Communication terminal and method for manufacturing a communication terminal

Abstract

To provide a communication terminal capable of stable wireless transmission of meter readings even when placed below the ground surface.SOLUTION: A communication terminal 100 includes: a communication interface 150 for obtaining meter readings from a water meter 200; an antenna 160 for wireless transmission of the meter readings; a magnetic sensor 140 for accepting operation commands; a light 130 for outputting operation modes; a substrate 109 to which the antenna, the magnetic sensor, and the light are attached; a battery 180; and a housing 103. The substrate is positioned above the battery.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for obtaining 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 has been installed. And Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-341680 (Citation Document 1) discloses a wireless communicator for water meter metering with a waterproof cover. According to Citation Document 1, a space having buoyancy that causes the antenna portion to float above the water surface when flooded is provided in the antenna portion of the wireless communicator for water meter, and the wireless communicator main body and the antenna are integrated and sealed and covered with a waterproof cover. When the installation location of the water meter is flooded, the wireless communicator floats and the antenna portion comes out above the water surface so that communication can be ensured and the wireless metering of the water meter can be stably operated.

[0003] Also, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-282790 (Citation Document 2) discloses an automatic metering wireless device. According to Citation Document 2, the automatic metering wireless device has a cylindrical structure disposed in a recess formed from the front side on the lid of the meter scale of the water meter, and the direction of the antenna of the wireless device can be arbitrarily adjusted in the recess.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The objective of the present invention is to provide a communication terminal that can reliably transmit meter readings wirelessly, even when it is positioned below ground level. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of this invention, a communication terminal is provided comprising: a communication interface for obtaining meter readings from a water meter; an antenna for wirelessly transmitting said meter readings; a magnetic sensor for receiving operation commands; a light for outputting an operating mode; a circuit board on which the antenna, magnetic sensor, and light are mounted; a battery; and a housing. The circuit board is positioned above the battery. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] As described above, the present invention provides a communication terminal that can stably transmit meter readings wirelessly even when it is positioned below ground level. [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 an overhead perspective view showing the appearance of a communication terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a plan view of a communication terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is an overhead perspective view showing the communication terminal according to the first embodiment with the top cover removed. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in Figure 5. [Figure 8] This is a block diagram showing the main functions of a communication terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] It is an image diagram showing the switching of the operation mode by the magnetic switch of the communication terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart showing a manufacturing method of the communication terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] It is an upper perspective view showing the substrate according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a perspective view showing the state where the upper cover according to the first embodiment is turned over. [Figure 13] It is a perspective view of the upper cover showing the state where the substrate according to the first embodiment is attached. [Figure 14] It is a perspective view of the upper cover showing the state where the battery according to the first embodiment is attached. [Figure 15] It is a perspective view of the upper cover showing the state where the silica gel and O-ring according to the first embodiment are attached. [Figure 16] It is a perspective view of the upper cover showing the state where the lower cover according to the first embodiment is attached. [Figure 17] It is a perspective view of the communication terminal showing the state where the lower cover according to the first embodiment is screwed to the upper cover. [Figure 18] It is a flowchart showing an installation method of the communication terminal according to the first 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 this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The network system 1 according to this embodiment mainly includes a measurement device 200, a communication terminal 100, a network 500, a center-side network control device 400, a center server 300, and the like.

[0011] The measurement device 200 is a meter for measuring usage amounts such as water supply, and particularly stores or outputs externally the cumulative value of the usage amount up to now as a measurement result.

[0012] The communication terminal 100 is a device that can be attached retrofitting near the measurement device 200. In this embodiment, the communication terminal 100 receives the measured value of the measurement device via a cable for wired signals, and transmits the measured value to the server 300 by wireless communication.

[0013] The server 300 acquires the measured value from the communication terminal 100 via a network 500 such as the Internet, and calculates the usage amounts of gas, water supply, electricity, etc. for each household, each office, and each building.

[0014] As described above, regarding the network system 1 according to this embodiment, by connecting the communication terminal 100 to the measurement device 200 retrofitting, the communication terminal 100 can provide the measured value by the measurement device 200 to the server 300 instead of the operator visiting. Particularly, in this embodiment, since the communication terminal 100 and the measurement device 200 are arranged in a water meter BOX buried underground, even when rainwater accumulates in the water meter BOX, it is devised so that the wireless communication by the communication terminal 100 is stabilized. <Configuration inside the water meter BOX>

[0015] Hereinafter, the configuration of the water meter BOX 10 in which the communication terminal 100 and the measurement device 200 are stored will be described.

[0016] First, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, 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 measuring device 200, a valve 14, and other components.

[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 terminal 100 via the communication cable 25.

