DE102009060773B4 - Device for scanning the graduations of a mechanical roller counter for meters of all types with RFID technology - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for scanning the tick marks of a mechanical roller counter with all kinds of counters, with a number of rotating driven number rollers, each number roller bearing a number of digits or symbols evenly distributed on the circumference, which can be recorded and evaluated with an oppositely arranged, stationary readout device are, characterized in that at least one transponder is assigned to one or more digits or symbols in the respective number roll of the counter, opposite which an RFID antenna field is arranged, with the help of which the digits or symbols of the number roll of the counter are read out or the current count of the Counter can be determined.

Description

The invention relates to a device for scanning the graduations of a mechanical roller counter in counters of all kinds according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such a prior art is, for example, with the subject of DE 197 19 459 A1 become known, in which a photosensitive matrix sensor is used to read the divisions of a mechanical roller counter, which is designed in particular as a CCD array and which is placed as an intent on a conventional counter. Here, it is assumed that a translucent window is accessible from the outside to put the CCD array from the outside on this window can.

By appropriate exposure of the rotating number of rollers can be received and processed by the mounted CCD field, a corresponding signal. Disadvantage of this known reading technique is that it is extremely dirt and moisture-prone and otherwise does not work exactly. It is relatively difficult, due to a pattern recognition, to evaluate the signals produced in the CCD in such a way that it is possible to recognize which number has just passed on which number roller. This has the further disadvantage that relatively long processing times are present, so that such a technique can not be used for high-speed counters. If this technique is also to be used for high-speed counters, this results in a disproportionate effort on the processing side.

With the Gegentand the DE 295 10 643 U1 a remote control of water consumption of meters is proposed, in which an optoelectronic transmitter and an optoelectronic receiver are used. Again, there is the disadvantage of the risk of contamination by penetrating dirt and moisture.

With the DE 195 22 722 C2 a mechanical contact with a rotating switching cam on the circumference evenly distributed arranged switches proposed, which is associated with great effort, with a large repair vulnerability and with a torque-influencing readout.

With the subject of DE 101 13 378 C2 a non-contact scanning of rollers of a roller counter is proposed via a capacitive readout. An encoded coating on the peripheral surface of the respective roll is opposed to a countercoat strip on a fixed backing plate so as to form a capacitor with different capacities depending on the angular position of the roll. The resulting capacities are evaluated metrologically.

In such a device, there is the disadvantage that an external power source must be used to read the resulting capacitor can. Another disadvantage is that the reading against moisture and dirt is extremely sensitive and otherwise imprecise, because the capacitance detection takes place in the pico farad range, which leads to relatively inaccurate evaluation results.

Incidentally, the capacities are dependent on the mechanical dimensions of the numbered rollers and their distance from the counterplate, which leads, for example, to an angular position of the numerical roller axis in comparison to the stationary counterplate to an inaccurate and faulty reading of the capacitors.

With the subject of EP 0 024 647 A1 is an inductive readout of a roller counter has become known, however, suffers from the disadvantage that it is sensitive to magnetic influences. With counters of this kind, it often happens that they are laid in the area of power lines and the magnetic coupling of fields to the roller counter described here leads to an erroneous reading of the number wheels.

Because the inductively readable roller counter is mechanically coupled directly to the axis of rotation of the individual number wheels, so that the inner Drehreibung is disadvantageously increased.

The invention is therefore the object of developing a device for scanning the graduations of a mechanical roller counter at counters of all kinds so that the readout can be added at any time with little effort to an existing meter and that the device is magnetically insensitive and against dirt and moisture resistant.

To solve the problem, the invention is characterized by the technical teaching of claim 1.

It is essential that in the respective number role of the counter one or more digits or symbols at least one transponder is assigned to the opposite an RFID antenna array is arranged, read out with the help of the numerals or symbols of the number role of the counter or determines the current count of the counter can be.

The subject of the earlier patent application DE 10 2008 039 377 is only provided that per digit on the number role one day was provided. This means that there is one antenna per number roller and that this one antenna, which is fed via a multiplexer to an evaluation, is assigned a number of number roles, wherein 10 transponders are arranged on the number role and each number on the number role is such a transponder assigned.

