Communication device and method of installing the communication device

Abstract

To provide a communication device that can reliably perform wireless communication even when the water meter box is flooded. [Solution] A communication device 100 is provided, comprising a communication interface 150 for acquiring meter readings from a water meter 200, a wireless communication antenna 160 for wirelessly transmitting the meter readings, and a housing 103 for housing the communication interface and the wireless communication antenna. The communication device further comprises a structure 190 attached to the upper part of the lid 12 that covers the top of the meter box 10 in which the communication device is located, and having a space for storing air inside.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for acquiring meter readings such as water meter readings and wirelessly transmitting them to a server.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in houses, offices, etc., a meter for metering usage such as water supply has been installed. And Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-288908 (Patent Document 1) discloses an electrical connection box and a lower cover. According to Patent Document 1, it is an electrical connection box in which electronic components are housed in a lower cover and an upper cover is fitted, and the cover fitting surface and the wire outlet of the lower cover are located below the lowest position of the terminal connection. On the upper cover, ribbing for preventing damage is formed on the top surface. When the electrical connection box is submerged in water, a sealed space is formed inside the upper cover, and due to the pressure action of the air layer, water can only penetrate into the electrical connection box up to a certain water level (below the terminal). As a result, water ingress to the terminals and bus bars is prevented, and the waterproof and drainage properties of the electrical connection box are maintained. The ribbing for preventing damage prevents cracks from occurring on the top surface of the upper cover, and the waterproof and drainage properties of the electrical connection box can be maintained over a long period.

[0003] Also, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-226017 (Patent Document 2) discloses a waterproof structure of an electronic component housing unit. According to Patent Document 2, a connection part to which a wire terminal is connected is provided on the upper side in the vehicle vertical direction of the electronic component housing unit, and a gap for housing the terminal of the wire connected to the connection part is formed between the upper side in the vehicle vertical direction of the electronic component housing unit, and an upper cover for covering the electronic component housing unit from above in the vehicle vertical direction is provided, and the wire drawn out from the connection part is drawn out from the lower opening of the upper cover.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

[0005] The objective of the present invention is to provide a communication device that can reliably perform wireless communication even when the inside of a water meter box is flooded. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of this invention, a communication device is provided comprising a communication interface for obtaining meter readings from a water meter, a wireless communication antenna for wirelessly transmitting the meter readings, and a housing for housing the communication interface and the wireless communication antenna. The communication device further comprises a structure attached to the upper part of a lid that covers the top of the meter box in which the communication device is located, the structure having a space for storing air inside. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] As described above, according to the present invention, stable wireless communication can be performed even if the water meter box is flooded. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is an image diagram showing the overall configuration of the network system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a water meter box according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the inside of a water meter box according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a side cross-sectional view of a communication device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is an image diagram showing the inside of a water meter box with a cover attached to the communication device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6]This is an image diagram showing the inside of a water meter box with the lid open, according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is an illustrative diagram showing the inside of a water meter box with rainwater accumulated inside, according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a plan view of the water meter box with the lid locked according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a block diagram showing the main functions of a communication device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart showing a method for installing a communication device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] This is an image diagram showing the inside of a water meter box with the cover and the first container attached to the communication device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart showing a method for installing a communication device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] This is an image diagram showing the inside of a water meter box with the cover and the second container attached to the communication device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a side view of the cover according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a flowchart showing a method for installing a communication device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] This is a flowchart showing a method for installing a communication device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 17] This is an image diagram showing the inside of a water meter box with the cover and spacer attached to the communication device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 18] This is a side cross-sectional view showing a configuration for fixing a cover to a lid according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 19] This is a side view of the cover according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 20] This is a side view of the cover according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 21]Perspective view of the cover according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 22] Flowchart showing the installation method of the communication device according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 23] Flowchart showing another installation method of the communication device according to the eighth embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated. <First Embodiment> <Overall Configuration of Network System 1>

[0010] First, the overall configuration of the network system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The network system 1 according to the present embodiment mainly includes a measuring device 200, a communication device 100, a network 500, a center-side network control device 400, a center server 300, and the like.

[0011] The measuring device 200 is a meter for measuring usage amounts such as water supply, and stores or outputs externally the cumulative value of the usage amounts up to now as a measurement result. In particular, the measuring device 200 according to the present embodiment is arranged in a water meter BOX provided underground.