[0018] In this embodiment in particular, the communication terminal 100 has a communication cable 25 protruding from an insertion opening 101T provided in a recess 101S formed on its upper part. The water meter box 10 then establishes a communication connection between the measuring device 200 and the communication terminal 100 via the communication cable 25. The communication terminal 100 may be placed inside the water meter box 10 via a flexible arm or tripod (not shown), or it may be placed directly inside the water meter box 10 without any support members. <Communication terminal configuration>

[0019] Next, the configuration of the communication terminal 100 will be described. Referring to Figures 4 to 7, the communication terminal 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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 150, LED lights 130, 130, 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] Furthermore, the upper cover 101 and the lower cover 102 are secured together with screws 108, with an O-ring 107 sandwiched between their joint surfaces, thereby making the entire housing 103 waterproof. In this embodiment, four bosses 101X, 101X, 101X, 101X are formed around the upper cover 101, and screws 108, 108, 108 are tightened from the lower cover 102 side.

[0025] As a result, even if rainwater fills the water meter box 10, water will not enter the inside of the housing 103, and the entire communication terminal 100 will float. With the communication terminal 100 floating on the water, the top of the communication terminal 100 will be kept facing upwards, meaning the lower cover 102 where the battery 180 is located will be kept facing downwards. Consequently, the wireless communication antenna 160 will be positioned on the top of the communication terminal 100, making it easier to communicate wirelessly with a ground base station.

[0026] Furthermore, it is preferable to form a gap of a predetermined distance, for example, 10 mm, between the upper end of the antenna 160 and the upper surface of the outer casing of the housing 103. This reduces the possibility that wireless communication by the antenna 160 will be interfered with by the metal lid 12, even if the communication terminal 100 is placed near the metal lid 12 or in contact with the metal lid 12.

[0027] Here, with reference to Figure 8, one configuration of the communication terminal 100 will be described. The communication terminal 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.

[0028] The CPU 111 controls each part of the communication terminal 100 according to the program stored in the memory 112.

[0029] Memory 112 stores the control program, meter readings obtained from the measuring device 200, acquisition time, and other data.

[0030] 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.

[0031] The LED light 130 lights up or flashes a predetermined color of light according to instructions from the microcomputer 110.

[0032] More specifically, as shown in Figure 9, the communication terminal 100 receives commands to select various modes depending on the duration the operator holds the portable magnetic switch ON. For example, in this embodiment, the microcomputer 110 of the communication terminal 100 waits in self-check mode when the magnetic sensor 140 detects magnetic force for 2 seconds. In this state, when magnetic force can no longer be detected, the mode is confirmed and started. In this case, the microcomputer 110 flashes the LED light 130 on the right side in red.

[0033] The microcomputer 110 of the communication terminal 100 will remain in standby mode in the startup operation mode if the magnetic sensor 140 continues to detect magnetic force for another 2 seconds. In this state, if magnetic force can no longer be detected, the mode will be confirmed and the device will start. In this case, the microcomputer 110 will turn off the right LED light 130 and turn on the left LED light 130 in green.

[0034] The microcomputer 110 of the communication terminal 100 continues to wait in status confirmation mode if the magnetic sensor 140 detects magnetic force for another 2 seconds. In this state, if magnetic force can no longer be detected, the mode is confirmed and the device starts. In this case, the microcomputer 110 makes the LED light 130 on the left side blink green.

[0035] The microcomputer 110 of the communication terminal 100 enters sleep mode and waits if the magnetic sensor 140 continues to detect magnetic force for another 2 seconds. In this state, when magnetic force can no longer be detected, the mode is confirmed and the device starts. In this case, the microcomputer 110 also illuminates the LED light 130 on the right side in green.

[0036] The microcomputer 110 of the communication terminal 100 enters standby mode in the factory default setting when the magnetic sensor 140 continuously detects a magnetic field for only 10 seconds. In this state, when the magnetic field can no longer be detected, the mode is confirmed and the device starts. In this case, the microcomputer 110 turns off the right LED light 130 and makes the left LED light 130 blink orange.

[0037] Returning to Figure 8, 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 types of 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 the base station via LTE communication.

[0039] Each part of the communication terminal 100 in 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 according to the mode and commands received via the magnetic sensor 140, stores them in the memory 112, and transmits the meter readings to the server 300 via the wireless communication base station, carrier network, or the internet using the wireless communication antenna 160. <Manufacturing method for communication terminals>

[0041] The following describes in detail the manufacturing method of the communication terminal 100 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, a worker assembles the communication terminal 100 by performing the work shown in Figure 10.

[0042] First, as shown in Figure 11, the worker attaches various components to the circuit board 109 (step S002). In this embodiment, the wireless communication antenna 160, wired communication interface 150, LED lights 130, 130, magnetic sensor 140, etc. are attached to the top surface of the circuit board 109. The microcomputer 110 and LTE module 161 are attached to the back side of the circuit board 109.

[0043] As shown in Figure 12, the upper cover 101 of the housing 103 of the communication terminal 100 is set upside down (step S004).

[0044] The communication cable 25 is connected to the communication interface 150 and passed through the insertion opening 101T of the upper cover 101 (step S006). In this embodiment, the gap between the insertion opening 101T and the communication cable 25 is potted (sealed) with epoxy adhesive or the like.

[0045] As shown in Figure 13, the circuit board 109 is mounted on the upper cover 101 with its top surface facing downwards (step S008).

