JP2007316040A - Water meter unit - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a water meter unit with a power generation function which needs neither battery cost nor battery replacement work. <P>SOLUTION: The water meter unit 1 is installed standing from a ground surface between a first water pipe 2a and a second water pipe 2b. The water meter unit 1 consists of a measuring part 3 standing to a predetermined height position on the ground surface, an inlet flow pipe 4 connected the measuring part 3 with the first water pipe 2a, and an outlet pipe 5 connected the measuring part 3 with the second water pipe 2b. A water wheel 15 for the power generation is installed in the middle of the outlet pipe 5. This water wheel 15 is coupled directly with the power generation unit 17, generating the electric power by a rotation of the water wheel 15. Furthermore, the power generation unit 17 is connected with a wireless communication unit 23 and an illumination unit 18, the electric power generated by the power generation unit 17 is utilized as an electric source. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a water meter unit body, and more particularly to a water meter unit body that can automatically measure the amount of tap water used.

Conventionally, in this type of water meter unit body, an automatic valve including a water stop valve, a water meter, a control device (wireless unit), and the like are arranged in a storage box installed in a water pipe. According to this, the amount of water flowing through the water pipe is measured by the measuring unit, and the measurement signal is sent to the display unit of the water meter to automatically display the water amount. In addition, the valve can be controlled to open and close by transmitting and receiving command signals and the like between the control device and an external wireless device (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2001-317972 A.

  A battery for driving a control device or the like is mounted on the conventional water meter unit body, but the battery needs to be replaced with a new battery when used for a certain period of time. In order to replace the battery, the upper cover for covering the water meter must be opened and replaced with a new battery. In this case, since the cover is provided with hermetic sealing means, there is a problem that the opening and closing of the cover is troublesome and it is difficult to replace the battery.

  In addition, when the battery replacement time is delayed, the operation of the control device or the like stops, so the battery is often replaced and discarded before the battery is used up. However, if the battery is replaced or discarded before the battery is used up, the battery cost will be increased by that amount, which is economically disadvantageous.

  In the case of an external supply source, there is a restriction on the wiring arrangement of each household, and the installation location is limited.

  Therefore, there is a technical problem to be solved in order to eliminate the need to replace the battery and reduce the battery cost, and the present invention aims to solve this problem.

  The present invention has been proposed in order to achieve the above object, and the invention according to claim 1 is a water meter unit body installed between a first water pipe and a second water pipe. A measuring section that is provided up to a predetermined height position, an inflow pipe that connects the measuring section and the first water pipe, and an outflow pipe that connects the measuring section and the second water pipe. A water turbine is provided in the outflow pipe, and a power generation unit is connected to the water wheel, and an electrical component is connected to the power generation unit, and the power generated by the power generation unit can be used as a power source for the electrical component. A water meter unit body is provided.

  According to this configuration, the tap water that has flowed into the inflow pipe from the first water pipe rises in the inflow pipe, and the amount of water is measured by the measuring unit. Thereafter, the tap water descends in the outflow pipe and flows into the second water pipe. In this case, since the water wheel is provided in the outflow pipe, the water wheel is rotated by the water flow in the outflow pipe, and electric power is generated by the power generation unit. The electric power generated by the power generation unit is supplied to various electrical components and used as a power source for the electrical components.

  The invention according to claim 2 is a water meter unit body according to claim 1, wherein the electrical component is a wireless unit capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving to / from the outside, and is configured to be able to control opening and closing of a valve unit such as a water stop valve. I will provide a.

  According to this configuration, the electric power generated in the power generation unit is supplied to the wireless unit and can be transmitted and received with the outside, and as a power source for controlling opening and closing of valve units such as a stop valve by an external command signal Used.

  The invention according to claim 3 provides the water meter unit body according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrical component is an illumination unit that illuminates the outer periphery of the water meter unit body.

  According to this configuration, the electric power generated by the power generation unit is supplied to the lighting unit and used as a power source for illuminating the outer periphery of the water meter unit body.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, since the electric power generated by the water turbine type power generation unit is used as a power source for various electrical components, there is no need to perform troublesome battery replacement work every time the battery runs out. . In addition, the battery cost is unnecessary, and the cost can be greatly reduced.

  According to the second aspect of the invention, since the electric power generated by the power generation unit is used as a power source of the wireless unit, in addition to the effect of the first aspect of the invention, a wireless battery can be used without requiring a dedicated battery. Transmission / reception with the outside is possible through the unit. Therefore, the valve unit such as the water stop valve can be controlled to open and close by an external command signal.

  In the invention described in claim 3, since the electric power generated in the power generation unit is used as a power source of the lighting unit, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1 or 2, a dedicated battery is not required. The outer periphery of the water meter unit body can be illuminated by the lighting unit.

