DE1941064A1 - Remote reading device - Google Patents

Description

PAEKINSOF COWAN LIMITED Grosvenor Gardens, London S.W. 1 (UK)

Remote reading device

The invention relates to a device for remote reading of measuring devices or counters. In particular, although not exclusively, it relates to the reading of cumulative displays where periodically the sum registered by the measuring device is to be removed.

Periodic readings are required for suppliers, for example, a consumed amount of material or energy over one

Calculate time period as measured by a heater e.g. by a measuring device in supply systems, e.g. a gas, electricity or water meter. Since it is sometimes difficult To gain access to the consumer's premises, it is advantageous to ensure that the meter is from an external location can be read off. On the other hand, it is advisable that a meter is housed within the consumer's rooms, where it is protected from the elements and possible damage. In order to meet both conditions it is necessary to have one

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Device to provide to keep the meter from a remote location Position to be read off.

By providing for such a remote reading device, it may not be possible to determine what was happening during the Reading on the meter happens. Therefore it is then necessary that the Situation to take into account that the material or energy consumption, which is assigned to the meter system, while reading continues.

The invention relates to a remote reading device which can be used for such cases can be used. According to the invention, such a reading device has a display device which is connected to the measuring device connected and movable by the mechanism of the meter, further comprising a transmission arrangement for the display device of electrical switching elements through which an electrical current can be transmitted from a remote point, as well as devices at the remote point which can be actuated by transmitting electrical current to show the status of the display device. The invention is characterized in that the display device has a cyclometer display that includes a number of elements, each of which is assigned switching elements. To keep the display elements immobile during electrical transmission A holding device is provided for the current in order to enable the positions of the display elements to be read remotely without influencing them by continuing the measurement process during the reading. ,

Such a remote reading device can therefore be used independently whether the energy or material consumption continues without ambiguities arise when reading. It can even be taken care of be that the mechanism of the measuring device itself can continue to run while the display elements are held by the holding device will.

The term "cyclometer display" is intended to mean a mechanism

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which has a number of display elements, of which * the successive elements represent each successive order of a numerical value * where each has the effect previous element a step-by-step integer advancement of the following element, if it is a planned movement sequence has gone through. The value "9062" can therefore be represented by a number are represented by four elements, each with ten numbers have: the movement of the first element, i.e. the "one element", from value "9" to value "0" causes - the second element, So the "tens element", to go through a step-by-step change from "6" to "7" »and a movement of the moves accordingly second element from "9" to "0" the "hundreds element" from "0" to "1". It should be understood, however, that it is not required is to include a decimal counting arrangement in such a mechanism.

The transmission device can expediently for each index

Element comprise a number of spaced apart electrical contacts arranged over an area corresponding to the area corresponds to different digit positions of the display element, where a transmission contact optionally with any of the contact series can be brought into engagement by providing for a relative movement between the carrier and the transmission contact. These Relative movement is made by shifting the index element, and it can advantageously be ensured that that the holding device ensures that the index elements are in numerical positions aligned when held immovable are. A corresponding alignment is made between the transmission contact and the selected one of the contact series is achieved, as determined by the displacement position of the display element will.

In a preferred arrangement, the index elements can be rotatably mounted and carry the transmission elements with them, the 'Fräger are then non-rotatably arranged. Fm wear of the contact surfaces to reduce to an iliaiaum and to provide resistance to a

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To reduce the rotation of the transmission device, the respective Transfer contact from its associated contact series in the Be spaced apart, and a displacement arrangement may be provided in order to effect an abutment between them only when when a reading is made.

In order to reduce the complexity of the installation on the consumer's premises, the series of contacts of the respective carriers can be connected in parallel and the electrical transmission can be arranged to take place in a sequence through each transmission element. In this way, any number of series of contacts for such transmissions can be connected to a single series ¹ of power supply lines. It is to be intended. that although this leads to a considerable simplification and cost reduction of the system, it does, however, increase the time for a reading. However, since the invention already eliminates the possibility of ambiguity which arises when the measuring process continues while the reading is taking place, this is not a disadvantage that would have greater significance.

