EP0836732B1 - Consumption measurement system for remote reading - Google Patents
Consumption measurement system for remote reading Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0836732B1 EP0836732B1 EP96931813A EP96931813A EP0836732B1 EP 0836732 B1 EP0836732 B1 EP 0836732B1 EP 96931813 A EP96931813 A EP 96931813A EP 96931813 A EP96931813 A EP 96931813A EP 0836732 B1 EP0836732 B1 EP 0836732B1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- antenna
- consumption
- consumption detecting
- microstrip antenna
- housing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
- H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
- H01Q1/12—Supports; Mounting means
- H01Q1/22—Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles
- H01Q1/2208—Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles associated with components used in interrogation type services, i.e. in systems for information exchange between an interrogator/reader and a tag/transponder, e.g. in Radio Frequency Identification [RFID] systems
- H01Q1/2233—Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles associated with components used in interrogation type services, i.e. in systems for information exchange between an interrogator/reader and a tag/transponder, e.g. in Radio Frequency Identification [RFID] systems used in consumption-meter devices, e.g. electricity, gas or water meters
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- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08C—TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS FOR MEASURED VALUES, CONTROL OR SIMILAR SIGNALS
- G08C17/00—Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link
- G08C17/02—Arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless electrical link using a radio link
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
- H01Q9/00—Electrically-short antennas having dimensions not more than twice the operating wavelength and consisting of conductive active radiating elements
- H01Q9/04—Resonant antennas
- H01Q9/0407—Substantially flat resonant element parallel to ground plane, e.g. patch antenna
- H01Q9/0421—Substantially flat resonant element parallel to ground plane, e.g. patch antenna with a shorting wall or a shorting pin at one end of the element
Definitions
- the present invention relates to consumption detection systems with remote reading and especially on consumption recording systems, where planar antennas are used to emit a signal that is measured Consumption corresponds.
- the electrical properties of the antenna types mentioned change very much as soon as conductive material, such as the housing of the meter, near the radiating component is coming. In professional circles, this effect is also called the “Proximity effect” called. This is how it works, for example a vertical antenna is only satisfactory if it is attached to the outside of the housing of the meter, the housing serves as an HF counterweight. So the antenna is from accessible from outside and can be easily damaged.
- the wall mounting of such devices is fundamentally is a problem because there is a vertical antenna with it always close to the RF-disturbing house wall, for example can consist of reinforced concrete, or close to a metal radiator or gas meter.
- the installation location also has the consequence that an omnidirectional characteristic of the transmitting / receiving antenna is not necessarily meaningful because of electrical energy is uselessly irradiated into the wall, which is fundamentally is lossy.
- the linear polarization of the electromagnetic Field emitted by the antennas mentioned also has a disturbing effect, since it is reflected by electromagnetic waves Radiation to rotations of the plane of polarization the radiation that leads to a reduced reception power at the recipient's entrance.
- DE-U-94 05 793 discloses a consumption distributor, in particular a heat cost or water cost allocator.
- the electrical consumption distributor includes an antenna, which as an extending in the longitudinal direction of the consumption distributor elongated electrically conductive part formed is.
- the antenna is at one end with the electrical Output of a circuit arrangement arranged adjacent to this end connected to a UHF transmitter while the other end of the same is kept electrically insulated.
- the Antenna is designed as a wire bracket, the outside of one Housing of the heat cost allocator is arranged. Further Options for the execution of the antenna are the Wire bracket as a metallic decorative strip on the side Form upper housing part.
- the antenna can be completely or partially in a side wall of the upper housing part the production of this part in a plastic molding process be molded in.
- strips or wire brackets have the disadvantage that it is extremely difficult to work with such antenna shapes wireless metering requirements to fulfill.
- linear dipole antennas have the problem is that they have an omnidirectional pattern have, which is why electrical energy is useless in one Wall, which is always lossy, is irradiated.
- the linear polarization of the electromagnetic acts Field of a linear dipole antenna as well annoying because it is reflected by the electromagnetic Radiation to rotations of the polarization plane of the radiation comes to a reduced reception power at the entrance of the recipient.
- US-A-5,181,025 discloses an adaptable telemetry housing, which comprises a complete system which Sensors, data acquisition components, one controller, one Has RF transmitter, an antenna and a battery.
- the Antenna can be used in particular as a printed circuit antenna, such as B. a microstrip patch antenna.
- the adaptable telemetry housing is with an adhesive coated, which allows the system to be such as B. the front edge of an airfoil Aircraft is attached.
- the housing has an integrated Sensor, which is typically a temperature, a voltage, a current, a light, a pressure, a Magnetic, a vibration, an acceleration, or a Airflow sensor can be. This sensor is used in areas attached, which difficult to provide with measuring equipment can be such. B. on the surface of a Wing or aur the surface of ammunition.
- the object of the present invention is a reliable wireless consumption recording system too create.
- This task is performed by a consumption recording system Claim 1 solved.
- the invention is based on the knowledge that it is Use a planar antenna in a consumption recording system is possible, the existing in the prior art Eliminate disadvantages. In particular, it enables the present Invention, the antenna in such a way in a consumption recording system to place that same from destruction and manipulation is safe.