The invention is based on this technological background and provides instead that an antenna goes through several number wheels, z. For example, it is preferred that all number wheels have a single antenna associated with them, but the invention is not limited thereto.

In another embodiment, it can be provided, for example, that one antenna 3 number wheels and a further antenna further 3 number roles are assigned or the like.

However, the assignment of a single antenna over all number wheels is preferred.

With this embodiment, there is the advantage that a much smaller footprint is needed, that crosstalk problems no longer arise and that the antennas do not affect each other. Thus, the arrangement is cheaper, because the previously necessary multiplexer can be omitted.

In a further development of the present invention, it is provided that, in the case of an embodiment with a plurality of antennas, between the number wheels or the number wheels, correspondingly fewer tags are required on the number wheels in order to determine the position of the number wheel.

Intermediate values can then be recorded that could not previously be recorded.

An essential feature of the invention is that in the respective number role of the counter a plurality of digits at least one (active or passive) transponder is arranged opposite to the opposite at a small distance an RFID antenna field, which is driven by a corresponding circuit such that each with a Antenna of the RFID antenna field a numerical role of the counter is readable.

This has the advantage that with a single antenna you can now read several tags lying next to each other and thus also determine intermediate values between the tags.

This makes it possible to determine the position of the several tags in the antenna field very precisely, because here a specific readout technique is used, in which RSSI is used. This means the English term "received signal strength indicator", which means that a distinction not only takes place of the day signals, but also their field strength.

This allows a distance-dependent distinction of the tags to take place.

Thus, a precise localization of the tags in the reception field of the antenna can be determined.

Because of this, it is possible to reduce the number of tags per number role crucial, in a preferred embodiment with 10 digits on a number role only 5 tags are arranged so that only 10 tags are used for 10 digits.

It is of course also any other relationship possible, so that z. For example, you can specify that only 4 or 3 tags are used for 10 digits. This may require several antennas per payroll.

There are also large geometric tolerances allowed because even a mechanical offset of the axis of rotation of the number role compared to the opposite RFID antenna field does not lead to an impairment of the reading.

Another essential feature of the invention is that in the area of the readout unit a logical check of the values read out and additionally a plausibility check takes place.

This means that errors are largely excluded. Here, it is provided according to the invention that in each case one antenna in the stationary RFID antenna field is assigned exactly one number roller.

It could now happen that the transponders in the adjacent number role are addressed by a transmit pulse of the other number role assigned RFID antenna.

The transponders arranged there in the adjacent number role, however, transmit with another identity signal or characteristic radio signal, which is recognized by the receiving circuit on the receiver side, so that the receiver side evaluates only at the one payroll associated receiving pulses, which also exactly from the aligned opposite arranged number role were received.

Receive signals from the transponder row on the adjacent number role are recognized and not used for the evaluation.

However, the invention is not limited to this, as explained at the outset, it is possible with the invention that all number wheels have a single antenna assigned to them, so that therefore the transponders of adjacent number wheels are also evaluated.

This results in a discrimination in such a way that one can now distinguish that the day belongs to a first number role and another day to a second number role.

The prerequisite for this is that when programming the device, a corresponding teach-in process takes place in order to inform the evaluation system of the type and arrangement of the individual tags per number role.

Incidentally, the tags also send information that indicates which number role the tag belongs to.

These are either preprogrammed tags, or these tags are later programmed during training so that their nature and arrangement to the respective number role by the day signal is clearly distinguishable.

On the one hand, this makes it possible to program the tags accordingly, and on the other hand it is also possible to teach the evaluation system of unprogrammed tags (UID only) to the tag arrangement on the individual number wheels.

With the teach-in process, you can save a corresponding memory by storing the learned values of the tags, because the logic of the evaluation system carries out a teach-in process and then no longer needs to be changed later.

What this means is that the memory of the tag can be saved if the learning process takes place on the software side and in the system and the day is not programmed in a special way and can only be identified with UID.

It is assumed that each day is assigned a universal number (UID), which is unique for the day.

This is a significant advantage over the prior art, because in the prior art, such a logical check of the incoming received pulses was not given and neither a plausibility check.

In the plausibility check all possible number combinations are stored in an EEPROM, and in the evaluation of the individual receive pulses from the RFID antenna field, the said plausibility check takes place. If a combination of numbers has been entered which can not be found or was found to be invalid, it is discarded.

