Water meter reading device

Abstract

The water meter reading device disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention may include: a case having an open lower surface and an storage part therein; a bottom cover coupled to a bottom of the case; a battery disposed in a lower part of the storage part; and a plurality of substrates electrically connected to the battery in the storage part, wherein the bottom cover has a connector part having a plurality of connector pins and is coupled to a lower part of the case.

Description

Water meter reading device

[0001] The invention relates to a water meter reading device. The invention relates to a wireless water meter reading device.

[0002] In general, households and buildings are supplied with water, gas, and electricity. To measure usage and charge for these services, water, gas, and electricity meters are installed. Water meters, in particular, are buried deep in buildings to prevent damage from freezing and other causes, making meter reading inconvenient. To facilitate meter reading, meter readers install a meter reading device on top of the water meter, and connect it to a display such as a PDA, allowing meter readers to easily take pictures and read the meter from outside.

[0003] However, when the camera and the water meter reading area are close together, usage figures may not be captured, or even if captured, they may be difficult to verify. Furthermore, in dark environments, the above technology may not be usable or separate lighting may be required.

[0004] If a meter reader is installed on a manhole water meter and the manhole is flooded or the material shrinks due to seasonal temperature changes, it can cause waterproofing issues, leakage in the meter reader, or short circuits or connectors in the internal circuitry. Furthermore, if the internal space of the meter reader is molded with resin to ensure waterproofing, a resin injection and curing process is required. Furthermore, molding the resin can be challenging due to the time required and the odor generated during curing. Furthermore, debugging defects in the molding fluid can be difficult.

[0005] An embodiment of the invention provides a water meter reading device in which components such as a battery, a circuit board, a capacitor, and an antenna inside the water meter can be easily reused and replaced.

[0006] An embodiment of the invention provides a water meter reading device having a connector portion integrally formed with a bottom cover.

[0007] An embodiment of the invention provides a water meter reading device that communicates wirelessly through a case having a battery, a main board, and a communication antenna board therein.

[0008] A water meter reading device according to an embodiment of the invention comprises a case having an open bottom and a storage portion inside; a bottom cover coupled to a bottom of the case; a battery disposed in a lower portion of the storage portion; and a plurality of substrates electrically connected to the battery within the storage portion, wherein the bottom cover has a connector portion having a plurality of connector pins and can be coupled to the lower portion of the case.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the invention, the lower shape of the case and the shape of the battery may be a cylindrical shape.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the invention, the bottom cover includes a plurality of support ribs arranged on both sides of the plurality of connector pins, and the plurality of support ribs can overlap the battery in a vertical direction.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the invention, the plurality of support ribs support the lower surface of the battery, and the upper ends of the plurality of connector pins may protrude higher than the upper ends of the support ribs.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the invention, the bottom cover has a concave ring-shaped groove on the upper circumference, the case includes a convex concave projection on the lower circumference, and the concave groove and the concave projection can be fused to each other.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the invention, the case may include an anti-rotation structure having a plurality of engaging protrusions on the lower portion of the case and a plurality of engaging protrusions on the outer wall of the bottom cover.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the invention, the case may include a first screw thread on the outer periphery; and an upper cover covering the upper portion, and may include a clamp portion having a second screw thread inserted through the lower portion of the case and fastened to the first screw thread.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the invention, the battery may include an inner bracket for protecting the battery; and a charging / discharging unit electrically connected to the battery.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the invention, the plurality of substrates may include a main substrate mounted on the inner bracket, a sub substrate coupled to the main substrate, and an antenna substrate connected to the sub substrate and disposed on an upper surface of the storage portion of the case.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the invention, the main substrate may have a plurality of coupling holes, and the sub substrate may have a plurality of coupling protrusions coupled to the plurality of coupling holes.

[0018] According to the water meter reading device of the embodiment of the invention, a bottom cover having a connector portion can be attached to the open bottom of the case, thereby facilitating the joining or detachment of the bottom cover. Accordingly, components inside the case can be replaced or reused.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the invention, a bottom cover having connector pins integrally formed with the bottom of the case can be used to separate or join the bottom of the case. Furthermore, the bottom cover can facilitate the joining, separation, or reuse of internal components.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the invention, by arranging an inner bracket in a storage portion inside a case, a battery can be protected at the lower portion of the inner bracket and components such as a circuit board and a charging / discharging portion can be mounted at the upper portion, and the components can be easily combined or separated through the inner bracket.

[0021] The invention can easily adjust the gap between the upper cover of the case and the clamp part fastened to the periphery of the case, and the clamp part can be fastened before or after the bottom cover is fastened inside the case.

[0022] According to the water meter reading device of the embodiment of the invention, by embedding an antenna substrate inside the case, the size of the meter reading device can be reduced, thereby reducing restrictions on installation space.

[0023] According to the water meter reading device of the embodiment of the invention, by electrically connecting the communication antenna substrate and the main substrate inside the case, antenna failure due to assembly can be prevented, and communication failure can be eliminated.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the invention, the reliability of a wireless meter reading device of a water meter can be improved.

[0025] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a water meter reading device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0026] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a water meter reading device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0027] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the combined water meter reading device of Figure 2.

[0028] Figure 4 is a side view of the water meter reading device of Figure 3.

[0029] Figure 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the water meter reading device of Figure 4.

[0030] Figure 6 is an example of another side cross-sectional view of the water meter reading device of Figure 5.

