JP4863374B2 - Water meter and its measurement unit - Google Patents

Description

  According to the present invention, a measurement unit fitted in a meter case is provided with a display panel, a gear support panel arranged to face the display panel, and a plurality of gears supported between the display panel and the gear support panel. The present invention relates to a water meter and a measurement unit for displaying the flow rate of tap water passing through the impeller on a flow rate display unit provided in a display panel by interlocking the gears with the impeller accommodated in the meter case.

Conventionally, as this kind of water meter, what fixed between the display board and the gear support board integrally through the connection support | pillar extended from the display board is known (for example, refer patent documents 1 and 2).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 62-3818 (FIG. 3) Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-52930 (FIGS. 1 and 2)

  However, in the conventional water meter described above, since the display board and the gear support board are fixed by screwing the screw penetrating the gear support board to the connecting column, the assembling workability is poor.

  This invention is made | formed in view of the said situation, and aims at provision of the water meter which can improve the workability | operativity of an assembly, and its measuring unit.

  In order to achieve the above object, a water meter according to the invention of claim 1 is directed to a measurement unit fitted in a meter case, a display panel having a flow rate display on the upper surface, and a lower side of the display panel. Provided between the arranged gear support board and the display board and the gear support board, and a plurality of gears for operating the flow rate display unit, and these gears are provided below the measurement unit in the meter case. In the water meter that displays the flow rate of tap water flowing by rotating the impeller in conjunction with the impeller accommodated in the flow rate display unit, the display panel and the gear support panel extend from one outer edge to the other. Provided with a plurality of connecting struts and a plurality of locking flexible pieces extending from the other outer edge portion to one side and superimposed on the outer surface of the connecting struts. Engagement grooves that guide the flexure in the vertical direction are formed In addition, the bottom surface of the engaging groove and the inner side surface of the locking flexible piece are elastically deformed outward during the movement of the locking flexible piece in the engaging groove, overcoming each other and locked in the vertical direction. This is characterized in that the elastic deformation to the outside of each locking flexible piece is restricted by the inner surface of the meter case in a state where the locking protrusion is formed and the measuring unit is fitted in the meter case.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the water meter according to the first aspect, the locking protrusion is disposed in the middle of the bottom surface of the engaging groove and the inner surface of the locking flexible piece in the longitudinal direction. The front end of each locking flexible piece is received before the locking protrusions ride on each other, and a tip receiving portion is provided for restricting movement of the front end of each locking flexible piece to the outside. It has the characteristics.

  A water meter according to a third aspect of the present invention is directed to a measurement unit fitted in a meter case, a display panel having a flow rate display part on the upper surface, a gear support panel disposed oppositely below the display panel, and a display A plurality of gears that are supported between the board and the gear support board and operate the flow rate display unit are provided, and these gears are linked to an impeller housed below the measurement unit in the meter case, In the water meter that displays the flow rate of tap water flowing by rotating the impeller on the flow rate display unit, a plurality of connecting columns extending from one outer edge part to the other of the display panel and the gear support panel, and the other A plurality of locking flexible pieces extending from the outer edge portion to one side and overlaid on the outer side surface of the connecting column are provided, and the locking flexible pieces are guided in the vertical direction on the outer side surface of each connecting column. A groove is formed and locked to the bottom of the engagement groove On the inner side surface of the flexible piece, there is formed a locking projection that elastically deforms outward during the movement of the locking flexible piece in the engagement groove, gets over each other and is locked in the vertical direction. Is arranged in the middle of the longitudinal direction of the bottom surface of the engaging groove and the inner side surface of the locking flexible piece, and before the locking projections ride on each other on the display board, It has a feature in that it has a tip receiving portion that receives the tip portion and restricts the movement of each locking flexible piece to the outside of the tip portion.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the water meter according to the second or third aspect, the tip receiving portion is formed through the display panel, and the locking flexible piece is locked between the locking projections in the vertical direction. It is characterized by protruding above the tip receiving portion in a state.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the water meter according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, the tip receiving portion is formed through the display board, and the inner surface of the tip receiving portion and the inner side surface of the locking flexible piece A tool insertion space is formed between the locking projections and the locking projections disposed on the inner surface of the locking flexible piece among the locking projections locked in the vertical direction. A sliding contact inclined surface for gradually climbing the protrusion is formed, and in the state where the measurement unit is removed from the meter case, a strip-like tool inserted from above into the tool insertion space is contacted with the sliding contact inclined surface. Thus, the locking flexible piece is elastically deformed to the outside so that the locking protrusions can be unlocked.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the water meter according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the rotary shaft is formed so as to protrude vertically from the center portion of each gear, and the display panel and the gear support panel are configured to rotate. Only when the support holes of the display board and the support holes of the gear support board face each other in a proper combination, all the engagement grooves of all the connecting struts are formed. This is characterized in that the locking flexible pieces are arranged at different intervals so that the locking flexible pieces are inserted.

  A seventh aspect of the present invention is the water meter according to the sixth aspect, wherein the gear support plate is formed by stacking a pair of support plate constituting plates vertically, and a support hole is formed through the upper support plate constituting plate. On the other hand, a plurality of locking flexible pieces are integrally formed on the lower support board component plate, and a plurality of connection columns are suspended from the display panel, and the upper support plate component plate is connected between the connection columns and the lower support plate component plate. It is characterized in that it is fixed with a support plate constituting plate in between.

