EP3160748A1

EP3160748A1 - Device and method for monitoring the changes of a numbering wheel position

Info

Publication number: EP3160748A1
Application number: EP14736705.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Klaus Specker; Dietmar Waizenegger; Christina LEIBINGER
Original assignee: Paul Leibinger GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Paul Leibinger GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2014-06-30
Filing date: 2014-06-30
Publication date: 2017-05-03
Anticipated expiration: 2034-06-30
Also published as: WO2016000741A1; EP3160748B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a numbering device (100) with numbering wheels (108) which are arranged adjacently on an axis and which can be used in order to press symbols when rotated into a pressing position (115). At least one of the numbering wheels (108) of the numbering device (100) is driven by a motor (109, 110). The numbering wheels (108) driven by motors (109, 110) have at least one magnetic, optical, or inductive marking (131), and the numbering device (100) has at least one sensor (130) for detecting magnetic, optical, or inductive markings (131). At least one motor (109, 110) has an encoder (121) for monitoring the motor movement, and the numbering device (100) has an electronic monitoring unit (140) which communicates with the at least one sensor (130) and the encoder (121) of the at least one motor (109, 110) for signaling purposes. The electronic monitoring unit (140) has a storage unit (142) in which at least one encoder position is stored in which a magnetic, optical, or inductive marking (131) of a numbering wheel (108) must be detected by the sensor (130) during a proper operation, and the electronic monitoring unit (140) is further designed to check whether a magnetic, optical, or inductive marking (130) for a numbering wheel (108) has been detected by the sensor (130) upon reaching or exceeding an encoder position stored in the storage unit (142) for the corresponding numbering wheel (108). The invention also relates to a method for monitoring the position change of the numbering wheels (108), having the steps of ascertaining correlation data between the encoder signal and the signal of the sensor (130), storing the correlation data in the storage unit (142) of the electronic monitoring unit (140), and checking whether the relationship between the encoder signal and the signal of the sensor (130) corresponds the correlation data stored in the storage unit (142), said relationship being determined in the ongoing operation of the numbering device (100).

Description

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MONITORING THE CHANGES IN THE

NUMMERIERRADPOSITION

The invention relates to a numbering device in which changes in the numbering wheel position are monitored and a method for monitoring the position change of numbering wheels.

Numbering devices have long been used, in particular, to print individual alphanumeric character combinations on documents, for example the serial numbers of banknotes, securities or checks. For this purpose, sheetfed or web- ^{fed presses} are nowadays used in the majority of cases, which are equipped with a plurality of such numbering devices, so that in a first step a multiplicity of character combinations are printed on the base and then in a second step the individual ^¬ objects with the appropriate serial numbers - usually fully automated - separated from each other, stacked and packed. An example of such numbering methods can be found, for example, in EP 1 389 524 A1.

This common approach has several implications for the requirements placed on a numbering device. On the one hand, this should have a small space, so that as high as possible parallelization of the printing process is possible even for small objects to be numbered.

On the other hand, the numbering device has to be quickly adjustable, it must allow in particular that with two ^¬ di rectly seriatim printing processes two mutually very different serial numbers may be printed, optionally having also not necessarily always the same distance from each other. This has led to a trend in which the numbering wheels of the numbering devices are no longer purely mechanical, but electromechanical, by using to drive, which, however, leads to a further shortage of space. Examples of such numbering ^devices are found, for example, in EP 2 032 364 A1, DE 10 2011 008 859 B1 and EP 2 675 022 A1.