- Another advantage of the invention is that the metal housing of a consumption detection device the radiation pattern the planar antenna is not negative, but in the sense of better HF radiation is positively influenced, furthermore the radiation characteristic is directed away from the wall. Because of the fact that the planar antenna used in the invention emits elliptically polarized reflections along the radio link compared to linear radiators too much less power loss at the receiver.
- the antenna used reacts relatively insensitive to an exact installation position and to a bad connection of the RF ground of the transmitter with the metallic housing of the meter, which is why in the design a consumption recording device not specifically for Position of the antennas must be taken into account, or on the other hand, a subsequent installation of the antenna without further is possible.
- FIG. 1 shows a consumption recording system 10 which is connected to a Wall 12 is attached.
- An embodiment of the present The invention is described with the aid of a gas meter. However, it is evident that the consumption tracking system according to the present invention also a water meter, can be a heat meter and the like.
- a metallic gas meter housing 14 is on the wall 12 opposite side through a housing cover 16 Plastic finished. The housing cover is usually 16 with a seal to prevent unauthorized persons Avoid tampering with the gas meter.
- On the housing cover 16 is a planar antenna 18 using adhesive or other suitable holding devices attached. The Planar antenna 18 is connected via a coaxial line 20 from one Radio module 22 fed.
- the radio module is equipped with a gas meter device (not shown) in connection to the detected Gas meter reading suitable to process and in over the To convert planar antenna 18 emittable data signals.
- the Gas meter device is located in the gas meter housing 14. It is obvious to experts that any other Consumption detection device connected to the radio module 22 can be so that the same over the planar antenna 18 can supply the coaxial cable with suitable transmission data.
- Fig. 2 shows one in a preferred embodiment of the present invention used planar antenna 18 which is realized as an "inverted F antenna".
- planar antenna 18 which is realized as an "inverted F antenna”.
- Such antennas are described in K. Hirasawa and M. Haiishi “Analysis, Design, and Measurement of small and low profile antennas ", Artech House, Boston, London, 1992. Basically you can Planar antennas as stripline resonators with Radiation losses can be understood, the radiation losses of the resonator represent the radiated useful signal.
- the “inverted F antenna” 18 is composed of the following components together. Located on a metallized base 26 dielectric antenna substrate 28, e.g. FR4. There is a metallized antenna surface on the antenna substrate 30 formed for example by known etching processes.
- the antenna 18 is tuned the length of a short circuit strip 34 resonates at desired transmission frequency, e.g. 433 MHz, tuned.
- FIG. 3 Another embodiment of the consumption recording system in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. 3.
- a metallized surface 38 which acts as an antenna surface on a multilayer substrate 40 attached.
- a first ground surface 42 forms that for the Planar antenna necessary ground level.
- an intermediate substrate 46 made of the same material can be like a circuit substrate 48, on which in turn a radio module 22 is present.
- the radio module 22 can be SMD components for a high frequency section and / or low frequency Have circuit arrangements for signal processing the consumption recording device are necessary.
- the consumption recording device activates a representative of the utility company for example by sending an activation pulse all consumption recording devices available in a residential complex what from a standby mode these begin with one for each individual consumption recording device different code their counter reading send out.
- a suitable recipient assigns the received signals of the respective rental party and created the corresponding consumption bills. It is So no longer necessary that every apartment or every individual rooms in each apartment must be entered.
- the planar antenna 18 used in the consumption recording system 10 used in accordance with the present invention is one planar structure, which is why only a small installation height, therefore but there must be sufficient space.
- the same can be placed in any housing, such as. in a gas meter mounted on a wall or radiator.
- the main radiation direction shows front of the gas meter, i.e. from the lossy Wall, away, eventually leading to an increased range of the entire system leads.
- the antenna also reacts little sensitive to changes in the environment behind the antenna, i.e. to changes in the mechanical position in the gas meter.
- the antenna is also readily conventional Etching process can be produced.
Description
Die vorliegende Erfindung bezieht sich auf Verbrauchserfassungssysteme mit Fernablesung und insbesondere auf Verbrauchserfassungssysteme, bei denen Planarantennen verwendet werden, um ein Signal abzustrahlen, das einem gemessenen Verbrauch entspricht.The present invention relates to consumption detection systems with remote reading and especially on consumption recording systems, where planar antennas are used to emit a signal that is measured Consumption corresponds.
Bei Wohnanlagen oder Bürohäusern mit einer zentralen Energie- und Wasserversorgung ist es notwendig, den individuellen Verbrauch einzelner Mietparteien an Gas, Heizung und/oder Wasser getrennt für jede Mietpartei zu erfassen und abzurechnen. In Anbetracht der steigenden Kosten für Energie und Wasser sowie der stark unterschiedlichen Verbrauchswerte einzelner Mietparteien, wie z.B. Alleinstehende im Vergleich zu Familien mit Kindern, ist es nicht mehr tragbar, die Energie- und Wasserkosten aufgrund der gemieteten Wohn- bzw. Geschäftsfläche "überschlagsmäßig" abzurechnen.In residential complexes or office buildings with a central energy and water supply it is necessary to the individual Use of individual rental parties for gas, heating and / or collect water separately for each tenant and to settle. Given the rising cost of energy and water as well as the very different consumption values individual tenants, such as Single people in comparison to families with children, it is no longer portable that Energy and water costs due to the rented residential or Billing business space "roughly".
