Combined measuring and regulating device for a fluid flowing through a fluid line

Abstract

The present invention relates to a combined measuring and regulating device (1) for a fluid flowing through a fluid line (2), comprising a measuring device (3) and a regulating device (4), wherein the total length (5) of the device (1) along the longitudinal axis (6) of the device (1) is a maximum total length, in particular at most 100 mm to 120 mm, preferably at most 110 mm.

Description

[0001] Combined measuring and regulating device for a fluid flowing through a fluid line

[0002] The present invention relates to a combined measuring and regulating device for a fluid flowing through a fluid line. The fluid line is, in particular, a water line through which water flows, which is installed in a building and which connects a water source, for example, from a fluid supplier or a public utility, in particular a water supplier, to a water outlet, for example, a sanitary fixture, a dishwasher, a washing machine, a water heater, a boiler, or the like.

[0003] Individual measuring devices for a fluid flowing through a fluid line are known. If the fluid in question is water, these can be referred to as water meters or water clocks. The known individual measuring devices make it possible to measure, count or record the water consumption of a consumption unit, in particular a residential unit, for example a single-family home or an apartment. Individual measuring devices for a fluid flowing through a fluid line measure the volume and / or volume flow of the fluid flowing through. For the use of individual measuring devices in commercial transactions, for example for a water supplier to prepare an invoice for its customers, the measuring devices must be calibrated in accordance with legal requirements. The measurement of the volume and / or volume flow of a fluid flowing through orThe amount of fluid flowing through a consumption unit creates traceability and documentation of the fluid consumption of the consumption unit, on the basis of which savings potential of the fluid, in particular of water as a valuable environmental resource, can be determined.

[0004] Furthermore, individual regulating devices for a fluid flowing through a fluid line are known, for example, shut-off cocks or valves. The known individual regulating devices serve to regulate the flow through a fluid line, specifically the water supply, within a consumption unit, i.e., to selectively open, limit, or block it. Individual regulating devices allow the fluid line to be partially or completely blocked, for example, for maintenance work, in the event of technical defects, during droughts or dry periods, or during a period of absence of the residents of a residential unit, particularly during a vacation period or after a move-out. By limiting or blocking a fluid line, it is particularly possible to reduce or prevent an uncontrolled or dysfunctional water supply and thus minimize or avoid water damage to the structure and furnishings of buildings.

[0005] In order to be able to both measure and regulate a fluid flowing through a fluid line, it is necessary, according to the state of the art, to install both an individual measuring device and an individual regulating device for a fluid flowing through a fluid line. In practice, this means that the two devices described must be used or installed separately in the fluid line. However, this requires a correspondingly large amount of space. Furthermore, it requires a high level of installation and maintenance effort, as both devices must be installed and maintained separately. If, in addition, it is intended that the individual measuring device and the individual regulating device transmit data orIf individual intelligent measuring devices are to exchange information with one another, i.e., if an intelligent individual measuring device is intended to interact with an intelligent individual regulating device, it is additionally necessary to provide a corresponding infrastructure, for example in the form of hoses, cables, or bus lines. This increases the complexity of the overall system and thus increases the required installation space or the required installation length, as well as the susceptibility to errors and the installation and maintenance effort. The present invention is therefore based on the object of at least partially solving the problem explained above and, in particular, of specifying a device that provides both the described measuring functionality and the described regulating functionality in a comparatively small installation space.

[0006] The underlying problem is solved by a combined measuring and regulating device for a fluid flowing through a fluid line with the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous further developments arise from the subclaims.

[0007] A combined measuring and regulating device for a fluid flowing through a fluid line is proposed. The combined measuring and regulating device comprises a measuring device and a regulating device. The total length of the combined measuring and regulating device along the longitudinal axis of the device is a maximum total length, in particular a maximum of 100 mm to 120 mm, preferably a maximum of 110 mm. This applies in particular to a continuous flow rate Cb = 2.5 m. 3 / h and precision or requirement class R400 according to MID certification (Measuring Instruments Directive, European Measuring Instruments Directive or its successor directive). The longitudinal axis of the device defines the direction of fluid flow through the device. The device according to the invention can be installed or arranged in a fluid line. The device according to the invention can be used in all known hot and cold water piping systems. Furthermore, the device according to the invention can be designed for a burst pressure of 16 bar.