Finally, however, it must also be ensured that all numbering devices actually bear the correct serial number when printing, because a single incorrect serial number leads to an elaborate reworking. A particular problem is the detection of such an error, which is further complicated by the fact that the serial numbers on a printed sheet on the one hand to the Nachbearbei ^¬ tion and separation of the printing objects from each other and / or the other to the need for the fastest possible setting are adapted to the character combinations that often through a visual inspection during manufacturing is no longer possible to determine whether the printed serial numbers are the right ones or whether a bow may have a fault. Until this is noticeable, therefore, a number of sheets may have been printed incorrectly, which further increases the expense of correcting the error. In addition, the accuracy of the serial number can also be a safety feature depicting ^¬ len, so that errors are not acceptable. Given these problems, it is not surprising that working since vie ^¬ len years numbering with a way to monitor and control the position of the numbering wheels. The idea has already arisen early to use a magnetic coding of the numbering wheel position, which is evaluated by magnetic field sensors. In principle, it is conceivable to realize an absolute position monitoring in this manner, as is the case, for example, in US ^Pat . No. ^5,517,911 . In practice, however, arise a number of problems: First, the provision of such a variety of sensors increases the required space. This problem does not last Also to do with the fact that the sensors must be arranged at a certain minimum distance from each other in order to ensure a reliable absolute position control can. One approach to solving this problem, which is described in GB 2,243,580 A, has been to encode the individual positions of the different magnetic and Nummerierrads characterized duce the required number of sensors per Nummerierrad to re ^¬.

However, this solution presents itself in practice as a non ^¬ satisfactorily is what ultimately lead to the second zurückzu ^the issues at ^stake. Second, is in fact in practice that even when at a very compact numbering several numbering wheels are monitored in this way sol ^¬ len, the influence of the position of neighboring numbering wheels and their magnetic coding accurate and reliable Po sitionsbestimmung be problematic leaves.

For this reason, so far in small and compact numbering machines, they are content to detect only a change in position by magnetically marking the individual wheel positions in an identical manner and detecting the passing of a magnet on a sensor during the wheel movement. One thus dispenses with position information and merely checks whether a movement is taking place. The basis of the invention Thus, the task is to provide an improved numbering device with an improved position control and a method for improved position monitoring of the numbering wheels of a numbering device, which reliably provide position Informa ^¬ functions in particular in small and compactly constructed numbering. This object is achieved by a numbering device having the features of claim 1 and a method for monitoring the position of a numbering device having the features of claim 10. Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims.

The numbering device according to the invention comprises, as for Num- meriervorrichtungen usual, arranged side by side on an axis numbering wheels, which, when they are placed on a Druckpo ^¬ sition, for printing symbols, for example, alphanumeric symbols or other characters are used. The printing positions are the positions at which the pressing of the numbering device on the substrate to be printed leads to a symbol arranged on the numbering wheel or a blank location for the proper printing of the corresponding symbol aligned with the adjacent numbering wheels.

Furthermore, in a numbering device according to the invention, at least one of the numbering wheels of the numbering device is driven by a motor, numbering wheels driven by motors having at least one magnetic, optical or in ^¬ inductive marking and wherein the numbering device has at least one sensor for detecting magnetic, optical or inductive markings , In a particularly preferred embodiment, all numbering wheels are configured in this way.

Is essential to the invention that at least one motor comprises an encoder for monitoring the motor movement and that the numbering device comprises a monitoring electronics, which communicates with the at least one sensor and the encoder of the at least one motor in signal communication, the surveil ^¬ monitoring electronics has a memory in which Encoder positions at which a magnetic, optical or inductive marking of a numbering wheel would have to be detected by the sensor during proper operation, are deposited and where the monitoring electronics is also set up to check whether the magnetic, optical or inductive marking of the corresponding numbering wheel has been detected by the sensor when an encoder position stored in the memory for an indexing wheel has been reached or exceeded.

This check is possible for example by a processor of the monitoring electronics, especially if he executes a corresponding program. In the sense of this description, "in signal communication" means that at least signals of the encoder or of the sensor can be read out by the monitoring electronics, whereby intermediate processing of the signals, for example by an edge detector circuit, is also possible.

By this measure, one gains the possibility, at least for position changes in which a mark would have to pass the sensor, which is possible because of the deposit of the encoder positions at which a given mark is located in the memory is possible to directly check whether on the control command given to the engine was actually executed.