  A measuring unit according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is a measuring unit fitted in a meter case provided in a water meter, and is disposed so as to face a display panel having a flow rate display part on the upper surface and below the display panel. A gear support board and a plurality of gears supported between the display board and the gear support board for operating the flow rate display unit, and these gears are accommodated below the measurement unit in the meter case. In a measurement unit that can display the flow rate of tap water flowing by rotating the impeller in conjunction with the impeller to be displayed on the flow rate display section, the display panel and the gear support panel extend from one outer edge to the other. Provided with a plurality of connecting struts and a plurality of locking flexible pieces extending from the other outer edge portion to one side and superimposed on the outer surface of the connecting struts. An engaging groove is formed to guide the flexure in the vertical direction. In addition, the bottom surface of the engaging groove and the inner side surface of the locking flexible piece are elastically deformed outward during the movement of the locking flexible piece in the engaging groove, get over each other, and are locked in the vertical direction. This is characterized in that the elastic deformation to the outside of each locking flexible piece is restricted by the inner surface of the meter case in a state where the locking protrusion is formed and the measuring unit is fitted in the meter case.

  A measuring unit according to the invention of claim 9 is a measuring unit fitted in a meter case provided in a water meter, and is disposed so as to face a display panel having a flow rate display part on the upper surface and below the display panel. A gear support board and a plurality of gears supported between the display board and the gear support board for operating the flow rate display unit, and these gears are accommodated below the measurement unit in the meter case. In a measurement unit that can display the flow rate of tap water flowing by rotating the impeller in conjunction with the impeller to be displayed on the flow rate display section, the display panel and the gear support panel extend from one outer edge to the other. Provided with a plurality of connecting struts and a plurality of locking flexible pieces extending from the other outer edge portion to one side and superimposed on the outer surface of the connecting struts. An engaging groove is formed to guide the flexure in the vertical direction. In addition, the bottom surface of the engaging groove and the inner side surface of the locking flexible piece are elastically deformed outward during the movement of the locking flexible piece in the engaging groove, get over each other, and are locked in the vertical direction. The locking projections are formed in the middle of the longitudinal direction of the bottom surface of the engagement groove and the inner side surface of the locking flexible piece. It has a feature in that it includes a tip receiving portion that receives the tip portion of each locking flexible piece before it rides and restricts the movement of each locking flexible piece to the outside.

[Inventions of Claims 1 and 8]
According to the first and eighth aspects of the present invention, a plurality of connecting columns extending from one outer edge portion to the other of the display panel and the gear support plate, and extending from the other outer edge portion to one side, Provided with a plurality of locking flexible pieces stacked on the outer side surface, and forming an engaging groove for guiding the locking flexible piece in the vertical direction on the outer surface of the connecting column, and locking with the bottom surface of the engaging groove Locking projections are formed on the inner surface of the flexible piece, and the locking projections are locked in the vertical direction so that the display board and the gear support board are fixed together. Specifically, the locking protrusions come into contact with each other while the locking flexible piece moves in the engagement groove, and when the locking flexible piece moves further, the locking protrusions ride on each other, so that the locking flexible piece moves outward. When it is elastically deformed and the locking projections get over each other, the locking flexible piece is restored by the elastic force, and the locking projections are locked to complete the measurement unit. As a result, the workability of assembling the measuring unit is improved as compared with the conventional fixing with screws, and the cost of parts is reduced.

  Further, in a state where the measuring unit is fitted to the meter case, the elastic deformation of the locking flexible piece to the outside is restricted by the inner surface of the meter case. Even if a force that tilts the locking flexible piece outward is applied, the locking protrusion is prevented from being unlocked. This prevents the measurement unit from being disassembled inside the meter case.

[Invention of claim 2]
According to the invention of claim 2, before the locking projections ride on each other, the distal end portion of the locking flexible piece is received by the distal end receiving portion, and the movement of the locking flexible piece to the outside is stopped. When the locking projections ride on each other, they are bowed so that the locking flexible piece bulges outside the locking groove as it goes from the longitudinal ends of the locking flexible piece to the center. To curve. In addition, since the distal end portion of the locking flexible piece is received by the distal end receiving portion, the distal end portion of the locking flexible piece is moved to the outside unexpectedly even when the measurement unit is detached from the meter case. The locking state between the locking protrusions is released, and the measurement unit is prevented from being disassembled.

[Inventions of Claims 3 and 9]
According to the third and ninth aspects of the present invention, a plurality of connecting columns extending from one outer edge portion to the other of the display panel and the gear support plate, and extending from the other outer edge portion to one side, Provided with a plurality of locking flexible pieces stacked on the outer side surface, and forming an engaging groove for guiding the locking flexible piece in the vertical direction on the outer surface of the connecting column, and locking with the bottom surface of the engaging groove Locking projections are formed on the inner surface of the flexible piece, and the locking projections are locked in the vertical direction so that the display board and the gear support board are fixed together. Specifically, the locking projections come into contact with each other while the locking flexible piece moves in the engagement groove, and before the locking projections ride up, the distal end portion of the locking flexible piece receives the tip. Accepted by the department. Thereby, since the movement to the outer side of the front-end | tip part of a latching flexible piece is controlled, when a latching protrusion part gets on, it goes to the center part from the both ends of the longitudinal direction of a latching flexible piece. Then, the locking flexible piece is curved like a bow so as to swell outside the locking groove. When the locking projections get over each other, the locking flexible piece is restored by the elastic force, and the locking projections are locked to complete the measurement unit. As a result, the workability of assembling the measuring unit is improved as compared with the conventional fixing with screws, and the cost of parts is reduced.

  Further, since the distal end portion of the locking flexible piece is received by the tip receiving portion and the movement of the locking flexible piece to the outside is restricted, the gear support board is warped by water pressure in a so-called wet water meter. Even if a force that tilts the stopper flexible piece outward is applied, the locking protrusion is prevented from being unlocked. This prevents the measurement unit from being disassembled inside the meter case. Furthermore, even when the measurement unit is detached from the meter case, the distal end portion of the locking flexible piece is moved to the outside unexpectedly, the locking state of the locking protrusions is released, and the measuring unit is disassembled. It is prevented.

[Invention of claim 4]
According to the invention of claim 4, the operator recognizes whether or not the locking protrusions are locked in the vertical direction depending on whether or not the locking flexible piece protrudes above the tip receiving portion. it can.

