Communication device and method of installing the communication device

Abstract

This invention provides a technology for waterproofing the communication connection between the communication unit and the water meter in the event of flooding inside the water meter box. [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, a housing 103 for housing the communication interface and the wireless communication antenna, and a structure 190 attached to the top surface of the housing to prevent water from entering the top of the housing. Inside the structure, a connection portion 150 between a signal line 251 from the water meter and a signal line 151 from the communication unit is housed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for acquiring meter reading values from water meters and the like and wirelessly transmitting the values to a server.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, meter reading meters for measuring the usage of water and the like have been installed in residences, offices and the like. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-288908 (Citation 1) discloses an electrical connection box and a lower cover. According to Citation 1, there is provided an electrical connection box in which electronic components are accommodated in a lower cover and an upper cover is fitted thereto, wherein a cover fitting surface and a wire outlet of the lower cover are located below the lowermost terminal connection position. The upper cover is formed with scratch-preventing ribs on its top surface. When the electrical connection box is submerged, a sealed space is formed inside the upper cover, and due to the pressure action of the air layer, water can only enter the electrical connection box up to a certain water level (below the terminals). As a result, the terminals and bus bars are prevented from being wetted, and the waterproofness and drainage performance of the electrical connection box are maintained. The scratch-preventing ribs prevent cracks from forming on the top surface of the upper cover, so that the waterproofness and drainage performance of the electrical connection box can be maintained over a long period of time.

[0003] In addition, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2014-226017 (Citation 2) discloses a waterproof structure for an electronic component storage unit. According to Citation 2, a connection portion to which a wire terminal is connected is provided on the upper side in the vehicle vertical direction of the electronic component storage unit, and an upper cover is provided which covers the electronic component storage unit from the upper side in the vehicle vertical direction in a state where a gap for accommodating the terminal of the wire connected to the connection portion is formed between the upper cover and the upper side in the vehicle vertical direction of the electronic component storage unit, and the wire led out from the connection portion 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 technology for waterproofing the communication connection between a communication device and a water meter in the event of flooding inside the water meter box. [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; a housing for housing the communication interface and the wireless communication antenna; and a structure attached to the top surface of the housing to prevent water from entering the top of the housing. The connection between the signal line from the water meter and the signal line from the communication device is housed inside the structure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] As described above, the present invention provides a technology for waterproofing the communication connection between a communication device and a water meter in the event of water ingress into the water meter box. [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 overhead perspective view showing the communication device and outer cover according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6]This is a side cross-sectional view of a communication device with an outer cover attached according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is an illustrative diagram showing the attachment of the connection part according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing the inside of the water meter box immediately before attaching the outer cover according to the first embodiment to the communication device. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing the inside of a water meter box with the outer cover according to the first embodiment attached to the communication device. [Figure 10] This is a block diagram showing the main functions of a communication device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart showing a method for installing a communication device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view showing a crimp terminal according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a perspective view showing the inside of the outer cover with the crimp terminals housed in the small compartment according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view showing the inside of the outer cover with the sealant filled into the small compartment according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a flowchart showing a method for installing a communication device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] This is an illustrative diagram showing the inside of the outer cover according to the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, identical parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions of them 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 water meter 200, a communication device 100, a network 500, a center-side network control device 400, a center server 300, and the like.

[0011] The water meter 200 is a meter for meter reading that measures the usage amount of tap water or the like, and stores the cumulative value of the usage amount up to now as a measurement result or outputs it to the outside. In particular, the water meter 200 according to the present embodiment is arranged in a water meter BOX provided underground. Of course, it can also be applied to water meters installed above ground.

[0012] The communication device 100 is a device that can be retrofitted and installed in the vicinity of the water meter 200 inside the water meter BOX. In the present embodiment, the communication device 100 receives the measured value of the water meter 200 via wired communication cables 151 and 251, and transmits the measured value to the server 300 by wireless communication.

[0013] More specifically, the communication device 100 is covered with a waterproof case, and the communication cable 151 is led out from the communication device 100. Similarly, the communication cable 251 is also led out from the water meter 200.

[0014] The server 300 acquires measured values from the communication device 100 via the network 500 such as the Internet, and calculates the usage amounts of gas, tap water, electricity and the like for each household, each office, and each building.

[0015] As described above, with respect to the network system 1 according to this embodiment, by connecting the communication device 100 to the water meter 200, the communication device 100 can provide the water meter readings from the water meter 200 to the server 300 instead of a worker visiting. In particular, with respect to the network system 1 according to this embodiment, the communication device 100 and the water meter 200 are arranged in a water meter box installed underground. Even if rainwater accumulates in the water meter box, the connection between the communication cable 151 of the communication device 100 and the communication cable 251 of the water meter 200 is designed so that it does not get submerged in water, thus minimizing disruption to communication between the two. <Configuration inside the water meter box>

[0016] The following describes the configuration of the water meter box 10, which houses the communication device 100 and the water meter 200.

[0017] 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 in the front-to-back direction. Inside the water meter box 10 are the water pipe 13, a water meter 200, a communication device 100, and other components.

[0018] The water meter 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 communication cables 151, 251, etc.