[0012] The communication device 100 is a device that can be retrofitted in the vicinity of the measuring device 200 in the water meter BOX. In the present embodiment, the communication device receives the measured value of the measuring device via a cable for wired signals and transmits the measured value to the server 300 by wireless communication.

[0013] The server 300 obtains metered values ​​from the communication device 100 via a network 500 such as the internet, and calculates the usage of gas, water, electricity, etc., in each household, office, and building.

[0014] Thus, with respect to the network system 1 according to this embodiment, by connecting the communication device 100 to the measuring device 200, the communication device 100 can provide the measured values ​​from the measuring device 200 to the server 300 instead of a worker making a visit. In particular, although the communication device 100 according to this embodiment is installed in a water meter box located underground, it is designed to ensure stable wireless communication by the communication device 100 even if rainwater accumulates inside the water meter box. <Configuration inside the water meter box>

[0015] The following describes the configuration of the water meter box 10, which houses the communication device 100 and the measuring device 200.

[0016] First, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the water meter box 10 consists of a roughly rectangular box 11 and a lid 12. A water pipe 13 passes through the bottom of the box 11. Inside the water meter box 10, the water pipe 13, a measuring device 200, a communication device 100, and the like are housed.

[0017] The measuring device 200 measures the amount of water flowing through the water pipe 13, stores the meter reading results in its internal memory, and periodically transmits the meter reading results to the communication device 100 via a communication cable or the like.

[0018] For example, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the communication device 100 is secured to the side of the measuring device 200 by using a cable tie 91. The cable tie 91 is constructed by wrapping the belt portion around the object to be attached and then passing the tail end of the belt portion through the head end at the other end and tightening it.

[0019] However, the method of fixing the communication device 100 to the measuring device 200 or to the water meter box 10 is not particularly limited. <Configuration of communication equipment>

[0020] Next, the configuration of the communication device 100 will be described. Referring to Figure 4, the communication device 100 consists of a roughly rectangular upper cover 101 and a roughly rectangular lower cover 102, which constitute the housing 103. The upper cover 101 and the lower cover 102 are preferably made of resin so as not to interfere with wireless communication.

[0021] The enclosure 103 houses a microcomputer 110, a wired communication interface (wired connector) 150 (Figure 9), a wireless communication antenna 160, an LTE module 161, a battery 180, and other components. The microcomputer 110 includes a CPU, memory, and multiple terminals.

[0022] In this embodiment in particular, a relatively heavy battery 180 is placed in the lower and central part of the housing 103. A circuit board 109 is placed above the battery 180. A wireless communication antenna 160, a magnetic sensor 140, a wired communication interface 150 (Figure 9), LED lights 130, 130 (Figure 9), etc. are mounted on the upper surface of the circuit board 109. In this embodiment, a microcomputer 110 and an LTE module 161, etc. are mounted on the back side of the circuit board 109.

[0023] More specifically, in this embodiment, a transparent resin member 101Z is fixed to the upper surface of the upper cover 101, above the LED lights 130, 130, via an O-ring 106. This allows the worker to easily see the light from the LED lights 130, 130 from outside the housing 103.

[0024] Furthermore, a recess 101Y is formed on the upper surface of the upper cover 101, in the portion above the magnetic sensor 140. This shortens the distance from the surface (upper surface) of the recess 101Y to the magnetic sensor 140, making it possible to activate the magnetic sensor 140 even when using a weak magnet or magnetic switch.

[0025] Furthermore, the upper cover 101 and the lower cover 102 are secured together with screws, with an O-ring 107 sandwiched between their joint surfaces, thus enabling waterproofing of the entire housing 103. In this embodiment, four bosses are formed around the upper cover 101, and screws are tightened from the lower cover 102 side.

[0026] This prevents water from entering the housing 103 even if rainwater fills the water meter box 10.

[0027] In particular, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, a cover 190 is attached above the upper cover 101 of the communication device 100 to the lower surface of the lid 12 of the water meter box 10 to prevent water from entering above the communication device 100. The cover 190 is a resin member molded into a cup shape, with the top and sides sealed and the bottom open. Its lower end is configured to cover the upper cover 101 of the communication device 100.

[0028] In this embodiment, the cover 190 is attached to the underside of the iron lid 12 by a magnet 191. For example, the magnet is fixed to the top surface or back surface of the cover 190.