[Invention of claim 5]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, of the locking protrusions locked in the vertical direction, at least one locking protrusion disposed on the inner surface of the locking flexible piece has the other locking protrusion. Since the sliding contact inclined surface for gradually climbing on is formed, one of the latching protrusions can be smoothly run on the other in the process of moving the latching flexible piece within the engagement groove.

  In addition, when the strip plate-like tool is inserted into the tool insertion space between the inner surface of the tip receiving portion and the inner surface of the locking flexible piece with the measuring unit removed from the meter case, the tool slides on the sloping contact surface. Slidably contact and enter between the locking projection and the bottom surface of the engaging groove. Then, the locking flexible piece is elastically deformed to the outside, the locking of the locking projections is released, and the measuring unit can be disassembled.

[Invention of claim 6]
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, only when the support hole of the display board and the support hole of the gear support board face each other in a proper combination, all the locking flexible pieces are inserted into the engaging grooves of all the connecting columns. Since it is inserted, an assembly error between the display panel and the gear support panel can be prevented.

[Invention of Claim 7]
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the gear rotation shaft passes through the support hole formed in the upper support plate constituting plate of the gear support plate, and the lower end portion of the rotation shaft is the lower support plate constituting plate. The gear rotates in the state of being abutted against. In addition, since the upper support plate constituting plate is sandwiched and fixed between the plurality of connecting columns suspended from the display board and the lower support plate constituting plate, it is possible to prevent the upper support plate constituting plate from rattling. Can do.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 1, the meter case 11 provided in the water meter 10 of the present embodiment accommodates the impeller 13 and the measurement unit 30 in the lower case 12 made of casting, and the upper end of the lower case 12. The upper case 14 made of casting is assembled to the part. The water meter 10 according to the present embodiment is a so-called wet water meter in which the measurement unit 30 is submerged.

  The lower case 12 has a structure in which a pair of connecting pipe portions 16 and 16 are extended in opposite directions from the outer peripheral surface on the lower end side of the cylindrical housing portion 15 having a cylindrical shape with an open upper end. And these connection pipe parts 16 and 16 are connected with the water pipe which is not shown in figure, and a tap water passes the inside of the cylindrical accommodating part 15. FIG.

  The upper case 14 is screwed to the upper end of the cylindrical housing portion 15 of the lower case 12 with a special tool, and passes through a glass plate 17 sandwiched between the upper case 14 and the upper end portion of the measurement unit 30. A so-called “circular reading” integration display unit 59 (corresponding to the “flow rate display unit” of the present invention) provided on the upper surface of the measurement unit 30 can be seen. A pressing ring 90 is sandwiched between the upper case 14 and the peripheral portion of the glass plate 17, and an O-ring 91 is interposed between the upper end portion of the lower case 12 and the peripheral portion of the glass plate 17. A hinge (not shown) is provided on the outer edge portion of the upper case 14, and a lid (not shown) for covering the upper surface of the upper case 14 is rotatably provided on the hinge.

  The impeller 13 is formed by projecting a plurality of blades 20 radially from a shaft portion 19 extending in the vertical direction. A bearing hole 19 </ b> A is formed in the shaft center portion of the shaft portion 19 from the lower end to the middle position in the vertical direction. Then, the support pin 21 erected vertically from the center of the bottom surface of the cylindrical housing portion 15 is inserted into the bearing hole 19A of the shaft portion 19, and the upper end portion of the support pin 21 projects into the upper end side inner surface of the bearing hole 19A. It has been applied. In this state, the blade 20 is held in a state of floating from the bottom surface of the cylindrical housing portion 15, and the impeller 13 rotates around the support pin 21 by tap water passing through the cylindrical housing portion 15. Further, an output gear 13 </ b> H is provided at a position near the upper end of the shaft portion 19 and meshes with one of the plurality of gears 47 provided in the measurement unit 30. In FIGS. 1 and 3, only one or two of the plurality of gears 47 are shown for convenience of explanation, and the other gears 47 are omitted.

  A measuring unit 30 is assembled on the upper end side of the cylindrical housing portion 15 of the lower case 12 with the impeller 13 accommodated on the bottom side, and the upper end opening of the cylindrical housing portion 15 is closed by the measuring unit 30. Yes. As shown in FIG. 3, the measurement unit 30 has a stepped portion 38 formed on the outer peripheral surface near the upper end thereof fitted with a stepped portion 58 formed on the inner peripheral surface on the upper end opening side of the cylindrical housing portion 15. They are positioned in the vertical direction. Further, an uneven engagement portion 39 (see FIG. 1) is provided between the stepped portions 38 and 58, whereby the measuring unit 30 is positioned and prevented from rotating in the circumferential direction with respect to the cylindrical housing portion 15. Yes. Of the measuring unit 30, the upper part from the stepped part 38 is fitted in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical housing part 15, and the lower part from the stepped part 38 is the cylindrical inner surface of the cylindrical housing part 15. And a small gap 54 (see FIG. 3).

  As shown in FIG. 4, the measurement unit 30 connects the display board 31 and the gear support board 32 that are arranged opposite to each other in the vertical direction with a plurality (three in this embodiment) of connection columns 52. Between the display board 31 and the gear support board 32, a plurality of gears 47 engaged with each other (only one is shown in FIG. 4 for convenience of explanation) is rotatably supported. The display board 31 and the gear support board 32 are both made of synthetic resin.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the gear support board 32 can be divided into a lower base plate 40 facing the display board 31 and a receiving plate 41 addressed to the lower surface of the lower base board 40. The lower base plate 40 and the receiving plate 41 have a disk shape with the same diameter, and a slight gap 44 is provided between them (see FIG. 4). Note that a rectifying wall 45 made of a separate part from the receiving plate 41 is screwed to the lower surface of the receiving plate 41. Here, the lower base plate 40 and the receiving plate 41 correspond to the “support plate constituting plate” of the present invention.