[0019] For example, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the communication device 100 is secured to the side of the water meter 200 by being tied with a cable tie 91 or the like. The cable tie 91 is used 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.

[0020] However, the method of fixing the communication device 100 to the water meter 200 or to the water meter box 10 is not particularly limited. <Communication device configuration>

[0021] 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.

[0022] The enclosure 103 houses a microcomputer 110, a wired communication interface (wired connector) 150, 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.

[0023] 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 wired communication interface 165 (Figure 10), LED lights 130, 130 (Figure 10), a magnetic sensor 140, 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] This prevents water from entering the housing 103 even if rainwater fills the water meter box 10.

[0028] In particular, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 5 to 7, an outer cover 190 is attached above the upper cover 101 of the communication device 100 to prevent water from entering the upper part of the communication device 100 or the vicinity of its upper side. The outer cover 190 is a resin member molded into a cup shape, with the top sealed and the bottom open. Its lower end is configured to fit onto the upper cover 101 of the communication device 100.

[0029] In this embodiment, the outer cover 190 is secured to the top of the communication device 100 by a cable tie 92.

[0030] As a result, even if rainwater accumulates inside the water meter box 10, very little water will enter the inside of the outer cover 190. Consequently, above and near the upper side of the wireless communication antenna 160, the internal space of the upper cover 101, the internal space of the outer cover 190, and the lid 12 are located in that order from bottom to top. In other words, the internal space of the upper cover 101 and the internal space of the outer 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, thus stabilizing wireless communication with the base station on the ground.

[0031] Furthermore, the housing 103 and outer cover 190 generate enough buoyancy to lift the entire communication device 100. Also, because the battery is heavy, even if it is not completely fixed to the water meter 200, the communication device 100 will float on the water, maintaining an upward-facing orientation, that is, the lower cover 102 on which the battery 180 is located will remain facing downward, and as a result, the wireless communication antenna 160 will be positioned on the top of the communication device 100. <Waterproofing of the cable connection section>

[0032] Next, the waterproof structure of the connection between the communication cable 251 from the water meter 200 and the communication cable 151 from the communication device 100 will be described. Referring to Figures 7 to 9, in this embodiment, the connection part 150 is formed by crimping the positive terminals of the communication cables 151 and 251 together and crimping the negative terminals of the communication cables 151 and 251 together. Then, with the connection part 150 housed inside the outer cover 190, the outer cover 190 is attached to the top of the communication device 100, thereby making it difficult for the connection part 150 to get wet.

[0033] More preferably, the connection part 150 is fixed to the underside of the upper surface of the outer cover 190, and the outer cover 190 is then attached to the top of the communication device 100. This makes the connection part 150 less likely to get wet. <Communication device configuration>

[0034] Here, with reference to Figure 10, one configuration of the communication device 100 will be described. The communication device 100 mainly includes a microcomputer 110, a wired communication interface 165, 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, among other things.

[0035] The CPU 111 controls each part of the communication device 100 according to the program stored in the memory 112.

[0036] Memory 112 stores the control program, meter readings obtained from the water meter 200, acquisition time, and other data.

[0037] 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.

[0038] The LED lights 130,130 turn on or flash a predetermined color of light according to instructions from the microcomputer 110.

[0039] The wired communication interface 165 receives meter readings from the water meter 200 via communication cables 151 and 251, in accordance with instructions from the CPU 111.

[0040] 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.

[0041] Each part of the communication device 100 according to this embodiment is powered by the battery 180.

[0042] With the above configuration, the CPU 111 in this embodiment receives meter readings from the water meter 200 via the wired communication interface 165 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>

[0043] 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 11.

[0044] Referring to Figure 11, the worker first opens the lid 12 of the water meter box 10 (step S102).

[0045] The worker crimps the positive terminals of the communication cable 151 from the communication device 100 and the negative terminals of the communication cable 251 from the water meter 200 together (step S104).

[0046] The worker operates the communication device 100 to establish communication with the server 300 (step S106).

[0047] As shown in Figure 7, the worker secures the connection point 150 of the two communication cables 151 and 251 to the inside of the outer cover 190 (step S110).

[0048] Referring to Figure 8, the worker secures the communication device 100 to the water meter 200 using cable ties 91 (step S118).

[0049] Referring to Figure 9, the worker places the outer cover 190 over the top of the communication device 100 and secures the two together with cable ties 92 (step S120).

[0050] Returning to Figure 11, the worker closes the lid 12 of the water meter box 10 (step S122).

[0051] The worker locks the lid 12 of the water meter box 10 (step S124).

[0052] 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 S126). <Second Embodiment>

[0053] In the above embodiment, the connection portion 150 of the communication cables 151 and 251 was simply fixed to the inside of the outer cover 190. However, a dedicated mechanism may be provided on the underside of the ceiling of the outer cover 190.

[0054] First, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 12, the positive terminals of the communication cables 151 and 251 are connected by crimping them together with a dedicated crimp terminal 155, and the negative terminals of the communication cables 151 and 251 are also connected by crimping them together with a dedicated crimp terminal 155.

