Monitoring device for documenting the meter readings of water meters with mechanical counters

Abstract

Monitoring device for documenting the meter readings of water meters with mechanical counters, characterized in that a camera (3) is attached to a water meter (2) by a structural device aligned with the dial thereof.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a monitoring device for the permanent registration of the meter readings of water meters with mechanical counters and storage together with the current date on data carriers for later evaluation if required.

[0002] The supply of drinking water by water supply companies (WVU) to consumers is predominantly measured and displayed using water meters equipped with a mechanical counter. The usual use of roller counters to display meter readings can, in rare cases, result in uncontrolled meter advances, popularly referred to as roller jumps, which lead to disputed excess consumption. In disputes, the WVU insists on a test report by state-approved testing centers. If the water meter passes this test, the WVU insists on payment. In legal disputes, consumers are expected to prove that they have not consumed the drinking water, which is technically impossible. In one legal dispute, the Wuppertal Regional Court ruled that a consumer could have used the displayed and disputed volume of 15,000 m 3had to pay, even though the extraction of drinking water and its unequivocal retention at the existing locations was technically impossible. Details on this can be found in the judgment of the Wuppertal Regional Court of December 13, 2021 (case number: 3 O 401 / 15).

[0003] The invention is based on this state of the art and aims to provide a monitoring device that records and stores the meter reading and recording date at regular intervals of hours or days, depending on the usual water consumption. The meter readings of the mechanical roller counter of a water meter are thus documented.

[0004] The described problem is solved by the device according to claim 1. Advantageous further developments are described in the subclaims.

[0005] If disputes arise during the billing of consumption or if irregularities are discovered in the meter readings, the records can help to clarify the matter and, for example, document one or more uncontrolled meter advances (roller jumps).

[0006] There's currently a wide range of surveillance or specialty cameras available for this purpose. Such a digital camera only needs to fulfill a few functions, and its outer casing can be adapted to the intended use. - Network capability, USB port, microSD card slot, app for operation - Optics for detailed close-ups, SIW sufficient - Object lighting using LED

[0007] An embodiment of the invention is described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 explains. They show: Fig. 1 the monitoring device and its adaptation to the water meter Fig.2 the tripod with the corresponding mounting holes and the corresponding reference symbols: (1) tripod; (2) water meter; (3) camera.

Claims

[1] Monitoring device for documenting the meter readings of water meters with mechanical counters, characterized by that a camera (3) is attached to a water meter (2) by a structural device aligned with the dial thereof. [2] Monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized by that the structural device is preferably an attachment in the form of a tripod (1) which carries the camera (3) and, when precisely adapted to the collar of the dial (cover) of the water meter (2), effects centering. [3] Monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the camera (3) was inserted into the large hole of the tripod (1). [4] Monitoring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the tripod (1) is fixed to the water meter (2) by hooking the hooks at the ends of an elastic band, which wraps around the water meter, into the small holes in the tripod (1).

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