Remote meter reading device for water meter

Abstract

A remote meter reading device for a water meter, according to an embodiment of the present invention, detects the flow rate data of a water meter, and comprises: a sensor unit which is disposed on one surface of the water meter and which detects the position of a metal plate of the water meter; a control unit for detecting the flow rate data by using a signal received from the sensor unit; and a wireless transmission and reception unit for transmitting the detected flow rate data to a remote meter reading server, wherein the metal plate of the water meter can rotate according to water usage.

Description

Water meter remote reading device

[0001] This embodiment relates to a water meter remote reading device.

[0002] Meters are installed on supply lines for household and industrial use to measure the amount consumed. These meters typically take the form of accumulating meters, where the accumulated or totaled amount is visually displayed. Generally, such meters detect the rotational speed of a rotating body as the water is supplied and calculate the supply amount based on this rotational speed.

[0003] Generally, the manual metering method is used to measure water usage, in which meter readers visit customers in person to manually read the meter readings. However, this manual method presents challenges such as errors, missed readings, the possibility of manual manipulation, meter tampering, and excessive reading costs.

[0004] Recently, remote meter reading systems that use communication relays installed at water meters to remotely read only the water usage of consumers are being partially implemented. However, while such systems can increase the convenience of meter reading, they do not provide analysis for flow backflow at the consumer's premises or malfunctions of the remote meter reading device.

[0005] An embodiment of the present invention provides a water meter remote reading device capable of remotely reading a water meter, water usage information, detection of rectification and backflow, and detection of whether a sensor for the water meter has been disconnected from the water meter.

[0006] A water meter remote reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a water meter remote reading device for detecting flow rate data of a water meter, comprising: a sensor unit disposed on one surface of the water meter and detecting the position of a metal plate of the water meter; a control unit that detects flow rate data using a signal received from the sensor unit; and a wireless transceiver unit that transmits the detected flow rate data to a remote reading server, wherein the metal plate of the water meter can rotate according to water usage.

[0007] In addition, the sensor part may be spaced apart from the metal plate by a predetermined distance in a first direction, and at least a portion may be arranged to overlap with the metal plate in the first direction.

[0008] Additionally, the sensor unit includes a first sensor, a second sensor, and a third sensor, and depending on the position of the metal plate, the sensor among the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor that overlaps with the metal plate in the first direction varies, and the output value of any one sensor among the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor that overlaps with the metal plate in the first direction may be different from the output values ​​of the other two sensors.

[0009] Additionally, the sensor unit includes a printed circuit board, and the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor are each formed as a spiral coil pattern having a fan shape on the printed circuit board, and the metal plate may be formed as a metal panel having a fan shape.

[0010] In addition, the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor may be arranged in a shape that divides a circular shape into three equal parts in three corresponding fan shapes.

[0011] In addition, the flow rate data may include at least one of water usage information, water backflow detection information, and separation information in which the sensor unit is separated from the water meter.

[0012] In addition, the control unit may transmit detachment information of the sensor unit to a remote meter reading server when the time during which the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor maintain a non-metallic state in which they cannot detect the metal plate exceeds a preset first time.

[0013] In addition, the control unit maintains the non-metallic state for more than the first time, and when the metal plate is detected by any one of the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor, it can transmit the attachment information of the sensor unit to the remote meter reading server and detect the flow rate data.

[0014] In addition, the control unit calculates the position of the metal plate and the rotation direction of the metal plate according to the output values ​​of the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor, and if backflow information is detected according to the rotation direction of the metal plate, it can transmit the backflow information to the remote meter reading server.

[0015] In addition, the position of the metal plate is detected according to the output values ​​of the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor, and if backflow information is detected according to the rotation direction of the metal plate, the backflow information can be transmitted to a remote meter reading server.

[0016] In addition, the control unit may include a Micro Controller Unit (MCU) that controls the sensor unit and the wireless transceiver unit.

[0017] A water meter remote reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention can detect the amount of rotation of a metal plate to determine water usage information, and can detect whether the water meter is malfunctioning by analyzing the water usage information.

[0018] A water meter remote reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention can detect the occurrence of backflow through a sensor unit. By detecting the occurrence of backflow, it is possible to detect whether there is an intention to illegally use water by installing the water meter upside down.

[0019] The water meter remote reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention can detect whether the water meter sensor is properly installed through a signal from the sensor unit when the water meter sensor is separated from the water meter.