It is particularly preferred if the encoder or the monitoring electronics or a signal path between encoder and Übewachungselektronik has an incremental encoder with counter, as this simplifies the identification of the positions. As a magnetic field sensor can be used all common sensors, in particular Hall sensors. The magnetic marker can be very easily carried out, and for example, by ei ^¬ NEN or more small bar magnets radially with a given before ^¬ orientation of the poles in the Nummerierrad eingelas- sen be realized. It is particularly preferred in this case if magnetic, optical or inductive markings of numbering wheels driven by motors are respectively arranged between two adjacent printing positions. In this embodiment, it is achieved that, during the movement between these two printing positions, the magnetic, optical or inductive marking must pass completely through the sensor. This makes an evaluation of the sensor signal using the correlation to the encoder signal simpler and more precise, since the difficult detection of a maximum is omitted and instead can be turned off on the detection of a rising and falling signal edge, which then also precise information about the encoder values, For example, the steps in an encoder with incremental encoder and pedometer, where the magnetic, optical or inductive marking passes the sensor, allows. It can then even be allowed a proven From ^¬ deviation of these data -the example, then may be to use of the stored in memory reference values if a value used to drive motor verliert- steps one hand, the target values and also future move commands to to correct the engine.

If Any artwork in all printing positions and / or between all print positions of driven motors Nummerierrädern least a magnetic, optical or inductive marker at ^¬ ordered is made to the advantageous effect that any movement of the Nummerierrads between printing positions must bring a magnetic signal with itself, so that it is possible to verify immediately by means of the correlation data stored in the memory for each individual movement command for an indexing wheel whether a movement has also taken place.

It is particularly preferred if the Nummerierrad has twelve printing ^¬ positions and / or if one of the print positions of Nummerierrads a blank printing position, so a pressure ^¬ position in which a printing process with the set number of the the blank printing position driven number rier wheel assigned to the number leaves no imprint.

It is particularly preferred if all magnetic, optical or inductive markings are identical except for a magnetic, optical or inductive marker. As already mentioned, can be achieved by the correlation between encoder data and sensor data, which is achieved by the invention, the identification of the respectively set printing position, that of the symbol just set on the numbering symbol for printing, so that a more extensive coding of the printing position by individualizing or at least grup ^¬ pierende magnetic, optical or inductive encoding ^¬ liquid is what makes the system more reliable and robust. The prerequisite for this, however, is that a print position can be clearly determined. For this reason expedient ^¬ ßigerweise is a different from all other magnetic, optical or inductive marks magnetic, optical or inductive marker provided in the case of magnetic markers, for example, in an oppositely poled magnet, a plurality of magnets, a stronger magnet or absence of a magnet can exist.

It is particularly preferred if all magnetic, optical or inductive markings are identical except for the magnetic, optical or inductive marking of the blank position. This results in a similar magnetic, optical or inductive signal at each change between leading to a print of a symbol print positions, which is a particularly convenient check whether in the execution ei ^¬ Nes movement command to the numbering continued a predetermined number of provided on the numbering symbols was or not. The correlation between encoder data and sensor data can be determined particularly accurately if the monitoring electronics are set up to check whether the signal of the Sensor has a rising and falling edge. Ge ^¬ rade in view of possible influences of the fields magnetic markers neighboring numbering wheels this can be together for a successful operation of the electronic monitoring system and the reliable correlation of encoder position and magnetic field sensor data important. It is particularly preferred if the desired positions of rising and falling edges of magnetic, optical or inductive markings are stored in the memory.

The inventive method for monitoring the position of Nummerierrädern ^¬ change at a numbering device according to any one of the preceding claims comprises the following steps:

- Determining correlation data between encoder signal and signal of the sensor;

- storing the correlation data in the memory of the monitoring electronics; and

- Check whether the determined during operation of the numbering device relationship between the encoder signal and Sig ^¬ nal of the sensor corresponds to the stored in the memory correlation data.