[0031] Fig. 7 is an example of an antenna board combined within the case of the water meter reading device of Fig. 6.

[0032] Figure 8 is an example of a cross-sectional view showing the case, bottom cover, and inner bracket of Figure 6.

[0033] Figures 9 and 10 are partial cross-sectional views showing examples of bonding of the main board and the sub board on the inner bracket inside the case of Figure 6.

[0034] Fig. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example of the combination of the main board, sub board, and capacitor on the inner bracket inside the case of Fig. 6.

[0035] Fig. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example of the combination of the inside of the case and the inner bracket of Fig. 9.

[0036] Figure 12 is a plan view of Figure 11.

[0037] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the inner bracket of Figs. 2 and 9.

[0038] Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing an example in which a battery is combined at the lower part of the inner bracket of Fig. 13 and a main board and a sub board are combined at the upper part.

[0039] Figure 15 is a drawing of the inner bracket of Figure 14 viewed from a different direction.

[0040] Fig. 16 is a partially enlarged view showing an example of the combination of the inner bracket and the main board of Fig. 5.

[0041] Fig. 17 is a drawing showing a part of the main board of Figs. 9 and 14.

[0042] Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a bottom cover having the connector portion of Fig. 5.

[0043] Fig. 19 is a side view of the combined bottom cover and case having the connector portion of Fig. 5.

[0044] Fig. 20 is a partial cross-sectional view of the bottom cover and case having the connector portion of Fig. 5.

[0045] Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the bottom cover and case having the connector portion of Fig. 5.

[0046] Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view of another side of Figure 21.

[0047] Figures 23 (a) and (b) are drawings showing an example of a water meter reading device according to an embodiment of the invention being coupled to a main body cover of a water meter.

[0048] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0049] The technical idea of ​​the present invention is not limited to some of the embodiments described, but can be implemented in various different forms, and within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, one or more of the components between the embodiments can be selectively combined or substituted and used. In addition, the terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the embodiments of the present invention can be interpreted as having a meaning that can be generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs, unless explicitly specifically defined and described, and the meaning of commonly used terms, such as terms defined in a dictionary, can be interpreted in consideration of the contextual meaning of the related technology. In addition, the terminology used in the embodiments of the present invention is for the purpose of describing the embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, the singular may also include the plural unless specifically stated in the phrase, and when it is described as “A and (or at least one) of B, C”, it may include one or more of all combinations that can be combined with A, B, and C. In addition, when describing components of embodiments of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are only intended to distinguish the components from other components, and the nature, order, or sequence of the components are not determined by the terms. In addition, when it is described that a component is 'connected', 'coupled', or 'connected' to another component, the component may include not only cases where the component is directly connected, coupled, or connected to the other component, but also cases where the component is 'connected', 'coupled', or 'connected' by another component between the component and the other component.Additionally, when it is described as being formed or arranged "above or below" each component, "above" or "below" includes not only cases where the two components are in direct contact with each other, but also cases where one or more other components are formed or arranged between the two components. Furthermore, when it is expressed as "above" or "below", it can include the meaning of the downward direction as well as the upward direction based on one component.

[0050]

[0051] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a water meter reading device according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 1, a water meter reading device (500) is a wireless reading device that can transmit reading information received remotely at the request of a meter reader or a meter reading device, and can detect tap water usage at a remote location. The water meter reading device (500) communicates with a digital meter (510), which is a water meter, and transmits the received reading information. In addition, the water meter reading device (500) can transmit / receive reading control information to / from the digital meter (510) based on the information received under the control of the meter reader or the meter reading device.

[0053] The connector part (115) of the above water meter reading device (500) is connected to the digital meter (510) via a signal cable. The above water meter reading device (500) includes a main board (141) connected to the connector part (115), a battery (131) as a power supply part, a charging / discharging part (133), and an antenna board (145).

[0054] The main board (141) above serves as a control unit and controls the battery (131) and the charging / discharging unit (133) to stably supply power. In addition, the main board (141) is connected to a digital meter (510) through a connector unit (115) and communicates with the digital meter (510) to receive metering information such as tap water usage or control the digital meter (510). The main board (141) is electrically connected to the antenna board (145) and controls the transmission and reception of wireless communication signals.

[0055] The above charging / discharging unit (133) includes a capacitor and controls the charging and discharging of the battery (131) to supply the necessary power to each component. The battery (131) may include a lithium battery, and may include, for example, a lithium secondary battery.

[0056] The above antenna substrate (145) is electrically connected to the main substrate (141) and communicates wirelessly with the outside. When a metering request is received from the outside, the antenna substrate (145) transmits the metering information acquired through the main substrate (141). The antenna substrate (145) can be connected via at least one or more of Bluetooth communication and low-speed or high-speed wireless Internet. The low-speed Internet may include a LoRa network, and the high-speed Internet may include LTE (Long Term Evolution).

[0057] Since the above-mentioned water meter reading device (500) is installed underground or outdoors, waterproofing is required to protect the internal circuit performance. That is, if moisture or water penetrates the device, various components may be damaged or communication failures may occur due to short circuits between the internal circuits. If such problems occur, product reliability may be reduced. The embodiment of the invention can solve waterproofing or water leakage problems by isolating the inside and outside of the water meter reading device (500) from each other, thereby preventing circuit short circuits or communication failures.

[0058]

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the water meter reading device (500) may include a case (100), a bottom cover (150) coupled to the bottom of the case (100), a battery (131) as a power supply unit placed within the case (100), a charging / discharging unit (133), a main board (141), and a sub board (143).