[0008] The fluid line can be designed as a pipe or a hose. The device according to the invention can be installed in the fluid line. The fluid line can be designed in one or two parts. A one-piece fluid line must be separated before installing the combined measuring and regulating device, so that two sections of the fluid line are created. In this way, the device according to the invention can be subsequently installed in existing fluid lines or the device according to the invention can be retrofitted. A two-part fluid line comprises two sections. The ends of the two sections facing the combined measuring and regulating device can each have a thread, in particular an external thread. The threads of the sections of the fluid line each serve to form a screw connection with the device according to the invention by means of a screw connection element, in particular a union nut.During installation of the combined measuring and regulating device, the two sections of the fluid line are fluidically connected via the combined measuring and regulating device. After the combined measuring and regulating device is installed in the fluid line, the fluid can first flow through the first section of the fluid line, then through the combined measuring and regulating device, and finally through the second section of the fluid line. The flow direction of the fluid determines the inflow side and the outflow side of the device according to the invention.

[0009] The measuring device can be designed to measure, count, or record the volume and / or volume flow of a flowing fluid or water quantity. The measuring device can be an intelligent measuring device in that it comprises a sensor system in the form of at least one sensor and / or a controller designed to process the data from this sensor system. For example, the intelligent measuring device can be designed to detect unexpected or suddenly occurring events or irregularities related to fluid or water consumption. This can be used to identify errors or defects at an early stage.

[0010] The regulating device is designed to regulate the volume and / or volume flow of a flowing fluid or water quantity, i.e., to selectively release, limit, or block it. The regulating device can be an intelligent regulating device in that it comprises a sensor system in the form of at least one sensor and / or a controller designed to process the data from this sensor system. For example, the intelligent regulating device can be designed to react automatically to events detected by the measuring device, preferably without input from human users, by carrying out certain predefined measures. In this way, the combined measuring and regulating device according to the invention can react quickly to, for example, technical defects and, if necessary, prevent or at least limit significant water damage.

[0011] The measuring and regulating device according to the invention can comprise an intelligent measuring device and an intelligent regulating device. In this case, the measuring and regulating device according to the invention is an intelligent measuring and regulating device. The intelligent measuring and regulating device can have state-of-the-art communication architectures and protocols. These include, for example, the wired Meter-Bus (M-Bus) system and the wireless Wireless Meter-Bus (wM-Bus) system, which are each open communication standards with a star topology and master and slave devices and are particularly widespread in Europe. Another example is the Open Metering System (OMS), which is a cross-manufacturer and cross-industry communication architecture for intelligent measuring devices based on wM-Bus or M-Bus. The intelligent measuring and regulating device also enables improved communication andimproved information exchange with public utilities and private consumers. This indirectly leads to improved water quality and water supply security.

[0012] The measuring and regulating device according to the invention provides both the described measuring functionality and the described regulating functionality within a single device. In other words, the device according to the invention combines the described measuring functionality and the described regulating functionality in one device. Therefore, the measuring and regulating device according to the invention can completely replace the use of a separate individual measuring device and a separate individual regulating device. Due to the fact that the measuring and regulating device according to the invention has a total length along its longitudinal axis of at most 110 mm and the described measuring and regulating functionalities are combined within a single device orwithin a single device, the total length required to provide the two described functionalities is effectively reduced compared to previously known solutions. By shortening the total length, the required installation space of the device according to the invention is smaller compared to a series connection of a separate individual measuring device and a separate individual regulating device along the fluid line.

[0013] The measuring and regulating device according to the invention is a two-in-one solution compared to previously known solutions in the form of individual measuring devices and individual regulating devices. Since, in the case of an intended interaction of a measuring function with a regulating function, hoses, cables, or bus lines connecting an individual measuring device and an individual regulating device can be dispensed with, the overall installation and maintenance effort is also reduced. Furthermore, the device according to the invention reduces the number of flanges or connections that arise between the device and the fluid line when installing a device in a fluid line, thus also reducing the potential risk of leaks at the flanges.