With the given technical teaching a simple conversion of existing meters is possible, because it is sufficient to replace only the existing number of roles against the number wheels according to the invention (with transponders used).

Furthermore, it is sufficient in a retrofit to set up the readout unit on the viewing window of the meter and mechanically connect to the housing to position the RFID antenna field in the closest possible and aligned with the number of roles in the interior of the meter.

Another advantage of the present invention is that even in the manufacturer counter can be equipped with the numerical rollers according to the invention without the RFID reader itself to assemble.

These pre-equipped counters can still be used in a conventional manner, and only when the legislator requires that a remote reading is required, it is sufficient to attach the RFID read-out unit to the outside of the counter.

Of course, the present invention also provides that such counters can be provided immediately with a housing-side inside RFID readout device.

Important in all embodiments is that a distance of up to 10 mm between the antennas of the RFID antenna array of the read-out device and the associated transponders in the number wheels is possible. This allows a great design freedom of the device, and it is even a slight lateral offset of z. B. 1 mm possible without causing erroneous readings.

Even if the rotation axis of the counter is tilted to the RFID antenna array mounted in the read-out device, this does not lead to erroneous results.

Also plays a Achsspiel the counter, due to a continuous wear, no role in the reading. Incidentally, extensive engagement with the number wheels is avoided because conventional number wheels can be used which are provided only on the inner or outer circumference or other part of the number roller with a series of spaced-apart transponders.

It therefore requires z. Example, not the arrangement of printed circuit boards between the number wheels or optical fibers, as is the case in the prior art.

The advantages of the present invention are briefly reproduced below: Principle of selection: - RFID, contactless consisting of: - RFID transponder active or passive - Reader module - Microprocessor - Suitable interface for signal transmission - stabilization operating voltage - Number role (s)

Design / Function:

• - The number roller reading unit (block circuit) is de-energized without connection of an external interface.
• - An internal power supply or battery operation is possible.
• - In principle, the current is supplied by a connected consumer during optical operation or in a wireless operation, the current is supplied by battery or power supply units

Selection Procedures:

• - Per counter, an RFID reader (active) is positioned in a receiving device.
• - In the number wheels are inserted and / or injected or otherwise attached RFID transponder (passive) per digit or for a number of consecutive digits
• Each digit or group of digits (eg every second or third digit) is assigned a differently described transponder.
• - Any wired, optical or wireless port is suitable as a possible readout port.

In a development of the present invention, it is preferred if the individual RFID transponders are combined in a so-called transmit and receive antenna module. In this exemplary embodiment, it is therefore no longer necessary to install RFID transponders arranged separately from one another in the interior of the number wheels as separate components, which is associated with a high production outlay.

Instead, the development of the present invention proposes now to design a transmitting and a receiving antenna module in such a way that only one number wheel carries only one transponder and no longer a plurality of transponders, as was the case in the previous exemplary embodiments.

However, the invention is not limited to the assignment of only one transponder to a number role. Likewise, it may be provided that a number role with, for example, 10 digits 5 transponders are assigned.

In the general description part has already been pointed out that any other assignment is given.

For simplicity, however, only one embodiment will be described in the following, in which a single number role a single transponder is assigned.

Here, it is preferred if a single transponder is present and the transmitting and receiving antenna assembly is preferably made of a printed circuit board, which is provided either only on the front side or only on the back or on both sides with associated antenna coils.

These antenna coils are preferably arranged as conductor tracks on a geäzten circuit board and are arranged distributed uniformly around the circumference.

Each antenna coil can be controlled separately, so that according to the number of antenna coils and a number of control lines on the transmitting and receiving antenna assembly is present.

Upon rotation of a number wheel, the transponder moves centrically to the evenly distributed on the circumference arranged antenna coil on the transmitting and receiving antenna assembly. The antenna coil, which is closest to the passing transponder on the transmitting and receiving antenna module, receives a corresponding signal and this signal is converted into corresponding number positions, since the transmitting and receiving antenna subassembly is stationary and accordingly a exact assignment of each antenna coil to the individual, mobile opposite numbers on the number role is assignable.

It is preferred to arrange as many antennas on the transmit and receive antenna assembly as to assign numbers to the number role. This allows a clear assignment.