[0029] More specifically, as shown in Figure 6, the worker opens the lid 12 and attaches the cover 190 to the lid 12 using the magnet 191. At this time, the worker fixes the cover 190 in a position that covers the space above the communication device 100 when the lid 12 is closed. In this state, the worker closes the lid 12 as shown in Figure 5.

[0030] As a result, as shown in Figure 7, even if rainwater fills the water meter box 10, air is already stored inside the cover 190, so very little water enters between the communication device 100 and the lid 12. Consequently, above the wireless communication antenna 160, from bottom to top, are the space inside the upper cover 101, the space inside the cover 190, and the lid 12. In other words, the space inside the upper cover 101 and the space inside the cover 190 exist between the wireless communication antenna 160 and the lid 12. This ensures space between the wireless communication antenna 160 and the lid 12, and makes it difficult for water to enter between the wireless communication antenna 160 and the lid 12. As a result, interference of communication radio waves by water is suppressed, and wireless communication with the base station on the ground becomes more stable.

[0031] Furthermore, the housing 103 and cover 190 generate enough buoyancy to cause the cover 190 and lid 12 to float. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, a lock 15 is provided to secure the lid 12 around the water meter box 10 when the lid 12 is closed.

[0032] Here, with reference to Figure 9, one configuration of the communication device 100 will be described. The communication device 100 mainly includes a microcomputer 110, a wired communication interface 150, a wireless communication antenna 160, LED lights 130, 130, a magnetic sensor 140, and a battery 180. The microcomputer 110 consists of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111 and memory 112, etc.

[0033] The CPU 111 controls each part of the communication device 100 according to the program stored in the memory 112.

[0034] Memory 112 stores the control program, meter readings obtained from the measuring device 200, acquisition time, and other data.

[0035] The magnetic sensor 140 measures the magnetic force and inputs the measurement result to the microcomputer 110. The microcomputer 110 in this embodiment accepts various commands depending on the duration for which the magnetic force is being detected.

[0036] The LED lights 130,130 turn on or flash a predetermined color of light according to instructions from the microcomputer 110.

[0037] The wired communication interface 150 receives meter readings from the measuring device 200 via the communication cable 25, in accordance with instructions from the CPU 111.

[0038] The wireless communication antenna 160 transmits various information to the center server 300 and inputs commands and data from the center server 300 to the CPU 111, according to instructions from the CPU 111. In this embodiment, the wireless communication antenna 160 transmits and receives data with a wireless communication host device such as a base station by utilizing LTE communication or low-power radio communication.

[0039] Each part of the communication device 100 according to this embodiment is powered by the battery 180.

[0040] With the above configuration, the CPU 111 in this embodiment receives meter readings from the measuring device 200 via the wired communication interface 150 and stores them in the memory 112, and also transmits the meter readings to the server 300 via a wireless communication base station, carrier network, or the internet using the wireless communication antenna 160. <How to install communication equipment>

[0041] The following describes in detail the method for installing the communication device 100 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, a worker installs the communication device 100 inside the water meter box 10 by performing the work shown in Figure 10.

[0042] Referring to Figure 10, the worker first opens the lid 12 of the water meter box 10 (step S102).

[0043] The worker connects the communication cable 25 to the wired communication interface 150 of the communication device 100 (step S104).

[0044] The worker operates the communication device 100 to establish communication with the server 300 (step S106).

[0045] The worker wraps the communication device 100 around the measuring device 200 with a cable tie 91 so that the wireless communication antenna 160 is on the upper side (step S108).

[0046] The worker attaches the cover 190 to the underside of the lid 120, specifically to the portion above the communication device 100 (step S110).

[0047] The worker closes the lid 12 of the water meter box 10 (step S112). The magnet 191 on the top surface of the cover 190 is attracted to the lid 12, and the top surface of the cover 190 is attached to the lid 12.

[0048] The worker locks the lid 12 of the water meter box 10 (step S114).

[0049] The worker uses a portable terminal or similar device to check the communication status between the communication device 100 and the base station or server 300 (step S116). <Second Embodiment>

[0050] In the above embodiment, a single cover 190 was attached above the communication device 100. However, the distance from the measuring device 200 to the lid 12 is not always constant. Therefore, as shown in Figure 11, it is preferable to attach an air storage container 195, which stores air inside, to the top surface of the communication device 100, matching the distance from the top surface of the communication device 100 attached to the measuring device 200 to the bottom surface of the lid 12.