By such an approach, all malfunctions of the motor drives can be reliably detected during operation; especially fractures of the motor axis or

Step losses of motors.

It is particularly preferred if the determination of the ^correlation data takes place using a reference run in which the numbering wheels, which are driven by motors, are allowed to run at least one complete revolution and the encoder position values at which the signal from the sensor passes magnetic, optical or inductive kierung displays. The determined correlation data can be stabilized even further if a plurality of reference runs are carried out to determine the correlation data or a reference run comprising several revolutions of the numbering wheels driven by motors is carried out, the respectively stored encoder position values of the individual revolutions being evaluated statistically become. Such a statistical evaluation can especially contribute to the tolerance-induced variations in the position, which are randomly distributed, can be distinguished from actual machine malfunction ^¬ nen and corresponding thresholds or tolerance thresholds are known, so that erroneous fault messages can be avoided. The process is further improved if at least one

Teach-run is performed, in which a numbered by a motor ^¬ driven numbering wheel by hand or by mechanical pre ^¬ positioning with a positioning lever or a pawl is brought into a defined printing position and the Enco- derschritte until reaching a predetermined magnetic, optical or inductive marking are determined. In this way, not only a relative positioning relative to a reference position with individual magnetic, optical or inductive marking can be made possible, but an absolute positioning relative to the counter of the motor encoder can be achieved.

The invention is explained below with reference to figures representing exporting ^¬ approximately examples in more detail. Show it:

Fig.l: a numbering device with the features of the preamble of claim 1;

Fig.2: a numbering wheel with drive unit and associated, shown as a block diagram monitoring electronics; 3a-d: representations of numbering wheels with different examples of possible marking schemes;

4 shows a flow chart of a reference run; and

5 shows a flowchart of a teach-in.

FIG. 1 shows a numbering device 100. The numbering device 100 has a housing 101 and a cover 102. In the housing 101 an unrecognizable in Figure 1 axis ge ^¬ superimposed, on the side by side a plurality of numbering gears 108 are arranged rotatably about the axis. The numbering wheels 108 ^¬ the driven by motors 109,110 with upstream gear 111 on drive shafts 112 on which sprockets 113 are arranged integrally embodied in the Nummerierrädern 108 connected to or with the Nummerierrädern 108 Antriebszahnrä ^¬ of 116, for example, in the illustration of Figures 2 and 3a to 3d can be seen, intervene. This structure is known from the prior art. The motors 109,110 are preferably designed as stepper motors or brushless direct current motors ^¬.

Figure 2 shows an example of an inventive aufgebau ^¬ th drive train 120 including its manufactured electronic components on a Nummerierrad 108 of such a numbering device 100. At the motor 109 with upstream gear 111, an encoder 121 is arranged, which may for example be configured as a magnetic disc and by means of whose advertising monitors 114 the loading ^¬ movement of visible in Figure 1 the motor axis can.

Furthermore, a sensor 130 is provided for each motor-driven numbering wheel 108, which may be embodied, for example, as a Hall sensor, while on the numbering wheel 108 - in this embodiment between its printing positions 115, on which the alphanumeric symbols are arranged, so that Pressing on the numbering device on the printing substrate 115 at a printing position 115 arranged on the number wheel 108 symbol or a blank spot for proper, aligned with the adjacent numbering wheels 108 imprint of the corresponding symbol leads- markings 131 are arranged, which are executed in this Ausführungsbei ^¬ game as magnets ,

Still further, a monitoring electronics 140 is provided. The monitoring electronics 140 is in signal communication both with the encoder 121 and with the sensor 130, the latter taking place via an interposed edge detection circuit 132.

In this exemplary embodiment, the monitoring electronics 140 has a processor 141 and a memory 142 to which the processor 141 has both read and write access. The processor may execute programs, which may be stored in particular in a memory, not shown, internally in the processor or externally provided memory.