«It is also possible to ensure that the reading device according to the invention, through the use of the transmission arrangement, a fixed key indicating the origin of the reading identified. In this embodiment of the invention -the Transmission arrangement for the contact series permanent connections have to an auxiliary conductor arrangement, so that when the conductor arrangement is energized, output pulses arise through the permanent connections are intended to provide an indication of the key of the metering system.

The invention is described below on the basis of an exemplary embodiment explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings are:,.

Fig. 1 A diagram of the main device parts to which the remote reading device according to the invention belongs,

Figures 2a + 2b are top and front views, respectively, of the remote reading index mechanism of the meter and the associated electrical contacts.

Pig. 5 is a circuit diagram of the electrical circuit arrangement between the meter and the portable reading device,

i'ig. 4 is a functional diagram of the arrangement of the power supply and the control of the portable reading device and.

5 shows a mechanical clutch arrangement for transmission the counter drive movement on the index mechanism shown in Figures 2a and 2b.

Referring to Figure 1, a dry gas meter "ix" within a consumer's premises includes a multi-core cable 12 leading from a remote reading indexing mechanism 13 within the meter to an outlet 14 on the outside of an exterior wall 15 of the premises. The mechanism IJ forms an encapsulated unit within the meter housing, which is isolated from the gas chambers of the meter. It is therefore preferably driven by a magnetic coupling. The meter 11 also has a normal number display 16. A portable reading unit 17 with the mechanism 13 be connected by inserting a plug 18 of its multi-core cable 19 into the socket 14.

The mechanism IJ is shown in detail in FIGS. 2a and 2b. A rotary shaft 21, which is "mounted on journal 22, carries a number of index wheels 23a, 23b .. 23f. The first wheel 23a is rotatably arranged on the shaft by means of an arrangement 68, - which consists of a slot engaging in a gate , the other wheels ·

9808/1284

are, however, freely rotatable relative to the shaft, and successive Index wheels are in such a way with each other by indexing gear 24 coupled that with each revolution of a preceding ratchet wheel, for example of the switching wheel 23c, the following wheel, in this case 2Jd, expediently moves on by a partial rotation l / lO of a revolution with decimal counting. It understands that the index wheels themselves can form a known visual display. The first index wheel 25a is via a spur gear reduction gear 25 driven by the counter mechanism (not shown), and the usual numerical display 16, when it is separated from the index wheels, can also be driven by the intermediate gear 25 will.

The first 2Yes of the index wheels represents a relatively small value, for example 0.1 cbm per revolution, and its position therefore does not need to be recorded when the display is read. For remote reading, each of the remaining index wheels 23b.. Ten electrical contacts 29 (FIG. 5), which are distributed on a circle around the axis of the shaft 21, are seated on each carrier. Furthermore, an electrically conductive ring 29a sits on the respective carriers, concentric to the contacts 29 and ■ to the axis of the shaft 21. Two contacts 30 are attached to the respective index wheels 23b be relocated za. These koiitakxes are electrically connected. The contacts of the respective pair are located in radial positions corresponding to the group of contacts 29 or the inner ring 29a, in order to cooperate with these parts. A single spring-biased contact extending the same radial dimension would perform the same function as the two contacts 30.