Dies hat dazu geführt, für jede Miet- bzw. Eigentümerpartei einen getrennten Zähler für elektrische Energie vorzusehen, die dann alle üblicherweise in einem gemeinsamen Raum, beispielsweise im Keller des betreffenden Hauses, angebracht sind. Um die Verbrauchsdaten an elektrischem Strom abzulesen, ist es notwendig, daß ein Angestellter der Stadtwerke die Zählerstände in regelmäßigen Abständen abliest, was mit begrenztem Aufwand verbunden ist, da alle Stromzähler des Hauses in einem gemeinsamen Raum angebracht sind.This has resulted in every tenant or owner party to provide a separate meter for electrical energy, then all of them usually in a common room, for example in the basement of the house in question are. In order to read the consumption data of electrical current, it is necessary that an employee of the municipal works reads the meter readings at regular intervals, what with limited effort is involved because all of the electricity meters House in a common room.
Anders ist die Situation jedoch bei zentralen Gasversorgungen oder zentralen Heizungsanlagen für Wohnanlagen und Geschäftshäuser. Hierbei wird die gesamte Anlage meist durch eine zentrale Brennereinheit versorgt, weswegen es erforderlich ist, beispielsweise an jedem Heizkörper einen Wärmezähler anzubringen. Ähnlich geartet ist der Fall bei einer Gasversorgung. Hier ist bei dem Eintrittspunkt eines Gasnetzes in die jeweilige Wohnung ein Gaszähler vorgesehen. Zur Erfassung des Verbrauchs und zur Rechnungsstellung ist es demnach erforderlich, daß ein Angestellter des Versorgungsunternehmens jede einzelne Wohnung betritt, um beispielsweise den Gasstand abzulesen, während es bei Wärmezählern an Heizgeräten sogar erforderlich ist, daß der Angestellte des Versorgungsunternehmens jeden einzelnen Heizkörper sowie jede Warmwasserleitung aufsuchen muß, um den entsprechenden Zählerstand zu notieren, um pro Wohneinheit eine Gesamtrechnung zu erstellen. Aufgrund des großen Zeitaufwandes, jede einzelne Wohnung einer Wohnanlage oder sogar jedes einzelne Zimmer einer Wohnung zu betreten, ist das Ablesen sehr teuer und aufwendig. Die Kosten für das Ablesen können sogar in die Größenordnung der insgesamt angefallenen Heizkosten kommen.However, the situation is different for central gas supplies or central heating systems for residential complexes and commercial buildings. Here, the entire system is usually through supplied a central burner unit, which is why it is required is, for example, a heat meter on each radiator to attach. The situation is similar with a gas supply. Here is at the entry point of a gas network a gas meter is provided in the respective apartment. To capture of consumption and invoicing it is accordingly required that an employee of the utility company every single apartment enters, for example read the gas level, while it is on heat meters on heaters it is even required that the employee of the utility company every single radiator as well as each Hot water pipe must go to the corresponding meter reading to record a total bill per unit to create. Because of the large amount of time, each one Apartment a condominium or even each one Entering a room in an apartment is very expensive to read and expensive. The cost of reading can even be in the order of magnitude of the total heating costs incurred.
Aufgrund der beschriebenen Situation existieren Anstrengungen, eine Ablesung der genannten Verbrauchserfassungseinrichtungen mittels drahtloser Telemetrie zu realisieren. Die bisher dafür verwendeten linearen Antennen, wie z.B. Dipolantennen, Vertikalantennen oder Schleifenantennen, als Sende- bzw. Empfangsantennen weisen jedoch den Nachteil auf, daß es äußerst schwierig ist, mit den genannten Antennenformen die an drahtlose Verbrauchserfassungssysteme gerichteten Anforderungen zu erfüllen. Diese sind insbesondere ein ausreichender Sende- bzw. Empfangswirkungsgrad und eine ausreichende Sicherheit gegen Zerstörung und Beeinflussung durch die Umgebung.Due to the situation described there are efforts a reading of the consumption recording devices mentioned using wireless telemetry. The linear antennas previously used for this, e.g. Dipole antennas, Vertical antennas or loop antennas, as transmit or receiving antennas, however, have the disadvantage that it is extremely difficult with the antenna shapes mentioned those aimed at wireless consumption recording systems Requirements. In particular, these are sufficient Sending or receiving efficiency and sufficient Security against destruction and influence by the environment.
Die elektrischen Eigenschaften der genannten Antennenformen ändern sich sehr stark, sobald leitendes Material, wie z.B. das Gehäuse des Zählers, in die Nähe des strahlenden Bauteils kommt. In Fachkreisen wird dieser Effekt auch als der "Proximity-Effekt" bezeichnet. So funktioniert beispielsweise eine Vertikalantenne nur dann zufriedenstellend, wenn sie außen am Gehäuse des Zählers angebracht ist, wobei das Gehäuse als HF-Gegengewicht dient. Damit ist die Antenne von außen zugänglich und kann sehr leicht beschädigt werden.The electrical properties of the antenna types mentioned change very much as soon as conductive material, such as the housing of the meter, near the radiating component is coming. In professional circles, this effect is also called the "Proximity effect" called. This is how it works, for example a vertical antenna is only satisfactory if it is attached to the outside of the housing of the meter, the housing serves as an HF counterweight. So the antenna is from accessible from outside and can be easily damaged.
