DE102005022437A1 - Bellows gas meter has tamper protection using metal housing for all components and intrusion sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

A bellows gas meter has everything including temperature sensor (6), measurement mechanism (8), processor (2), pulse generator and internal data interface parts inside a metallic housing (3) with battery power and a disturbance sensor able to detect attempts at manipulation and make a time stamped record or lock the gas valve (16).

Description

The The invention relates to a measuring device, in particular a diaphragm gas meter, comprising a mechanical measuring device for detecting the volume of a in a Pipe flowing, volatile medium, a processor unit for metrological data acquisition and data storage, and at least one data interface to, preferably wireless, data transfer on the outside lying data processing equipment.

since For many years diaphragm meters are used Detection of gas flow quantities, for example in conjunction with Gas heaters or gas filling plants as a consumption meter used.

In the DE 199 22 603 A1 For example, a method and apparatus for remote reading a utility meter is described. It is stated that a consumption counter, which is not described as such, is electrically connected to a remote reading module, by means of which bidirectional data transmission to a remote interrogator is possible. At the same time, a parameterization of the measuring device is ensured, which can be carried out with the aid of a parameterization device. An additional buffering of the current reading data additionally increases the security of the method.

The function of a diaphragm gas meter as a measuring device is in the DE 24 29 013 C3 explained in more detail. A diaphragm gas meter has two functionally symmetrical measuring chambers. These are separated by a membrane and otherwise limited by the housing of the measuring device. Both measuring chambers each have an inlet connection and an outlet connection, via which the gas can flow into or out of the measuring chamber. The inlets and outlets can be closed by valves.

At the pour in of the gas in one of the measuring chambers, the membrane expands and repressed the gas in the other measuring chamber through its outlet nozzle. The expansion is detected and as soon as the filled measuring chamber is due the membrane expansion contains defined gas volume is the closing its inlet valve and opening their exhaust valve triggered. At the same time, the opposite happens with respect to the second measuring chamber, which is filled now and in turn displaces the gas from the first measuring chamber.

Everyone Switchover is therefore equivalent to the flow a defined amount of gas. Therefore, with each switching operation a counter actuated, from which finally the amount of gas flowed through within a specified period of time is readable.

at higher Temperatures are known to have a mass of gas determined by their mass as well a larger volume on. This was generally compensated by the attempt Keep gas always at a set temperature, allowing one Comparison readily possible is. However, this entails a considerable degree of inaccuracy, this is no longer disregarded with constantly increasing energy costs can stay.

For this purpose, the DE 41 32 604 C1 the known diaphragm gas meter on by a gearbox with variable ratio is inserted between the measuring mechanism and counter. A temperature-sensitive actuator adjusts the transmission so that it is compensated by a different gas temperature from the normal conditions.

To unite such a multi-part arrangement in a common housing suggests the DE 195 01 858 C2 in front. In this case, the elements of the measuring mechanism and gear engage positively in one another and represent an integrated design of the functionality described above.

A further increase in measuring reliability brings the DE 41 05 283 A1 with their proposal to control the flowmeter described there using a process computer. When filling one of the measuring chambers, the membrane no longer triggers mechanical switching of the counter. The expansion of the membrane is rather detected electronically by means of sensors and their electrical signals are forwarded to the said process computer. In addition to the gas volume sensor realized by the membrane, a temperature sensor is additionally available, which records the current gas temperature and also forwards it to the process computer. The process computer uses this data to determine the flow rate and display it. In addition, the beats DE 41 05 283 A1 a safety device that causes the closure of a shut-off valve at a drop in operating voltage and thus makes a major contribution to the reliability of such measuring devices.

Since for purposes of testing and calibration of such measuring devices for reasons of mandatory mechanical decoupling resulting in the pressure range counting result would require a shipment of the entire diaphragm gas meter to a test system, which provides by the DE 101 11 147 A1 proposed solution represents a significant step forward. It is described a electronic Zählchip to record the measurement result. This can be taken individually from the meter and its display compared with the conventionally mechanically determined result.

in the Generally, the diaphragm gas meters described above have a Life of about 8 to 16 years. Only then is due of deviations or defective replacement of the counter needed.

however the energy providers have in times of ever increasing energy prices also increasingly with attempts to manipulate measuring equipment to fight. In particular, mechanical counters are particularly endangered by the easy-to-see design. By easy blocking of the counter or its turning back is a reliable one Easily negate the measurement in favor of the consumer. Even electrical and electronic counters can often be used with the help of magnets, under the influence of heat, Cold or Easily manipulate moisture. Also, a tilting of the counter leads to a erroneous detection. A possibility for manipulation is also, once found, quickly on the Internet disseminated, so that the gas supplier in theory to be sure all counter would have to exchange on his network.

specially with electronic counters retrofitted Mechanical measuring devices are easy to manipulate since here tackling both mechanical parts and electronics can be.