The processor 141 is further in signal communication with a counter 143, which can increase and decrease its count in response to signals from the encoder 121, but whose count can also be set by the processor 141. However, the counter 143 may also serve as its own, not the surveil ^¬ monitoring electronics 140 associated component to be executed or be realized as a part of the encoder 121st

It is advantageous if the counter 143 is designed cyclically, which means that there is a highest count, beyond which the counter starts counting again. In this way, when the highest count corresponds to the number of encoder pulses needed for a complete revolution of a number wheel 108, it can be easily achieved that identical print positions 115 must always occur at the same count. However, this can also be by achieving a modulo operation in the evaluation of a continuous counter 143 is applied.

It should be noted that a single monitoring electronics 140, with a sufficient memory 142 and a single memory

Processor 141 is equipped, when it communicates with all the encoders 121 and all sensors 130 in signal communication, is sufficient for the operation according to the invention of a numbering device with a plurality of motor-driven numbering wheels.

The memory 142 may also be integrated in the processor 141.

In addition, the monitoring electronics 140 must not necessarily be configured as separate electronics, but may be embodied as Be ^¬ standing part of the control electronics that control the movement of the numbering rierräder 108 by the motors 109,110. The processor 141 of the monitoring electronics 140 to check whether the correct correlation between the signals of the encoder 121, which may be ^¬ evaluates particular as counter values of the counter 143 and the sensor 130 is present. For this purpose, Kings ^¬ NEN those counts of counter 143 are stored in memory 142, for example, in which in normal operation of the numbering device 100, the edges of the sensor signals that are to be expected when passing over markers between adjacent print positions 115 of the respective Nummerierrads. These counter readings can be derived analytically from the geometric arrangement of the markers 131, since it is known with a given translation of the system how many encoder steps lie between printing positions; but you can also train them in a test run. Then, the processor 141 may, for example, by a signal of the edge detection circuit 132, for example, caused by detection of an edge in the signal of the sensor 130 Interrupt, caused to compare the current counter position, which indicates the counter 143, with the stored in the memory 142 target counter position. If the comparison yields a match, this is a sign that the coder verified by the ene movements of the motor 109 actually causes a movement of the associated Nummerierrads 108 ha ^¬ ben. However, if there is a deviation, there is an error. The comparison can be reversed also be realized that the count of the counter is monitored 143 continuously ^¬ and the signal from sensor 130 is analyzed by the processor 141 on it in stored in the memory 142 setpoint counter positions, if this proves the expected marking or Not. If this is not the case, there is a ^fault .

In response to such an error finding, an error analysis and, if necessary, an error correction can optionally be carried out with the system according to the invention. Namely, are merely for example, does not translate to high mechanical load, a control command, or a step of the motor 109,110 in a corresponding rotation of a Nummerierrades 108 wor ^¬, so the expected signal to be recognized downstream accordingly later. The difference of the count of the counter 143, in which the signal is detected, can be determined by the processor 141, which then causes, before the next printing ^¬ process an additional movement command is given by a corresponding number of steps to the motor 109,110 and / or either resets the count of the counter 143 accordingly or the stored in the memory 142 required counter positions of the counter 143 is corrected accordingly.

If, on the other hand, no sensor signal of the sensor 130 is detected in the further course of the movement of the numbering wheel 108, it is probable that the numbering wheel 108 can no longer be moved, which is due, for example, to a Breakage of the drive axle 112 may be the case. If this further course of the movement nor the Nummerierrad 108 further provide to meh ^¬ eral printing positions 115 and should thereby the other sensor signals of the sensor 130 lerpositionen to the expected viscous or counts of the counter 143 occur, they yield a reference to the possibility to derive, that a marking is defective, for example because a magnet used as marking has fallen out. Accordingly, after detecting a malfunction, ie, a deviation from the correlation between sensor data and counter data, it is advantageous to monitor the sensor signal of the sensor 130 until the end of the motion command and determine whether expected detections of marks are still late, entirely omitted, or only a mark is not nachgewesen, while the others occur at the stored in the memory 142 target positions and then make a correction of the counter 143 in case of systematic delay and otherwise output appropriate error messages or service requirements.

