Anti-cracking glass structure of intelligent water meter

Abstract

This application relates to the field of water meter technology, and more specifically to an anti-freeze-crack glass structure for a smart water meter, comprising: a meter casing, a gearbox, a glass cover, and an outer casing. The meter casing has a receiving cavity, the gearbox is placed inside the receiving cavity, the gearbox has a first recess, and a counting mechanism is provided in the first recess. The glass cover is located on top of the gearbox and covers the counting mechanism. The glass cover includes a uniform thickness portion and a thickened portion, the thickened portion extending upward from the top surface of the uniform thickness portion by a predetermined distance. The outer casing has a second recess, the outer casing is threadedly connected to the meter casing, and the glass cover is placed inside the second recess, with the outer casing pressing down on the glass cover. This utility model improves the compressive strength of the glass cover by adding a thickened portion, achieving the advantage that the glass cover is less likely to burst after static water freezes inside the gearbox.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of water meter technology, and more specifically to a frost-resistant glass structure for a smart water meter. Background Technology

[0002] A smart water meter is a water meter that integrates a data processing unit and a communication module, enabling the storage and remote management of water consumption data.

[0003] Patent document (CN221223901U) discloses a smart water meter, as shown in the accompanying drawings of its specification. Figure 1 As can be seen from the diagram, the smart water meter includes a glass cover, a gearbox, an outer cover, and a meter housing. The glass cover is positioned above the gearbox and covers the inner cavity of the gearbox. The outer cover is threadedly connected to the meter housing and presses down on the glass cover, thus covering the inner cavity of the gearbox. When external water flows into the meter housing, the water flows into the inner cavity of the gearbox and is obstructed by the glass cover. It should be noted that in low-temperature winter conditions, if the water in the pipe remains stagnant for a long time, the water inside the gearbox is prone to freezing at low temperatures. Due to the expansion of volume upon freezing, the glass cover may burst. This is as shown in the attached diagram of the instruction manual. Figure 1 As can be seen, the glass cover is a flat disc with a uniform thickness.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a frost-resistant glass structure for smart water meters that prevents the glass cover from bursting after static water freezes inside the gearbox. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main objective of this application is to provide a frost-resistant glass structure for a smart water meter. The frost-resistant structure includes a casing, a gearbox, a glass cover, and an outer casing. The casing has a receiving cavity, and the gearbox is placed within the receiving cavity. The gearbox has a first recess, within which a counting mechanism is located. The glass cover is positioned on top of the gearbox and covers the counting mechanism. The glass cover includes a uniform thickness portion and an increased thickness portion, the increased thickness portion extending upwards a predetermined distance from the top surface of the uniform thickness portion. The outer casing has a second recess, and the outer casing is threadedly connected to the casing. The glass cover is placed within the second recess, and the outer casing presses down on the glass cover. By adding an increased thickness portion to the glass cover, the compressive strength of the glass cover is improved, reducing the risk of the glass cover bursting after the still water inside the gearbox freezes.

[0006] Another objective of this application is to provide a frost-resistant glass structure for a smart water meter, wherein the frost-resistant structure of the smart water meter further includes a light-transmitting elastic waterproof membrane. The light-transmitting elastic waterproof membrane is disposed between the sealing ring and the top surface of the middle section of the meter casing. The top surface of the light-transmitting elastic waterproof membrane is spaced at a predetermined distance from the glass cover. By setting the light-transmitting elastic waterproof membrane and keeping it at a predetermined distance from the glass cover, when ice expands, the ice may partially contact the glass cover or remain unremoved, thereby reducing the risk of the glass cover breaking while ensuring observation.

[0007] To achieve at least one of the above-mentioned objectives, this application provides a frost-resistant glass structure for a smart water meter, wherein the frost-resistant glass structure of the smart water meter includes:

[0008] Watch case, the watch case having a receiving cavity;

[0009] A gearbox, the gearbox being placed within the accommodating cavity, the gearbox having a first recess, the first recess being provided with a counting mechanism;

[0010] A glass cover is disposed on the top of the gear box and covers the counting mechanism. The glass cover includes a uniform thickness portion and an increased thickness portion, the increased thickness portion being obtained by extending upward from the top surface of the uniform thickness portion by a predetermined distance.

[0011] The outer cover has a second recess, the outer cover is threadedly connected to the watch case, and the glass cover is placed in the second recess, and the outer cover presses down on the glass cover.