Advantage of this further embodiment is that a very small amount of space is required and also the costly transponder, which had to be arranged in a variety on the number of roles, significantly reduced, because only a single transponder is necessary.

However, the invention is not limited thereto. As has been repeatedly pointed out in the general description section, it can also be provided that a single antenna coil or, more generally, an antenna is assigned to several numbers on the number wheel.

Furthermore, it is possible to make the transmitting and receiving antenna assembly very narrow, because it is a thin circuit board with a thickness of z. B. is less than 1 millimeter, said transmitting and receiving antenna assembly is located in the space stationary between the moving past numbers wheels.

In a first preferred embodiment, it is provided that the transmitting and receiving antenna assembly has separately controllable antenna coils both at the front and at the rear, wherein, for example, the front side of the transmitting and receiving antenna assembly of the left-hand payroll and the back of this Assembled assembly of the right number role and the arranged there transponder.

However, there is also the possibility that you can make both the position query the left and the right number role only with a one-sided assembly and arranged there, for example, on the front antenna coils, because the antenna coils radiate through the material of the plastic circuit board and consequently also load the transponder accordingly on the number wheel running past the unpopulated back.

By the two-sided assembly (front and back side assembly) of the transmitting and receiving antenna assembly, there is the advantage that in a small space a plurality of antenna coils can be arranged. However, this is not necessarily necessary for the solution, because as stated above, it is sufficient to populate only the front or the back of the module with antenna coils, where coded signals are output so that the transponder on the left number role, for example, the coding A and Transponder on the right number role has the encoding B and the two codes differ in such a way that it is easy to determine when reading the antenna coils, whether the left number role with the A-coded transponder or the right number role with the B-coded transponder passed and was recorded in the position.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the invention provides that either a fixed metal plate is arranged on the first payroll or directly on the drive axle of the turbine wheel, which co-rotates with the payroll and consequently with the drive axle for the lowest order number role.

This fixedly mounted metal plate, which is non-rotatably connected to the rotating drive axle, is associated with a stationary arranged eddy current sensor which detects the rotational speed and the direction of rotation of this metal plate. Thus, it is now possible for the first time to detect the flow and return of the medium by detecting the direction of rotation of the first, least significant number of roles or by detecting the direction of rotation of the drive axle.

In another embodiment of the invention, it is provided that instead of a fixed metal plate which is rotatably connected to the rotating drive axle, a co-rotating tag is used, the signal is detected and detected by a fixed antenna.

Instead of a fixed metal plate and a co-rotating coil can be used.

The signal of the eddy current sensor is sent via a signal line to the microcontroller, which is responsible for the signal processing of the signals from the number wheels anyway and the controller outputs its output signal to a display, is displayed on the according to the software setting the flow or return of the medium.

The subject of the present invention results not only from the subject matter of the individual claims, but also from the combination of the individual claims with each other.

All information and features disclosed in the documents, including the abstract, in particular the spatial design illustrated in the drawings, are claimed to be essential to the invention insofar as they are novel individually or in combination with respect to the prior art.

In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to drawings showing only one embodiment. Here are from the drawings and their description further features essential to the invention and advantages of the invention.

Show it:

1 : schematizes a readout device according to the RFID technology

2 : increases a number role after 1

3 : Schematically schematizes the operating principle of the present invention

4 : Perspective view of two separated number wheels with an assembly arranged therebetween

5 : an assembly of the arrangement after 4 , wherein the antennas are arranged on both sides of the assembly

6 a modified embodiment in which the antenna coils are arranged only on one side of the assembly

7 : the front view of the assembly

8th : the unfolded representation of the assembly after 7 to show that both the front and the back are equipped with antenna coils

9 : one opposite 8th modified embodiment, is equipped with only the front of the module.

10 : Schematically illustrated arrangement for detecting the direction of rotation of the drive shaft of the number wheels.

11 : a schematic representation of the evaluation of number roles, where every second digit on the number role is assigned a tag

In the 1 and 3 is generally a mechanical roller counter 1 shown, which consists of a variety of number wheels 2 exists on a common axis of rotation 4 are driven in rotation by a stepper, not shown.