[0051] The air storage container 195 stores air inside. The air storage container 195 may be open at the bottom and cover the top of the communication device 100, or it may be sealed all around, including the bottom. When the lid 12 is closed, the lower end of the cover 190 of the first embodiment is configured to cover the top of the air storage container 195.

[0052] In this embodiment, if the distance from the top surface of the communication device 100 to the lid 12 is long, in step S209 of Figure 12, the air storage container 195 is secured to the top of the communication device 100 with a cable tie 91. In this embodiment, the worker brings several air storage containers 195 of different heights, and one air storage container 195 corresponding to the distance from the communication device 100 to the lid 12 is attached to the top surface of the communication device 100.

[0053] Thus, in this embodiment, even if the distance from the top surface of the communication device 100 to the lid 12 is long, it is not necessary to increase the vertical length of the cover 190. As a result, when closing the lid 12 in step S112, the possibility that the cover 190 will hit the surrounding wall of the water meter box 10 and prevent the lid 12 from being closed can be reduced.

[0054] In this embodiment, even if rainwater fills the water meter box 10, air is already stored inside the cover 190 and the air storage container 195, so very little water enters. As a result, above the wireless communication antenna 160, from bottom to top, are the internal space of the upper cover 101, the internal space of the air storage container 195, the internal space of the cover 190, and the lid 12. In other words, between the wireless communication antenna 160 and the lid 12, there are the internal spaces of the upper cover 101, the internal space of the air storage container 195, and the internal space of the cover 190. This ensures that there is space between the wireless communication antenna 160 and the lid 12, and makes it difficult for water to enter between the wireless communication antenna 160 and the lid 12, thus stabilizing wireless communication with the base station on the ground.

[0055] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, multiple air storage containers 195, 195 may be attached to the top surface of the communication device 100 in a vertical stacking manner. In other words, if the distance from the top surface of the communication device 100 to the lid 12 is long, in step S209 of Figure 12, the necessary number of air storage containers 195, 195... are secured to the top surface of the communication device 100 with cable ties 91 to match that distance. When the lid 12 is closed, the lower end of the cover 190 of the first embodiment is configured to cover the top of the uppermost air storage container 195. <Third Embodiment>

[0056] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 14, it is preferable that the height of the cover 190 be adjustable to match the distance from the top surface of the communication device 100 to the lid 12. For example, in this embodiment, horizontal lines are drawn on the side of the cover 190 at 1 cm intervals. Then, in step S309 of Figure 15, the worker cuts off the lower part of the cover 190 to match the distance from the top surface of the communication device 100 to the lid 12. <Fourth Embodiment>

[0057] Furthermore, in order to position the cover 190 directly above the communication device 100 when the lid 12 is closed, in other words, to fix the cover 190 to the lid 12 so that the lower part of the cover 190 covers the upper part of the communication device 100 when the lid 12 is closed, the following installation method may be adopted.

[0058] Referring to Figure 16, the worker first opens the lid 12 of the water meter box 10 (step S102).

[0059] The worker connects the communication cable 25 to the wired communication interface 150 of the communication device 100 (step S104).

[0060] The worker operates the communication device 100 to establish communication with the server 300 (step S106).

[0061] The worker wraps the communication device 100 around the measuring device 200 with a cable tie 91 so that the wireless communication antenna 160 is on the upper side (step S108).

[0062] As shown in Figure 17, the worker places the spacer 196 on the top surface of the communication device 100 and then places the cover 190 over the communication device 100 (step S409).

[0063] The worker closes the lid 12 of the water meter box 10 (step S410). At this time, the magnet 191 on the top surface of the cover 190 is attracted to the lid 12, so that the top surface of the cover 190 is attached to the lid 12. In other words, the cover 190 is fixed directly above the communication device 100, that is, in a position that covers the communication device 100.

[0064] The worker opens the lid 12 again (step S411). At this time, the cover 190 also lifts up along with the lid 12.

[0065] The worker removes spacer 196 (step S412).

[0066] The worker closes the lid 12 of the water meter box 10 (step S112). At this time, the cover 190 returns to a position directly above the communication device 100, that is, covering the communication device 100.

[0067] The worker locks the lid 12 of the water meter box 10 (step S114).