  Shaft portion insertion holes 46 and 46 are formed through the center portion of the lower base plate 40 and the receiving plate 41, and the shaft portion 19 of the impeller 13 passes through the shaft portion insertion holes 46 and 46 in a loosely fitted state. (See FIG. 1). An output gear 13 </ b> H provided at a position near the upper end of the shaft portion 19 meshes with one of the gears 47. The shaft insertion hole 46 formed in the lower base plate 40 has a larger diameter than the shaft insertion hole 46 formed in the receiving plate 41.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a rotating shaft 47 </ b> B is formed to protrude from the center of the gear 47 in the vertical direction. Both ends of the rotating shaft 47B are pivotally supported in a vertical state by a support hole 33 formed in the display panel 31 and a support hole 42 formed in the lower base plate 40. Further, the lower end portion of the rotation shaft 47B penetrates the support hole 42 and abuts against the upper surface of the receiving plate 41. Here, since the lower end portion of the rotating shaft 47B is hemispherical, friction between the lower end portion of the rotating shaft 47B and the receiving plate 41 is reduced. Further, even if wear powder is generated due to friction between the lower end portion of the rotating shaft 47B and the receiving plate 41, the wear powder can be released from the gap 44 between the lower base plate 40 and the receiving plate 41. The rotation failure of the gear 47 due to powder can be prevented.

  Of the rotation shaft 47B of the gear 47, either the rotation pointer 49 or the pilot 50 is attached to the upper end portion of the rotation shaft 47B passing through the support hole 33 of the display panel 31. The rotation indicator 49, the pilot 50, and the dial 36 laid on the upper surface of the display board 31 constitute an integrated display section 59 shown in FIG.

  When the impeller 13 is rotated by the tap water passing through the cylindrical housing portion 15, the plurality of gears 47 provided in the measurement unit 30 are rotated in conjunction with each other, and the tap water that has passed through the water meter 10 at the integration display portion 59. The accumulated flow is displayed.

  In the measurement unit 30, the display panel 31 has a bottom wall 31A on the lower surface of a cylindrical wall 31B fitted to the cylindrical housing portion 15, and has a flat cylindrical shape with a bottom at the bottom as a whole. As shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of support holes 33 are formed through a predetermined position of the bottom wall 31A, and a cylindrical boss 34 with a lower end opening projects from the bottom center of the bottom wall 31A. As shown in FIG. 3, a metal bearing member 35 is assembled at the center of the cylindrical boss 34, and the upper end portion of the shaft portion 19 of the impeller 13 is rotatably supported by the shaft (see FIG. 1). ). The dial 36 is laid on the upper surface of the bottom wall 31A. The dial 36 has a thin disc shape and is fixed to the upper surface of the bottom wall 31A by a plurality of pressing protrusions 37 protruding inward from the inner surface of the cylindrical wall 31B and a plurality of locking claws 93 rising from the bottom wall 31A. (See FIGS. 2, 3 and 9).

  As shown in FIG. 5, a connecting column 52 is integrally formed on the display panel 31. The connecting column 52 has a cantilever shape extending vertically from the position near the outer peripheral edge of the bottom wall 31 </ b> A toward the gear support board 32. The three connection columns 52 are arranged along the circumferential direction of the measurement unit 30, and the interval between the connection columns 52 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction is arranged so as to be different from other portions at least at one place. . In this embodiment, it arrange | positions so that the space | interval of adjacent connection support | pillars 52 may become 125 degrees, 125 degrees, and 110 degrees, for example. Further, in order to secure the space for disposing the gear 47 as much as possible, the lateral width of the connecting column 52 is tapered in a taper shape toward the inner side of the measurement unit 30.

  A cylindrical boss 62 protrudes from the lower end surface of the connecting column 52, and the cylindrical boss 62 is engaged with an engaging hole 65 formed in the lower base plate 40. Thereby, the display panel 31 and the lower base plate 40 are positioned.

  Engagement grooves 60 are recessed in the outer surface of the connecting column 52. The engaging groove 60 extends in the up-down direction at the central portion of the connecting column 52 in the lateral width direction. Further, the horizontal cross section of the engagement groove 60 has a flat “concave” shape having a depth dimension smaller than the width dimension.

  A first locking protrusion 61 (corresponding to the “locking protrusion” of the present invention) protruding outward is formed inside the engagement groove 60. The first locking projection 61 is provided at a position slightly below the central portion in the vertical direction of the connecting column 52, and has an arrowhead shape that protrudes outward as it goes upward. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the first locking protrusion 61 has a protrusion sliding contact tapered surface 61 </ b> A (in accordance with the present invention) inclined so as to protrude outward from the bottom surface of the engagement groove 60 as it goes upward. Corresponding to a “sliding contact inclined surface”, and a locking step surface 61B that is perpendicular to the bottom surface of the engagement groove 60 and faces upward.

  Here, on the extension line of the engagement groove 60 in the display panel 31, a display panel through hole 64 penetrating vertically through the bottom wall 31A is formed. Further, a notch portion 63 is formed in a portion of the lower base plate 40 located on the extension line of the engagement groove 60. The notch 63 is open to the outside in the radial direction of the lower base plate 40, and has a flat “concave” shape corresponding to the horizontal cross section of the engagement groove 60. Further, the notch 63 and the engagement hole 65 described above are provided side by side in the radial direction of the lower base plate 40, and the engagement hole 65 and the notch 63 are continuously formed (FIG. 5). See).