[0012] In one or more embodiments of this application, the counting mechanism includes a signal transmitting component, and the anti-freezing and cracking structure of the smart water meter further includes an electronic module. The electronic module includes a signal receiving component. The thickened portion has a material discharge groove in the area directly opposite the signal transmitting component in the height direction. The electronic module is mounted on the outer cover, and the signal receiving component extends into the material discharge groove and is spaced a predetermined distance from the signal transmitting component.

[0013] In one or more embodiments of this application, the anti-freezing and cracking structure of the smart water meter further includes a sealing ring. The sealing ring is disposed between the top surface of the glass cover and the middle section of the meter housing, and the sealing ring is placed in the second concave cavity. When the outer cover is threadedly connected to the meter housing, the top surface and bottom surface of the sealing ring abut against the bottom surface of the glass cover and the top surface of the middle section of the meter housing, respectively.

[0014] In one or more embodiments of this application, the anti-freezing and cracking structure of the smart water meter further includes a light-transmitting elastic waterproof membrane, which is disposed between the sealing ring and the top surface of the middle section of the casing, and the top surface of the light-transmitting elastic waterproof membrane is spaced at a predetermined distance from the glass cover.

[0015] In one or more embodiments of this application, the material of the light-transmitting elastic waterproof film is a highly elastic transparent waterproof TPU film.

[0016] In one or more embodiments of this application, the top surface of the middle section of the watch case has a plurality of protruding posts arranged in a ring array, the light-transmitting elastic waterproof membrane has a plurality of first insertion holes, and the bottom surface of the sealing ring has a plurality of second insertion holes. The first insertion holes and the second insertion holes correspond one-to-one, and the protruding posts pass through the corresponding first insertion holes and second insertion holes in succession.

[0017] In one or more embodiments of this application, the glass cover further has a plurality of positioning posts, the positioning posts being located on the side of the uniform thickness portion away from the thickened portion, and the top surface of the sealing ring having a plurality of slots, the positioning posts extending into the slots.

[0018] In one or more embodiments of this application, the anti-freezing and cracking structure of the smart water meter further includes an upper seat, which is located above the gear box and engaged with the gear box. The counting mechanism further includes a plurality of gear transmission parts, which are located between the upper seat and the bottom wall of the first cavity.

[0019] In this embodiment, the anti-freeze crack structure of the smart water meter includes a casing, a gearbox, a glass cover, and an outer cover. The casing has a receiving cavity, the gearbox is placed inside the receiving cavity, the gearbox has a first concave cavity, and a counting mechanism is provided in the first concave cavity. The glass cover is located on top of the gearbox and covers the counting mechanism. The glass cover includes a uniform thickness portion and a thickened portion. The thickened portion extends upward from the top surface of the uniform thickness portion by a predetermined distance. The outer cover has a second concave cavity, the outer cover is threadedly connected to the casing, and the glass cover is placed inside the second concave cavity. The outer cover presses down on the glass cover. By adding a thickened portion to the glass cover, the compressive strength of the glass cover is improved, and the risk of the glass cover bursting after the static water inside the gearbox freezes is reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0020] These and / or other aspects and advantages of this application will become clearer and more readily understood from the following detailed description of embodiments of this application taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0021] Figure 1 The figure shows a schematic diagram of the anti-freeze and crack-resistant glass structure of a smart water meter according to this application;

[0022] Figure 2 The diagram illustrates the structure of the glass cover;

[0023] Figure 3 The diagram shows Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion at point C;

[0024] Figure 4The diagram illustrates the structure of the signal transmitting component. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The terms and words used in the following specification and claims are not limited to their literal meaning, but are used solely by the inventors to enable a clear and consistent understanding of this application. Therefore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various embodiments of this application is provided for illustrative purposes only and not for the purpose of limiting the application as defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0026] It is understood that the term "a" should be understood as "at least one" or "one or more", that is, in one embodiment, the number of an element can be one, while in another embodiment, the number of the element can be multiple, and the term "a" should not be understood as a limitation on the number.

[0027] While ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," etc., will be used to describe various components, there is no limitation on which components are used herein. The term is used only to distinguish one component from another. For example, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may be referred to as a first component, without departing from the teachings of the utility model concept. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0028] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing various embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the terms “comprising” and / or “having” as used in this specification specify the presence of the described features, numbers, steps, operations, components, elements or combinations thereof, without excluding the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, elements or groups thereof.