Figures 3a to 3d show respectively examples of the Anord ^¬ voltage of magnetic markers, which are identified with the letter "N" or "S", on a Nummerierrad 108 each having 12 printing positions 115 and on Nummerierrad 108 is ^¬ ordnetem drive gear 116th could be ten printing positions bear the numerals 0 to 9, further comprising a block-print position are provided, which allows the printing of a block, but also with egg ^¬ nem other symbol, for example a star, is provided and a blank printing position provided that a blank prints.

According to the marking scheme of FIG. 3a, a magnetic north pole N is provided in each case in the middle between the blank printing position and the digit 0 and consecutive numbers 1 to 9, which can be realized, for example, by a small bar magnet with its north pole pointing outwards at this position in the Nummerierrad, which is then preferably made of non-magnetic Ma ^¬ TERIAL is admitted. Thus, there are two Po ^¬ sitionsänderungen between adjacent print positions of the Nummerierrades where no magnetic north pole N is überfah- reindeer, namely in this position change no between the point 9 and the block position and the block position and the unsecured position and accordingly Signal of a magnetic markings monitoring magnetic field sensor occurs. In other words, a magnetic north pole N is missing between the block position and the blank position.

According to the marking scheme of FIG. 3b, in the middle between the consecutive numbers 1 to 9 and between the number 9 and the block position, between the block position and the blank position and between the blank position

Position and the position of the numeral 0 a magnetic north pole N provided. Between the numeral 0 and the numeral 1, two magnets with north poles N are arranged side by side, so that a wider signal of a magnetic field sensor monitoring the magnetic markings occurs in this position change.

According to the marking scheme of Figure 3c is in each case in the middle between the consecutive numbers 0 to 9 and between see the number 9 and the block position, and between the

Block position and the blank position, a magnetic north pole N is provided, while between the blank position and the position of the numeral 0, a magnetic south pole S is provided so that in this position change, a wider signal of the magnetic markings monitoring magnetic field sensor occurs.

According to the marking scheme of FIG. 3d, a magnetic north pole N is provided in each case in the middle between all successive printing positions, while an additional magnetic north pole N is additionally provided directly at the blank position, so that an additional The signal of a magnetic markings monitoring magnetic sensor occurs.

Of course, the above Markierschema- ta can be implemented just as well if instead of the North Pole north south poles S are seen ^¬ and instead of possible existing south poles S North Pole N.

In all the marking schemes described above, at least one change in position is thus provided which leads to a sensor signal deviating from the other sensor signals, the deviation being achieved by the failure of a marking, a stronger or longer marking, an additional marking or a marking of differing polarity. This different sensor signal can be used to determine a defined starting position for the numbering wheels 108, as will be described in more detail below.

Furthermore, among the numbering wheels 108 of FIGS. 3a to 3d, the respectively corresponding positional and signal ^correlations which result during one revolution of the numbering wheel are shown in the form of a table. The printing positions 115 are represented by the respective imprint of the numbering wheel 108 when it is set to the corresponding printing position 115.

In the line below the printing positions, the signal of the sensor 130 is shown, which is generated by the marks 131 during the circulation of the numbering wheel.

In the line below the signal of the sensor 130, the encoder values of the encoder 121, represented as counter values of the counter 143 are shown. In the present case, two given printing positions 115 are separated from each other by 20 encoder steps. For a given numbering device 100, the respectively associated value results from the design of the drive train 120, in particular the choice and dimensions. nierung of motor 109,110, gear 111, pinion 113 and on ^¬ drive gear 116. By the inventive design of the monitoring electronics; which makes it possible to identify shifts between the encoder signal and the sensor signal makes it possible to monitor the correlation between the sensor signals and the encoder signals and thereby reliably detect malfunctions of the motor 109, 110 or the downstream transmission and partially compensate them during operation.