According to 2 assigns every number roll 2 Numbers distributed around the circumference 3 on, which is a visual reading of the counter 1 enable.

For a purely electronic reading of the counter is the presence of digits 3 or symbols are not required. They can also be omitted in this case.

The invention is not based on the assignment of a transponder 6 (Day) per digit of the number role limited, in particular with reference to the 11 will be explained later. So there does not have to be a transponder behind every number.

The following embodiment is therefore only one among several.

It should also be noted that in the embodiment according to 1 a single RFID antenna 15 all number wheels 2 and the transponders arranged there 6 of the counter 1 assigned.

This is a significant advantage over the prior art, because the production costs are much lower and also the space requirement is lower. In addition, the production is easier.

Of course it is also possible, instead of a single antenna 15 Also provide several mutually electrically separate antennas.

In the following description, it is assumed that each numeric role and each digit arranged there is a passive (or active) transponder 6 is assigned, this is only to be understood as an example.

Based on 11 will be explained later that this can be done differently in another embodiment.

Every number roll 2 is formed substantially as a cylindrical hollow body and forms an open to one side interior 5 out, leaving from the interior 5 starting an inner lateral surface 7 is available.

According to the invention, there are now a number of transponders 6 in the mutual distance according to 2 on the inside of the lateral surface 7 applied. However, the invention is not limited thereto. Such a transponder 6 can also be poured or injected into the plastic material of the number role. In another embodiment, the transponder 6 also on the outer circumference of the number role 2 instead of or together with the numbers 3 be attached.

It is important now, that on or in every number role 2 a number of spaced transponders 6 are attached, each one transponder can be assigned to a digit. However, the following embodiments also show that z. B. two or three consecutive numbers or symbols only a single transponder (tag) can be assigned.

Instead of the numbers 3 Of course, other features for the rotational state of the respective number role 2 be used, such as. For example, symbols or letters.

The rotating number wheels 2 , Which are driven by the stepper, not shown, is fixed to an antenna 15 opposite, part of a transponder readout device 9 is.

This transponder readout device is in 3 shown in more detail; It essentially consists of an RFID antenna 15 ,

Part of the readout device 9 is a reader 10 by a microcontroller 11 is controlled, in turn, with an interface module 12 connected, for example, makes a parallel or serial readout. The detected signals are read out 14 forwarded, with a voltage stabilization 13 is available.

The device is, for example, only supplied with power when a readout on the readout line 14 takes place. In this case, via the readout line 14 introduced the required power supply for the stationary read-out device.

It should again be noted that the sequential polling of all tags has been described above only as one possible embodiment. In another embodiment, it is provided that all tags of the entire numerical work are queried in parallel, so that all tag (transponder) signals arrive at substantially the same time and from the evaluation circuit 9 be differentiated.

The sequential query of the number roles successively uses a multiplexer, which can be omitted in the parallel query on the number role.

The counter readings are then read out according to the above-mentioned method without the need for intermediate storage of the data. There is thus a very low electronic circuit complexity with maximum security in the reading. The reading of the aerial antenna signals 15 via a reader 10 which is a transceiver 19 is connected downstream of the level adjustment.

It is of course also possible to supply a voltage via the voltage stabilization 13 briefly via a transmission pulse on the readout line 14 in order to read out the entire device just in this case.

Of course, it is also possible to operate the entire circuit with a battery.

Incidentally, in the present invention is an absolute encoder, because the reading is absolute, d. H. each digit is assigned exactly one value.

However, the invention is not limited to this, because, according to the later drawing figure, intermediate values can also be read out and recorded.

In the execution after 3 is shown that every number roll 2 10 transponders 6 (corresponding to the decimal numbers 0 to 9), and the transponder 6 upon movement (rotation) of the number wheel on the stationary transmit and receive antenna assembly 20 (please refer 4 ) passed by.

This module is preferably made of a printed circuit board 22 that come with a variety of tracks 23 is equipped. There is the RFID antenna 15 through an antenna coil 16 shown.