  An object of the present invention is to eliminate the need for battery replacement work and to reduce battery costs in a water meter unit body installed between a first water pipe and a second water pipe. In a water meter unit body installed between one water pipe and a second water pipe, a measuring part that is provided up to a predetermined height on the ground, the measuring part and the first water pipe And an outflow pipe connecting the measuring section and the second water pipe, a water turbine is provided in the outflow pipe, a power generation unit is connected to the water wheel, and the power generation unit This is realized by connecting an electrical component and making it possible to use the power generated by the power generation unit as a power source for the electrical component.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of a water meter unit body according to the present embodiment. In the figure, a water meter unit body 1 is disposed between a first water pipe 2a and a second water pipe 2b. The water meter unit body 1 is formed in a vertically long cylindrical shape having an inner / outer double pipe structure, and is provided upright on the ground.

  The water meter unit body 1 includes a measuring unit 3 provided up to a predetermined height on the ground, and an inflow pipe (outer tube) 4 connecting the measuring unit 3 and the first water pipe 2a. And an outflow pipe (inner pipe) 5 for connecting the measuring unit 3 and the second water pipe 2b. Moreover, the valve unit 6 including a water stop valve (water supply valve) etc. is arrange | positioned at the 1st water pipe 2a.

  The lower end portion of the water meter unit body 1 and the water pipes 2a and 2b are supported and fixed by a pipe assist 7 buried in the ground.

  Thus, the tap water W flowing into the lower flow path S1 of the inflow pipe 4 from the first water pipe 2a flows upward in the inflow pipe 4 and reaches the upper flow path S2 of the inflow pipe 4. Thereafter, the tap water W passes through the strainer 12 from the right junction S3 and flows into the right chamber S4 in the measuring unit 3. Next, the tap water W flows leftward in the measuring unit 3 and flows out from the left chamber S5 in the measuring unit 3 to the left channel S6 while rotating a measuring impeller 9 described later. And the tap water W descend | falls this left side flow path S6, reaches flow path S7 in the outflow pipe 5, and after flowing down the outflow pipe 5 while rotating the below-mentioned power generation water turbine 15, the second Into the water pipe 2b.

  Next, a specific configuration of the measuring unit 3 will be described. A measuring impeller 9 having an impeller shaft 8 is rotatably disposed in the measuring unit 3. In addition, a magnet coupling unit 10 and a measured value display unit 11 are disposed at the upper part of the measuring unit 3. The measurement value display unit 11 constitutes a water meter main body together with the measurement unit 3. The appearance of the measurement value display unit 11 is illustrated in FIG. 2, but various types of measurement value display unit 11 are adopted.

  An interlocking gear (not shown) that rotates integrally with the impeller shaft 8 by the action of the magnet coupling portion 10 is provided on the upper side of the impeller shaft 8. Further, a numerical display wheel 13 for cumulative display is drivingly connected to the interlocking gear through a reduction gear mechanism (not shown) including a plurality of pinions.

  Accordingly, when the measuring impeller 9 is rotated by the pressure of the water flow, this rotational force is transmitted to the numeral wheel 13 via the impeller shaft 8, the interlocking gear, and the reduction gear mechanism. Then, as the number wheel 13 rotates, the water usage amount corresponding to the rotation amount of the number wheel 13 is automatically displayed on the measurement value display unit 11.

  Further, a power generation water turbine 15 is provided in the vicinity of the upper end of the outflow pipe 5 so as to be rotatable about a horizontal axis, and a check valve 16 is disposed downstream of the power generation water turbine 15. The type of the power generation water wheel 15 is not limited to the blade type, and any type is adopted. Further, a power generation unit 17 is drivably connected to the output side shaft end portion of the power generation water turbine 15, and the power generation unit 17 generates an electromotive force by the rotation of the power generation water wheel 15 (see FIG. 3).

  As shown in FIG. 4, a lithium storage battery (secondary battery) 14 is electrically connected to the power generation unit 17, and the electric power generated by the power generation unit 17 can be stored in the lithium storage battery 14 in a timely manner. Further, an illumination unit 18 is electrically connected to the power generation unit 17, and the illumination unit 18 is disposed on the outer peripheral portion of the water meter unit body 1. The illumination unit 18 is directed to the ground side so that the surroundings of the water meter unit body 1 can be irradiated.

  As illustrated in FIG. 4, the illumination unit 18 includes an amplifying unit 19 that increases the power from the power generation unit 17. An optical sensor 20 that detects that the periphery of the water meter unit body 1 has become dark and an LED 21 that emits light in response to a detection signal from the optical sensor 20 are connected to the amplifier 19. Accordingly, when the periphery of the water meter unit body 1 becomes dark, the light sensor 20 is activated and the LED 21 emits light, so that the periphery of the water meter unit body 1 is illuminated brightly.