A weak compression spring 28 is located between the index wheel 23f and its adjacent journal bearing 22, and in the illustrated

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Position it acts as a spacer between these contact surfaces. The indexing wheels 24 are freely supported both axially and peripherally on their own shaft and form axial abutments between the spaced index wheels. As a result, the wheels 23 and their indexing wheels are biased by the spring, so that the pin of the engagement arrangement 68 is at the end of the link or in the vicinity of this end * but there is very little or no residual bias of the spring, when the parts are in this position, in order to prevent over-, moderate friction at the rotating parts .. the shaft 21 is axially displaced by a lever 33 which is actuated by a solenoid 32nd Such a displacement therefore also moves the index wheels 23 and their indexing wheels 24. By energizing the solenoid, the. Lever pivoted to the right (according to the direction of view in Fig. 2a), and if the resulting movement left to the shaft, which consists of the pin and the backdrop-

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de arrangement 68 in an opposite end position to that shown Brings location, move the index wheels 23 and their indexing wheels as a unit with the shaft against the bias of the Spring 28 around the contact pins 30 which are prestressed by spring means of the wheels 23b ... 23f to move and an electrical connection between a contact 29 and the inner ring 29a of the respective carrier 27 to manufacture. The angular position of the respective index wheel determines which contact 29 closes in each case. if a current through an inner ring 29a from an external connection flows, the further current path depends on which of the contacts 29 is closed, and thus the angular position of the index wheel to be determined. The index wheels remain above the first wheel 23a connected to the drive during their axial displacement. if the solenoid is de-energized, the spring 28 acts to the effect that the index wheels and their indexing wheels are moved back to their previous axial positions. J3s understand that a • Determination of the angular positions of the index wheels to the same extent can be done in that nan ensures that the carrier contacts

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29, 29a with the legs movable bind, while the by spring means prestressed Eontakte 30 are arranged in fixed positions.

FIG. 3 shows how the mechanism shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b connected to cable 12. Ten power supply lines Jl of the Kafcels are connected to the respective contacts 29, the respective corresponding lying contact of all carriers 27 with the same power supply connected in parallel. The inner rings 29a are, however, each connected to a different power supply 35. Two more Power supply lines 36 of the cable are connected to the lifting magnet 32. So by one after the other a current through the respective power supply 35 flows, the index wheels are read in sequence. if of course, separate power supplies for the contacts 29 of the respective Carrier can be provided, the positions of all index wheels be determined at the same time by the power supply lines 35 are connected in parallel to a power source or by a common power supply 35 is applied to all inner rings 29a. It is also possible to use the arrangement of the contacts 29 as shown to change to use a binary decimal system becomes what one could do with that on the circumference distributed contacts replaced by four concentric contact groups Still, if the resulting changes in pulse strength could be tolerated, only two contacts 30 could be provided one of which spans the radial extent of these four groups.

The construction shown includes means by which the recorder or the data writer with further pulses can be fed when the counter indicators are read, so that the asset being read can be identified from the data on the tape. This facility includes a further group of electricity feeders 37 »aie permanent with individual ones Power leads 31 are connected. The connection by plug and socket outlet, shown schematically at 38 in Figures 3 and 4 B see output plug connections 39 in the plug power supply

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gen of the recording device for each of the power supply lines 37, so that a current pulse through any of the power leads for a counter pulse from the power supply from the group 31 ensures with the it is connected, and this is of course called the corresponding digit fer recorded, assigned to the group 31 power supply is. So by the StroäzufÜhrungen 57 in a fixed sequence are scanned, either before or after the display is read, a serial key is recorded which is obtained from the connections between the power supply lines 31 and 37 depends. This key identifies the system from which the display was read "^

From Fig. 4 it can be seen that the recording device has a battery 40 · on-travels via the circuit of a capacitor Gl and a Resistance R1 can be connected to lifting magnet 32 by power supply lines 36 is, so that when a plug connection is made with the capacitor in the charged state, the lifting magnet is actuated. The device has a data recorder consisting of a crotch tape device ordered a multi-track magnetic head and an electronic device Has scanning arrangement and also from the battery is driven. The connection of the data logger with the Battery takes place via a coupling 41i which is in the wall socket the metering system is located.