[0020] The water meter remote reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention can reduce current consumption because a single MCU controls both the sensor unit and the wireless transceiver unit.

[0021] A water meter remote reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention can detect a rotation signal of a metal plate of a water meter to detect water usage information, detect backflow of water, and detect whether a sensor for the water meter is disconnected.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a water meter remote reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of a water meter remote reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a water meter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a detection plate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a sensor for a water meter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a sensor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the circuit and sensor of a control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the signals of the control unit and the sensor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a signal input to a control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention as an ADC waveform.

[0031] FIGS. 10 and FIGS. 11 are diagrams showing a table of signals according to the detection of a metal plate by a sensor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0033] However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to some of the described embodiments but can be implemented in various different forms, and within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, one or more of the components among the embodiments may be selectively combined or substituted.

[0034] In addition, terms used in the embodiments of the present invention (including technical and scientific terms) may be interpreted in a sense that is generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs, unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise. Terms that are commonly used, such as terms defined in advance, may be interpreted in consideration of their meaning in the context of the relevant technology.

[0035] Furthermore, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are for the purpose of describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0036] In this specification, the singular form may include the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise in the text, and when described as "at least one of A and B and C (or more than one)," it may include one or more of all combinations that can be formed from A, B, and C.

[0037] In addition, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used when describing the components of the embodiments of the present invention. These terms are used merely to distinguish the components from other components and are not intended to limit the essence, order, or sequence of the components.

[0038] And, where it is stated that a component is 'connected', 'combined', or 'connected' to another component, this may include not only cases where the component is directly 'connected', 'combined', or 'connected' to the other component, but also cases where it is 'connected', 'combined', or 'connected' due to another component located between the component and the other component.

[0039] Furthermore, when described as being formed or placed "above" or "below" each component, "above" or "below" includes not only cases where two components are in direct contact with each other, but also cases where one or more other components are formed or placed between the two components. Additionally, when expressed as "above" or "below," it may include the meaning of a downward direction as well as an upward direction relative to a single component.

[0040] Hereinafter, the configuration of a water meter remote reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0041] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a water meter remote reading system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a water meter remote reading device according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the configuration of a water meter according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the detection plate of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the configuration of a sensor for a water meter according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the configuration of the sensor part of FIG. 5.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, the water meter remote reading device may include a water meter (200) and a sensor (100) for the water meter.

[0043] A water meter (200) is a device that is coupled to a water pipe (210) and measures water usage in an analog manner according to the amount of water flowing inside the water pipe (210). The water meter (200) includes a turntable (230) and a counter (220). The turntable (230) rotates according to water usage to visually display water usage, and the counter (220) can display the water usage as a numerical value.

[0044] The rotating plate (230) may include a gauge needle (231) and a metal plate (232) that can rotate around a rotation axis.

[0045] The gauge needle (231) may have a needle-like shape as it extends from the axis of rotation toward the end. When the flow rate flows in through the inlet of the water pipe (210) and is discharged through the outlet, the fan located between the inlet and outlet of the water pipe (210) rotates, thereby allowing the gauge needle (231) to rotate through internal meshing gears, etc. Depending on the flow rate, the gauge needle (231) can rotate to point to the circular scale at the bottom, and the flow rate being used can be checked depending on which part of the circular scale it is located on.

[0046] That is, when the water supply is used, the gauge needle (231) can rotate to indicate the use of the water supply. At this time, the gauge needle (231) of the rotating plate (230) is made of non-metal, and a metal plate (232) made of a metallic material can be placed on the opposite side of the gauge needle (231).

[0047] The metal plate (232) may be formed in a fan-shaped plate that widens from the axis of rotation toward the end. The metal plate (232) is combined with the gauge needle (231) and rotates together when there is a flow rate, and the movement of the metal plate (232) and the gauge needle (231) can be used to obtain flow rate data from a sensor (100) for a water meter for remote meter reading. In this embodiment, the metal plate (232) is formed in a fan-shaped plate that widens from the axis of rotation toward the end, but is not limited thereto, and the metal plate (232) may be formed in a shape such as a triangle.

[0048] A sensor (100) for a water meter is coupled to a water meter (200), and flow rate data can be detected through the sensor unit (130). The detected flow rate data is transmitted to a remote meter reading server (300) at preset intervals.

[0049] In order to transmit the flow rate data detected here to the remote meter reading server (300) at preset intervals, the sensor (100) for the water meter may include a control unit (130) and a wireless transceiver (120) inside.

