0041] The power supply switching switch can select an electronic switch in the prior art, such as a relay or a switching tube, and control the switching of the switch through an electrical signal. A mechanical switch can also be selected and manually selected by the user. In this embodiment, the power supply switching switch selects a mechanical single-pole double-throw switch 8. The mechanical single-pole double-throw switch 8 has an input terminal and two output terminals. The input terminal is connected to the power supply, and the two output terminals are respectively connected to the Cat1 communication module and the LoRa communication module. The structure of the mechanical single-pole double-throw switch 8 is simple, which helps to simplify the overall circuit design, thereby effectively avoiding misoperation caused by electronic component failures and improving the safety and reliability of the system. In addition, switching through the single-pole double-throw switch enables only one of the Cat1 communication module and the LoRa communication module to be in a working state, thereby reducing some unnecessary energy waste.

[0042] When the surrounding environment of the water meter has a strong 4G network signal, the power supply switching switch is controlled to supply power to the Cat1 communication module by the power supply module. At this time, the user can interact with the Cat1 communication module inside the water meter through the cloud platform to complete the payment. If the water meter is installed in some remote areas or areas with poor signal, the power supply switching switch is used to supply power to the LoRa communication module by the power supply module. The user obtains a TOKEN code through SMS or other recharge platforms and inputs it into the handheld device 7. The handheld device 7 sends the TOKEN code to the LoRa communication module. The LoRa communication module receives and transmits it to the central processing unit. The TOKEN receiving module in the central processing unit receives the TOKEN code and decrypts it through the STA decryption module (SecureTransmission Assistant) to verify the validity of the TOKEN code to determine whether the payment is successful, so as to control the opening and closing of the motor valve inside the water meter. If the payment is successful, the action execution module in the central processing unit updates the balance of the water meter. If the payment is not successful, a recharge failure signal is transmitted through the communication device.

[0043] The water meter body also includes a water meter housing 1. A signal shielding device is provided on the water meter housing 1. The signal shielding device includes a groove wall 2, a switch plate 3 movably connected to the groove wall 2, and a cavity 4 for placing the handheld device 7.

[0044] As Figure 2 、 3 shown, the water meter body also includes a water meter housing 1. A signal shielding device is provided on the water meter housing 1. The signal shielding device includes a groove wall 2, a switch plate 3 movably connected to the groove wall 2, and a cavity 4 for placing the handheld device 7.

[0045] The signal shielding device provides a dedicated storage location for the handheld device 7. When the handheld device 7 is not in use, it can be safely stored here to reduce loss caused by forgetting or accident. In addition, the handheld device 7 may generate electromagnetic interference. The signal shielding device can effectively isolate these interferences, protect communication devices such as Cat1 and LoRa modules from being affected, and ensure the stability and reliability of communication.

[0046] Among them, the cavity 4 has an upward opening and is provided with a telescopic device 6 inside. The telescopic device 6 is located at the bottom of the cavity 4 and includes a contact plate 61 and a telescopic spring 62. There are multiple telescopic springs 62. One end is connected to the contact plate 61, and the other end is connected to the groove wall 2. The contact plate 61 abuts against the handheld device 7, and the extension surface of the contact plate 61 is perpendicular to the deformation direction of the telescopic spring 62. A lock 5 is provided on the switch plate 3. When the switch plate 3 is opened, the handheld device 7 can automatically pop out of the signal shielding device through the telescopic device 6.

[0047] A telescopic device 6 is provided in the cavity 4, which is convenient for taking out the handheld device 7 and improves the operation convenience. At the same time, it can save the space of the cavity 4, thus ensuring the compactness and small size of the water meter body structure. Setting multiple telescopic springs 62 can disperse the pressure, making the handheld device 7 more stable during the ejection process. At the same time, the uniform force distribution helps to protect the handheld device 7 from damage. In addition, the opening of the cavity 4 faces upward, and the telescopic device 6 is located at the bottom of the cavity 4. When the opening and closing plate 3 is opened, the supporting force provided by the handheld device 7 and the telescopic device 6 reaches the force balance, so that the handheld device 7 will not accidentally fall out of the cavity 4, improving the operation safety. And, since the extension surface of the abutting plate 61 is perpendicular to the deformation direction of the telescopic spring 62, it can ensure that the acting direction of the force on the handheld device 7 by the telescopic device 6 is vertically upward, without causing jamming or friction during the ejection process, ensuring the smoothness and reliability of the ejection of the handheld device 7.

[0048] As a preference of this embodiment, the mechanical single-pole double-throw switch 8 includes a static contact, a moving contact, a throwing device 81 connected to the moving contact, and a slideway 82 located on the water meter housing 1; the static contact includes a first static contact and a second static contact, which are respectively connected to the Cat1 communication module and the LoRa communication module; the two ends of the slideway 82 are respectively connected to the first static contact and the second static contact, and the power supply is switched by controlling the throwing device 81 to slide at both ends. The lock 5 includes a buckle 51 and a bolt 52. The buckle 51 is provided on the opening and closing plate 3, and the bolt 52 is connected to the throwing device 81 and has the same motion state as the throwing device 81; when the throwing device 81 slides to the second static contact, the bolt 52 moves away from the buckle 51, and the opening and closing plate 3 is not locked; when the throwing device 81 slides to the first static contact, the bolt 52 enters the buckle 51, and the opening and closing plate 3 is locked. By connecting the bolt 52 to the throwing device 81, when the throwing device 81 moves, it drives the automatic opening and closing and automatic locking of the opening and closing plate 3 together, realizing the automation of the opening and closing of the opening and closing plate 3, improving the convenience of user use, and having a simple structure and controllable cost.