Weiterhin stellt die Wandmontage derartiger Geräte grundsätzlich ein Problem dar, da sich eine Vertikalantenne damit immer nahe an der HF-mäßig störenden Hauswand, die beispielsweise aus Stahlbeton bestehen kann, oder auch nahe an einem metallenen Heizkörper oder Gaszähler befindet. Das gleiche gilt für Dipolantennen, da diese nicht ausreichend weit von der Hauswand oder dem Heizkörper entfernt angebracht werden können. Der Montageort hat weiterhin zur Folge, daß eine Rundstrahlcharakteristik der Sende/Empfangsantenne nicht unbedingt sinnvoll ist, da elektrische Energie nutzlos in die Wand eingestrahlt wird, die grundsätzlich verlustbehaftet ist. Die lineare Polarisation des elektromagnetischen Feldes, das die genannten Antennen ausstrahlen, wirkt ebenfalls störend, da es bei Reflexionen der elektromagnetischen Strahlung zu Drehungen der Polarisationsebene der Strahlung kommt, die zu einer verminderten Empfangsleistung am Eingang des Empfängers führen.Furthermore, the wall mounting of such devices is fundamentally is a problem because there is a vertical antenna with it always close to the RF-disturbing house wall, for example can consist of reinforced concrete, or close to a metal radiator or gas meter. The The same applies to dipole antennas, since these are not sufficient placed far from the wall or radiator can be. The installation location also has the consequence that an omnidirectional characteristic of the transmitting / receiving antenna is not necessarily meaningful because of electrical energy is uselessly irradiated into the wall, which is fundamentally is lossy. The linear polarization of the electromagnetic Field emitted by the antennas mentioned, also has a disturbing effect, since it is reflected by electromagnetic waves Radiation to rotations of the plane of polarization the radiation that leads to a reduced reception power at the recipient's entrance.
Die DE-U-94 05 793 offenbart einen Verbrauchsverteiler, insbesondere einen Heizkosten- oder Wasserkostenverteiler. Der elektrische Verbrauchsverteiler umfaßt eine Antenne, die als ein sich in Längsrichtung des Verbrauchsverteilers erstreckendes längliches elektrisch leitendes Teil ausgebildet ist. Die Antenne ist an einem Ende mit dem elektrischen Ausgang einer diesem Ende benachbart angeordneten Schaltungsanordnung eines UHF-Senders verbunden, während das andere Ende derselben elektrisch isoliert gehalten ist. Die Antenne ist als Drahtbügel ausgebildet, der außen an einem Gehäuse des Heizkostenverteilers angeordnet ist. Weitere Möglichkeiten zur Ausführung der Antenne bestehen darin, den Drahtbügel als eine metallische Zierleiste seitlich am Gehäuseoberteil auszubilden. Weiterhin kann die Antenne ganz oder teilweise in eine Seitenwand des Gehäuseoberteils bei der Herstellung dieses Teils in einem Kunststoff-Formverfahren mit eingeformt sein. Antennen in der Form länglicher Leisten oder Drahtbügel weisen jedoch den Nachteil auf, daß es äußerst schwierig ist, mit solchen Antennenformen die an drahtlose Verbrauchserfassungssysteme gerichteten Anforderungen zu erfüllen. Insbesondere weisen lineare Dipolantennen das Problem auf, daß sie eine Rundstrahlcharakteristik haben, weshalb elektrische Energie nutzlos in eine Wand, welche immer verlustbehaftet ist, eingestrahlt wird. Ferner wirkt die lineare Polarisation des elektromagnetischen Feldes einer linearen Dipolantenne ebenfalls störend, da es bei Reflektionen der elektromagnetischen Strahlung zu Drehungen der Polarisationsebene der Strahlung kommt, die zu einer verminderten Empfangsleistung am Eingang des Empfängers führen.DE-U-94 05 793 discloses a consumption distributor, in particular a heat cost or water cost allocator. Of the electrical consumption distributor includes an antenna, which as an extending in the longitudinal direction of the consumption distributor elongated electrically conductive part formed is. The antenna is at one end with the electrical Output of a circuit arrangement arranged adjacent to this end connected to a UHF transmitter while the other end of the same is kept electrically insulated. The Antenna is designed as a wire bracket, the outside of one Housing of the heat cost allocator is arranged. Further Options for the execution of the antenna are the Wire bracket as a metallic decorative strip on the side Form upper housing part. Furthermore, the antenna can be completely or partially in a side wall of the upper housing part the production of this part in a plastic molding process be molded in. Antennas elongated in shape However, strips or wire brackets have the disadvantage that it is extremely difficult to work with such antenna shapes wireless metering requirements to fulfill. In particular, linear dipole antennas have the problem is that they have an omnidirectional pattern have, which is why electrical energy is useless in one Wall, which is always lossy, is irradiated. Furthermore, the linear polarization of the electromagnetic acts Field of a linear dipole antenna as well annoying because it is reflected by the electromagnetic Radiation to rotations of the polarization plane of the radiation comes to a reduced reception power at the entrance of the recipient.