Further, a radio unit 23 is electrically connected to the power generation unit 17, and a lithium battery 24 is connected to the radio unit 23 as an emergency power source at the time of water stoppage and the valve unit 6 is opened and closed. Wirelessly connected in a controllable manner. The wireless unit 23 receives a command signal from an external wireless device or a management server, or transmits a measurement signal from the measuring unit 3 to the wireless device or the like.

  Further, heat insulating members 25 and 26 are provided on the lower and upper outer peripheral portions of the water meter unit body 1, respectively, and resin cases (pressure-resistant containers) 27 and 28 are mounted on the outer sides of the heat insulating members 25 and 26, respectively. Yes. For this reason, freezing of the tap water W in the inflow pipe 4 and the outflow pipe 5 is prevented even in the cold season.

  The resin case 27 is formed of a transparent acrylic resin or the like, and the upper portion of the resin case 27 is attached to the measurement value display unit 11. Further, a transparent display cover 29 is attached to the top of the resin case 27, and the surface of the display cover 29 is coated with a photocatalyst such as titanium oxide. Therefore, even if contaminants adhere to the display cover 29, the contaminants are decomposed and removed by the photocatalytic reaction. The resin case 27 is assembled to the upper end portion of the outflow pipe 5 by a coupler method.

  Further, waterproof means 30 is provided in each partition part in the water meter unit body 1, for example, a partition part between the measuring part 3 and the measured value display part 11, and the waterproof means 30 ensures high water tightness.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the electric power generated by the power generation unit 17 is supplied to the wireless unit 23 and used as a power source for controlling the opening and closing of the valve unit 6 such as a water stop valve. Therefore, a battery for driving the wireless unit is unnecessary, and it is not necessary to periodically perform troublesome battery replacement work.

  The electric power generated by the power generation unit 17 is supplied to the lighting unit 18 and is also used as a power source for the lighting unit 18. Therefore, no power cost for illumination is required, and as shown in FIG. 5, the surroundings of the water meter unit body 1 can be beautifully lit up by the illumination unit 18 and a fantastic decoration space can be produced.

  Furthermore, since the measuring unit 3 and the measured value display unit 11 of the water meter unit body 1 are provided at a predetermined height on the ground, the maintenance management work of the measuring unit 3 is facilitated, and the measured value The visibility with respect to the display part 11 improves. In addition, even when heavy rain falls, there is no possibility that the measuring unit 3 or the like of the water meter unit body 1 will be submerged.

  Furthermore, since the inflow pipe 4 and the outflow pipe 5 are piped in a double pipe structure, the water meter unit body 1 as a whole is made compact. Moreover, since the outflow pipe 5 has a smaller diameter than the water pipes 2a and 2b, a high water pressure is generated in the outflow pipe 5, and the power generation water turbine 15 can always be rotated efficiently.

  The present invention can be variously modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the present invention naturally extends to the modified ones.

Sectional drawing which shows one Example which concerns on this invention, and demonstrates schematic structure of the water meter unit body installed in the water pipe. The top view which shows the measurement display part of the water meter unit body which concerns on one Example. Explanatory drawing which shows the whole structure of each function part of the water meter unit body which concerns on one Example. The block diagram explaining principal parts, such as an electric power generation unit of the water meter unit body concerning one example. The perspective view explaining the lighting state of the lighting unit which concerns on one Example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Water meter unit body 2a 1st water pipe 2b 2nd water pipe 3 Weighing part 4 Inflow pipe (outer pipe)
5 Outflow pipe (inner pipe)
6 Valve unit 7 Piping assist 8 Impeller shaft 9 Measuring impeller 10 Magnet coupling part 11 Weighing value display part 12 Strainer 13 Number wheel 14 Lithium storage battery (secondary battery)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 Power generation turbine 16 Check valve 17 Power generation unit 18 Illumination unit 19 Amplification part 20 Optical sensor (illuminance sensor)
21 LED (light emitting part)
23 Wireless unit 24 Lithium battery (primary battery)
25 Thermal insulation member 26 Thermal insulation member 27 Resin case (pressure vessel)
28 Resin case (pressure vessel)
29 Display cover 30 Waterproof means

Claims (3)

  In a water meter unit body installed between a first water pipe and a second water pipe, a metering unit provided up to a predetermined height on the ground, the metering unit and the first water supply An inflow pipe for connecting a pipe, and an outflow pipe for connecting the measuring unit and the second water pipe, a water turbine is provided in the outflow pipe, a power generation unit is connected to the water wheel, and an electric component is connected to the power generation unit. A water meter unit body configured to connect a product and use the power generated by the power generation unit as a power source for the electrical component.   2. The water meter unit body according to claim 1, wherein the electrical component is a wireless unit capable of wirelessly transmitting / receiving to / from the outside, and is configured to be able to control opening / closing of a valve unit such as a water stop valve. The water meter unit body according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrical component is an illumination unit that illuminates the outer periphery of the water meter unit body.

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