[0049] As a preference of this embodiment, the water meter body further includes a gain antenna, the gain antenna is connected to the communication device, and a unidirectional isolator is provided between the gain antenna and the communication device. In a high-speed moving or signal coverage edge area, the gain antenna can provide a stronger signal, thereby enhancing the signal transmission ability. The unidirectional isolator can be a circulator in the prior art, which allows the signal to be transmitted unidirectionally, thereby reducing the reverse interference.

[0050] A dual-module prepaid water meter of this technical solution has two communication modes, Cat1 and LoRa. When conditions permit, recharging through the Cat1 communication module can improve the convenience of user use. Under poor signal conditions, the communication mode can be switched through the power supply switch, switching to the LoRa communication module for recharging, which improves the convenience of user recharging operations and better adapts to different environments and network conditions.

[0051] As a preference of this embodiment, as a preference of the utility model, an elastic resistance device 9 is provided on the opening and closing plate 3. When the opening and closing plate 3 is closed, the elastic resistance device 9 flexibly resists the handheld device 7 located inside the opening and closing plate 3, thereby reducing the damage to the handheld device 7 when the switch plate is closed.

[0052] The above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A dual-module prepaid water meter, comprising a handheld unit (7) and a water meter body. The water meter body includes a communication device, a central processor, and a solenoid valve, characterized in that, It further includes a power supply module connected to the communication device. The power supply module includes a power source and a power supply switching switch located between the power source and the communication device. The communication device includes a Cat1 communication module and a LoRa communication module. The power supply switching switch is used to switch the power supply control of the power source to the Cat1 communication module and the LoRa communication module.

2. The dual-module pre-payment water meter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water meter body further includes a water meter housing (1). A signal shielding device is provided on the water meter housing (1). The signal shielding device includes a groove wall (2), a switch plate (3) movably connected to the groove wall (2), and a cavity (4) for placing the handheld device (7).

3. The dual-module pre-payment water meter according to claim 2, characterized in that, A telescopic device (6) is provided in the cavity (4). One end of the telescopic device (6) abuts against the groove wall (2), and the other end abuts against the handheld device (7). A lock (5) is provided on the switch plate (3). When the switch plate (3) is opened, the handheld device (7) automatically pops out of the signal shielding device through the telescopic device (6).

4. The dual-module pre-payment water meter according to claim 3, characterized in that, The power supply switching switch is a mechanical single-pole double-throw switch (8). The mechanical single-pole double-throw switch (8) includes a stationary contact, a moving contact, a throwing device (81) connected to the moving contact, and a slideway (82) located on the water meter housing (1). The stationary contact includes a first stationary contact and a second stationary contact, which are respectively connected to the Cat1 communication module and the LoRa communication module. The two ends of the slideway (82) are respectively connected to the first stationary contact and the second stationary contact. By controlling the throwing device (81) to slide at both ends, the power supply can be switched.

5. The dual-module pre-payment water meter according to claim 4, wherein, The lock (5) includes a buckle ring (51) and a bolt (52). The buckle ring (51) is provided on the switch plate (3). The bolt (52) is connected to the throwing device (81) and has the same motion state as the throwing device (81). When the throwing device (81) slides to the second stationary contact, the bolt (52) moves away from the buckle ring (51), and the switch plate (3) is not locked. When the throwing device (81) slides to the first stationary contact, the bolt (52) enters the buckle ring (51), and the switch plate (3) is locked.

6. The dual-module pre-payment water meter according to claim 3, characterized in that, The opening of the cavity (4) faces upward. The telescopic device (6) is located at the bottom of the cavity (4) and includes a contact plate (61) and a plurality of telescopic springs (62). One end of each telescopic spring (62) is connected to the contact plate (61), and the other end is connected to the groove wall (2). The contact plate (61) abuts against the handheld device (7), and the extension surface of the contact plate (61) is perpendicular to the deformation direction of the telescopic spring (62).

7. The dual-module pre-payment water meter according to claim 3, characterized in that, An elastic abutting device (9) is provided on the switch plate (3). When the switch plate (3) is closed, the elastic abutting device (9) makes a flexible contact with the handheld device (7) located in the cavity (4).

8. The dual-module pre-payment water meter according to claim 2, characterized in that, A filter voltage stabilizing module is provided between the power supply module and the communication module.

9. A dual-module prepaid water meter according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The water meter body further includes a gain antenna, the gain antenna is connected to the communication device, and a unidirectional isolator is provided between the gain antenna and the communication device.

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