[0014] The measuring and regulating device according to the invention can comprise a control device. The control device can be a central control device designed to receive, store, and process all data from the measuring device, in particular to generate or calculate further data, and to monitor, manage, send, export, and / or import the data and / or the further data to the regulating device. Further data includes, in particular, actions, commands, signals, and / or key figures. All data can be used for comprehensive analyses of the fluid or water consumption of the consumption unit under consideration. In particular, qualitative and quantitative, or relative and absolute, analyses can be carried out.Within the scope of data monitoring, threshold values ​​can be defined. If these values ​​are exceeded or undercut, further measures can be taken and / or further data, such as warnings, error messages, signals or key figures, can be generated.

[0015] The measuring and regulating device according to the invention can comprise a printed circuit board (PCB) or main board, which can comprise an MID part and a non-MID part. The printed circuit board can comprise the control device. The MID part can comprise all MID-relevant components of the device according to the invention, i.e., components that are MID-certified and are designed to perform measurements according to MID, support such measurements, and / or process data from such measurements. In particular, the MID part can comprise a data memory, a processor, and an antenna. The non-MID part can comprise all MID-irrelevant components of the device according to the invention, i.e., components that are not MID-certified or do not have to be MID-certified. In particular, the non-MID part can comprise a data memory, a processor, and an antenna.The MID part and the non-MID part can be designed separately from each other, in particular structurally and / or energetically separated, preferably physically, mechanically, electrically, and / or logically separated. This separation serves to prevent tampering and malfunctions, since the MID part must always function smoothly throughout its entire service life.

[0016] The measuring and regulating device according to the invention can have two nozzles, namely an inlet nozzle and an outlet nozzle. The inlet nozzle is designed to guide or direct the fluid into the device and is connectable to the fluid line. The outlet nozzle is designed to guide or direct the fluid out of the device and is connectable to the fluid line.

[0017] The measuring and regulating device according to the invention can comprise a housing. The housing can be dimensioned such that it encloses a substantial portion of the device. The housing can have two passages, namely one passage for the inlet connection and one passage for the outlet connection. The housing protects the device from damage and tampering and protects human users of the device from injury.

[0018] The measuring and regulating device according to the invention can be designed to connect a fluid supplier to a fluid consumer, in particular a household. The measuring and regulating device can be arranged in the flow direction immediately downstream of the first shut-off device or the first stopcock of the fluid consumer. In this configuration, the measuring and regulating device, if it is MID-certified (Measuring Instruments Directive, European Measuring Instruments Directive or its successor directive), replaces a conventional water meter. Alternatively, the measuring and regulating device can be arranged in the flow direction immediately downstream of a conventional water meter if the measuring and regulating device is not MID-certified.

[0019] According to an advantageous embodiment, the measuring device is designed to store measurement data, in particular regarding the volume, volume flow, pressure, and / or temperature of a flowing or passing water quantity, as well as the outside or ambient temperature; to generate or calculate further data, such as actions, commands, signals, or key figures, based on the measurement data; and to monitor, manage, export, and / or import the measurement data and / or the further data. The measurement data and the further data can be used for comprehensive analyses of the water consumption of the consumption unit in question. In particular, qualitative and quantitative, or relative and absolute, analyses can be carried out.Within the scope of data monitoring, threshold values ​​can be defined. If these values ​​are exceeded or undercut, further measures can be taken and / or further data, such as warnings, error messages, signals or key figures, can be generated.

[0020] In this way, irregularities in consumption can be determined and potential errors or defects, particularly in the fluid lines under consideration, can be identified or detected at an early stage. In this way, water damage can be minimized or even completely avoided. Within the framework of data management, consumption and / or consumer profiles can be defined or created, or generated based on the data and / or additional data, or trained using artificial intelligence. This makes it possible to individually adapt the device according to the invention to individual consumption units, residential units, or residents. Within the framework of data export and import, data can be read out in a dedicated data format and then imported, for example to be able to transfer the individual consumption profile from the previous consumption unit to the new consumption unit when a resident moves or moves out.Data imported or read in this way can be used to create or train new consumption and / or load profiles. The measuring device thus offers a wide range of customizable functions.