[0050] A sensor (100) for a water meter can be coupled to one side of a water meter (200) on which a rotating plate (230) is formed. At this time, a protrusion (not shown) is formed on one side of the coupling case (150) of the sensor (100) for the water meter, and a groove (not shown) is formed in the water meter (200) so that a snap-fit ​​coupling can be achieved. Additionally, the coupling of the coupling case (150) and the water meter (200) may be achieved using a coupling method such as a screw coupling or a clip, and the coupling method may be configured in a form that facilitates easy coupling and separation.

[0051] A sensor (100) for a water meter may include a wireless transceiver (120), a sensor unit (130), and a control unit (140).

[0052] A wireless transceiver (120), a sensor (130), and a control unit (130) can be formed on a printed circuit board (110) and placed inside a coupling case (150).

[0053] The wireless transceiver (120) may include a module using the LoRa (Low Range Radio) communication method for low-power long-distance wireless communication. The wireless transceiver (120) can transmit information to the remote meter reading server (300).

[0054] The sensor unit (130) is positioned adjacent to the rotating plate (230) as the water meter sensor (100) and the water meter (200) are combined, so as to detect the rotation of the rotating plate (230). The sensor unit (130) is positioned to maintain a certain distance from the rotating plate (230) and can be positioned to correspond to the rotating plate (230). The sensor unit (130) can be positioned to overlap vertically with the rotating plate (230) in a first direction. The position of the rotating plate (230) of the water meter (200) may vary depending on the manufacturing company, and depending on the position of the rotating plate (230), the position of the sensor unit (130) of the water meter sensor (100) can be positioned to correspond to the rotating plate (230) through design modifications.

[0055] The sensor unit (130) may include a Tx coil (Tx), a first Rx coil (Rx1), a second Rx coil (Rx2), and a third Rx coil (Rx3).

[0056] The Tx coil (Tx) can be formed by patterning in a circular shape on the printed circuit board (110) to surround the first Rx coil (Rx1), the second Rx coil (Rx2), and the third Rx coil (Rx3). The first Rx coil (Rx1), the second Rx coil (Rx2), and the third Rx coil (Rx3) can be formed by patterning in a fan shape with an angle of about 120 degrees on the printed circuit board (110).

[0057] A fan-shaped first Rx coil (Rx1), second Rx coil (Rx2), and third Rx coil (Rx3) are arranged adjacently so that their sides face each other, and the outer surface of the first Rx coil (Rx1), second Rx coil (Rx2), and third Rx coil (Rx3) can be circular, and a Tx coil (Tx) can be arranged on the outer surface.

[0058] At this time, the area where the first Rx coil (Rx1) is formed may be the first sensor (131), the area where the second Rx coil (Rx2) is formed may be the second sensor (132), and the area where the third Rx coil (Rx3) is formed may be the third sensor (133). The first sensor (131), the second sensor (132), and the third sensor (133) may each be formed as a spiral coil pattern having a fan shape on the printed circuit board (110).

[0059] The metal plate (232) of the rotating plate (230) may be positioned to correspond to the first sensor (131), the second sensor (132), and the third sensor (133) of the sensor unit (130). The sensor unit (130) may be positioned such that it is spaced apart from the metal plate (232) by a predetermined distance in a first direction, and at least a portion of it overlaps with the metal plate (232) in the first direction. The sensor unit (130) and the rotating plate (230) may be positioned so that they overlap vertically, and the metal plate (232) can rotate to be positioned at the first sensor (131), the second sensor (132), or the third sensor (133).

[0060] The first sensor (131), the second sensor (132), and the third sensor (133) can be formed with a size identical or similar to that of the metal plate (232).

[0061] The first sensor (131), the second sensor (132), and the third sensor (133) are arranged adjacently such that the sides of the fan-shaped coils face each other, so that the outer surfaces of the first sensor (131), the second sensor (132), and the third sensor (133) can be circular. The first sensor (131), the second sensor (132), and the third sensor (133) can be arranged in a form that divides the circular shape into three equal parts by dividing it into three corresponding fan shapes.

[0062] Therefore, even if the metal plate (232) rotates, the metal plate (232) can be structured to correspond to the shapes of the first sensor (131), the second sensor (132), and the third sensor (133), so that they can interact with each other.