In the illustrated embodiment according to 4 to 9 are on the circuit board 22 a number of antenna coils ( 21a - 21j ), wherein preferably each antenna coil is associated with each digit on the number wheel. However, the invention is not limited thereto. Instead of assigning each digit or symbol an antenna coil, it is sufficient according to the embodiment 1 and 3, all digits or symbols of all number wheels 2 a single antenna 15 assigned. In this case, all would be in the 4 . 7 and 8th shown individual antenna coils 21a - 21j through a single antenna coil 15 replaced. The basic structure of the embodiment of the 4 to 9 remains the same.

The notion of a "number" on the number role is only to be understood as an example. It may also be arbitrary symbols, it being only assumed that the number of symbols to be read out by the number wheel with the number of antenna coils 21a - 21j matches.

Every antenna coil 21a - 21j is readable separately, allowing a variety of connection cables 26 from the circuit board 22 leads away and connected there with a corresponding readout unit.

The 5 shows that the antenna coils 21 on both sides of the circuit board 22 are arranged so that the front 24 with the antenna coils arranged there 21 for example, the left number role 2 and the back 25 the circuit board 22 with the other antenna coils arranged there 21 assigned to the right number role.

The 6 shows as a distinguishing feature that it is sufficient, the antenna coils 21 only for example only on the front 24 to arrange.

According to the general description part then send the arranged on the front antenna coils 21 by the electrically insulating material of the printed circuit board 22 through to the opposite arranged on the back of number role and arranged there transponder 6 in the payroll 2 ,

The 7 shows the top view of such a circuit board 22 with the arrangement of the antenna coils 21a - 21j ,

The 8th shows the circuit board in the unfolded state, which, however, only the graphic clarification serves. In reality, there is no folding state, but it is only shown that the front 24 and the back 25 with different antenna coils 21 is equipped.

In the deviation from this embodiment according to 8th show the 9 that it is enough, only the front 24 with the antenna coils 21 to equip.

• • absoluter Zählwert
• • absoluter Zählwert zum Stichtag
• • Differenz zwischen zwei Zählwerten pro Zeiteinheit (Geschwindigkeit)
• • Vor-/Rücklauf des Mediums
• • Leckage
• • Anzeigewechsel zwischen aktuellem und Gesamtverbrauch
• • Zählernummer wird bei Auslesung mit übertragen
• • Alarmfunktion bei Überschreitung von Grenzwerten
• • Batteriestandsanzeige
• • Interpreter für verschiedene Schnittstellen geeignet, z. B. M-BUS, LAN, W-
• • Berücksichtung Gallone, Liter und andere.

With the realization of the invention, it is possible for the first time to realize the following additional functions of a counter:

• • absolute count
• • absolute count at the key date
• • difference between two counts per time unit (speed)
• • Flow / return of the medium
• • leakage
• • Display change between current and total consumption
• • Counter number is transmitted during readout
• • Alarm function when limit values are exceeded
• • Battery level indicator
• • Interpreter suitable for different interfaces, eg. M-BUS, LAN, W
• • Consider gallons, liters and others.

From the above list of additional functions it follows that it is with the execution after 10 is possible for the first time, also the direction of rotation of the axis of rotation 4 determine.

In the illustrated embodiment according to 10 Although it is stated that a fixed metal plate 40 or coil rotatably with the drive axle 28 of the counter 2 connected is. The embodiment according to 10 does not show that this fixed metal plate 40 also on the least significant number role 2 can be arranged, because this can also rotate forward and backward.

The metal plate 40 or coil opposite is an eddy current sensor 41 arranged, the direction of rotation and the rotational speed of the metal plate 40 detected. The signals of the eddy current sensor 41 be via a signal line 42 the microcontroller 11 supplied to the output via a line 43 a display 45 is controlled, on which the direction of rotation of the drive shaft or a number role 2 can be displayed.

Of course, on the display 45 the other additional functions contained in the list above are also displayed.

Out 11 it turns out that in the antenna field 30 the antenna 15 for example, a number role 2 turns around its axis of rotation, with the example, ten digits on the number role 2 but only five tags 31 - 35 assigned.

The example of the left representation in 11 is shown that only the day 35 alone in the antenna field 30 located and that the neighboring tags 31 and 34 outside the antenna field 30 are located.

This means that the antenna field of the antenna 15 may only be extended to the extent that it only covers a maximum of two tags or passes in the space between the tags, as in 11 is shown on the left side.