When inserting the plug 18 into the socket so the lifting magnet 32 is _i ^ excited by the discharge current from the capacitor Cl, and the battery current is applied to the data recording device. A delay unit 43 ', which is effective for about 200 milliseconds in the control line 44, ensures that the control circuit of the recording device is not energized until a final key unit 45 in the form of a bistable device has been reset and the circuits of the Recording device have reached a stable operating state compared to a previous operating state. The power circuit of the recorder

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The energizing device is connected to the input by a line 46, a hot contact Xl being provided there, which closes the excitation of a hot X , which is triggered by the resetting of the unit 45.

The delay unit 43 acts by preventing the operation of a ^ OO Hz square wave oscillator, and when the delay time has expired, the oscillator output brings a Hegel counter 48 into an operating state * The counter then generates a series of switching pulses in synchronism with the oscillator. Output, each of which leads to a step-wise movement of a tape drive motor 49 of a tape reel 49a. These pulses are also fed into a control logic unit 50 which operates so that the first pulse actuates a blocker, for example by a line 53 'to give amplifiers 59 of recording heads 59a of the corresponding tape track a pulse which marks the beginning of the reading. This pulse can be the decimal number Ip (since it is 1111 in the binary code and is therefore easy to recognize).

You are following ten impulses through a step interrogation unit 51 through the individual connections 39 of the meter identification circuits directed to the encrypted identification of the facility on the tape which is read. The way it works with every impulse consists in that the counter response arrives at a decimal / binary descrambler 52, which gives its outputs to respective amplifiers of the sand recording tracks, the control logic unit 50 at the same time "write" pulses, for example by the Line 54, sends to the amplifiers, so that it can be ensured can mean that the counter output has set itself to a stable state, the recording is disconnected. The decoder 52 also simultaneously with each pulse from the counter a parity generator 55 is operated to generate the associated parity digit to record. Following the recording of the system key

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the counter index circles are interrogated one after the other and the impulses are recorded in the same way on the tape machine. - ^:: ^ '·.' _ '\

If necessary, time-coordinated impulses can be carried out on a regular basis Generated at intervals and fed into the tape record independently to facilitate synchronization of the tape when it is played on the computer 20.

To ensure that the data recorded on the tape is ron are the highest possible permissibility, the meter index and Lennstromkreise scanned a second time in the appropriate white. At the end of the second scan, the control counter switches the SohluBtasteinheit 45, resulting in a de-energization of the relay X ffi & rt, and wag also wipe the delay unit via an OR circuit 58 ' 45 and the oscillator 47 prevents the oscillator from working * Daduroh the tape drive motor 49 cannot run, and as a result of The open circuit of the relay contact Xl is the strobe circuit of the data memory switched off, as well as the stroa connected to the index lifting magnet 32 flows. The power consumption is now limited to a few milliamperes as required to turn the final key unit 45 into to keep their »set state.

You separation of the plug and the socket 14 and 18 allows one Recharge of the capacitor resistance circuit, and the time constant in this circuit is chosen so that the capacitor 90 # the connected power voltage is reached within two seconds after the plug has been pulled out of the socket.

It will generally be the case that the reading is taken during the Counter records further gas consumption; Ee are therefore means required to avoid any ambiguity that might arise from a change in the numerical position of any of the

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Dial which is read while the remote reading is being performed. Such means can be in the form of a locking device acting on the index wheels or their drive gears, and in the example shown, these means consist of a suitably toothed little wheel 60 attached to the shaft 21 and a stationary wheel 61 of complementary shape, which is attached to the adjacent bearing piece 22 or forms an integral part of this bearing piece. The number of teeth of the respective wheel 60.61 corresponds to the number of numerical positions that the index wheel 23a has, so there are ten teeth on the respective wheel 60.61 if the wheel 23a has a decimal display. The teeth of the small wheel 61 are arranged in such a way that when the small wheels 60, 61 are fully engaged, the index wheel 23a is rotated by the wheel 60 by any required fraction of the numerical angular distance which is to be centered on a subsequent numerical position, ie when the wheel 23a is in a If there is an intermediate position between two consecutive number positions, it is shifted either forwards or backwards (depending on the shape of the teeth of the wheels 60,6l) in order to sit in the middle in one of these two number positions.