  As shown in FIG. 4, on the receiving plate 41 of the gear support board 32, three locking flexible pieces 53 that are stacked and locked on the outer side of the connecting column 52 are integrally formed. Each of the locking flexible pieces 53 has a cantilever shape standing vertically from the outer edge portion of the receiving plate 41 toward the display panel 31. The locking flexible pieces 53 are arranged along the circumferential direction of the receiving plate 41, and the interval between the locking flexible pieces 53 adjacent in the circumferential direction corresponds to the positions of the three connecting columns 52 described above. I'm allowed. That is, the spacing between the adjacent locking flexible pieces 53 is, for example, 125 °, 125 °, and 110 °, and each locking flexible piece 53 is formed on the connecting column 52. Is received in the engaging groove 60.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the locking flexible piece 53 has a band plate shape with a constant width in the vertical direction. A second locking projection 55 (corresponding to the “locking projection” of the present invention) is formed at an intermediate position in the vertical direction on the inner side surface of the locking flexible piece 53. The second locking projection 55 has an arrowhead shape that protrudes inward as it goes downward. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the second locking protrusion 55 has a protrusion sliding contact tapered surface 55 </ b> A (in accordance with the present invention) that is inclined away from the inner surface of the locking flexible piece 53 as it goes downward. And a locking step surface 55B that is perpendicular to the inner surface of the locking flexible piece 53 and faces downward.

  Further, a bent portion is formed at a position near the upper end of the locking flexible piece 53, and a portion above the bent portion is a stepped protruding piece 56 protruding outward in the radial direction of the receiving plate 41. The stepped protrusion 56 passes through the display panel through hole 64 and protrudes to the upper surface side of the bottom wall 31A of the display panel 31, and the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical wall 31B is assigned to the outer surface thereof. The inner surface of the bent portion of the locking flexible piece 53 is a tapered surface 57 that protrudes inward as it goes downward. The display panel through hole 64 corresponds to the “tip receiving portion” of the present invention.

  On the upper surface of the receiving plate 41, a raised portion 43 that slightly protrudes toward the lower base plate 40 is formed. The raised portions 43 are provided in the vicinity of the proximal end portion of the locking flexible piece 53, and the raised portions 43 abut against the lower surface of the lower base plate 40 to form the gap 44. Further, a slit 66 is formed through the receiving plate 41 in the vicinity of the base end portion of the locking flexible piece 53. The slit 66, the notch 63 of the lower base plate 40, and the engagement groove 60 of the connecting column 52 communicate with each other in the vertical direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the locking flexible piece 53 is received in the engaging groove 60 of the connecting column 52, and the second locking protrusion 55 of the locking flexible piece 53 and the connecting column 52 are connected. When the first locking projection 61 is locked (specifically, the locking step surfaces 55B and 61B abut each other), the display board 31 and the gear support board 32 have a plurality of gears 47 between them. It is fixed integrally with the shaft supported.

  Description of the structure of the water meter 10 and the measurement unit 30 of this embodiment is above, and the manufacturing method of the water meter 10 and the measurement unit 30 is demonstrated next.

  When the measurement unit 30 is manufactured, the display board 31 is turned upside down as shown in FIG. 7, and the upper end of the rotation shaft 47 </ b> B of the gear 47 is pivotally supported by each support hole 33 of the display board 31.

  Next, the positions of the three notches 63 of the lower base plate 40 and the three connecting columns 52 of the display panel 31 are aligned in the vertical direction, and the lower base plate 40 protrudes from the lower end surface of the connecting column 52. The cylindrical boss 62 and the respective engagement hole portions 65 of the lower base plate 40 are engaged with each other. Then, the lower end of the rotation shaft 47B of each gear 47 supported by the display board 31 is inserted into each support hole 42 of the lower base plate 40, and the upper and lower ends of the rotation shaft 47B are connected to the display board 31 and the lower base plate 40. Is pivoted between. At this time, the engaging groove 60 of the connecting column 52 and the notch 63 of the lower base plate 40 are aligned in the vertical direction.

  Next, the receiving plate 41 is placed on the display board by aligning the positions of the three locking flexible pieces 53 extending from the receiving board 41 and the three connecting columns 52 extending from the display board 31 on the same axis. Close to 31. Then, each locking flexible piece 53 enters from the lower end side of the engaging groove 60 and slides toward the display panel 31 in the engaging groove 60, and the first locking protrusion provided in the engaging groove 60 in the middle. The part 61 and the second locking projection 55 provided on the locking flexible piece 53 come into contact with each other. At this time, the distal end portion (stepped protrusion 56) of the locking flexible piece 53 enters the display board through hole 64 of the display board 31 (see FIG. 8).

  When the receiving plate 41 is pressed toward the display panel 31 in this state, the protrusion sliding contact tapered surface 55A formed on the second locking protrusion 55 and the protrusion sliding contact tapered surface 61A of the first locking protrusion 61 are provided. Are in sliding contact with each other, and the second locking projection 55 smoothly rides on the first locking projection 61. At this time, since the distal end portion of the locking flexible piece 53 is received in the display panel through hole 64, each locking flexible piece 53 is centered from both ends in the vertical direction as shown in FIG. As it goes, it elastically deforms like a bow so that it swells outward. The portion that swells outside the locking flexible piece 53 protrudes outside the engaging groove 60.

  When the receiving plate 41 is further pressed from this state, the second locking projections 55 get over the first locking projections 61, and each locking flexible piece 53 is restored to its original straight shape by its elastic force. The second locking projection 55 and the first locking projection 61 are locked by restoring. As a result, the entire locking flexible piece 53 is received in the engaging groove 60, and the outer surface of the connecting column 52 and the outer surface of the locking flexible piece 53 are substantially flush. At this time, the raised portion 43 of the receiving plate 41 comes into surface contact with the lower base plate 40, and the lower base plate 40 is sandwiched between the lower end surface of the connecting column 52 and the receiving plate 41. Further, the upper end portion (stepped protrusion 56) of the locking flexible piece 53 protrudes from the display panel through hole 64 to the upper surface side of the display panel 31, and is directed to the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical wall 31B. Here, the operator clicks when the second locking protrusion 55 gets over the first locking protrusion 61 and the locking flexible piece 53 is restored, or the first locking protrusion 61 is locked. Due to the impact sound with the flexible piece 53 and the upper end portion (stepped protrusion 56) of the locking flexible piece 53 protruding from the display panel through hole 64, etc. 53 can be recognized. As described above, the display panel 31, the lower base plate 40, and the receiving plate 41 are integrally fixed, and the plurality of gears 47 are rotatably supported between the display panel 31 and the gear support panel 32.