[0021] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the measuring device comprises an ultrasonic measuring unit, and the ultrasonic measuring unit comprises two ultrasonic transducers. The ultrasonic transducers each have a surface designed to transmit and receive ultrasonic pulses or ultrasonic pulse sequences. The ultrasonic measuring unit can have a measuring section that runs along the longitudinal axis of the device according to the invention, i.e., in the flow direction of the fluid through the device according to the invention. One of the two ultrasonic transducers can be arranged at a first end of the measuring section, and another of the two ultrasonic transducers can be arranged at a second end of the measuring section. The ultrasonic measuring unit is designed to measure the velocity of the fluid flowing through the fluid line, in particular water, and thus its volume, its volume flow, its pressure, and / or its temperature.The ultrasonic transducers are each designed to send and receive ultrasonic signals.

[0022] To measure the flow velocity of the fluid, both ultrasonic transducers simultaneously transmit ultrasonic pulses or ultrasonic pulse sequences toward the other ultrasonic transducer. These oppositely oriented ultrasonic pulses or ultrasonic pulse sequences propagate through the fluid from the transmitting ultrasonic transducer toward the other, receiving ultrasonic transducer. If the fluid flow direction is determined at the moment the ultrasonic pulses or pulse sequences are transmitted, this means that some ultrasonic pulses or ultrasonic pulse sequences propagate in the direction of fluid flow, while others propagate against the fluid flow.After transmitting the ultrasonic pulses or ultrasonic pulse sequences, both ultrasonic transducers switch from transmit mode to receive mode. In receive mode, the ultrasonic transducers can receive ultrasonic pulses or ultrasonic pulse sequences. After receiving the two ultrasonic pulses or two ultrasonic pulse sequences, they are compared, and the time delay between them is determined. Based on the time delay, the velocity of the fluid flowing through the fluid line can be calculated.

[0023] The distance between the ultrasonic transducers can define the measuring section of the ultrasonic measuring unit. Hydraulic ultrasonic measurement is extremely precise and therefore suitable for measuring both large and small water quantities, more precisely volumes and / or volume flows of corresponding fluid or water quantities. Furthermore, hydraulic ultrasonic measurement is independent of the conductivity, viscosity, temperature, density, and pressure of the fluid and is therefore robust against external influences that can change the conductivity, viscosity, temperature, density, and pressure of the fluid. Furthermore, hydraulic ultrasonic measurement requires no mechanically moving components and is therefore particularly durable and low-maintenance. The measuring section can be designed in a mirrored configuration. This extends the measuring section and thus further increases the precision of the ultrasonic measurement.

[0024] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the ultrasonic measuring unit comprises two ultrasonic-reflecting surfaces, also called ultrasonic mirrors, wherein the ultrasonic-reflecting surfaces are arranged at a distance from one another along the longitudinal axis of the device according to the invention. The two ultrasonic-reflecting surfaces can each be attached to a locking element, also referred to as a carriage. Alternatively, the two ultrasonic-reflecting surfaces can be formed integrally with the locking element, so that the two ultrasonic-reflecting surfaces are integral components of the locking element. The locking element can be manufactured as a stamped part from sheet metal. The locking element facilitates the locking of the two ultrasonic-reflecting surfaces as well as their handling, assembly, and disassembly.Each of the two ultrasonic-reflecting surfaces is logically and, if necessary, spatially assigned to one of the two ultrasonic transducers. The ultrasonic-reflecting surfaces are designed to redirect the ultrasonic pulses or ultrasonic pulse sequences in their respective directions. This makes it possible to spatially arrange the ultrasonic transducers in different configurations within the measuring device. The distance between the ultrasonic-reflecting surfaces can define the measuring distance of the ultrasonic measuring unit.

[0025] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the ultrasound-reflecting surfaces are each made of stainless steel. Stainless steel as a material for the ultrasound-reflecting surfaces offers a high degree of reflection, is corrosion-resistant, and is comparatively inexpensive. According to a further advantageous embodiment, the ultrasound-reflecting surfaces are each arranged at an angle of 45° to the longitudinal axis of the device according to the invention. This reduces the flow resistance of the fluid. At such an angle, the laws of reflection, namely that the angle of incidence and the angle of reflection are equal, also result in the respective angle between the longitudinal axis of the device according to the invention and the normal direction of the surface of the ultrasound transducer that emits and receives the ultrasound pulses being 90°.This allows the two ultrasonic transducers to be installed with the same orientation, which reduces manufacturing, installation and maintenance costs.