Die US-A-5,181,025 offenbart ein anpassungsfähiges Telemetriegehäuse, das ein vollständiges System umfaßt, welches Sensoren, Datenerfassungskomponenten, eine Steuerung, einen HF-Sender, eine Antenne und eine Batterie aufweist. Die Antenne kann insbesondere als gedruckte Schaltungsantenne, wie z. B. eine Mikrostreifen-Patch-Antenne ausgeführt sein. Das anpassungsfähige Telemetriegehäuse ist mit einem Klebstoff beschichtet, der es erlaubt, daß das System auf Oberflächen, wie z. B. der vorderen Kante einer Tragfläche eines Flugzeugs, befestigt wird. Das Gehäuse weist einen integrierten Sensor auf, welcher typischerweise ein Temperatur-, ein Spannungs-, ein Strom-, ein Licht-, ein Druck-, ein Magnet-, ein Schwingungs-, ein Beschleunigungs-, oder ein Luftflußsensor sein kann. Dieser Sensor wird in Bereichen angebracht, welche schwierig mit einer Meßausrüstung versehen werden können, wie z. B. auf der Oberfläche eines Flügels oder aur der Oberfläche von Munition.US-A-5,181,025 discloses an adaptable telemetry housing, which comprises a complete system which Sensors, data acquisition components, one controller, one Has RF transmitter, an antenna and a battery. The Antenna can be used in particular as a printed circuit antenna, such as B. a microstrip patch antenna. The adaptable telemetry housing is with an adhesive coated, which allows the system to be such as B. the front edge of an airfoil Aircraft is attached. The housing has an integrated Sensor, which is typically a temperature, a voltage, a current, a light, a pressure, a Magnetic, a vibration, an acceleration, or a Airflow sensor can be. This sensor is used in areas attached, which difficult to provide with measuring equipment can be such. B. on the surface of a Wing or aur the surface of ammunition.
Die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung besteht darin, ein zuverlässiges drahtloses Verbrauchserfassungssystem zu schaffen.The object of the present invention is a reliable wireless consumption recording system too create.
Diese Aufgabe wird durch ein Verbrauchserfassungssystem gemäß Anspruch 1 gelöst. This task is performed by a consumption recording system Claim 1 solved.
Der Erfindung liegt die Erkenntnis zugrunde, daß es durch Verwenden einer Planarantenne in einem Verbrauchserfassungssystem möglich ist, die im Stand der Technik vorhandenen Nachteile zu beseitigen. Insbesondere ermöglicht es die vorliegende Erfindung, die Antenne derart in einem Verbrauchserfassungssystem zu plazieren, daß dieselbe vor Zerstörung und Manipulierung sicher ist. Ein weiterer Vorteil der Erfindung besteht darin, daß das Metallgehäuse einer Verbrauchserfassungseinrichtung die Abstrahlungscharakteristik der Planarantenne nicht negativ, sondern im Sinne besserer HF-Abstrahlung positiv beeinflußt, wobei ferner die Abstrahlungscharakteristik von der Wand weg gerichtet ist. Aufgrund der Tatsache, daß die bei der Erfindung verwendete Planarantenne elliptisch polarisiert strahlt, führen Reflexionen entlang der Funkstrecke im Vergleich zu linearen Strahlern zu viel kleineren Leistungsverlusten am Empfänger. Schließlich reagiert die verwendete Antenne relativ unempfindlich auf eine genaue Einbauposition und auf eine schlechte Verbindung der HF-Masse des Senders mit dem metallischen Gehäuse des Zählers, weswegen beim Entwurf einer Verbrauchserfassungseinrichtung nicht speziell auf die Position der Antennen Rücksicht genommen werden muß, oder andererseits ein nachträglicher Einbau der Antenne ohne weiteres möglich ist.The invention is based on the knowledge that it is Use a planar antenna in a consumption recording system is possible, the existing in the prior art Eliminate disadvantages. In particular, it enables the present Invention, the antenna in such a way in a consumption recording system to place that same from destruction and manipulation is safe. Another advantage of the invention is that the metal housing of a consumption detection device the radiation pattern the planar antenna is not negative, but in the sense of better HF radiation is positively influenced, furthermore the radiation characteristic is directed away from the wall. Because of the fact that the planar antenna used in the invention emits elliptically polarized reflections along the radio link compared to linear radiators too much less power loss at the receiver. Finally, the antenna used reacts relatively insensitive to an exact installation position and to a bad connection of the RF ground of the transmitter with the metallic housing of the meter, which is why in the design a consumption recording device not specifically for Position of the antennas must be taken into account, or on the other hand, a subsequent installation of the antenna without further is possible.
Bevorzugte Ausführungsbeispiele der vorliegenden Erfindung werden nachfolgend bezugnehmend auf die beiliegenden Zeichnungen detaillierter erläutert. Es zeigen:
- Fig. 1
- ein Verbrauchserfassungssystem gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung am Beispiel eines Gaszählers;
- Fig. 2
- eine "Inverted F-Antenne", die als Planarantenne bei dem Verbrauchserfassungssystem gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung verwendet werden kann; und
- Fig. 3
- ein Funkmodul mit einer Planarantenne auf einem Multilayer-Substrat für ein Verbrauchserfassungssystem gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung.