[0055] Then, as shown in Figure 13, a small compartment 191 for housing the connection part 150, i.e., the crimp terminals 155, 155, is formed on the back side of the ceiling of the outer cover 190. Preferably, the small compartment 191 is formed integrally with the outer cover 190, but it may also be configured with a separate component attached. When the worker connects the communication cables 151, 251 to each other, the connection part 150 is stored in the small compartment 191. This reduces the possibility of the connection part 150 moving around inside the outer cover 190 or coming loose from the outer cover 190.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 14, it is preferable for the worker to fill the small room 191 with sealant 192 while the connection part 150 of the communication cables 151 and 251 is housed in the small room 191. This improves the waterproofing ability of the connection part 150 even if water enters the outer cover 190, and also makes it more difficult for the connection part 150 to come out of the small room 191.

[0057] Furthermore, with the sealant 192 filled into the small chamber 191, it is preferable to close the open portion of the small chamber 191 with a cover such as a plate from above the sealant 192. This further improves the waterproofing capacity of the connection 150. <How to install communication equipment>

[0058] 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 15.

[0059] Referring to Figure 15, the worker first opens the lid 12 of the water meter box 10 (step S202).

[0060] As shown in Figure 12, the worker crimps the positive terminals of the communication cable 151 from the communication device 100 and the communication cable 251 from the water meter 200 together with a crimp terminal 155, and also crimps the negative terminals together with a connector 150 (step S204).

[0061] Returning to Figure 15, the operator operates the communication device 100 to establish communication with the server 300 (step S206).

[0062] As shown in Figure 13, the worker places the connection point 150 of the two communication cables 151 and 251 into the small compartment 191 of the outer cover 190 (step S210).

[0063] As shown in Figure 14, the worker fills each small chamber 191 with sealant 192 at each connection point 150 (step S212). The worker may also cover the small chamber 191 from above the sealant 192 with a plate or the like.

[0064] Referring to Figure 8, the worker secures the communication device 100 to the water meter 200 using cable ties 91 (step S218).

[0065] Referring to Figure 9, the worker places the outer cover 190 over the top of the communication device 100 and secures the two together with cable ties 92 (step S220).

[0066] Returning to Figure 15, the worker closes the lid 12 of the water meter box 10 (step S222).

[0067] The worker locks the lid 12 of the water meter box 10 (step S224).

[0068] 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 S226). <Third Embodiment>

[0069] In the above embodiment, the connection part 150 was fixed inside the small compartment 191 of the outer cover 190 using crimp terminals 155, 155, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 16, a screw terminal block 193 or a plug-in terminal block may be provided inside the outer cover 190 or inside the small compartment 191 to connect the positive terminals of the communication cable 251 from the water meter 200 and the communication cable 151 from the communication device 100, or connect the negative terminals of the other. <Summary>

[0070] In the above embodiment, 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; a housing for housing the communication interface and the wireless communication antenna; and a structure attached to the top surface of the housing to prevent water from entering the top of the housing. The connection between the signal line from the water meter and the signal line from the communication device is housed inside the structure.

[0071] Preferably, a small room for housing the connecting parts is formed inside the structure.

[0072] Preferably, a sealant is injected into the small chamber containing the connecting portion.

[0073] Preferably, the device further includes a cover for closing the opening of the small room.

[0074] In the above embodiment, a method for installing a communication device for acquiring and wirelessly transmitting meter readings from a water meter is provided. The installation method includes the steps of: housing the connection portion between the signal line from the water meter and the signal line from the communication device inside a structure with an open bottom; fixing the structure to the top surface of the communication device; and fixing the communication device inside a box in which the water meter is installed.

[0075] 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]

[0076] 11: Box body 12: Lid 13: Water pipes 25: Communication cable 91: Cable ties 92: Cable ties 100: Communication device 101: Top cover 101Y: Recess 101Z: Resin component 102: Lower cover 103: Enclosure 106: O-ring 107: O-ring 109: Circuit board 110: Microcomputer 111: CPU 112: Memory 130: LED light 140: Magnetic sensor 150: Connection part 151: Communication cable 155: Crimp terminals 160: Wireless communication antenna 161: LTE module 165: Wired communication interface 180: Battery 190: Outer cover 191: Small room 192: Sealer 193: Screw-type terminal block 200: Water meter 251: Communication cable 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 housing that houses the communication interface and the wireless communication antenna, A communication device comprising a structure attached to the upper surface of the housing to prevent water from entering the upper part of the housing, A communication device that houses the connection between the signal line from the water meter and the signal line from the communication device inside the aforementioned structure.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, wherein a small room for housing the connecting portion is formed inside the structure.

3. The communication device according to claim 2, wherein a sealant is injected into the small chamber housing the connecting portion.

4. The communication device according to claim 2, further comprising a cover for closing the opening of the small room.

5. A method for installing a communication device for obtaining meter readings from a water meter and transmitting them wirelessly, A step for housing the connection between the signal wire from the water meter and the signal wire from the communication device inside a structure that is open at the bottom, The steps include fixing the structure to the upper surface of the communication device, A method for installing a communication device, comprising the step of fixing the communication device inside a box in which the water meter is installed.

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