However, it may happen, in particular when commissioning the numbering device, that the values of the encoder 121 or the states of the counter 143, that of a given

Print position 115, deviate from their nominal values. This is the case, for example, when a number wheel 108 has been manually adjusted or when the wheel axle has been removed and reinstalled with the numbering wheels 108, e.g. for maintenance and cleaning. In this case, it is appropriate to restore the correlation by a reference run 200. A sequence of a possible reference run is shown in FIG. 4, based on the marking scheme of FIG. 3a.

The reference drive 200 begins with the step 110, a wheel rotation of the corresponding Nummerierrades is started in the forward direction ^¬ 108th

The processor 141 then continuously checks in step 220 whether the sensor has traveled over a marker 131.

If this is the case, it is checked in step 230 how large the distance to the last mark 131 traveled over, ie how many encoder pulses or steps have been taken since the last mark has been traveled 131. Are these more than the encoder pulses or steps between two successive printing positions, it is known that the last crossed mark 131 between the blank position and the numeral Must be zero, because at this point the previous mark 131 according to the scheme shown in Figure 3a is omitted. This condition, which 3b for a reference run 200 for the Mar ^¬ kierungsschemata according to figures 3c and 3d respectively entspre ^¬ accordingly the properties which is caused by the off ^¬ soft marking of the sensor signal, is to be adjusted, provides a termination condition is If it is met. in step 240, nor the counter is set with the target value for this ^¬ positi on, and stopped at step 250 of the motor. The steps 240 and 250 can be Runaway also in the reverse order ^¬ leads. Then, step 260, the end of the reference run 200, is reached.

The target values for the position of markers 131 can be determined via a teach-drive 300 whose sequence is provided in Figure 5 is exemplary of the marking scheme of Figure 3a ^¬. The teach-run 300 begins with the fact that in

Step 310, the corresponding numbering wheel 108 to a

Start value, e.g. the printing position of the digit zero, is placed, which can be done manually or mechanically.

Subsequently, in step 320, the counter 143 of the encoder 121 is set to zero and in step 330, the forward rotation of the numbering wheel 108 is started.

The processor 141 then continuously checks in step 340 whether the sensor has traveled over a marker 131.

If this is the case, it is checked in step 350, how great is the distance to the last traversed mark 131, that is, how many encoder steps made since the last crossing the Markie ^¬ tion 131st If these are more than the encoder steps between two successive print positions, then it is known that the last crossed mark 131 must be between the blank position and the digit zero because of this Place the previous mark 131 is omitted according to the scheme shown in Figure 3a ^¬ .

This condition, which the reference position is to be determined for a teach-drive 300 in which QUIRES ONLY lent required in the implementation of the reference-barrel 200, representing a ^trailing break condition, 3b for labeling schemes ge ^¬ Mäss figures 3c and 3d respectively corresponding to the natural sheep ^¬ th which is caused by the different marking of the sensor signal, to adapt. If the termination condition is met, the corresponding counter reading of the counter 143 is still stored in the memory 142 as a reference value for reference runs 200 in step 360, and the motor is ^stopped in step 370. Steps 360 and 370 may also be performed in reverse order. Then step 380, the En ^¬ de teach-barrel 300, achieved.

The teach-run can also be extended to the effect that with him the desired positions of individual markers 131 are determined and stored in the memory 142. For this purpose, for example, at each position in which the passing of a marking 131 is detected by the sensor 130, the count of the counter 143 can be stored in the memory 142, for example. After the condition tested in step 350 has been met, the reference value must also be stored, but the motor 109,110 is not stopped, but continues until a full revolution of the numbering wheel 108 is reached, for example by specifying the known corresponding number of encoder steps Starting the numbering wheel 108 in step 330 is possible, further wherein at each position in which the passage of a mark 131 is detected by the sensor 130, the count of the counter 143 is stored in the memory 142. After completion of the full revolution, the stored position values must then be corrected with the reference value and can thus be absolutely correlated with counter readings of the counter. If necessary, this process can be repeated several times and the corresponding obtained Position values for the marks 131 are evaluated statistically.