[0068] The worker uses their mobile terminal to check the communication status between the communication device 100 and the server 300 (step S116). <Fifth Embodiment>

[0069] In the above embodiment, the cover 190 was attached to the iron lid 12 by using a magnet 191. However, the lid 12 is not limited to being made of iron. For example, as shown in Figure 18, for a resin lid 12, an iron plate 199 may be attached to the back surface of the lid 12 using double-sided tape or the like. This allows the cover 190 to be fixed to the lid 12 via the magnet 191 on the top of the cover 190 and the iron plate 199.

[0070] Alternatively, the cover 190 can be secured to the lid 12 by attaching double-sided tape to the top surface of the ceiling of the cover 190 or to the back surface of the lid 12, or by attaching hook-and-loop fasteners to the top surface of the ceiling of the cover 190 and to the back surface of the lid 12. <Sixth Embodiment>

[0071] In the above embodiment, the cover 190 is configured to be narrower towards the top and wider towards the bottom. In other words, the cover 190 has a smaller internal horizontal cross-sectional area towards the top and a larger internal horizontal cross-sectional area towards the bottom. However, the cover 190 may be formed to have a uniform width from top to bottom.

[0072] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 19, the cover 190B may be configured to be wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. In other words, the cover 190B may be configured to have a larger horizontal cross-sectional area at the top and a smaller horizontal cross-sectional area at the bottom. Since the base station antenna is not necessarily directly above the communication device 100, but may be positioned at an angle, it is effective to have a wider space above it. In this embodiment, it is necessary to more accurately mount the cover 190B directly above the communication device 100, so it is preferable to adopt the installation method of the fourth embodiment. <Seventh Embodiment>

[0073] The top surface of the communication device 100 may have various information written on it or stickers attached to it. In such cases, if the cover 195 is attached to the communication device 100, it becomes difficult to see the information afterward. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 20, a transparent window 195D is formed on the top surface of the cover 195C. This allows the worker to check the information written on the communication device 100 while the cover 195C is attached.

[0074] Furthermore, a portion of the top surface of cover 195C may be made transparent, or the entire cover 195C may be made of transparent resin or glass. <Eighth Embodiment>

[0075] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 21, when attaching the cover 195E, the worker may write the information on the top surface of the communication device 100 onto the seal 195F on the top surface of the cover 195E, onto paper, or onto the cover 195E itself. More specifically, in this embodiment, the worker performs the process shown in Figure 22.

[0076] The worker first opens the lid 12 of the water meter box 10 (step S102).

[0077] The worker connects the communication cable 25 to the wired communication interface 150 of the communication device 100 (step S104).

[0078] The worker operates the communication device 100 to establish communication with the server 300 (step S106).

[0079] The worker wraps the communication device 100 around the measuring device 200 with a cable tie 91 so that the wireless communication antenna 160 is on the upper side (step S108).

[0080] The worker reads the information written on the top surface of the communication device 100 (step S502).

[0081] The operator attaches the seal 195F to the cover 195E and writes the read information onto the seal 195F (step S504). The subsequent processing is the same as in the embodiment described above, so it will not be explained again here.

[0082] Alternatively, various types of information may be printed using a printer. For example, as shown in Figure 23, the worker may use their own smartphone or tablet to read the QR code (registered trademark) on the top surface of the communication device 100 (step S512).

[0083] The communication terminal obtains information corresponding to the QR code (registered trademark) that was scanned from the server via the internet (step S514). For example, it can obtain the manufacturer name and model number of the meter to which the communication device 100 is attached, information about the house being measured, and handling precautions.

[0084] The worker uses a printer to print the information onto sticker 195F (step S516).

[0085] The worker attaches the seal to the cover 195E (step S516). The subsequent processing is the same as in the embodiment described above, so it will not be repeated here. <Summary>

[0086] In the above embodiment, a communication device is provided that includes a communication interface for obtaining meter readings from a water meter, a wireless communication antenna for wirelessly transmitting the meter readings, and a housing for housing the communication interface and the wireless communication antenna. The communication device further includes a structure attached to the upper part of the lid that covers the top of the meter box in which the communication device is located, and which has a space for storing air inside.

[0087] Preferably, the lower part of the structure is formed to be wider than the upper part of the communication device. With the lid closed, the lower end of the structure reaches a position lower than the upper end of the communication device.

[0088] Preferably, the structure includes a case that is open at the bottom and is wider at the bottom than at the top.

[0089] Preferably, the structure includes a case that is open at the bottom and is formed to be narrower at the bottom than at the top.

[0090] Preferably, the lid is made of iron. A magnet is attached to the top of the structure.