  Thereafter, the dial 36 is laid on the upper surface of the bottom wall 31A of the display panel 31, and the rotation pointer 49 and the pilot 50 are mounted on the rotation shaft 47B of the gear 47 protruding to the upper surface side of the bottom wall 31A. The measurement unit 30 is complete. Here, since the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical wall 31B is assigned to the outer surface of the stepped protrusion 56 provided at the upper end of the locking flexible piece 53, the upper end of the locking flexible piece 53 is set in the radial direction. It is impossible to tilt it outward. Accordingly, when the measuring unit 30 is handled, the locking of the locking flexible piece 53 and the connecting column 52 is released unexpectedly, and the measuring unit 30 is prevented from being disassembled.

  Next, the water meter 10 of this embodiment is manufactured as follows. First, the impeller 13 is inserted into the cylindrical housing portion 15 of the lower case 12, and the support pin 21 is inserted into the bearing hole 19 </ b> A provided in the shaft portion 19. Next, the measurement unit 30 described above is inserted from the upper end opening of the cylindrical housing portion 15, and the stepped portions 38 and 58 provided on the outer peripheral surface of the display panel 31 and the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical housing portion 15 are fitted to each other. Let

  Then, the shaft portion 19 of the impeller 13 passes through the shaft portion insertion holes 46, 46 of the measurement unit 30, and the upper end portion thereof is pivotally supported by the bearing member 35 of the display panel 31 and is provided in the shaft portion 19. The output gear 13H meshes with one of the gears 47 (input gear) provided in the measurement unit 30. The O-ring 91 is placed on the upper end of the cylindrical housing 15, the glass plate 17 is placed on the upper end of the measuring unit 30, and the holding ring 90 is placed on the upper surface of the glass plate 17. If it fastens to the upper end part of 12 (cylindrical accommodating part 15), the water meter 10 of this embodiment shown in FIG. 1 will be completed.

  Here, in the water meter 10 of the present embodiment, when the measurement unit 30 is fitted to the lower case 12, the cylinder of the cylindrical housing portion 15 is disposed outside the locking flexible piece 53 locked to the outer surface of the connecting column 52. The inner surfaces are arranged close to each other through the gap 54. This gap 54 is the amount of outward bulging when the second locking projection 55 rides on the first locking projection 61 and the locking flexible piece 53 is elastically deformed like a bow (from the engagement groove 60). It is narrower than the amount of protrusion). Accordingly, even when the measurement unit 30 is fitted into the lower case 12 (cylindrical housing portion 15), the unlocking of the second locking projection 55 and the first locking projection 61 is prevented.

  By the way, the measurement unit 30 used for the water meter 10 of this embodiment can be disassembled, and can be used continuously by exchanging / repairing parts constituting the measurement unit 30. The measurement unit 30 is disassembled as follows.

  First, the measurement unit 30 is taken out from the meter case 11. Next, a ribbon is formed in the engagement groove 60 from a gap (corresponding to the “tool insertion space” of the present invention) between the inner surface of the display panel through hole 64 of the display panel 31 and the inner surface of the locking flexible piece 53. A plate-like unlocking tool 80 is inserted (see FIG. 11A) and pushed downward. Then, the locking release tool 80 is guided by the protruding sliding contact tapered surface 55A of the second locking projection 55 and enters between the second locking projection 55 and the bottom surface of the engagement groove 60, and the second It abuts against the locking step surface 61B of the one locking projection 61. At this time, the second locking projection 55 is pushed outward by the locking release tool 80, and the locking flexible piece 53 is elastically deformed like a bow so as to bulge outward as described above. The portion 55 rides on the first locking projection 61 and the locked state is released (the state shown in FIG. 11B). Similarly, the locking state between the second locking projection 55 and the first locking projection 61 is also released with respect to the other connecting columns 52 by the locking release tool 80. In this state, for example, when the upper end portion of the locking flexible piece 53 protruding to the upper surface side of the display board 31 is pushed downward and the locking flexible piece 53 is slid downward, the protrusion sliding contact taper surfaces 55A and 61A. The receiving plates 41 are moved away from the display panel 31 by the elastic force generated when the locking flexible pieces 53 are restored (the state shown in FIG. 11C). Thereby, the display board 31 and the receiving plate 41 are separated, and the measuring unit 30 can be disassembled into parts such as the display board 31, the lower base plate 40, the receiving plate 41, and the gear 47.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the engaging groove 60 is formed on the outer surface side of the connecting column 52 extending from the display panel 31 toward the gear support board 32, and the first locking protrusion 61 is provided on the inner side. On the other hand, a second locking projection 55 is provided on the inner surface side of the locking flexible piece 53 extending from the receiving plate 41 toward the display panel 31 in the gear support plate 32, and the second locking projection 55 and the second locking projection 55 are provided. The display board 31 and the gear support board 32 are integrally fixed by locking the one locking protrusion 61. Specifically, the first locking projection 61 and the second locking projection 55 are slidably engaged with each other while the locking flexible piece 53 moves in the engagement groove 60 formed in the connecting column 52. The locking flexible piece 53 is elastically deformed to the outside, and when the first locking projection 61 gets over the second locking projection 55, the locking flexible piece 53 is restored by the elastic force and the first locking projection 61 The protrusion 61 and the second locking protrusion 55 are locked. Thereby, the workability of the assembly is improved as compared with the fixing with the conventional screw. In addition, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost by reducing the parts cost accompanying the elimination of the screw and omitting the screw hole processing.