[0063] The sensor unit (130) can detect the position of the metal plate (232) to determine whether it has rotated in the forward direction or the reverse direction. That is, the sensor unit (130) can determine the flow rate by determining the amount of rotation of the metal plate (232), and can detect rectification and reverse flow by determining the direction of rotation of the metal plate (232). In addition, the sensor unit (130) can detect the position of the metal plate (232) to determine whether the sensor (100) for the water meter has been separated from the water meter (200).

[0064] The control unit (130) may include a Micro Controller Unit (MCU). The control unit (130) can analyze flow rate data detected through the sensor unit (130) and transmit information on water usage based on the measurement results, rectification / backflow detection information, whether the water meter (200) is malfunctioning, and whether the sensor (100) for the water meter is attached or detached to the remote meter reading server (300) via the wireless transceiver unit (120).

[0065] The control unit (130) can detect the amount of rotation of the metal plate (232) in the sensor unit (130) to determine water usage information, and can determine whether the water meter (200) is malfunctioning by analyzing the water usage information.

[0066] The control unit (130) can detect the occurrence of backflow through the sensor unit (130). By detecting the occurrence of backflow, it is possible to determine whether there is an intention to illegally use water by intentionally installing the water meter (200) upside down.

[0067] When the water meter sensor (100) is separated from the water meter (200), the control unit (130) can determine whether the water meter sensor (100) is properly installed through the signal of the sensor unit (130).

[0068] When the control unit (130) detects water usage information of the water meter (200), backflow occurrence information, and disconnection information of the water meter sensor (100), it can transmit to the remote meter reading server (300) via the wireless transceiver (120).

[0069] The remote meter reading server (300) can transmit information received through the wireless transceiver (120) to the administrator. For example, if backflow of water is detected, a message notifying the administrator of the occurrence of backflow can be transmitted. In addition, if the water meter sensor (100) is not connected to the water meter (200), a disconnection information message indicating that the water meter sensor (100) has been removed can be transmitted to the administrator.

[0070] Below, the main operation of the water meter sensor (100) will be explained.

[0071] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the peripheral circuitry and sensor unit of the control unit, FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the signals of the control unit and the sensor unit, and FIG. 9 is a diagram representing the signal input to the control unit as an ADC waveform. FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are diagrams showing the signals according to the detection of a metal plate by the sensor unit in a table.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 7, the control unit (140) may include an MCU, peripheral circuits, and a sensor unit (130).

[0073] When a pulse signal is sent from the MCU of the control unit (140), the impulse signal can enter the Tx coil (Tx) through the RC circuit.

[0074] When an impulse signal enters the Tx coil (Tx), a magnetic field can be formed by the Tx coil (Tx). As this formed magnetic field affects the Rx coil, an induced current is generated in the Rx coil. The induced current generated at this time changes in value when the metal plate (232) approaches due to the influence of the magnetic field. Based on this changed value, the position of the metal plate (232) can be determined, and it can also be determined in which direction the metal plate (232) is moving from its current position.

[0075] Because the induced current differs between the location where the metal plate (232) is present and the location where the metal plate (232) is not present, among the first sensor (131), the second sensor (132), and the third sensor (133), the location where the metal plate (232) is present can generate a different signal.

[0076] Depending on the position of the metal plate (232), the sensor among the first sensor (131), the second sensor (132), and the third sensor (133) that overlaps with the metal plate (232) in the first direction may differ. That is, the output value of any one sensor among the first sensor (131), the second sensor (132), and the third sensor (133) that overlaps with the metal plate (232) in the first direction may differ from the output values ​​of the other two sensors.

[0077] In FIG. 7, the MCU of the control unit (140) is shown with a sensor unit (130) and a peripheral circuit for the sensor unit (130), but the control unit (140) may include a peripheral circuit (not shown) for communication. Additionally, a single MCU can control both the sensor unit (130) and the wireless transceiver unit (120). Since a single MCU controls both the sensor unit (130) and the wireless transceiver unit (120), the current consumption can be reduced compared to when the sensor unit (130) and the wireless transceiver unit (120) are manufactured as separate modules.

[0078] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the pulse signal output from the MCU of the control unit (140) passes through the sensor unit (130), and the values ​​of the first sensor (131), the second sensor (132), and the third sensor (133) can be input to the MCU. The values ​​of the first sensor (131), the second sensor (132), and the third sensor (133) can be converted into ADC values ​​(ADC1, ADC2, ADC3), respectively, in the MCU.

[0079] The ADC value converted in this way can be represented as a waveform as shown in Fig. 9.