[0026] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the distance between the ultrasonic-reflecting surfaces is 40 mm to 50 mm, in particular 44 mm. This applies in particular to a continuous flow rate Q3 = 2.5 m. 3 / h and precision or requirement class R400 according to MID certification (Measuring Instruments Directive, European Measuring Instruments Directive or its successor directive). Prototype tests have shown that at Q3 = 2.5 m 3 / h and R400, a distance of 44 mm delivers particularly good results with regard to the compromise between installation space requirements and measurement precision. The distance between the ultrasound-reflecting surfaces can define the measuring section of the ultrasonic measurement. In this way, the overall length of the measuring and regulating device according to the invention along the longitudinal axis of the device according to the invention can be effectively reduced compared to a series of a known individual measuring device and a known individual regulating device, and at the same time the measuring section for the ultrasonic measurement can be comparatively long or large relative to the overall length of the device. This enables particularly precise ultrasonic measurement with comparatively little installation space required. According to a further advantageous embodiment, the regulating device comprises a continuously adjustable or controllable valve.The valve is designed to continuously open and close the fluid line, i.e., to continuously release, restrict, or block the flow through the fluid line. Continuous adjustment of the valve in this context means that any structurally and geometrically possible adjustment of the valve between a fully open and a fully closed position, including the fully open and fully closed positions, is feasible. The regulating device can be an intelligent regulating device with at least one sensor designed to measure the position, movement, and / or acceleration of the valve or components thereof.

[0027] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the regulating device comprises an electric motor. The electric motor can be designed to control the valve, i.e., to open and close it. The regulating device can be an intelligent regulating device with at least one sensor designed to measure the position, movement, and / or acceleration of the electric motor or components thereof.

[0028] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the regulating device comprises a gear mechanism, wherein the valve and the electric motor are kinematically connected to one another via the gear mechanism. The gear mechanism may comprise gears. The gear mechanism improves the torque and power transmission between the electric motor and the valve. The regulating device may be an intelligent regulating device with at least one sensor configured to measure the position, movement, and / or acceleration of the gear mechanism or components of the gear mechanism.

[0029] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the control device can be controlled telemetrically. The control device can comprise a receiver unit configured to receive control signals, for example, release or opening signals, limit or closing signals with a percentage indication of release or blocking, or blocking signals, particularly in the form of infrared or radio signals. The control signals can be generated by an algorithm, artificial intelligence, a human user, or a utility company.

[0030] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises a temperature sensor designed to measure the ambient temperature of the device or the outside temperature and / or the fluid temperature. The temperature sensor can be designed for a measuring range from (minus) -10 °C to (plus) +75 °C. A temperature sensor designed in this way is also suitable for particularly low and particularly high temperatures. The temperature sensor can be designed as a separate sensor. Alternatively, the temperature sensor can be designed as an integrated function within the measuring device, wherein the temperature can be calculated over the measuring path of the ultrasonic measurement.

[0031] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor is designed to measure the fluid pressure both in the inflow direction and in the return direction of the fluid line. The pressure sensor can be configured for a measuring range from (zero) 0 bar to 10 bar. A pressure sensor designed in this way is also suitable for particularly high fluid pressures. The pressure sensor can be configured to measure the supply pressure of the fluid. This sensor data can be used to detect leaks in the fluid line and / or to protect sanitary devices downstream of the device according to the invention from damage due to excessive pressure.

[0032] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the device according to the invention comprises two storage units for electrical energy, namely a first electrical storage unit and a second electrical storage unit. The first electrical storage unit is designed to supply the measuring device with electrical energy, in particular to provide the electrification of MID functionalities (Measuring Instruments Directive, European Measuring Instruments Directive or its successor directive) of the measuring device, preferably to calibrate the measuring device. The first electrical storage unit can be a battery with a long operating time. Preferably, the first electrical storage unit is designed to supply the measuring device with electrical energy over a period of 6, 16, or 20 years. The first electrical storage unit can be designed such that the operating time is guaranteed without recharging.This enables particularly long-lasting and reliable measurements.