[0060] The case (100) may be made of an opaque material, for example, a plastic material. The case (100) may be made of a material that absorbs laser light rather than transmitting it. The case (100) includes a storage portion (101) extending from the lower surface to the upper surface, and the storage portion (101) may be a space for storing components or parts inside the case (100). The storage portion (101) may have a storage space (101A) at the upper surface or may be connected to the upper storage space (101A). In addition, the storage portion (101) may further include an antenna substrate (145) as shown in FIG. 7.

[0061] A battery (131), which is a power supply unit, a circuit board (141, 143), a charging / discharging unit (133), and other electrical components can be combined inside the storage unit (101) of the case (100). The storage unit (101) can be equipped with an inner bracket (110) for supporting and fixing components such as the battery (131). The bracket (110) can separate the components placed in the upper storage space (101A) from the battery (131). The lower shape of the case (100) and the battery (131) can have a cylindrical shape.

[0062]

[0063] The case (100) may have an upper cover (170). That is, the upper cover (170) may be integrally formed on the upper portion of the case (100). The upper cover (170) covers the upper surface of the upper storage space (101A) of the case (100). That is, the upper cover (170) covers the upper surface of the storage portion (101).

[0064] The upper cover (170) may have a central region that overlaps the upper storage space (101A) in a vertical direction (Z) and an outer region arranged around the periphery of the central region. The upper surface of the central region may be flat, and the outer region may be provided as an inclined surface at the edge of the upper surface of the central region. In such an upper cover (170), wireless signals can be easily transmitted / received through the central region, and the inclined outer region can suppress the problem of foreign substances accumulating.

[0065]

[0066] A first screw line (122) is arranged on the outer region of the case (100), and the first screw line (122) may be arranged around the upper region of the outer surface of the case (100). The upper end of the screw line (122) may be arranged up to the lower perimeter of the upper cover (170). The outer region of the upper cover (170) may correspond to a clamp part (190). A second screw line (192) is arranged in the inner hole of the clamp part (190) and is fastened with the first screw line (122) of the case (100).

[0067] The clamp portion (190) can be moved along the first and second screw lines (122, 192) on the upper portion of the case (100). The clamp portion (190) can be moved along the first and second screw lines (122, 192) and can adjust the gap (D3) with the upper cover (170), and can be fixed to an external fixing structure. The diameter (W2) or the maximum length of the upper cover (170) can be equal to or greater than the diameter or the maximum length of the clamp portion (190). The clamp portion (190) can be provided in a size that can be fixed to the external fixing structure, i.e., the water meter, without protruding further outward than the outer side of the upper cover (170). The diameter (W2) or the maximum length of the upper cover (170) can be 73 mm or more, for example, in the range of 73 mm to 93 mm. If the diameter (W2) or maximum length of the upper cover (170) is smaller than the above range, the problem of external foreign substances entering the area where the first and second screw lines (122, 192) are fastened can be suppressed, and if it is larger than the above range, there is a problem of the size of the case (100) increasing.

[0068] The diameter (W2) or maximum length of the upper cover (170) may be greater than the length (D1+D2) of the water meter reading device (500). The height (D1+D2) of the water meter reading device (500) may be the sum of the length (D1) of the case (100) and the length (D2) of the bottom cover (150). The length of the water meter reading device (500) may be 150 mm or less, for example, in the range of 90 mm to 150 mm. If the length of the water meter reading device (500) is greater than the range, the water meter reading device (500) may protrude abnormally, and if it is less than the range, it may not be easy to store parts.

[0069]

[0070] The diameter of the inner hole of the clamp portion (190) may be equal to or larger than the lower outer diameter (W5) of the case (100). The diameter of the inner hole of the clamp portion (190) may be equal to or smaller than the upper outer diameter (W1) of the case (100). That is, the upper diameter (W1) of the case (100) may be equal to or larger than the lower outer diameter (W5). The upper diameter (W1) of the case (100) and the lower outer diameter (W5) may be 46 mm or less, for example, in the range of 36 mm to 46 mm. If it is smaller than the range, the capacity or size of the battery (131) may be affected, and if it is larger than the range, the size of the metering device (500) may increase.

[0071] The case (100) may have a difference between the upper outer diameter (W1) and the lower outer diameter (W5) of 8 mm or less, for example, a range of 0 mm to 8 mm or a range of 2 mm to 8 mm. Accordingly, the clamp portion (190) inserted along the outer diameter of the case (100) may be easily coupled.

[0072] As shown in (a)(b) of Fig. 23, the case (100) can be coupled to the main body cover (200) to which the clamp part (190) is not coupled. The main body cover (200) is an outer cover of the water meter and can open and cover the main body (not shown) of the meter through a hinge member (not shown). The water meter reading device (500) is inserted from the outside of the main body cover (200). To this end, the main body cover (200) has a coupling hole (201), and the lower end of the case (100) of the water meter reading device (500) is inserted through the coupling hole (201), and the upper cover (170) faces the outside of the main body cover (200). That is, the upper cover (170) is not inserted into the inside of the main body cover (200), but functions as an outer part of the main body cover (200) of the water meter.