The combing of the wheels 60,61 is of course a consequence of the movement of the Shaft 21 when the solenoid 32 is excited at the beginning of a reading, and because of the step gear connections 24, it is ensured that the Subsequent index wheels 23b and all other index wheels that happen to be in a dichotomy between definitive numerical positions should be in alignment in these positions with the position of the index wheel 23a. It should be noted here that it is necessary that only one of the meshing wheels 60,61 has the shape of a continuous succession of teeth, that is, the other only requires a single tooth, although this leads to higher loads and thus to faster wear.

During the reading, the drive reduction gear 25, which is the small wheel 23a strives to rotate, prevented from rotating because the locking

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mechanism keeps all index wheels locked. There is therefore a Slipping on the magnetic coupling that transfers the drive force to the index mechanism. The aim is that the reading the position of the index wheels does not lead to a deletion of the data, that they wear.

As an alternative to the magnetic coupling in the drive of the meter, a mechanical connection can be provided that allows slipping if necessary. This is particularly useful when the display and reading mechanism does not have to be encapsulated from the inside of the meter, for example to isolate it from flammable or corrosive media. Such a mechanical connection or coupling is shown in FIG. 5, where the shaft 71 rotated by the counter mechanism (not shown) provides the drive for the display of the reading device. A crank 72 on the shaft 71 engages a transmission part 73 which has a cylindrical outer rim 74 from which four equally spaced leaf springs 75 extend radially inward in the manner of a unilateral lever. Axially adjacent to the springs 75, the part 73 has rigid radial spokes f6 between a boss 77 and the rim 74, and two forked claws protrude from a diametrically opposite pair of the spokes to engage radial webs 79 of a gear 80 which controls the forms the first element of the countershaft 25 (Fig. 2a). It sits on the same shaft 81 as part 73.

When the rotation of the portion 73 by the crank 72 is resisted because a remote reading is in progress, the Leaf spring 75? which is gripped by the crank, bent until the Crank it happened. The drive connection is restored when the crank is turned further to attack the next leaf spring.

The socket 14 and the plug 1Θ can each have a number of Have connecting pins with precious metal contact surfaces, and the socket can have a hinged cover to protect its pins,

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as the socket can be in an exposed position. The lid can be provided with a lock. The plug and the socket are connected to each other by a bayonet connection, which consists of two or more pins "preferably min" three. If three or more pins are provided, they will not evenly distributed so that there is only one angular position where the plug and socket can be connected. The rotary movement of the connecting pins on top of each other when placing the Plug into the socket leads to a wiping effect that removes any dirt that may be present on the contact surfaces of the pins. Alternatively, the connecting elements may be rigidly attached pins or Blades on one of the parts and corresponding receiving elements on the other part, so that the sliding insertion of the pins or leaves wiping along the contact surfaces. In either case, as in the other case *, the wall socket is preferably secured tamper-proof, and the fastening is also secured can be shielded by the closable cover.

Although a multi-track recording system is shown in Fig. 4, can also send the data in serial form in one device with a single Track can be collected. Such a device has a shape substantially similar to that shown in FIG With continued reference to FIG. 4, this single track arrangement uses only a single one Path of the respective of the two multi-pulse paths from the decimal / binary decoder 52 to. amplifiers 59 and parity generator 55 are shown. The resulting tape record, of course, consists of a parity track in addition to the single data track.

Many modifications of the device described are possible. For example, the recording of a meter reading can be done by any

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one of the many known data processing devices take place, beiepielweise ^ punched tape, punched card and disk recording devices. It can also be used in some applications of the invention It may be expedient to use a recording device which is powered by an external source, for example by Electricity from the general agitation line.