Out the above considerations the invention has the object, a measuring device, in particular a diaphragm gas meter, to create, whose manipulation particularly difficult and whose Reading, examination, Calibration and maintenance is simplified.

These The object is achieved by the measuring device described in claim 1 solved. Further advantageous embodiments of this invention are in further dependent claims executed.

According to the invention is a Manipulation of the measuring device makes it difficult for everyone to capture the amount of gas relevant assemblies are located within the metallic housing. In that, in particular, the counter inaccessible is and the case metrologically completed, can not be conventional Way an influence on the electrically active components and the mechanical measuring device done. The measuring device is complete from their outside world shielded. Contact leaves over to record the data interface, which consists of an internal, in metrological closed housing accommodated, and an external, connected to a readout module Part exists and over which data reaches the measuring device, but also sent by it can be. However, even before these data leave the measuring device using the processor unit due to the temperature of the medium corrected and finally Finished processed the outside submitted read-out module.

It is also advantageous if the lying in the housing electrical Components have an intelligent power supply, designed redundantly is. This can be done with a lithium battery as the main power supply be achieved. If this is going to end, the redundant one automatically becomes second battery used for power. When replacing Of the batteries, it is important that at no time a power failure entry. This is achieved by locking the batteries, which ensures that only one battery can be removed at a time. Is located only one battery in the case, so this is at least as long included in it, until one second battery was inserted. A removal of the battery will stored in the memory of the processor unit using a time stamp.

It is beneficial for the security of the device, if in the event of a system failure or at marginal results such as too high pressure or a too high temperature, the supply of gas through the gas line blocked can be. According to the invention, the processor unit to be able to detect such deviations and in the case of their Occurrence a shut-off valve, which is integrated in the measuring device is to trigger electronically. An unsafe condition is avoided in this way.

With Advantage provides the data interface not only data of the measuring device outward, but is also able to control and configure commands from an outside lying data processing device receive. An approximation of the measuring device is also so remotely possible.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, mechanical movements of the housing can be registered by means of sensors, so that movement of the housing can be detected by the control electronics. An impairment of the measurement result by an improper position of the measuring device is thus impossible. After recognizing such manipulation Depending on the setting, the measuring device can experiment with a timestamp and / or a blockage of the gas line. The processor unit, however, is able to distinguish such wanton movements from earthquakes or surges. If an earthquake is detected, the shut-off valve is closed for safety reasons.

to Backup of meter data it is beneficial to put these on at regular intervals to store a data store. For this come memory chips in question, which inside the case housed and can be controlled by the control electronics. One such memory chip is also via the data interface read. For reading is about the interface mounted a read-out device on the housing, via whose Communication module a data connection to an external Computing device will be produced. Also can different data can be displayed using the 7-segment display. Using the outside lying data processing equipment can additionally both an adjustment and calibration of the measuring device, as also a preparation of the provided by the measuring device Data performed become. For reasons The security and control is the data storage on several Memory chips performed simultaneously. For example, through manipulation detected with a magnet incorrectly backed up data and possibly Getting corrected.

To a system error can advantageously the stored content the chips are used as the initial data set after a reboot. The only software available meter data be that way for the further use of the measuring device kept. In concrete Embodiment contains a record backed up to the memory chips as well as this counter data other relevant data such as the date and time of storage.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment is a storage as well performed in case of error and the for this record created added to that Added an error code becomes, which conclusions on the nature of the error that has occurred.

One Another aspect relevant to safety is the use of a pressure sensor covered, which the pressure of the volatile medium within the Gas line determined and this provides the control electronics. His data will be for the determination of the operating state used. Because of one too high operating safety can be considered as endangered and the Operation of the measuring device to be stopped.