[0073] When the main body cover (200) is placed under the upper cover (170) of the case (100), the clamp part (190) is inserted through the lower end of the case (100) and fastened. At this time, when the clamp part (190) is fastened in the fastening direction, the clamp part (190) presses the main body cover (200) in the direction of the upper cover (170). Accordingly, the main body cover (200) is closely contacted between the clamp part (190) and the upper cover (170). Accordingly, the water meter reading device (500) can be fixed to the main body cover (200). Here, a waterproof ring (not shown) may be coupled between the upper cover (170) and the main body cover (200). In addition, a waterproof ring (not shown) may be coupled between the clamp part (190) and the main body cover (200). The lower part of the case (100) of the water meter reading device (500) coupled to the main cover (200) can be inserted into an insertion hole (not shown) of the water meter (not shown), so that the main cover (200) can cover the water meter with the case (100) inside.

[0074] In this way, the upper cover (170) of the case (100) can be exposed together with the main cover (200) on the outside of the water meter. The upper cover (170) is illustrated as having a protruding structure, but if a stepped groove is provided on the outer periphery of the main cover (200), the upper surface of the upper cover (170) and the upper surface of the main cover (200) can be arranged on the same plane or at the same height. In addition, the case (100) can be easily coupled to or separated from the main cover (200) through the fastening or release of the clamp portion (190). In addition, by forming the upper cover (170) integrally with the case (100), the waterproof characteristics of the components within the case (100) and the reliability of the product can be improved.

[0075]

[0076] The lower inner diameter (W4) of the storage portion (101) of the case (100) may be equal to or greater than the upper inner diameter (W3). That is, the inner diameter of the storage portion (101) may gradually increase from the upper end toward the bottom cover (150). The storage portion (101) may extend in a cylindrical shape from the upper end to the lower end. As another example, a portion of the storage portion (101) may have an area connected to the cylindrical shape. The difference between the upper inner diameter (W3) and the lower inner diameter (W4) of the case (100) may be 8 mm or less, for example, in the range of 0 mm to 8 mm or in the range of 2 mm to 8 mm. Accordingly, the coupling of the inner bracket (110) inserted into the interior of the case (100) may be easy.

[0077]

[0078] A battery (131), a main circuit board (141), a sub circuit board (143), a charging / discharging unit (133), and an inner bracket (110) can be combined in the storage section (101) of the case (100). In addition, a bottom cover (150) can be combined in the lower part of the case (100).

[0079] The battery (131) is disposed at the lower portion of the inner bracket (110), and the charging / discharging unit (133) is disposed at the upper portion of the inner bracket (110). The main substrate (141) and the sub-substrate (143) are disposed at the upper portion of the inner bracket (110). Here, the upper portion may be an area adjacent to the upper cover (170) or may include the upper storage space (101A). The main substrate (141) and the battery (131) are disposed at both sides of the inner bracket (110) and are electrically connected to each other. The main substrate (141) and the sub-substrate (143) are electrically connected to each other.

[0080]

[0081] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 12, the main substrate (141) is mounted on the upper surface (30) of the inner bracket (110), and the sub substrate (143) is placed on the main substrate (141). The sub substrate (143) may be placed in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the main substrate (141). The sub substrate (143) extends vertically toward the upper portion of the case (100). A charging / discharging unit (133) may be placed on one side of the vertical sub substrate (143), so that the space between the sub substrate (143) and the charging / discharging unit (133) can be effectively utilized.

[0082] The main substrate (141) and the sub-substrate (143) may include a printed circuit board (PCB). The main substrate (141) and the sub-substrate (143) may include, for example, at least one of a resin-based PCB, a metal core-based PCB, a flexible PCB, a ceramic PCB, or an FR-4 substrate. The main substrate (141) and the sub-substrate (143) may be arranged as a rigid PCB of any material.

[0083] The width of the sub-substrate (143) is a length perpendicular to the vertical direction and may be smaller than the diameter (e.g., W3) of the receiving portion (101). The sub-substrate (143) may be placed in an area between the central area of ​​the receiving portion (101) and the inner surface of the receiving portion (101), i.e., on one side of the central area.

[0084]

[0085] The case (100) may have first and second guide grooves (13, 16) on both sides of the storage space (101A), first and second guide protrusions (11, 12) for supporting one side of the sub-board (143) on both sides of the first guide groove (13), and third and fourth guide protrusions (14, 15) for supporting the other side of the sub-board (143) on both sides of the second guide groove (16). The sub-board (143) is fitted into the first and second guide grooves (13, 16), and may be inserted or separated along the first to fourth guide protrusions (11, 12, 14, 15). The first to fourth guide protrusions (11, 12, 14, 15) may be formed integrally with the case (100). The first to fourth guide protrusions (11, 12, 14, 15) support both sides of the width direction of the sub-substrate (143). The width direction is a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction.

[0086] The gap (B1) between the first and second guide protrusions (11, 12) and the third and fourth guide protrusions (14, 15) may be larger than the gap (B2) between the substrate supports (21, 22) and smaller than the inner diameter (W3) of the storage space (101A). The first to fourth guide protrusions (11, 12, 14, 15) may be arranged on the substrate supports (21, 22) and may overlap with the substrate supports (21, 22) in a vertical direction.

[0087] The first to fourth guide protrusions (11, 12, 14, 15) may be positioned higher than the position of the upper surface (30) of the inner bracket (110). The first to fourth guide protrusions (11, 12, 14, 15) and the first and second guide grooves (13, 16) may be positioned higher than the upper surface (30) of the inner bracket (110) and may extend to the inner lower surface of the upper cover (170). The first to fourth guide protrusions (11, 12, 14, 15) and the first and second guide grooves (13, 16) may extend vertically. The first and second guide protrusions (11, 12) and the first guide groove (13) can be defined as a first guide portion, the third and fourth guide protrusions (14, 15) and the second guide groove (16) can be defined as a second guide portion, and the first and second guide portions can be provided in a rail shape in a vertical direction.