[0080] The sensor where the metal plate (232) is located displays the waveform of (A), and the sensor where the metal plate (232) is not located displays the waveform of (C).

[0081] In a sensor where the metal plate (232) is not located, the waveform of (C) is detected, but when the metal plate (232) is located, the level of the waveform is lowered by a greater amount due to the influence of the magnetic field by the metal plate (232). That is, the sensor corresponding to the metal plate (232) can display a different waveform from the sensor where the metal plate (232) is not located.

[0082] For example, when the metal plate (232) is located in the second sensor (132), the metal plate (232) is not located in the first sensor (131) and the third sensor (133). The waveforms of the first sensor (131) and the third sensor (133) where the metal plate (232) is not located may appear as (C), and the waveform of the second sensor (132) where the metal plate (232) is located may have the level drop significantly as (A) because the second Rx coil (Rx2) is affected by the metal plate (232).

[0083] The waveform of (B) can be the waveform that occurs when there is no sensor (100) for the water meter corresponding to the rotating plate (230). That is, it can be the waveform when the sensor (100) for the water meter is not connected to the water meter (200).

[0084] In the case where the metal plate (232) is not placed anywhere in the first sensor (131), the second sensor (132), and the third sensor (133), a magnetic field is formed by the Tx coil (Tx), an induced current is generated in the Rx coil, and the signals generated in the first sensor (131), the second sensor (132), and the third sensor (133) can all be the same.

[0085] That is, when the water meter sensor (100) is not connected to the water meter (200), the signals generated from the first sensor (131), the second sensor (132), and the third sensor (133) may all be the same.

[0086] However, waveforms (B) and (C) are both waveforms when the metal plate (232) is not located, but in the case of waveform (C), the metal plate (232) is located on one of the sensors and can affect the neighboring Rx coil. Therefore, waveform (C) may appear differently from waveform (B), in which the metal plate (232) is not located on any of the sensors.

[0087] That is, when the sensor (100) for the water meter is connected to the water meter (200) but the metal plate (232) does not correspond to the sensor, the waveform of (C) is output, and when the sensor (100) for the water meter is not connected to the water meter (200), the waveform of (B) is output, so the waveforms of (B) and (C) can be distinguished from each other.

[0088] When the water meter sensor (100) is connected to the water meter (200), waveforms (A) and (C) may be produced, and when the water meter sensor (100) is not connected to the water meter (200), waveform (B) may be produced.

[0089] Therefore, through the signal coming out through the sensor unit (130), it is possible to detect which sensor the metal plate (232) is located on, and it is also possible to detect whether the flow rate rotates in the forward direction or the reverse direction depending on this change in the position of the metal plate (232).

[0090] In this embodiment, the signal of the sensor according to the change in position of the metal plate (232) is indicated by a decrease in the level of the waveform, but the waveform may vary depending on the circuit design.

[0091] FIGS. 10 to 11 are diagrams showing the signals according to the detection of the metal plate of the sensor unit in this embodiment in a table.

[0092] The case where the metal plate (232) is located on the sensor in a metal state is indicated as O, and the case where the metal plate (232) is not located in a non-metal state is indicated as X, and the time maintained in the metal state and non-metal state is described as a count.

[0093] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the metal plate (232) can be detected by the first sensor (131), and then by the second sensor (132) and the third sensor (133) in sequence. Thus, it is possible to determine which sensor the metal plate (232) is located at, and thus determine the rotation direction of the rotating plate (230). That is, the position of the metal plate (232) and the rotation direction of the metal plate (232) are calculated, and whether there is a backflow of flow is detected, so that when there is a backflow, backflow information can be transmitted to the remote meter reading server (300) through the control unit (140) and the wireless transceiver unit (120).

[0094] In addition, the time in the non-metallic state until the metal plate (232) is detected is checked to determine if the sensing speed is appropriate within one cycle, and if it is not appropriate, the sensing speed can be changed.

[0095] For example, if the preset value for the non-metallic state maintenance time is 10 counts, which is the first time, then when the time the non-metallic state is maintained at the first sensor (131) is 9 counts (T1), which is the second time, the flow rate is faster, so the sensing speed can be set to be faster.

[0096] Since the flow rate is not constant depending on the user's water usage, the control panel (140) can be adjusted to speed up sensing when the flow rate is fast and slow down sensing when the flow rate is slow.

[0097] Additionally, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the metal plate (232) may not be detected simultaneously by the first sensor (131), the second sensor (132), and the third sensor (133). If the time maintained in a non-metallic state exceeds a preset third time, it can be determined that the water meter sensor (100) is not connected to the water meter (200).