- Fig. 1
- a consumption recording system according to an embodiment of the present invention using the example of a gas meter;
- Fig. 2
- an "inverted F antenna" which can be used as a planar antenna in the consumption detection system according to the present invention; and
- Fig. 3
- a radio module with a planar antenna on a multilayer substrate for a consumption recording system according to the present invention.
Fig. 1 zeigt ein Verbrauchserfassungssystem 10, das an einer
Wand 12 befestigt ist. Ein Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden
Erfindung wird anhand eines Gaszählers beschrieben.
Es ist jedoch offensichtlich, daß das Verbrauchserfassungssystem
gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung ebenfalls ein Wasserzähler,
ein Wärmezähler und dergleichen sein kann. Ein
metallisches Gaszählergehäuse 14 ist auf der der Wand 12
gegenüberliegenden Seite durch einen Gehäusedeckel 16 aus
Kunststoff abgeschlossen. Üblicherweise ist der Gehäusedeckel
16 mit einer Plombierung versehen, um unerlaubte
Manipulationen an dem Gaszähler zu vermeiden. An dem Gehäusedeckel
16 ist eine Planarantenne 18 mittels Klebstoff
oder anderer geeigneter Haltevorrichtungen befestigt. Die
Planarantenne 18 wird über eine Koaxialleitung 20 von einem
Funkmodul 22 gespeist. Das Funkmodul steht mit einer Gaszählereinrichtung
(nicht gezeigt) in Verbindung, um den erfaßten
Gaszählerstand geeignet zu verarbeiten und in über die
Planarantenne 18 aussendbare Datensignale umzuwandeln. Die
Gaszählereinrichtung befindet sich in dem Gaszählergehäuse
14. Für Fachleute ist es offensichtlich, daß jede andere
Verbrauchserfassungseinrichtung mit dem Funkmodul 22 verbunden
werden kann, damit dasselbe die Planarantenne 18 über
das Koaxialkabel mit geeigneten Sendedaten versorgen kann.1 shows a
Fig. 2 zeigt eine bei einem bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel
der vorliegenden Erfindung verwendete Planarantenne 18, die
als "Inverted F-Antenne" realisiert ist. Derartige Antennen
sind in K. Hirasawa und M. Haiishi "Analysis, Design, and
Measurement of small and low Profile Antennas", Artech
House, Boston, London, 1992, beschrieben. Grundsätzlich können
Planarantennen als Streifenleitungsresonatoren mit
Strahlungsverlusten aufgefaßt werden, wobei die Strahlungsverluste
des Resonators das abgestrahlte Nutzsignal darstellen.Fig. 2 shows one in a preferred embodiment
of the present invention used
Die "Inverted-F-Antenne" 18 setzt sich aus folgenden Komponenten
zusammen. Auf einer metallisierten Grundfläche 26 befindet
sich das dielektrische Antennensubstrat 28, wie z.B.
FR4. Auf dem Antennensubstrat ist eine metallisierte Antennenfläche
30 beispielsweise durch bekannte Ätzverfahren gebildet.The “inverted F antenna” 18 is composed of the following components
together. Located on a metallized
Abhängig von der auf der Antennenfläche 30 vorhandenen Feldverteilung
kann ein Einspeisepunkt 32 gewählt werden, um die
Antenne 18 an die Ausgangsimpedanz eines Senders in dem
Funkmodul 22 anzupassen. Die Antenne 18 wird durch Abstimmen
der Länge eines Kurzschlußstreifens 34 auf Resonanz bei der
gewünschten Sendefrequenz, wie z.B. 433 MHz, abgestimmt.Depending on the field distribution on the
Ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel des Verbrauchserfassungssystems
gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung ist in Fig. 3 gezeigt.
Insbesondere ist dort eine metallisierte Fläche 38,
die als Antennenfläche wirkt, auf einem Multilayer-Substrat
40 befestigt. Eine erste Massefläche 42 bildet die für die
Planarantenne notwendige Masseebene. Zwischen der ersten
Massefläche 42 und einer zweiten Massefläche 44 befindet
sich ein Zwischensubstrat 46, das aus dem gleichen Material
sein kann wie ein Schaltungssubstrat 48, auf dem wiederum
ein Funkmodul 22 vorhanden ist. Das Funkmodul 22 kann SMD-Bauteile
für einen Hochfrequenzabschnitt und/oder niederfrequente
Schaltungsanordnungen aufweisen, die für die Signalverarbeitung
der Verbrauchserfassungseinrichtung nötig sind.Another embodiment of the consumption recording system
in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. 3.
In particular there is a metallized
Zum Zeitpunkt einer Ablesung der Verbrauchserfassungseinrichtung aktiviert ein Beauftragter des Versorgungsunternehmens beispielsweise durch Senden eines Aktivierungsimpulses alle in einer Wohnanlage vorhandenen Verbrauchserfassungseinrichtungen aus einem Bereitschaftsmodus heraus, worauf dieselben beginnen, mit einem für jede einzelne Verbrauchserfassungseinrichtung unterschiedlichen Code ihren Zählerstand auszusenden. Ein geeigneter Empfänger ordnet dann die empfangenen Signale der jeweiligen Mietpartei zu und erstellt die entsprechenden Verbrauchsabrechnungen. Es ist also nicht mehr notwendig, daß jede Wohnung oder jedes einzelne Zimmer jeder Wohnung betreten werden muß.At the time of reading the consumption recording device activates a representative of the utility company for example by sending an activation pulse all consumption recording devices available in a residential complex what from a standby mode these begin with one for each individual consumption recording device different code their counter reading send out. A suitable recipient then assigns the received signals of the respective rental party and created the corresponding consumption bills. It is So no longer necessary that every apartment or every individual rooms in each apartment must be entered.