[0088]

[0089] As shown in FIG. 9, FIG. 16, and FIG. 17, the main substrate (141) has a plurality of coupling holes (141A) extending from the upper surface to the lower surface, and the plurality of coupling holes (141A) may be arranged in an area vertically overlapping with the sub substrate (143). The plurality of coupling holes (141A) may be spaced apart from each other. The main substrate (141) is arranged in an area within an imaginary circle and may be seated on the upper surface (30) of the inner bracket (110). The first and second cutting portions (141C, 141D) of the main substrate (141) are arranged on both sides in the direction in which the coupling holes (141A) are arranged, and may vertically overlap with both sides of the lower surface of the sub substrate (143). The other side surface (141E) of the main substrate (141) may be arranged in a straight shape. The extension direction of the other side (141E) of the main substrate (141) and the width direction of the sub substrate (143) may be parallel to each other.

[0090] As shown in Fig. 16, a plurality of coupling protrusions (143A) of the sub-substrate (143) can be inserted into each of the coupling holes (141A) of the main substrate (141). The protruding length of the plurality of coupling protrusions (143A) of the sub-substrate (143) can be the same as the thickness of the main substrate (141) or can be in the range of 80% to 120% of the thickness of the main substrate (141). The recess (30B) of the upper surface (30) of the inner bracket (110) is arranged in an area corresponding to the coupling protrusions (143A), and can space the coupling protrusions (143A) and the bottom of the recess (30B). Accordingly, when the main substrate (141) and the sub substrate (143) are coupled, the lower ends of the coupling protrusions (143A) are spaced apart from the bottom of the recess (30B), thereby preventing the sub substrate (143) from being separated from the main substrate (141). Here, on both sides of the lower surface of the sub substrate (143), substrate support portions (21, 22) protruding on the inner bracket (110) are provided, so that the substrate support portions (21, 22) support both sides of the lower surface of the sub substrate (143). At this time, the gap (B2) between the substrate support portions (21, 22) may be smaller than the width of the sub substrate (143).

[0091]

[0092] The main substrate (141) may have a cable hole (141B) in the area between the plurality of coupling holes (141A) and the other side surface (141E). The cable holes (141B) are arranged in plurality, and the main substrate (141) may be electrically connected to the battery (141) through a signal cable drawn out through the cable hole (141B). As shown in FIG. 9, an internal connection part (135) may be mounted on the main substrate (141), and as shown in FIG. 10, the charging / discharging part (133) may be arranged on the inner side of the sub substrate (143), and may be arranged one or more times. The internal connection part (135) may electrically connect the charging / discharging part (133) arranged on the inner side of the sub substrate (143) and the main substrate (141).

[0093]

[0094] As shown in FIGS. 8, 9, 11 to 15, the inner bracket (110) may be provided with a recess (30B) arranged on one side of the upper surface (30), an opening (30A) arranged on the other side of the upper surface (30), an upper guide piece (31, 32, 33), and a lower guide piece (51, 52, 53).

[0095] The recess (30B) above may be a space for accommodating an electronic component (not shown) when the electronic component is mounted on the lower surface of the main substrate (141). The opening (30A) may be provided with members for connecting the battery (131) or the charging / discharging unit (133) and the main substrate (141). Stopping protrusions (35, 36) are provided on both sides of the opening (30A) and the other side of the upper surface (30), and the stopping protrusions (35, 36) may prevent movement of the main substrate (141) mounted on the upper surface (30) of the inner bracket (110). The stopping protrusions (35, 36) may come into contact with both sides of the other side surface (141E) of the main substrate (141). Accordingly, movement of the main substrate (141) may be prevented.

[0096] One of the above-described stopping protrusions (35, 36) can be brought into contact with the inner side of the upper guide piece (32). The stopping protrusions (35, 36) have different lengths and can support the other side surface (141E) of the main substrate (141). The inner surface of the stopping protrusions (35, 35), i.e., the surface facing the sub substrate (143), is provided as an inclined surface to facilitate insertion of the main substrate (141).

[0097]

[0098] The upper guide pieces (31, 32, 33) are spaced apart from each other along the circumference of a circular shape and guide the outer surface of the main substrate (141). In addition, at least one of the upper guide pieces (31, 32, 33) may be an elastic piece having a groove (31A). That is, the elastic piece in the upper guide piece (31, 32, 33) may provide elasticity when the inner bracket (110) is inserted into the case (100), thereby facilitating insertion. Each of the plurality of upper guide pieces (31, 32, 33) has an inner surface and an outer surface provided as a curved surface, and may be in close contact with the inner surface of the case (100) and the circumferential surface of the main substrate (141).

[0099]

[0100] The recessed areas (R1, R2, R3) between the plurality of upper guide pieces (31, 32, 33) may be provided as cut grooves, and some areas (30C) may be provided as connecting grooves extending to some areas of the upper surface (30), and other cables or parts may be coupled to the connecting grooves. The first to fourth guide protrusions (11, 12, 14, 15) may be coupled to the first and second recessed areas (R1, R2) facing each other among the recessed areas (R1, R2, R3). That is, the lower ends of the first to fourth guide protrusions (11, 12, 14, 15) may extend within the first and second recessed areas (R1, R2).