With Advantage, the read-out module has an externally readable display, by means of which the meter reading the determined by the processor unit gas consumption optically determined can be. That way it's for a quick overview not necessary, for information about the count of one of the outside Use data processing equipment. Due to their particularly good readability are particularly suitable for this purpose 7-segment displays. They are easy to control and give the viewer a clear Picture over the displayed data.

In In concrete terms, the display is activated by means of a button. and off, so that the display is not permanently energized needs to be supplied. Especially with a care using a rechargeable battery, it is advantageous to the voltage consumption due such an advertisement as possible to keep low. It is also no restriction, to operate the switch to read the display.

With Advantage, the readout module has a reader for reading chip cards or magnetic cards that allow additional functions. In particular, this is the possibility of interest, to read in prepaid cards and to devalue, if necessary, with those first the gas supplier acquires a specified quantity of gas, and the afterwards can be consumed by the user. Does this with the help of the chip card or magnetic card revalued credit before the customer a purchased and imported a new card, and thus charged his "account", so the processor unit shuts off the gas line and before a new one Charging process, no more gas can be consumed.

Especially it is advantageous if the data from the data interface wirelessly to the outside transmitted data processing equipment become. So there is a particularly great freedom in the choice of to be used for data processing equipment. In the transmission The data will be beneficial technologies such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth used. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the data interface connected to the Internet or an intranet, leaving the data the measuring device also from a long distance are available. Both a configuration and readjustments can so carried out by qualified personnel without them having to make representations on the spot. A An alternative to this is the data transmission by means of a data bus. In such a configuration can be a variety of measuring devices using only one transmission system controlled and controlled.

It has also proved to be advantageous if not only the pure meter data are kept as a record, but also derived data from it can be determined using the computer electronics and made available via the data interface. Thus, the user can gain information about their own habits and consumption characteristics, and reduce their consumption, or at least the cost thereof, through targeted suggestions that the provider can make on the basis of this data. This is also in the sense of the supplier, since this can favor a more even utilization of its resources through its pricing policy.

Around to alert the user to a malady that has occurred it is advantageous to use a buzzer acoustically for the error that has occurred display. In addition, it may be advantageous to such occurring Failure by means of illuminated displays, in particular LEDs, optically display. That way you can the user through different flash sequences and different error conditions mediates become. In particular through the use of differently colored LEDs can be different states of the system.

The measuring device described here will be explained in more detail below with reference to an embodiment. 1 shows a schematic representation of a measuring device which is installed on a gas line.

1 shows a measuring device 1 , which are connected to a gas pipe 4 is firmly installed. The measuring device 1 is in a metrologically sealed housing 3 executed, in which the metrologically active ingredients are included. These components are a processor unit 2 which, among other things, with data from a pressure sensor 7 and a temperature sensor 6 is fed. The processor unit 2 takes into account the pressure and temperature of the gas line 4 flowing gas, so as to take into account the deviations of the gas from the normal conditions. The processor unit 2 processes the underlying data and transmits the meter data as well as the derived data, system and error conditions and temperature sensors 6 and pressure sensors 7 provided data as needed to external devices. For this the measuring device has 1 via a data interface, consisting of an interface 13 for connection of a readout module 11 , as well as a communication module contained in this readout module 14 , About the latter, the data is transmitted wirelessly to the external data processing devices, such as a laptop. Conversely, from this laptop also a control or adjustment signal can be sent to the measuring device.

The invention essential aspect represents the concentration of all these components within a housing 3 dar. The metrologically sealed housing 3 is safe from external influences such as high heat and cold, moisture or electricity, which often lead to premature failure of such measuring devices. Specifically, this compact design is also an obstacle to any attempt at manipulation, such as by blocking a counter or destruction or interference of electrical components, such as the application of voltage or magnetic fields.

Not shown in the figure data processing equipment are capable of that of the measuring device 1 using the communication module 14 to receive transmitted data, prepare it and provide derived information. These can be both information about user habits, as well as technical data, about the overall condition of a connected line network. In particular, the first of these two aspects may be of great interest to the user if strategies for gas consumption can be proposed, taking into account possible tariff systems for gas supply. The internal state of the housing can also be monitored and reported to the outside. So become the processor unit 2 in addition to the gas pressure and the gas temperature also reported a possible movement of the housing, which can be distinguished between wanton shaking and about an earthquake. A wanton movement causes the processor unit 2 must suspect a manipulation attempt and as a result, the gas line using a shut-off valve 16 can close. At the same time, the event is stored in the data memory by means of a time stamp 5 the measuring device 1 noted. A motion detected as an earthquake leads to the shut-off of the gas pipeline 4 using the shut-off valve 16 ,

Finally, the readout module has a reader 12 on, with the help of chip or magnetic cards in the measuring device 1 can be read. With the aid of such cards, prepaid systems can be realized by the customer acquiring a certain amount of gas in the form of a chip card, this in the measuring device 1 read in and thereby the purchase of gas is possible until the credit has been used up.