[0098] For example, if the value set for the time during which the first sensor (131), the second sensor (132), and the third sensor (133) all maintain a non-metallic state is the third time, which is 10 counts, then from the moment (T2) when the 10 counts are reached, the sensor (100) for the water meter can be detected as not being connected to the water meter (200). That is, by detecting that the sensor (100) for the water meter is not connected to the water meter (200), the detachment information of the sensor (100) for the water meter can be transmitted to the remote meter reading server (300) through the control unit (140) and the wireless transceiver unit (120).

[0099] In particular, since the water meter (200) must not be temporarily operated by any person other than the authorized personnel, if the sensor (100) for the water meter is removed, a notification can be sent to the remote meter reading server (300) through the control unit (140).

[0100] However, the water meter sensor (100) remains in a detached state, and when the metal plate (232) is detected at least once (T3), the attachment information of the water meter sensor (100) is transmitted to the remote meter reading server (300), and flow detection is started again to detect flow data.

[0101] A water meter remote reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention can detect the amount of rotation of a metal plate to determine water usage information, and can detect whether the water meter is malfunctioning by analyzing the water usage information.

[0102] A water meter remote reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention can detect the occurrence of backflow through a sensor unit. By detecting the occurrence of backflow, it is possible to detect whether there is an intention to illegally use water by installing the water meter upside down.

[0103] The water meter remote reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention can detect whether the water meter sensor is properly installed through a signal from the sensor unit when the water meter sensor is separated from the water meter.

[0104] The water meter remote reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention can reduce current consumption because a single MCU controls both the sensor unit and the wireless transceiver unit.

[0105] A water meter remote reading device according to an embodiment of the present invention can detect a rotation signal of a metal plate of a water meter to detect water usage information, detect backflow of water, and detect whether a sensor for the water meter is disconnected.

[0106] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be implemented in other specific forms without changing its technical concept or essential features. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive.

Claims

1. In a water meter remote reading device for detecting flow rate data of a water meter, A sensor unit disposed on one side of the water meter and detecting the position of the metal plate of the water meter; A control unit that detects flow rate data using a signal received from the sensor unit; and It includes a wireless transceiver that transmits the detected flow rate data to a remote meter reading server, The metal plate of the above water meter is a water meter remote reading device that rotates according to water usage.

2. In Paragraph 1, The sensor unit above is, A water meter remote reading device spaced apart from the metal plate by a predetermined distance in a first direction, and arranged so that at least a portion overlaps with the metal plate in the first direction.

3. In Paragraph 2, The sensor unit includes a first sensor, a second sensor, and a third sensor, and Depending on the position of the metal plate, the sensor among the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor that overlaps with the metal plate in the first direction changes, and A water meter remote reading device in which the output value of any one sensor among the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor, which is connected to the metal plate in the first direction, is different from the output values ​​of the other two sensors.

4. In Paragraph 3, The sensor unit above includes a printed circuit board, and The first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor are each formed as a spiral coil pattern having a fan shape on the printed circuit board, and The above metal plate is a water meter remote reading device formed as a metal panel having a fan shape.

5. In Paragraph 4, The first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor are, A water meter remote reading device arranged in a shape that divides a circular form into three equal parts by three corresponding sector shapes.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above flow rate data is, A water meter remote reading device comprising at least one of water usage information, water backflow detection information, and separation information in which the sensor unit is separated from the water meter.

7. In Paragraph 3, The above control unit is, A water meter remote reading device that transmits detachment information of the sensor unit to a remote reading server when the time during which the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor maintain a non-metallic state in which they cannot detect the metal plate exceeds a preset first time.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above control unit is, Maintain the above non-metallic state for at least the above first time, A water meter remote reading device that detects the metal plate at any one of the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor, transmits attachment information of the sensor unit to a remote reading server, and detects the flow rate data.

9. In Paragraph 3, The above control unit is, Calculate the position of the metal plate and the rotation direction of the metal plate according to the output values ​​of the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor, and A water meter remote reading device that transmits backflow information to the remote meter reading server when backflow information is detected according to the rotation direction of the metal plate.

10. In Paragraph 4, Detecting the position of the metal plate according to the output values ​​of the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor, and A water meter remote reading device that transmits backflow information to a remote meter reading server when backflow information is detected according to the rotation direction of a metal plate.

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