[0101]

[0102] The lower guide pieces (51, 52, 53) of the inner bracket (110) are spaced apart from each other along the circumference of the circular shape and surround the circumference of the cylindrical battery (131). The lower guide pieces (51, 52, 53) are provided with a curved inner or outer surface and can be in close contact with the inner surface of the case (100) and the outer surface of the battery (131).

[0103] The space (50) between the lower guide pieces (51, 52, 53) of the inner bracket (110) is an area where the battery (131) is coupled. The lower ends of the lower guide pieces (51, 52, 53) may be convex curved surfaces, and the upper surfaces of the groove areas between adjacent lower guide pieces (51, 52, 53) may be concave curved surfaces. These lower guide pieces (51, 52, 53) may have a length (D12) that is smaller than the length (B10) of the battery (131). That is, the lower guide pieces (51, 52, 53) guide the battery (131) so that it can be easily inserted through the lower end.

[0104] The length (D11) of the upper guide piece (31, 32, 33) is a vertical length and may be greater than the thickness of the main substrate (141). The upper ends of the upper guide pieces (31, 32, 33) may be positioned higher than the lower ends of the guide protrusions (11, 12, 14, 15). Accordingly, the upper guide pieces (31, 32, 33) may be elastic and adhere closely to the inner surface of the case (100).

[0105] The length (D12) of the plurality of lower guide pieces (51, 52, 53) may be greater than the length (D11) of the upper guide pieces (31, 32, 33), for example, may be more than twice as large. The plurality of lower guide pieces (51, 52, 53) are spaced apart from the lower end of the battery (131) by a predetermined height (D13), for example, 5 mm or more, so that the battery (131) can be pressed against the inner lower surface of the inner bracket (110). Since the battery (131) is spaced apart from the inner surface of the case (100), the battery (131) can be protected.

[0106]

[0107] As shown in Fig. 7, an antenna substrate (145) may be placed on the inner surface of the upper cover (170). The antenna substrate (145) is connected to the main substrate (141) through the sub-substrate (143) and may be placed at the highest position within the inspection device (500). Since the antenna substrate (145) is placed in the area closest to the outside, a decrease in communication efficiency due to the antenna substrate (145) can be prevented.

[0108] The antenna substrate (145) may include a near field communication (NFC) module (not shown). The near field communication module includes an NFC antenna and can wirelessly communicate with an electronic device at a short distance of 10 cm or less. A desiccant (not shown) may be placed inside the case (100), around at least one of the substrates (141, 143, 145), or outside the battery (141). The desiccant removes moisture that penetrates from the outside around the substrates (141, 143, 145) or / and the outer surface of the battery (131) or moisture existing inside. This desiccant can seal the internal space of the case (100) and remove internal moisture, thereby improving the electrical reliability of the metering device.

[0109] The antenna substrate (145) may include a printed circuit board (PCB). The antenna substrate (145) may include, for example, at least one of a resin-based PCB, a metal core PCB, a flexible PCB, a ceramic PCB, or an FR-4 substrate. The antenna substrate (145) may be arranged as a rigid PCB of any material.

[0110]

[0111] The sub-substrate (143) may be placed between the antenna substrate (145) and the main substrate (141). The antenna substrate (145) has holes (not shown) such as the coupling holes (141A) of the main substrate (141), and the sub-substrate (143) has coupling protrusions (not shown) on the upper portion and may be coupled to the holes of the antenna substrate (145). That is, the holes of the antenna substrate (145) may be respectively positioned corresponding to the coupling holes (141A) of the main substrate (141). Accordingly, the sub-substrate (143) may be coupled to the main substrate (141) mounted on the inner bracket (110), and the antenna substrate (145) may be coupled to the sub-substrate (143) and then coupled into the interior of the case (100).

[0112] In this way, the battery (131) can be combined at the lower part of the inner bracket (110), and the main board (141), the sub board (143), the charging / discharging unit (133), and the antenna board (145) can be combined at the upper part, and then inserted through the storage part (101) of the case (100). By combining the above components in this manner, the combination or separation of the components can be facilitated. In addition, the battery (131) mounted on the inner bracket (110) can be combined together with the bottom cover (150).

[0113]

[0114] Referring to FIGS. 5, 6, and 18 to 22, the bottom cover (150) may have an integral connector portion (151). The connector portion (151) may protrude from the lower portion of the bottom cover (150) and may have a socket to which an external connector may be coupled. The connector portion (151) may have a plurality of connector pins (152), and the plurality of connector pins (152) may penetrate the bottom cover (150) from the lower socket or external insertion port of the connector portion (151) and protrude upward. Accordingly, external moisture or water leakage from flowing into the case (100) through the connector portion (151) may be blocked.

[0115] The above bottom cover (150) has support ribs (153, 154) on the upper portion, and the support ribs (153, 154) are spaced apart from each other and can be arranged in an area that overlaps the battery (131) in the vertical direction (Z). The connector pins (152) are arranged between the plurality of support ribs (153, 154) and can be protected by the plurality of support ribs (153, 154). An imaginary circle formed by the outer surfaces of the plurality of support ribs (153, 154) can be smaller than the outer diameter of the battery (131).