  Further, when the measuring unit 30 is fitted into the lower case 12 of the meter case 11, the cylindrical inner surface of the cylindrical housing portion 15 is disposed close to the outside of the locking flexible piece 53, and the outside of the locking flexible piece 53 is moved to the outside. Since the elastic deformation is restricted, even if the gear support plate 32 (the receiving plate 41) is warped by water pressure and a force is applied to elastically deform the locking flexible piece 53 outward, the first locking protrusion 61 and the first Unlocking with the two locking projections 55 is prevented. This prevents the measurement unit 30 from being disassembled inside the meter case 11.

  Further, when disassembling the measurement unit 30, the locking release tool 80 is inserted into the respective engagement grooves 60 from the display panel through holes 64, and the second locking projection 55 and the first locking projection 61 are In this state, the upper end portion of each locking flexible piece 53 may be pushed toward the display panel through hole 64, so that the workability for disassembling the measuring unit 30 is also improved.

  Further, in the measurement unit 30, the upper end portion (stepped protrusion 56) of the locking flexible piece 53 passes through the display board through hole 64, and the cylindrical wall 31B of the display board 31 is assigned to the outer surface thereof. Therefore, the upper end portion of the locking flexible piece 53 is prevented from tilting outward. Accordingly, when the measurement unit 30 is handled, the engagement between the engagement flexible piece 53 and the connection column 52 is released unexpectedly, and the measurement unit 30 is prevented from being disassembled.

  Moreover, only when the support holes 33 of the display board 31 and the support holes 42 of the gear support board 32 (lower base plate 40) face each other in a proper combination, all the engagement grooves 60 of all the connection columns 52 are engaged with each other. Since the connecting struts 52 and the locking flexible pieces 53 are arranged at different intervals in the circumferential direction so that the flexible pieces 53 are inserted, the display board 31 and the gear support board 32 (the lower base plate 40 and the receiving board 40) are arranged. Assembly errors with the plate 41) are prevented.

[Other Embodiments]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the embodiments described below are also included in the technical scope of the present invention, and various other than the following can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. It can be changed and implemented.

  (1) In the above embodiment, the connecting support column 52 is provided on the display panel 31 and the locking flexible piece 53 is provided on the receiving plate.

  (2) In the embodiment described above, the unlocking tool 80 is inserted from the display panel through-hole 64 when the measuring unit 30 is disassembled, but it may be inserted from the slit 66 formed in the receiving plate 41. The locking of the first locking projection 61 and the second locking projection 55 can be released, and the measurement unit 30 can be disassembled.

  (3) Although the gear support plate 32 can be divided into the lower base plate 40 and the receiving plate 41, these may be structured so as not to be divided.

  (4) The number of the connecting struts 52 and the locking flexible pieces 53 may be three or more.

  (5) The integrated display part of the water meter 10 is not limited to the so-called circular reading type, but may be a direct reading type. Moreover, it is not limited to a so-called wet water meter, and may be a dry water meter in which the measurement unit 30 is accommodated in a register box. Moreover, a tangential flow type or an axial flow type may be used.

  (6) In the above embodiment, the distal end portion of the locking flexible piece 53 is configured to be received in the display panel through-hole 64 formed in the display panel 31, but as shown in FIG. The length of the locking flexible piece 53 in the vertical direction may be shorter than that of the above embodiment, and the tip may not be received in the display panel through hole 64. Even in such a configuration, when the measurement unit 30 is fitted to the meter case 11, the cylindrical inner surface of the cylindrical housing portion 15 is disposed close to the outside of the locking flexible piece 53, and the locking flexible piece 53. Since the elastic deformation to the outside is restricted, the unlocking of the first locking projection 61 and the second locking projection 55 due to water pressure is prevented. That is, the measurement unit 30 can be prevented from being disassembled inside the meter case 11.

Side sectional view of a water meter according to an embodiment of the present invention. Plan view of total display Partial enlarged sectional view of a water meter Perspective view of measuring unit Exploded perspective view of measuring unit Side cross-sectional view of shaft gear supported by measurement unit Perspective view of the measuring unit in the assembly process Perspective view of the measuring unit in the assembly process Cross-sectional side view of the measurement unit during the assembly process Cross-sectional side view of the measurement unit during the assembly process Cross-sectional side view of the measuring unit in the process of disassembly Partial enlarged sectional view of a water meter according to another embodiment (6)

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Water meter 11 Meter case 13 Impeller 30 Measuring unit 31 Display board 32 Gear support board 33,42 Support hole 40 Lower base plate (support board structure board)
41 Back plate (support plate component plate)
47 Gear 47B Rotating shaft 52 Connecting column 53 Locking flexible piece 55 Second locking protrusion (locking protrusion)
55A, 61A Projection sliding contact taper surface (sliding contact inclined surface)
59 Total display (flow rate display)
60 engaging groove 61 first locking protrusion (locking protrusion)
64 Display board through hole (tip receiving part)
80 Unlocking tool

Claims (9)