[0029] The frost-resistant glass structure of a schematic smart water meter is shown for reference. Figures 1 to 4 According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an anti-freezing and crack-resistant glass structure for a smart water meter includes a casing 10, a gearbox 20, a glass cover 30, and an outer cover 40.

[0030] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, the watch case 10 has a receiving cavity 101, the gear box 20 is placed in the receiving cavity 101, the gear box 20 has a first recess 201, the first recess 201 is provided with a counting mechanism 50, the glass cover 30 is disposed on the top of the gear box 20 and covers the counting mechanism 50, the outer cover 40 has a second recess 401, the outer cover 40 is threadedly connected to the watch case 10, and the glass cover 30 is placed in the second recess 401, and the outer cover 40 presses down on the glass cover 30.

[0031] It should be noted that after placing the gear box 20 into the receiving cavity 101, placing the counting mechanism 50 into the first recess 201 of the gear box 20, and placing the glass cover 30 above the gear box 20 and covering the counting mechanism 50, the glass cover 30 is pressed firmly onto the gear box 20 by threading the outer cover 40 to the watch case 10.

[0032] It should also be noted that when the water meter is running, water will flow into and fill the first concave cavity 201. When the external environment is below zero degrees Celsius, the still water in the first concave cavity 201 will freeze and expand in volume. At this time, the expanded ice will exert an upward force on the glass cover 30. Since the glass cover 30 is fixed in position by the outer cover 40, when the force of the ice exceeds the compressive strength of the glass cover 30, the glass cover 30 will break, and the glass cover 30 needs to be replaced.

[0033] Therefore, in order to reduce the risk of the glass cover 30 shattering, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the glass cover 30 includes a uniform thickness portion 301 and a thickened portion 302, the thickened portion 302 being extended upwards from the top surface of the uniform thickness portion 301 by a predetermined distance.

[0034] It should be noted that by setting the thickening part 302, the overall thickness of the glass cover 30 is increased, thereby improving the compressive strength of the glass cover 30. This can effectively reduce the risk of the glass cover 30 bursting after the still water in the first cavity 201 freezes. Compared with the prior art where the overall thickness of the glass cover 30 is uniform, this application has the advantage that the glass cover is less likely to burst after the still water in the gear box freezes.

[0035] Furthermore, the anti-freeze and crack-resistant structure of the smart water meter also includes an electronic module 60, which is mounted on the outer casing 40. The electronic module 60 includes a receiving component, which includes a receiving protrusion housing 601 and a receiving element (not shown in the figure). The receiving element is disposed inside the receiving protrusion housing 601. Correspondingly, refer to... Figure 4 The counting mechanism 50 includes a transmitting component 502. It should be noted that during use, the receiving component should be located directly above the transmitting component 502, and a closer distance results in better signal transmission stability. Additionally, from... Figure 1 As can be seen, the electronic module 60 and the counting mechanism 50 are separated by the glass cover 30.

[0036] Therefore, in the embodiments of this application, as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the thickened portion 302 has a material removal groove 3021 in the area directly opposite the transmitting component 502 in the height direction. The material removal groove 3021 is designed to mimic the shape of the receiving protrusion housing 601. The electronic module 60 is mounted on the outer cover 40, and the receiving protrusion housing 601 of the receiving component extends into the material removal groove 3021 and is spaced at a predetermined distance from the transmitting component 502.

[0037] It should be noted that by providing the material discharge groove 3021 in the area of ​​the thickened portion 302 directly opposite the transmitting component 502, the provision of the thickened portion 302 does not additionally increase the distance between the receiving component and the transmitting component 502.

[0038] Furthermore, to improve the sealing performance at the bottom surface of the glass cover 30, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the anti-freeze crack structure of the smart water meter also includes a sealing ring 70. The sealing ring 70 is disposed between the top surface of the glass cover 30 and the middle section of the meter housing 10, and the sealing ring 70 is placed in the second recess 401. When the outer cover 40 is threadedly connected to the meter housing 10, the top surface and bottom surface of the sealing ring 70 abut against the bottom surface of the glass cover 30 and the top surface of the middle section of the meter housing 10, respectively.