[0116] The above support ribs (153, 154) protrude from the upper surface of the bottom cover (150) and can secure a distance between the lower surface of the battery (131) and the bottom cover (150). The support ribs (153, 154) can separate the lower surface of the battery (131) from the upper surface of the bottom cover (150) and protect the connector pins (152). The upper ends of the support ribs (153, 154) may be lower than the upper ends of the connector pins (152). Accordingly, the connector pins (152) may protrude or be inserted into the lower portion of the battery (131) and be electrically connected to the lower portion of the battery (131).

[0117] As shown in Fig. 4, the height (D2) of the bottom cover (150) may be 10 mm or more, for example, in the range of 10 mm to 20 mm. The height (D2) of the bottom cover (150) may be smaller than the lower outer diameter (W5) of the case (100).

[0118] The connector portion (151) of the bottom cover (150) may be provided with a plurality of support protrusions (5A) arranged along an area connected to the bottom cover (150) and a plurality of locking protrusions (5B) coupled with an external connector. The support protrusions (5A) of the connector portion (151) may integrally support the bottom cover (150) and the connector portion (151). That is, the support protrusions (5A) may be integrally injected into the connector portion (151) and the bottom cover (150). The locking protrusions (5B) may protrude on both sides adjacent to the lower surface of the connector portion (151) to fix the connector when the external connector is coupled. Accordingly, the external connector may be coupled to the connector portion (151). The connector portion (151) may have a non-circular lower shape, for example, an oval shape.

[0119]

[0120] The above-mentioned bottom cover (150) has an outer wall (158), and the outer wall (158) may be an upper body. The above-mentioned connector portion (151) may be a lower body. The bottom cover (150) and the lower part of the case (100) may have a molded structure. The molded structure may have a molded groove (159) and a molded protrusion (91), and the molded groove (159) may be formed in the bottom cover (150), and the molded protrusion (91) may be formed at the lower end of the case (100). As another example, when the molded groove is formed in the lower part of the case (100), the molded protrusion may be formed in the bottom cover (150).

[0121] The outer wall (158) has a molded groove (159) therein, and the molded groove (159) is concave on the upper surface of the outer wall (158) and may have a ring shape. The molded groove (159) may have a continuous ring shape or a discontinuous ring shape. The molded protrusion (91) may have a continuous ring shape or a discontinuous ring shape. The molded protrusion (91) of the case (100) may be coupled to the molded groove (159) of the bottom cover (150). The molded protrusion (91) protrudes on the inner side of the lower surface of the case (100), and the molded groove (159) may be arranged on the inner side of the upper surface of the outer wall (158).

[0122]

[0123] The material of the case (100) may be a laser-absorbing material, for example, a black resin or plastic material. The bottom cover (150) may be formed of a transparent resin or plastic material. The bottom cover (150) may be formed of a material through which the laser is transmitted. The transmittance of the bottom cover (150) for the laser may be 73% or higher, for example, in the range of 73% to 93% or 78% to 88%. If the transmittance of the bottom cover (150) is less than the above range, the working time may be prolonged or the bonding strength may be reduced. The thickness of the area through which the laser is transmitted is the outer wall thickness of the bottom cover (150), and is a range in which the transmittance of the laser is not reduced. The surface of the molding protrusion (91) of the case (100) may be melted by the outer wall thickness of the bottom cover (150), thereby fusion-bonding the two surfaces. Accordingly, water leakage penetrating between the case (100) and the bottom cover (150) from the outside can be completely blocked.

[0124] The molding structure of the bottom cover (150) and the case (100) can mold between the molding projection (91) and the molding groove (159), and can join the molding projection (91) and the molding groove (159) to each other through the laser fusion process. That is, since the case (100) or the molding projection (91) is formed of an opaque material, and the bottom cover (150) is formed of a transparent material, when a laser is irradiated from the outside, the bottom cover (150) passes through it and the case (100) or the molding projection (91) does not pass through it. When a laser is irradiated toward the lower surface of the molding projection (91) on the bottom cover (150), the laser passes through the bottom cover (150) and does not pass through the case (100). At this time, the surface of the mold-fitting protrusion (91) is melted by the laser irradiated, and the melted portion is formed as a joint portion, and can be joined or fused with the surface of the mold-fitting groove (159) through molecular bonding. In the invention, the laser may include ultrasonic waves. Since the mold-fitting protrusion (91) is positioned so as not to overlap with the battery (131) or other components in the vertical direction, damage to the components caused by the laser can be prevented.

[0125] The inner area of ​​the case (100) can have a waterproof function because the joining area with the bottom cover (150) is blocked. In addition, since the joining portion between the joining protrusion (91) and the joining groove (159) is provided on the inner wall of the bottom cover (150), it is not visible when viewed from the outside, so that there is no deformation or change in the outer surface and a clean appearance can be provided. In addition, since the lower part of the case (100) and the bottom cover (150) are firmly joined by molecular bonding, the waterproofing and moisture-proofing efficiency can be improved. In addition, when the bottom cover (150) is re-melted by irradiating with a laser, the bottom cover (150) can be separated from the case (100). The meter reading device (500) has a bottom waterproof structure, so that the internal components of the meter reading device (500) installed underground or outdoors can be protected, and the reliability of the product can be improved. The above-mentioned molding projection (91) and molding groove (159) can be provided in a single ring shape or a double ring shape. In addition, by fusing the case (100) and the bottom cover (150) with a laser, the problem of sealing the lower part or the substrate of the battery (131) with a sealing resin can be prevented.