A measurement unit fitted in the meter case, a display panel having a flow rate display portion on the upper surface, a gear support panel disposed oppositely below the display panel, and between the display panel and the gear support panel And a plurality of gears for operating the flow rate display unit, and the gears are linked to an impeller housed below the measurement unit in the meter case to rotate the impeller. In a water meter that displays the flow rate of flowing tap water on the flow rate display unit,
A plurality of connecting columns extending from one outer edge portion to the other of the display panel and the gear support plate, and a plurality extending from the other outer edge portion to one side and superimposed on the outer surface of the connecting column. A locking flexible piece of
An engaging groove for guiding the locking flexible piece in the vertical direction is formed on the outer side surface of each connecting column, and the bottom surface of the engaging groove and the inner side surface of the locking flexible piece are formed on the outer surface of each connecting column. In the middle of the movement of the locking flexible piece in the engagement groove, a locking projection is formed that elastically deforms outward to overcome each other and lock in the vertical direction.
A water meter in which elastic deformation of the locking flexible pieces to the outside is restricted by an inner surface of the meter case in a state where the measurement unit is fitted in the meter case. The locking protrusion is disposed in the middle of the longitudinal direction of the bottom surface of the engaging groove and the inner surface of the locking flexible piece,
The display board receives the leading end portions of the locking flexible pieces before the locking protrusions ride on each other, and restricts the movement of the locking flexible pieces to the outside. The water meter according to claim 1, further comprising a tip receiving portion. A measurement unit fitted in the meter case, a display panel having a flow rate display portion on the upper surface, a gear support panel disposed oppositely below the display panel, and between the display panel and the gear support panel And a plurality of gears for operating the flow rate display unit, and the gears are linked to an impeller housed below the measurement unit in the meter case to rotate the impeller. In a water meter that displays the flow rate of flowing tap water on the flow rate display unit,
A plurality of connecting columns extending from one outer edge portion to the other of the display panel and the gear support plate, and a plurality extending from the other outer edge portion to one side and superimposed on the outer surface of the connecting column. A locking flexible piece of
An engaging groove for guiding the locking flexible piece in the vertical direction is formed on the outer side surface of each connecting column, and the bottom surface of the engaging groove and the inner side surface of the locking flexible piece are formed on the outer surface of each connecting column. In the middle of the movement of the locking flexible piece in the engagement groove, a locking projection is formed that elastically deforms outward to overcome each other and lock in the vertical direction.
The locking protrusion is disposed in the middle of the longitudinal direction of the bottom surface of the engaging groove and the inner surface of the locking flexible piece,
The display board receives the leading end portions of the locking flexible pieces before the locking protrusions ride on each other, and restricts the movement of the locking flexible pieces to the outside. A water meter characterized by comprising a tip receiving portion. The tip receiving portion is formed through the display board,
4. The water meter according to claim 2, wherein the locking flexible piece protrudes above the tip receiving portion in a state where the locking protrusions are locked in the vertical direction. The tip receiving portion is formed through the display board, and a tool insertion space is formed between the inner surface of the tip receiving portion and the inner side surface of the locking flexible piece,
Among the locking protrusions locked in the vertical direction, at least one locking protrusion disposed on the inner surface of the locking flexible piece gradually climbs onto the other locking protrusion. The sliding contact slope is formed,
In a state where the measurement unit is removed from the meter case, a strip-like tool inserted from above into the tool insertion space is brought into sliding contact with the sliding contact inclined surface, and the locking flexible piece is elastically deformed outward. The water meter according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the locking protrusions can be unlocked. A rotary shaft is formed to project vertically from the center of each gear, and the display board and the gear support board are formed with a plurality of support holes that pivotally support both ends of the rotary shaft.
Only when the support holes of the display board and the support holes of the gear support board face each other in a proper combination, all the locking flexible pieces are inserted into the engaging grooves of all the connecting columns. The water meter according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the engaging flexible pieces are arranged at different intervals. The gear support plate is formed by vertically stacking a pair of support plate constituting plates, and the support holes are formed through the upper support plate constituting plate, while the plurality of support plate constituting plates on the lower side are provided with the plurality of support holes. The locking flexible piece is integrally formed,
The plurality of connecting columns are suspended from the display panel, and the upper supporting plate constituting plate is sandwiched and fixed between the connecting columns and the lower supporting plate constituting plate. The listed water meter. A measuring unit fitted in a meter case provided in a water meter,
A display panel having a flow rate display unit on the upper surface, a gear support panel disposed oppositely below the display panel, and supported between the display panel and the gear support panel to operate the flow rate display unit. A plurality of gears, and the gears are linked to an impeller housed below the measurement unit in the meter case, and the flow rate of tap water flowing by rotating the impeller is displayed in the flow rate display. In the measurement unit that can be displayed on the
A plurality of connecting columns extending from one outer edge portion to the other of the display panel and the gear support plate, and a plurality extending from the other outer edge portion to one side and superimposed on the outer surface of the connecting column. A locking flexible piece of
An engaging groove for guiding the locking flexible piece in the vertical direction is formed on the outer side surface of each connecting column, and the bottom surface of the engaging groove and the inner side surface of the locking flexible piece are formed on the outer surface of each connecting column. In the middle of the movement of the locking flexible piece in the engagement groove, a locking projection is formed that elastically deforms outward to overcome each other and lock in the vertical direction.
The measuring unit, wherein the measuring unit is fitted in the meter case, and the elastic deformation of the locking flexible pieces to the outside is restricted by the inner surface of the meter case. A measuring unit fitted in a meter case provided in a water meter,
A display panel having a flow rate display unit on the upper surface, a gear support panel disposed oppositely below the display panel, and supported between the display panel and the gear support panel to operate the flow rate display unit. A plurality of gears, and the gears are linked to an impeller housed below the measurement unit in the meter case, and the flow rate of tap water flowing by rotating the impeller is displayed in the flow rate display. In the measurement unit that can be displayed on the
A plurality of connecting columns extending from one outer edge portion to the other of the display panel and the gear support plate, and a plurality extending from the other outer edge portion to one side and superimposed on the outer surface of the connecting column. A locking flexible piece of
An engaging groove for guiding the locking flexible piece in the vertical direction is formed on the outer side surface of each connecting column, and the bottom surface of the engaging groove and the inner side surface of the locking flexible piece are formed on the outer surface of each connecting column. In the middle of the movement of the locking flexible piece in the engagement groove, a locking projection is formed that elastically deforms outward to overcome each other and lock in the vertical direction.
The locking protrusion is disposed in the middle of the longitudinal direction of the bottom surface of the engaging groove and the inner surface of the locking flexible piece,
The display board receives the leading end portions of the locking flexible pieces before the locking protrusions ride on each other, and restricts the movement of the locking flexible pieces to the outside. A measuring unit comprising a tip receiving portion.