[0091] Preferably, the structure includes a resin layer.

[0092] Preferably, the structure is made up of a member whose upper surface is transparent.

[0093] Preferably, the structure includes a weight.

[0094] Preferably, the communication device further includes a container mounted on top of the housing to prevent water from entering the upper part of the housing. With the lid closed, the lower end of the structure reaches a position lower than the upper end of the container.

[0095] Preferably, the structure is adjustable in height in the vertical direction.

[0096] In the above embodiment, a method for installing a communication device for acquiring meter readings from a water meter and transmitting them wirelessly is provided. The installation method comprises a first step of fixing the communication device to the water meter, a second step of fixing a structure for storing air inside to the area of ​​the lid that covers the top of the meter box in which the communication device is placed, in the area located above the communication device, and a third step of closing the lid.

[0097] Preferably, the second step includes a fourth step of attaching the top surface of the structure to the underside of the lid by closing the lid with the spacer and structure placed on top of the communication device, and a fifth step of opening the lid and removing the spacer.

[0098] Preferably, the installation method further comprises the steps of reading information from the top surface of a communication device and writing the information to the top surface of a structure.

[0099] Preferably, the installation method further comprises the steps of reading information from the top surface of the communication device, printing the information onto a sticker, and attaching the sticker to the top surface of the structure.

[0100] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0101] 1: Network System 10: Water meter box 11: Box body 12: Lid 12B: Lid 13: Water pipes 15: Rock 25: Communication cable 91: Cable ties 100: Communication device 101: Top cover 101Y: Recess 101Z: Resin component 102: Lower cover 103: Enclosure 105: Mounting parts 106: O-ring 107: O-ring 109: Circuit board 110: Microcomputer 111: CPU 112: Memory 120: Lid 130: LED light 140: Magnetic sensor 150: Wired communication interface 160: Wireless communication antenna 161: LTE module 180: Battery 190: Cover 190B: Cover 191: Magnet 193: Weight 194: Elastic Sheet 195: Air storage container 195C: Cover 195D: Transparent window 195E: Cover 195F: Seal 196: Spacer 199: Iron plate 200: Measuring device 300: Center Server 400: Center-side network control device 500: Network

Claims

1. A communication interface for obtaining meter readings from a water meter, A wireless communication antenna for wirelessly transmitting the meter reading, A communication device comprising a housing that houses the communication interface and the wireless communication antenna, A communication device further comprising a structure attached to the upper part of the lid that seals the top of the meter box in which the communication device is located, the structure having a space for storing air inside.

2. The lower part of the aforementioned structure is formed to be wider than the upper part of the communication device. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein, with the lid closed, the lower end of the structure reaches a position lower than the upper end of the communication device.

3. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the structure includes a case with an open bottom, and the lower part is wider than the upper part.

4. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the structure includes a case with an open bottom, and the lower part is narrower than the upper part.

5. The aforementioned lid is made of iron. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein a magnet is attached to the upper part of the aforementioned structure.

6. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the structure includes a resin layer.

7. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the structure is composed of a transparent material at least on its upper surface.

8. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the structure includes a weight.

9. The housing is further equipped with a container attached to the top of the housing to prevent water from entering the upper part of the housing, The communication device according to claim 1, wherein, with the lid closed, the lower end of the structure reaches a position lower than the upper end of the container.

10. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein the height of the structure is adjustable in the vertical direction.

11. A method for installing a communication device for obtaining meter readings from a water meter and transmitting them wirelessly, The first step is to fix the communication device to the water meter, A second step involves fixing a structure for storing air inside to the area of ​​the lid that covers the area above the meter box in which the communication device is located, which is a lid that covers the area above the communication device. A method for installing a communication device, comprising the third step of closing the aforementioned lid.

12. The second step described above is: A fourth step involves placing the spacer and the structure on top of the communication device and then closing the lid to attach the upper surface of the structure to the back surface of the lid, A method for installing a communication device according to claim 11, comprising a fifth step of opening the lid and removing the spacer.

13. The steps include reading the information on the top surface of the communication device, The method for installing a communication device according to claim 11, further comprising the step of writing the information on the upper surface of the structure.

14. The steps include reading the information on the top surface of the communication device, The steps include printing the information onto a sticker, The method for installing a communication device according to claim 11, further comprising the step of attaching the seal to the upper surface of the structure.

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