[0126]

[0127] The above-described bottom cover (150) and the case (100) may be coupled with an anti-rotation structure. The anti-rotation structure may be coupled with groove and protrusion structures in different areas of the outer wall (158) of the bottom cover (150) and the case (100). Specifically, the bottom cover (150) may have a plurality of coupling grooves (158A, 158B), and the case (100) may have a plurality of coupling protrusions (91A, 91B) at the bottom that are fitted into the coupling grooves (158A, 158B). As another example, the bottom cover (150) may have a plurality of coupling protrusions, and the case (100) may have a plurality of coupling grooves at the bottom that are fitted into each of the coupling protrusions.

[0128] The above-mentioned joining grooves (158A, 158B) are formed in a concave shape on opposite sides of the outer wall (158) of the bottom cover (150), and may be formed in a hemispherical shape, for example. The joining protrusions (91A, 91B) protrude in a convex shape on opposite sides of the lower portion of the case (100), and may be formed in a hemispherical shape, for example. Each of the joining protrusions (91A, 91B) is joined to each of the joining grooves (158A, 158B), and may be mated with each other. By this rotation prevention structure, the bottom cover (150) may be prevented from rotating at the lower portion of the case (100). The protruding length (C1) of the joining protrusions (91A, 91B) may be 40% or more, for example, 40% to 80%, of the depth (C2) of the mating groove (159). Accordingly, the rigidity of the above-mentioned connecting protrusions (91A, 91B) can be prevented from decreasing.

[0129] The direction of the straight line passing through the above-mentioned coupling grooves (158A, 158B) may be arranged in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the connector pins (152) are arranged. The above-mentioned anti-rotation structure may prevent movement of the connector pins (152) coupled to the battery (131).

[0130]

[0131] In an embodiment of the invention, the connector portion (151) is formed integrally with the bottom cover (150) and then joined to the case (100), thereby preventing the problem of the outer shape of the case (100) from becoming larger. That is, when the connector portion (151) is formed at the bottom of the case (100), the bottom shape of the case (100) is provided as a non-circular shape, which makes it difficult to assemble or join the metering device (500). In addition, by joining the bottom cover (150) having the connector portion (151) to the case (100), the waterproofing problem can be improved and reliability can be improved. In addition, the clamp portion (190) has the effect of being able to be joined through the bottom of the case (100).

[0132] An embodiment of the invention can reduce the battery space by supporting the battery (131) with an inner bracket (110). In addition, by arranging the substrates on top of the inner bracket (110), the battery (131) and the substrate can be physically separated.

[0133] An embodiment of the invention horizontally arranges an antenna substrate (145) having an antenna pattern on the upper portion of a meter reading device (500) of a water meter, thereby improving communication efficiency with the outside and increasing the degree of design freedom of a meter reading device (500) having an antenna inside. In addition, since the antenna is arranged inside the meter reading device (500), restrictions on installation space can be reduced.

[0134]

[0135] The features, structures, effects, etc. described in the embodiments above are included in at least one embodiment of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to just one embodiment. Furthermore, the features, structures, effects, etc. exemplified in each embodiment can be combined or modified in other embodiments by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments pertain. Therefore, the contents related to such combinations and modifications should be construed as falling within the scope of the present invention.

[0136] In addition, although the above description focuses on examples, these are merely examples and do not limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will appreciate that various modifications and applications not exemplified above are possible without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. For example, each component specifically shown in the examples can be modified and implemented. In addition, differences related to such modifications and applications should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A case with an open bottom and a storage compartment inside; A bottom cover that is attached to the bottom of the above case; A battery placed at the bottom of the storage compartment; and A plurality of substrates electrically connected to the battery are included within the storage compartment, A water meter reading device, wherein the above-mentioned bottom cover has a connector portion having a plurality of connector pins and is coupled to the lower part of the case.

2. In paragraph 1, A water meter reading device in which the shape of the lower part of the case and the shape of the battery are cylindrical.

3. In paragraph 1, The above bottom cover includes a plurality of support ribs arranged on both sides of the plurality of connector pins, A water meter reading device, wherein the plurality of support ribs overlap vertically with the battery.

4. In paragraph 3, The above plurality of support ribs support the lower surface of the battery, A water meter reading device, wherein the upper ends of the plurality of connector pins protrude higher than the upper ends of the support ribs.

5. In paragraph 3, The above floor cover has a groove having a concave ring shape on the upper circumference, The above case includes a convex shaped projection on the lower periphery, A water meter reading device in which the above-mentioned molded groove and the above-mentioned molded protrusion are fused to each other.

6. In paragraph 5, A water meter reading device comprising a rotation prevention structure having a plurality of coupling protrusions on the lower part of the case and a plurality of coupling protrusions on the outer wall of the bottom cover.

7. In paragraph 5, The case includes a first screw thread on the outer periphery; and an upper cover covering the upper part, A water meter reading device comprising a clamp portion having a second screw thread inserted through the lower portion of the case and fastened to the first screw thread.

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, A water meter reading device comprising an inner bracket for protecting the battery; and a charging / discharging unit electrically connected to the battery.

9. In paragraph 8, A water meter reading device, wherein the plurality of substrates include a main substrate mounted on the inner bracket, a sub substrate coupled to the main substrate, and an antenna substrate connected to the sub substrate and disposed on the upper surface of the storage portion of the case.

10. In paragraph 8, The above main board has a plurality of bonding holes, A water meter reading device, wherein the sub-substrate has a plurality of coupling protrusions coupled to the plurality of coupling holes.

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