Die Planarantenne 18, die bei dem Verbrauchserfassungssystem
10 gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung verwendet wird, ist eine
planare Struktur, weswegen nur eine geringe Einbauhöhe, dafür
aber eine ausreichende Fläche vorhanden sein muß. Dieselbe
läßt sich damit in einem beliebig angebrachten Gehäuse,
wie z.B. in einem an einer Wand montierten Gaszähler
oder Heizkörper, unterbringen. Die Hauptstrahlungsrichtung
zeigt frontal vom Gaszähler, d.h. von der verlustbehafteten
Wand, weg, was schließlich zu einer erhöhten Reichweite des
gesamten Systems führt. Die Antenne reagiert ferner wenig
empfindlich auf Änderungen der Umgebung hinter der Antenne,
d.h. auf Änderungen der mechanischen Position im Gaszähler.
Die Antenne ist ferner ohne weiteres durch einen konventionellen
Ätzprozeß herstellbar. Ihr HF-Strahlungsfeld ist elliptisch
polarisiert, weswegen keine größeren Polarisationsverluste
am Empfänger entstehen, wenn durch Reflexionen auf
der Funkstrecke Phasendrehungen auftreten. Da die Antenne
bereits eine inhärente Bezugsebene beinhaltet, ist die Qualität
der Masseverbindung zum Gaszähler von geringer Bedeutung.
Es ist jedoch auch möglich, bei geeigneter Verbindung
der Antenne mit dem Metallgehäuse einer Verbrauchserfassungseinrichtung
14 das metallische Gehäuse als Masseebene
für die Planarantenne 18 zu verwenden.The
Claims (6)
- A consumption detecting system (10) affixed to a wall (12) comprising:a consumption detecting device (14);a radio module (22), which is connected to the consumption detecting device (14); anda microstrip antenna (18), which is connected to the radio module (22), wherein the microstrip antenna (18) is placed within a non-metallic casing cover (16) of the consumption detecting device (14) in such a way that the main radiation direction of the microstrip antenna (18) is directed perpendicularly away from the wall.
- A consumption detecting system (10) according to claim 1,wherein the microstrip antenna (18) is an inverted-F-antenna.
- A consumption detecting system (10) according to claim 1 or 2,wherein a metal area of the consumption detecting device (14) represents the ground area (26) of the microstrip antenna (18).
- A consumption detecting system (10) according to claim 1 or 2,wherein the microstrip antenna (18) has its own ground area (24).
- A consumption detecting system (10) according to claim 4,wherein the radio module (22) and the microstrip antenna (18) are implemented on the same substrate (40).
- A consumption detecting system (10) according to one of the preceding claims,wherein the consumption detecting device (14) is a gas meter.
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE19534969 | 1995-09-20 | ||
| DE19534969 | 1995-09-20 | ||
| DE19624273A DE19624273A1 (en) | 1995-09-20 | 1996-06-18 | Consumption recording system for remote reading |
| DE19624273 | 1996-06-18 | ||
| PCT/EP1996/004068 WO1997011445A1 (en) | 1995-09-20 | 1996-09-17 | Consumption measurement system for remote reading |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| EP0836732A1 EP0836732A1 (en) | 1998-04-22 |
| EP0836732B1 true EP0836732B1 (en) | 1999-01-13 |
Family
ID=26018776
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP96931813A Expired - Lifetime EP0836732B1 (en) | 1995-09-20 | 1996-09-17 | Consumption measurement system for remote reading |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US6115677A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0836732B1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2229638C (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2126407T3 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1997011445A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102013012041A1 (en) * | 2013-07-18 | 2015-01-22 | Diehl Metering Systems Gmbh | Data transmitter of a measurement data acquisition device |
| DE102013113258A1 (en) * | 2013-11-29 | 2015-06-03 | Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft für Mess- und Regeltechnik mbH + Co. KG | Sensor and measuring arrangement |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| AU2002243285A1 (en) * | 2000-11-06 | 2002-06-24 | Bcn Data Systems | Auxiliary metering apparatus and methods |
| US6819292B2 (en) | 2001-03-09 | 2004-11-16 | Arad Measuring Technologies Ltd | Meter register |
| US7385524B1 (en) | 2001-09-21 | 2008-06-10 | James Robert Orlosky | Automated meter reading, billing and payment processing system |
| US7267014B2 (en) * | 2004-09-23 | 2007-09-11 | Arad Measuring Technologies Ltd. | Meter register having an encoder |
| DE102005062732A1 (en) * | 2005-12-22 | 2007-07-05 | Deutsche Telekom Ag | Manhole cover with aerial for radio networks |
| US8188884B2 (en) * | 2006-11-03 | 2012-05-29 | Smartsynch, Inc. | Forward throw antenna utility meter |