1

measuring device

2

processor unit

3

casing

4

gas pipe

5

data storage

6

temperature sensor

7

pressure sensor

8th

measuring unit

9

Main power source

10

Backup power source

11

reading module

12

reader

13

interface

14

communication module

15

display

16

shut-off valve

Claims (15)

Measuring device, in particular diaphragm gas meter, comprising a mechanical measuring device ( 8th ) for detecting the volume of a gas in a gas line ( 4 ) flowing, volatile medium, a processor unit ( 2 ) for metrological data acquisition and data storage, and at least one data interface for, preferably wireless, data transmission to external data processing equipment, characterized in that all metrologically relevant elements, in particular a temperature sensor ( 6 ), the measuring plant ( 8th ), the processor unit ( 2 ), a pulser and the internal part of the data interface in the metallic housing ( 3 ) of the diaphragm gas meter, while non-metrological tasks are performed using the outside of the housing ( 3 ) lying data processing devices are feasible. Measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing-interior components alternatively by means of a main power source ( 9 ) or a backup power source ( 10 ), each of which is preferably realized by means of a lithium battery, can be supplied, wherein at the same time in each case only one of these two current sources ( 9 . 10 ) and preferably each removal in the processor unit ( 2 ) is stored by means of a time stamp. Measuring device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the measuring device ( 1 ) within the housing ( 3 ) a shut-off valve ( 16 ) for blocking the gas flow through the gas line ( 4 ), which by means of the processor unit ( 2 ), in particular in the case of a system error or borderline measurement results, electronically opened and closed. Measuring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the processor unit ( 2 ) is controllable, programmable and / or adjustable by means of the external data processing devices. Measuring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that mechanical movements, in particular due to manipulation or earthquake, using sensors by the processor unit ( 2 ) and trigger a system error, preferably tampering and earthquakes are distinguishable, and to such an event by storing a time stamp in the data memory ( 5 ) and / or by blocking the gas flow through the gas line ( 4 ) is reacted. Measuring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that data stored internally in the housing, in particular metrological data and system errors, are internally housed at regular intervals, preferably on at least one memory chip, and are preferably backed up by means of an interface ( 13 ) connected to the housing-mounted components, external readout module ( 11 ) are readable. Measuring device according to claim 6, characterized that after a system error, the backed up data is retrievable and as the starting data record for the further operation can be used, the storage preferably also contains date and time of storage. Measuring device according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the storage in case of error carried out and that this preferably additionally contains an error code, which Conclusions on the nature of the error that has occurred. Measuring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the measuring device ( 1 ) a pressure sensor ( 7 ), by means of which the pressure of the volatile medium can be determined. Measuring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, preferably on the housing ( 3 ), external read-out module ( 11 ) an ad ( 15 ), preferably a 7-segment display, by means of which at least the counter of the processor unit ( 2 ) gas consumption can be displayed. Measuring device according to claim 10, characterized in that the external read-out module ( 11 ) associated advertisement ( 15 ) has an electrical button or switch, the display ( 15 ) is only supplied with voltage when the button or switch is pressed. Measuring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the external readout module ( 11 ) a reader ( 12 ), in particular for reading chip and magnetic cards, having, by means of which Prepaymentfunktio are feasible. Measuring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that by means of a read-out module ( 11 ) associated communication module ( 14 ) the data from the data interface wirelessly, preferably by means of WLAN or Bluetooth, alternatively by means of a data bus or over the Internet, are transferable. Measuring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that by means of the processor unit ( 2 ) information can be derived from the measurement results and this information is preferably obtained by means of the read-out module ( 11 ) are retrievable via the data interface. Measuring device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that occurring errors using a, preferably in the readout module ( 11 ) integrated, signal unit be reported visually or acoustically.