[0039] It should be noted that when the outer cover 40 is screwed tightly onto the watch case 10, the outer cover 40 applies a downward force to the glass cover 30, and this downward force is transmitted to the sealing ring 70, thereby causing the top and bottom surfaces of the sealing ring 70 to abut against the bottom surface of the glass cover 30 and the top surface of the middle section of the watch case 10, respectively. This prevents the still water in the first cavity 201 from overflowing between the top surface of the middle section of the glass cover 30 and the watch case 10 during normal use.

[0040] Furthermore, to facilitate external observation of the counting mechanism 50 while simultaneously reducing the impact of the expansion of still water in the first cavity 201 after freezing on the glass cover 30, as follows: Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the anti-freezing and cracking structure of the smart water meter also includes a light-transmitting elastic waterproof membrane 80. The light-transmitting elastic waterproof membrane 80 is disposed between the sealing ring 70 and the top surface of the middle section of the casing 10, and the top surface of the light-transmitting elastic waterproof membrane 80 is spaced at a predetermined distance from the glass cover 30.

[0041] It should be noted that by setting the light-transmitting elastic waterproof membrane 80 between the glass cover 30 and the counting mechanism 50, and by maintaining a predetermined distance between the light-transmitting elastic waterproof membrane 80 and the glass cover 30, under normal use, the observer's line of sight can pass through the glass cover 30 and the light-transmitting elastic waterproof membrane 80 to read the count on the counting mechanism 50. Furthermore, since the still water in the first cavity 201 is blocked by the light-transmitting elastic waterproof membrane 80 under normal conditions, the space between the light-transmitting elastic waterproof membrane 80 and the glass cover 30 is... In the absence of water, during winter, when the still water in the first cavity 201 freezes and expands in volume, the expanding ice will support the light-transmitting elastic waterproof membrane 80 and deform it into a convex arc shape. Since there is a predetermined distance between the light-transmitting elastic waterproof membrane 80 and the glass cover 30, when the light-transmitting elastic waterproof membrane 80 is in a convex arc shape, the light-transmitting elastic waterproof membrane 80 is in partial contact with or completely separated from the glass cover 30. The specific distance is not limited here. After the ice melts, the light-transmitting elastic waterproof membrane 80 gradually returns to its pre-deformation state under its own elastic force.

[0042] Specifically, the material of the light-transmitting elastic waterproof film 80 is a high-elasticity transparent waterproof TPU film. Since the technology of high-elasticity transparent waterproof TPU film is mature, its specific structure and model will not be described in detail here. The high-elasticity transparent waterproof TPU film includes, but is not limited to, the high-elasticity, waterproof, and transparent TPU film disclosed in the patent document (CN209756349U).

[0043] Furthermore, to achieve the installation of the light-transmitting elastic waterproof film 80 between the watch case 10 and the sealing ring 70, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the top surface of the middle section of the watch case 10 has a number of protruding posts 102 arranged in a ring array, the light-transmitting elastic waterproof membrane 80 has a number of first insertion holes (not shown in the figure), and the bottom surface of the sealing ring 70 has a number of second insertion holes (not shown in the figure). The first insertion holes and the second insertion holes correspond one-to-one, and the protruding posts 102 pass through the corresponding first insertion holes and second insertion holes in succession.

[0044] It should be noted that by having the protruding post 102 pass through the light-transmitting elastic waterproof membrane 80, the risk of the light-transmitting elastic waterproof membrane 80 being pulled out when it is under force and forms a convex arc shape can be effectively reduced.

[0045] Furthermore, to prevent the glass cover 30 from rotating circumferentially relative to the sealing ring 70, such as... Figure 3As shown, the glass cover 30 also has a plurality of positioning posts 303, the positioning posts 303 being located on the side of the uniform thickness portion 301 facing away from the thickened portion 302, and the top surface of the sealing ring 70 having a plurality of slots 701, the positioning posts 303 extending into the slots 701.

[0046] It should be noted that since the protrusion 102 is fixedly connected to the watch case 10, its position is fixed. And since the protrusion 102 passes through the sealing ring 70, the position of the sealing ring 70 is also fixed. The sealing ring 70 and the glass cover 30 are positioned by the positioning post 303 and the slot 701, thereby preventing the glass cover 30 from rotating circumferentially relative to the sealing ring 70.