In the further illustration following the left-hand illustration, it can be seen that as the number role continues to rotate 20 now a total of two tags 35 . 34 in the antenna field 30 are located. In this way, an intermediate value of the number role can be read, for example if the day 35 at full immersion in the antenna field 30 If the value 0 is assigned, the value 1 can now be assigned to this new reception situation when two adjacent tags are immersed.

In this way it is possible to capture intermediate values between tags and also to discriminate the values 0 to 9, although in total only 5 tags 31 - 35 available.

This is indicated in an analogous manner in the other representations. One obtains resolutions finer than a rotation angle of 36 degrees.

According to a development of the invention can be provided that the proximity of the tag to the antenna 15 (the reception field strength) as a distinguishing feature for the rotation angle of the number role 2 is used. In this way it is possible to also form intermediate values between the values 0 and 1 or 1 and 2 or 3 and 3, etc., because a distance-dependent discrimination of the dipping of the tags 31 - 35 in the antenna field 30 the antenna 15 is possible.

It can also be used even less than the tags specified here. Of course, the invention is not limited to the arrangement of five tags at ten digits. Any other number may be used, between five and ten. Likewise, more than ten tags can be used, even if it's all about just ten digits.

The invention is not based on the arrangement of a single antenna 15 with a single antenna field 30 limited. Likewise, it may be provided that the number role 20 by two z. B. each other opposite antenna arrays of two opposing antennas passes. This allows you to remove more tags and still recognize the position of the number role (the angle of rotation to the housing) properly.

Likewise, it is possible with the arrangement of two or more antennas, all of the particular tags of the payroll 20 cut to achieve a higher resolution.

However, the antennas must then be switched on one after the other and must not overlap with respect to their field strength.

The antenna fields 30 however, two opposite or adjacent antennas may overlap because they are turned on one after the other and do not interfere with each other.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

counter

2

counting wheel

3

digit

4

axis of rotation

5

inner space

6

transponder

7

lateral surface

8th

Transceiver pulse 8a . 8b

9

Transponder reading device

10

Reader

11

microcontroller

12

Interface module

13

voltage stabilization

14

read line

15

RFID antenna

16

antenna coil

17

18

19

transceiver

20

Transceiver module 20a , b, c Number role

21

antenna coil 21a - 21j

22

circuit board

23

conductor path

24

front

25

back

26

connecting cable

27

meter housing

28

drive axle

29

30

Antenna field (antenna 15 )

31

Day

32

Day

33

Day

34

Day

35

Day

36

37

38

39

40

metal plate

41

Eddy current sensor

42

signal line

43

management

44

45

display

Claims (10)

Device for scanning the graduations of a mechanical roller counter ( 1 ) with counters of all kinds, with a number of rotating driven number wheels ( 2 ), where each number roll is distributed around the circumference of a number of digits ( 3 ) or symbols uniformly distributed on the circumference, which are detectable and evaluable with an oppositely arranged, stationary read-out device, characterized in that in the respective number role ( 2 ) of the counter ( 1 ) one or more digits ( 3 ) or symbols at least one transponder ( 6 ) is assigned to the opposite an RFID antenna field ( 15 ) is arranged, which the numbers ( 3 ) or symbols of the number role ( 2 ) of the counter ( 1 ). Device according to claim 1, characterized in that all the numbered rolls ( 2 ) of the counter a single antenna ( 15 ) assigned. Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that in the region of the readout unit ( 9 ) a logical check of the read values and additionally a plausibility check takes place. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the transponders associated with a number roller are provided with a different identity signal or characteristic radio signal to a transceiver pulse ( 8th ) respond as comparatively arranged in a neighboring number role transponder. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that for carrying out a plausibility check all possible and valid number combinations are stored in an EEPROM, and in the evaluation of the individual receive pulses ( 8th . 8a . 8b ) and are verifiable for validity. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the RFID read-out unit is arranged outside the meter housing. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the RFID read-out unit is arranged inside the meter housing. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that all transponders ( 6 ) of all number roles ( 2 ) are queried in parallel and at the same time. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the direction of rotation of the drive shaft ( 28 ) and / or at least one number role ( 2 ) with an eddy current sensor ( 41 ) is detectable. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that on the number roller ( 2 ) fewer transponders ( 6 ) are arranged as read digits or symbols.

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