| US9093744B2 (en) * | 2006-11-03 | 2015-07-28 | Itron, Inc. | Forward throw antenna utility meter with antenna mounting bracket |
| JP2012507090A (en) | 2008-10-27 | 2012-03-22 | ミューラー インターナショナル エルエルシー | Infrastructure monitoring system and method |
| DE102009000692A1 (en) | 2009-02-06 | 2010-08-12 | Wika Alexander Wiegand Gmbh & Co. Kg | gauge |
| JP2012527706A (en) | 2009-05-22 | 2012-11-08 | ミューラー インターナショナル インコーポレイテッド | Infrastructure monitoring apparatus, system, and method |
| CA3177996A1 (en) | 2010-06-16 | 2011-12-22 | Mueller International, Llc | Infrastructure monitoring devices, systems, and methods |
| US8833390B2 (en) | 2011-05-31 | 2014-09-16 | Mueller International, Llc | Valve meter assembly and method |
| US8855569B2 (en) | 2011-10-27 | 2014-10-07 | Mueller International, Llc | Systems and methods for dynamic squelching in radio frequency devices |
| ES2758924T3 (en) * | 2012-03-29 | 2020-05-07 | Panasonic Corp | Flow volume measuring apparatus |
| EP3137852B1 (en) | 2014-04-29 | 2019-01-30 | Kamstrup A/S | Consumption meter with antenna |
| US9494249B2 (en) | 2014-05-09 | 2016-11-15 | Mueller International, Llc | Mechanical stop for actuator and orifice |
| US9565620B2 (en) | 2014-09-02 | 2017-02-07 | Mueller International, Llc | Dynamic routing in a mesh network |
| JP2018092457A (en) * | 2016-12-06 | 2018-06-14 | 大日本印刷株式会社 | Airtight structure |
| US10826181B2 (en) * | 2017-07-11 | 2020-11-03 | Sensus Spectrum, Llc | Hybrid patch antennas, antenna element boards and related devices |
| US10727564B2 (en) * | 2018-04-12 | 2020-07-28 | Landis+Gyr Innovations, Inc. | Changeable external meter antenna for meter assemblies |
| DE102020122036B4 (en) * | 2020-08-24 | 2022-06-23 | GEO Gesellschaft für Energieversorgung Ostalb mbH | Measuring device arrangement with a quantity sensor, method for mechanically securing network communication and/or a network access point of a measuring device arrangement and use of an access protection device for a measuring device arrangement |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPH01310572A (en) * | 1988-06-08 | 1989-12-14 | Nec Corp | Microwave integrated circuit |
| JPH02131001A (en) * | 1988-11-10 | 1990-05-18 | Nec Corp | Portable radio equipment |
| IL91439A (en) * | 1989-08-25 | 1994-10-07 | Arad Ltd | System for measuring and recording a utility consumption |
| JP2846482B2 (en) * | 1991-01-28 | 1999-01-13 | 三菱電機株式会社 | Filter / antenna device |
| US5181025A (en) * | 1991-05-24 | 1993-01-19 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Air Force | Conformal telemetry system |
| GB9118030D0 (en) * | 1991-08-21 | 1991-10-09 | Disys Inc | Data gathering system |
| US5298894A (en) * | 1992-06-17 | 1994-03-29 | Badger Meter, Inc. | Utility meter transponder/antenna assembly for underground installations |
| DE9405793U1 (en) * | 1993-04-08 | 1994-09-15 | Kundo Systemtechnik Gmbh | Consumption distributors, in particular heating cost or hot water cost allocators |
| JP3257135B2 (en) * | 1993-04-12 | 2002-02-18 | ソニー株式会社 | Portable radio |
| GB9410557D0 (en) * | 1994-05-26 | 1994-07-13 | Schlumberger Ind Ltd | Radio antennae |
| GB2305505B (en) * | 1995-09-25 | 2000-02-23 | Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd | Antenna assembly for a radio transceiver |
| US5856791A (en) * | 1996-06-04 | 1999-01-05 | M&Fc Holding Company, Inc. | Port expander for utility meter reading |
-
1996
- 1996-09-17 US US09/043,586 patent/US6115677A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1996-09-17 WO PCT/EP1996/004068 patent/WO1997011445A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1996-09-17 ES ES96931813T patent/ES2126407T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1996-09-17 EP EP96931813A patent/EP0836732B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1996-09-17 CA CA002229638A patent/CA2229638C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102013012041A1 (en) * | 2013-07-18 | 2015-01-22 | Diehl Metering Systems Gmbh | Data transmitter of a measurement data acquisition device |
| DE102013012041B4 (en) * | 2013-07-18 | 2015-03-26 | Diehl Metering Systems Gmbh | Data transmitter of a measurement data acquisition device |
| DE102013113258A1 (en) * | 2013-11-29 | 2015-06-03 | Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft für Mess- und Regeltechnik mbH + Co. KG | Sensor and measuring arrangement |
| US9660325B2 (en) | 2013-11-29 | 2017-05-23 | Endress+Hauser Conducta Gmbh+Co. Kg | Sensor and measuring arrangement |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2229638A1 (en) | 1997-03-27 |
| US6115677A (en) | 2000-09-05 |
| WO1997011445A1 (en) | 1997-03-27 |
| ES2126407T3 (en) | 1999-03-16 |
| EP0836732A1 (en) | 1998-04-22 |
| CA2229638C (en) | 2000-10-10 |
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