[0047] Furthermore, in this application, such as Figure 1 As shown, the anti-freezing and cracking structure of the smart water meter also includes an upper seat 90, which is located above the gear box 20 and is engaged with the gear box 20. The counting mechanism 50 also includes a plurality of gear transmission parts 501, which are located between the upper seat 90 and the bottom wall of the first cavity 201.

[0048] In summary, the anti-freeze and crack-resistant glass structure of the smart water meter based on the embodiments of this application has been clarified, which provides an advantage such as the glass cover not easily bursting after the still water in the gearbox freezes.

[0049] It is worth mentioning that, in this embodiment, the anti-freeze glass structure of the smart water meter is simple in structure, does not involve complex manufacturing processes or expensive materials, and is highly economical. At the same time, for manufacturers, the anti-freeze glass structure of the smart water meter provided in this application is easy to produce and inexpensive, which is more conducive to controlling production costs and further facilitates product promotion and use.

[0050] Those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments of the present invention described above and shown in the accompanying drawings are merely examples and do not limit the present invention. The purpose of the present invention has been fully and effectively achieved. The function and structural principle of the present invention have been shown and explained in the embodiments, and any modifications or variations may be made to the implementation of the present invention without departing from these principles.

Claims

1. A frost-resistant structure for a smart water meter, characterized in that: The anti-freezing and cracking structure of the smart water meter includes Watch case, the watch case having a receiving cavity; A gearbox, the gearbox being placed within the accommodating cavity, the gearbox having a first recess, the first recess being provided with a counting mechanism; A glass cover is disposed on the top of the gear box and covers the counting mechanism. The glass cover includes a uniform thickness portion and an increased thickness portion, the increased thickness portion being obtained by extending upward from the top surface of the uniform thickness portion by a predetermined distance. The outer cover has a second recess, the outer cover is threadedly connected to the watch case, and the glass cover is placed in the second recess, and the outer cover presses down on the glass cover.

2. The anti-freezing structure of the intelligent water meter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The counting mechanism includes a signal transmitting component, and the anti-freezing and cracking structure of the smart water meter also includes an electronic module. The electronic module includes a signal receiving component. The thickened portion has a material discharge groove in the area directly opposite the signal transmitting component in the height direction. The electronic module is mounted on the outer cover, and the signal receiving component extends into the material discharge groove and is spaced a predetermined distance from the signal transmitting component. 3.The anti-freezing structure of the smart water meter according to claim 2, wherein: The anti-freeze and crack structure of the smart water meter also includes a sealing ring. The sealing ring is located between the top surface of the glass cover and the middle section of the meter housing, and the sealing ring is placed in the second concave cavity. When the outer cover is threadedly connected to the meter housing, the top surface and bottom surface of the sealing ring abut against the bottom surface of the glass cover and the top surface of the middle section of the meter housing, respectively. 4.The anti-freezing structure of the smart water meter according to claim 3, wherein: The anti-freeze and crack-resistant structure of the smart water meter also includes a light-transmitting elastic waterproof membrane. The light-transmitting elastic waterproof membrane is disposed between the sealing ring and the top surface of the middle section of the meter casing, and the top surface of the light-transmitting elastic waterproof membrane is spaced at a predetermined distance from the glass cover.

5. The anti-freezing and cracking structure of the smart water meter according to claim 4, characterized in that: The light-transmitting elastic waterproof film is made of highly elastic transparent waterproof TPU film. 6.The anti-freezing structure of the smart water meter according to claim 5, wherein: The top surface of the middle section of the watch case has several protruding posts arranged in a ring array. The light-transmitting elastic waterproof membrane has several first insertion holes, and the bottom surface of the sealing ring has several second insertion holes. The first insertion holes and the second insertion holes correspond one-to-one, and the protruding posts pass through the corresponding first insertion holes and second insertion holes in succession.

7. The anti-freezing structure of the intelligent water meter according to claim 6, characterized in that: The glass cover also has several positioning posts, which are located on the side of the uniform thickness portion away from the thickened portion. The top surface of the sealing ring has several slots, and the positioning posts extend into the slots. 8.The anti-freezing structure of the intelligent water meter according to claim 3, characterized in that: The anti-freezing and cracking structure of the smart water meter also includes an upper seat, which is located above the gear box and engaged with the gear box. The counting mechanism also includes several gear transmission parts, which are located between the upper seat and the bottom wall of the first cavity.

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