Patent claims:

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Claims (13)

Claims Iy device for reading a meter or counter from a ■ * "remote location from» consisting of a display device, which is connected to the counter and is movable by the counter mechanism, a transmission device for the display device, consisting of electrical switching elements which can transmit an electric current from a remote location and to a facility at the remote location Place which can be actuated by the electrical transmission in such a way that the state of the display device can be recorded, characterized in that the display device comprises a cyclometer display which has a number of Elements (23b ... 2Jf) which each have associated switching elements (29,30), and that holding means (60,61) are provided for holding the display parts in place during the electrical transmission, such that the remote reading of the digit . lungs of the display parts without being influenced by the continuation of the counting process during the reading. 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmission means for each display element has a number of spaced-apart electrical contacts which are arranged over an area, the range of different digit positions of the display element with a transfer contact selectively engaging any one of the series of contacts by relative movement can be brought between the carrier and the transmission contact, whereby for the relative movement by shifting the index element is taken care of, characterized in that the holding means (60,6l) are arranged so that it is ensured that the display elements (23) are aligned in numerical positions when they are held immovable, with a corresponding alignment between the transfer contact (30) and the selected Eontakt (29) of the Eontakt series can be achieved, as determined by the displaced position of the display element. 25 558 003808/1284 Wa / Hö & AD ORIGINAL 3. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized! that the display elements (23) and their associated transmission contacts (30) rotate together, while the contacts (29) sit on supports (27) which are held stationary. 4. Door direction according to claim 2 or 3 »characterized in that that the respective series of contacts (29) for the various index wheels (23b ... 2Jf) are each connected in parallel are and the electrical transmission is arranged so that it by the respective transmission contact (30) in a The sequence takes place in such a way that a series recording of the displaced positions of the series of index elements is achieved. 5. Device according to one of claims 2-4 »characterized in that that a device (32,33) for relative displacement the series of contacts (29) and the transmission contacts (30) are provided towards and away from one another is, wherein the device (32,33) is arranged so that for an attachment between the contacts (29,30) only when made a reading is taken care of. 6. Apparatus according to claim 5 »characterized in that that the displacement device (32,33) is arranged so that together the relative movement of the contacts (29,30) and the Puncture of the holding means (60.6l) is effected. 7. Device according to one of claims 1-6, characterized in that that means for allowing continued movement of the counter mechanism at by the holding means recorded index elements are provided. 8. Device according to one of claims 1-7 »characterized in that means are provided for displaying the identification key for the meter system, the means by the - 3 -009808/1234 ■ Transmission device are operable. 9. Gate direction according to claim 8 in conjunction with one of the claims 2- 5, characterized in that the transmission device (51) for the series of contacts (29) in a permanent connection with an auxiliary conductor arrangement (37) stands in such a way that by excitation of the conductor arrangement output signals are generated which are determined by the key, whereby the output signals ensure that the key is recorded at the remote reading point. 10. Device according to one of claims 1-10, characterized g e mark ei without t that the actuatable by the transmission Means (59) arranged in a portable recording device (17) are, which is further provided with a power supply (40) for connection to the transmission device (29,30). 11. The device according to claim 11 in conjunction with claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the displacement device has a lifting magnet (32) which is attached to the index elements is arranged and can be actuated by the power supply (40). 12. The apparatus of claim 10 of 11, characterized in that the index transmission device is arranged is that signals to a decimal / binary key generator (52) can be given, the respective number outputs in the recording device (59) can be fed. 13. Device according to one of claims 10-12, characterized in that that the recorder is a multi-track tape recorder. 14 * Device according to one of claims 10-13, characterized in that 009808/1284 indicates that the portable reading device (17) has delay means (45) for preventing the initiation of a reading until a specified delay time has elapsed after the connection between the reading device and the metering system has elapsed having. 00 9808/1234 Blank page