[0033] The second electrical storage unit is designed to supply the regulating device or subsystems of the regulating device, in particular the valve, the electric motor and / or the transmission or components thereof, with electrical energy, in particular to provide the electrification of non-MID functionalities of the regulating device. Preferably, the second electrical storage unit is designed to telemetrically and optionally automatically limit or block the fluid line, for example, if an irregularity in the data has been detected, if tenants or owners of a consumption or residential unit have moved out, if a bill issued by the utility company has not been paid, or if a water shortage occurs during a prolonged drought or dry period. The second electrical storage unit can be a rechargeable accumulator.This results in particularly flexible and reliable regulation.

[0034] The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. These figures show an advantageous embodiment of the invention, although the invention is not limited to this advantageous embodiment. Identical components are always provided with the same reference numerals in the figures and are therefore generally named or mentioned only once. They show, in detail, Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the device according to the invention in a semi-transparent, schematic side view.

[0035] Figure 2 shows the embodiment from Figure 1 in a further semi-transparent, schematic side view.

[0036] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the combined measuring and regulating device 1 according to the invention for a fluid, for example, water, flowing through a fluid line 2, in a semi-transparent, schematic side view. The device 1 comprises a measuring device 3 and a regulating device 4. The total length 5 of the device 1 along the longitudinal axis 6 of the device 1 is 110 mm. The longitudinal axis 6 of the device 1 and the longitudinal axis of the two-part fluid line 2 coincide in the assembled state of the device 1, as shown in Figure 1, i.e., after the device 1 has been installed or inserted into the fluid line 2.

[0037] The fluid flows in flow direction 7, in Figure 1 from right to left, through the device 1. The device 1 has at its two ends along the longitudinal axis 6 a first nozzle 8, which is the inlet nozzle in flow direction 7, and a second nozzle 9, which is the outlet nozzle in flow direction 7.

[0038] The fluid line 2 is a water-carrying pipe that has been split for the purpose of installing the device 1, resulting in two sections of the fluid line 2. The two nozzles 8, 9 each have an external thread 10. The two ends of the two sections of the fluid line 2 facing the device 1 each have a union nut 11. The union nuts 11 can each be screwed onto the corresponding external thread 10. At the two connection points created in this way, i.e. on the front side between the fluid line 2 and the device 1, a sealing element in the form of a flat seal is arranged in order to ensure a fluid-tight and leak-free fluid connection between the fluid line 2 and the device 1.

[0039] The measuring device 3 is designed to store measurement data, generate further data based on the measurement data, monitor, manage, export and import the measurement data and the further data.

[0040] The measuring device 3 comprises an ultrasonic measuring unit 12. The ultrasonic measuring unit 12 comprises two ultrasonic transducers 13 and two ultrasonic-reflecting surfaces 14 made of stainless steel, wherein the ultrasonic-reflecting surfaces 14 are arranged at a distance from one another along the common longitudinal axis 6 of the device 1 and the fluid line 2 in the assembled state. The ultrasonic-reflecting surfaces 14 are each fastened to a locking element and are each oriented at an angle of 45° to the longitudinal axis 6 of the device 1. The upstream ultrasonic-reflecting surface 14 has a flow-optimized configuration in that it has a flow-optimized shape and comprises at least one flow guide surface arranged upstream with respect to the flow direction 7. The two ultrasonic transducers 13 are also spaced from one another along the common longitudinal axis 6 and are each oriented at 90° to the longitudinal axis 6.The ultrasonic reflecting surfaces 14 define a distance 15 between them. This distance is 44 mm for Cb = 2.5 m. 3 / h and R400. The distance 15 between the two ultrasonic reflecting surfaces 14 corresponds to the distance between the two ultrasonic transducers 13 and defines the measuring distance for the ultrasonic measurement.

[0041] Figure 2 shows the embodiment from Figure 1 in a further semi-transparent, schematic side view, which shows additional components of the device 1 compared to Figure 1. The device 1 comprises a housing 16 which encloses an essential part of the device 1. The housing 16 serves to protect the device 1 from damage and tampering and to protect human users of the device 1. The housing has a passage for the first nozzle 8 and for the second nozzle 9. The regulating device 4 comprises a continuously adjustable valve 17 and an electric motor 18. The regulating device 4 also comprises a gear 19 with gears, wherein the valve 17 and the electric motor 18 are kinematically connected to one another via the gear 19 via its gears.