[0046] As shown in Figure 14, the battery 180 is attached to the upper cover 101 from above on the back surface of the circuit board 109 (step S010). The battery 180 is attached to the upper cover 101 along the guide 101W of the upper cover 101 according to this embodiment.

[0047] As shown in Figure 15, silica gel 190 is placed around the battery 180 (step S012), and an O-ring 107 is placed around the top cover 101 (step S014).

[0048] As shown in Figure 16, place the lower cover 102 over it (step S016).

[0049] As shown in Figure 17, the screws 108, 108... are passed through the lower cover 102 and screwed into the bosses 101X, 101X... of the upper cover 101 (step S018).

[0050] Because of this configuration, in the case of the communication terminal 100 according to this embodiment, even if the power of the battery 180 runs out, the battery 180 can be easily replaced by removing the lower cover 102. In particular, it becomes possible to reduce the possibility that an operator will have to remove the circuit board 109 or touch the top surface of the circuit board 109. <How to install the communication terminal>

[0051] The following describes in detail the method for installing the communication terminal 100 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, a worker installs the communication terminal 100 inside the water meter box 10 by performing the work shown in Figure 18.

[0052] First, the worker opens the lid 12 of the water meter box 10 that is the target of the work (step S102).

[0053] The worker connects the communication cable 25 of the communication terminal 100 to the measuring device 200 (step S104).

[0054] The operator operates the communication terminal 100 to establish communication with the server 300 (step S106). In this embodiment, the operator inputs a command to select various modes to the communication terminal 100 by turning on the magnetic switch and bringing it close to the recess 101Y of the communication terminal 100.

[0055] The worker places the communication terminal 100 in the designated position (step S108).

[0056] The worker closes the lid 12 of the water meter box 10 (step S110). <Second Embodiment>

[0057] In the above embodiment, a recess 101S was formed in the upper cover 101 to prevent the communication cable 25 from interfering with the lid 12 of the water meter box 10. However, the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0058] For example, the upper cover 101 may be configured such that a gap is created between the upper cover 101 and the lid 12 of the water meter box 10 even if the communication terminal 100 is lifted up, by forming multiple ribs on the upper surface of the upper cover 101. In this case, an insertion opening for the communication cable 25 may be formed on the upper surface of the upper cover 101 without forming any recesses or notches. <Third Embodiment>

[0059] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the microcomputer 110 and the LTE module 161 were mounted on the back surface of the circuit board 109, but the microcomputer 110 and the LTE module 161 may also be mounted on the top surface of the circuit board 109. <Summary>

[0060] In the above embodiment, a communication terminal is provided that includes a communication interface for acquiring meter readings from a water meter, an antenna for wirelessly transmitting the meter readings, a magnetic sensor for receiving operation commands, a light for outputting an operating mode, a circuit board to which the antenna, magnetic sensor, and light are mounted, a battery, and a housing. The circuit board is positioned above the battery.

[0061] Preferably, the housing includes an upper cover that covers the top of the circuit board and battery, and a lower cover that covers the bottom of the battery. The upper cover and the lower cover are screwed together with an O-ring in between.

[0062] Preferably, the upper part of the housing is provided with an inlet for a communication cable connected to a communication interface. This inlet is an opening provided vertically in a portion of the upper surface of the housing that is cut downwards.

[0063] In the above embodiment, a method for manufacturing a communication terminal is provided. The manufacturing method includes the steps of: attaching a communication interface, an antenna, a magnetic sensor, and a light to a circuit board; attaching the circuit board to an upper cover; attaching a battery to the upper cover so that it is located on the back side of the circuit board; and screwing the lower cover to the upper cover with an O-ring in between.

[0064] 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]

[0065] 1: Network System 10: Water meter box 11: Box body 12: Lid 13: Water pipes 14: Valve 25: Communication cable 100: Communication terminal 101: Top cover 101S: Notch 101T: Insertion port 101Y: Recess 101Z: Transparent resin component 102: Lower cover 103: Enclosure 107: O-ring 108: Screw 109: Circuit board 110: Microcomputer 111: CPU 112: Memory 130: LED light 140: Magnetic sensor 150: Wired communication interface 160: Wireless communication antenna 161: LTE module 180: Battery 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, An antenna for wirelessly transmitting the meter reading, A magnetic sensor for receiving operation commands, A light to output the operating mode, The antenna, the magnetic sensor, and the circuit board on which the light is attached, Batteries and A communication terminal comprising a housing, The substrate is positioned above the battery, In the aforementioned housing, a recess is formed above the magnetic sensor, which is recessed downwards. A communication terminal is provided in the recessed area, which contains a transparent resin member for guiding the light from the light source to the outside.

2. Multiple lights are mounted on the substrate, The communication terminal according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of transparent resin members are provided in the recess above each of the plurality of lights.

3. The housing includes an upper cover that covers the upper part of the circuit board and the battery, and a lower cover that covers the lower part of the battery. The communication terminal according to claim 1, wherein the upper cover and the lower cover are screwed together with an O-ring in between.

4. An insertion port for a wired cable connected to the communication interface is provided at the top of the housing. The communication terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the insertion port is an opening provided in the vertical direction in a portion cut downward from the upper surface of the housing.

Images