[0042] The control device 4 can be controlled telemetrically. For this purpose, the control device 4 comprises a receiver unit that can receive control signals.

[0043] The device 1 comprises a temperature sensor 20 which is designed to measure the ambient temperature of the device 1 as well as the fluid temperature, i.e. the temperature of the fluid flowing through the device 1, in particular water.

[0044] The device 1 further comprises a pressure sensor 21. The pressure sensor 21 is designed to measure the fluid pressure both in the inflow direction and in the return direction of the fluid line 2.

[0045] The device 1 further comprises a first electrical energy storage unit 22 and a second electrical energy storage unit 23. The first electrical storage unit 22 is designed to supply the measuring device 3 with electrical energy. The second electrical storage unit 23 is designed to supply the regulating device 4 with electrical energy.

[0046] The device 1 further comprises a display device 24, which is designed to present essential information to the user. Furthermore, the device 1 comprises a printed circuit board 25, which has a MID part and a non-MID part, which are formed separately from one another. The printed circuit board 25 comprises data storage, processors, and antennas. List of Reference Symbols

[0047] 1 Combined measuring and regulating device

[0048] 2 fluid line

[0049] 3 Measuring device

[0050] 4 Regulating device

[0051] 5 Total length

[0052] 6 Longitudinal axis

[0053] 7 Flow direction

[0054] 8 First nozzle

[0055] 9 Second nozzle

[0056] 10 external threads

[0057] 11 Union nut

[0058] 12 Ultrasonic measuring unit

[0059] 13 ultrasonic transducers

[0060] 14 Ultrasound reflecting surface

[0061] 15 distance

[0062] 16 housings

[0063] 17 Valve

[0064] 18 electric motor

[0065] 19 gearboxes

[0066] 20 Temperature sensor

[0067] 21 Pressure sensor

[0068] 22 First storage unit for electrical energy

[0069] 23 Second storage unit for electrical energy

[0070] 24 Display device

[0071] 25 circuit board

Claims

Patent claims Combined measuring and regulating device (1) for a fluid flowing through a fluid line (2), comprising a measuring device (3) and a regulating device (4), wherein the total length (5) of the device (1) along the longitudinal axis (6) of the device (1) is a maximum total length, in particular at most 100 mm to 120 mm, preferably at most 110 mm. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the measuring device (3) is designed to store measurement data, generate further data based on the measurement data, monitor, manage, export and / or import the measurement data and / or the further data. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the measuring device (3) comprises an ultrasonic measuring unit (12) with two ultrasonic transducers (13).The device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the ultrasonic measuring unit (12) comprises two ultrasonic-reflecting surfaces (14), wherein the ultrasonic-reflecting surfaces (14) are arranged spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal axis (6) of the device (1). The device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the ultrasonic-reflecting surfaces (14) are each made of stainless steel. The device (1) according to one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the ultrasonic-reflecting surfaces (14) are each arranged oriented at an angle of 45° to the longitudinal axis (6) of the device (1). Device (1) according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the distance (15) between the ultrasound-reflecting surfaces (14) is 40 mm to 50 mm, in particular 44 mm. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the regulating device (4) comprises a continuously adjustable valve (17). Device (1) according to claim 8, wherein the regulating device (4) comprises an electric motor (18). Device (1) according to claim 9, wherein the regulating device (4) comprises a gear (19), wherein the valve (17) and the electric motor (18) are kinematically connected to one another via the gear (19). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the regulating device (4) is telemetrically controllable. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a temperature sensor (20) designed to measure the ambient temperature of the device (1) and / or the fluid temperature.Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a pressure sensor (21) which is designed to measure the fluid pressure in the inflow direction and in the return direction of the fluid line (2). Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising two storage units for electrical energy (22, 23), namely a first electrical storage unit (22) and a second electrical storage unit (23), wherein the first storage unit (22) is designed to supply the measuring device (3) with electrical energy, wherein the second storage unit (23) is designed to supply the regulating device (4) with electrical energy.

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