In this manner, absolute setpoint values for the encoder positions at which the marks are arranged 131, which allow for any movement of the Nummerierrades 108 to ve ^¬ easily supporting, whether the label 131 still or at the expected count of the counter 143 . at the expected encoder Posi ^¬ tion is detected by the sensor 130 or not.

Thus, the invention allows safe and simple He ^¬ detection of malfunctions with every movement of a numbering rads 108th

Reference sign list

100 numbering device

101 housing

102 lids

108 numbering wheel

109,110 engine

111 gearbox

112 drive shaft

113 pinion

114 motor axis

115 print position

116 drive gear

120 anti-drivetrain

121 encoders

130 sensor

131 marking

132 Edge Detection Circuit 140 Monitoring Electronics 141 Processor

142 memory

143 counters

200 reference run

210,220,230,

240,250,260 steps of the reference run

300 teach-run

310,320,330,

340,350,360,

370,380 steps of the teach-run

North pole

S south pole

Claims

Numbering apparatus (100) having numbering wheels (108) arranged side by side on an axis and, when rotated to a printing position (115), usable for printing symbols, at least one of the numbering wheels (108) of the numbering apparatus (100) is driven by a motor (109,110), with motors

(109,110) driven Zahlierräder (108) at least ei ^¬ ne magnetic, optical or inductive marker (131) and wherein the numbering device (100) at least one sensor (130) for detecting magnetic, optical or inductive markings (131), characterized that Minim ^¬ least one motor (109,110) includes an encoder (121) for monitoring motor motion and that the numbering device (100) comprises an electronic monitoring system (140) coupled to the at least one sensor (130) and the encoder (121) of the at least one motor (109,110) in signal communication, said monitoring electric ^¬ nik (140) comprises a memory (142), in which at least one encoder position (at which a magnetic, optical or inductive marker when operating properly (131) of a Nummerierrads 108 ) should be detected by the sensor (130) is deposited, and wherein the monitoring ^¬ electronics (140) further set up is that it checks whether a magnetic, optical or inductive marking (130) for the corresponding numbering wheel (108) by the sensor (130) is checked when reaching or exceeding an encoder position stored in the memory (142) for a numbering wheel (108). was detected.

Numbering device (100) according to claim 1,

characterized in that magneti ^¬ specific, optical or inductive marks (131) of motors (109,110) driven numbering wheels (108) between adjacent print positions (115) are arranged. Numbering device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at all printing positions (115) and / or between all Druckpositi ones (115) of numeral wheels (108) driven by motors (109,110) at least one magnetic, optical or inductive marker (131) is arranged.

Numbering device (100) according to one of the preceding claims,

That is, the numbering wheel (108) has twelve printing positions (115).

Numbering device (100) according to one of the preceding claims,

That is, one of the printing positions (115) of the numbering wheel (108) is a blank printing position.

Numbering device (100) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that all mag netic, optical or inductive markings (131) are identical except for a magnetic, optical or inductive Markie ^¬ tion (131).

Numbering device (100) according to claim 5,

characterized in that all mag netic, optical or inductive markings (131) are identical except for the magnetic, optical or inductive Markie ^¬ tion (131) of the blank position.

Numbering device (100) according to one of the preceding claims,

characterized that the over ^¬ monitoring circuit (140) is adapted to them Ü Checks whether the signal of the sensor has a rising and ei ^¬ ne falling edge.

Numbering device (100) according to claim 8,

That is, the target positions of rising and falling edges of magnetic, optical or inductive markings (131) are stored in the memory (142).

A method for monitoring the change of position of number wheels (108) with a numbering device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising the steps

Determining Correlation Data Between Encoder Signal and Sensor Signal (130)

- Deposit of the correlation data in the memory (142) of the monitoring electronics (140) and

Checking whether the relationship between the encoder signal and the signal of the sensor (130) found during operation of the numbering device (100) corresponds to the correlation data stored in the memory (142).

Method according to claim 10,

characterized in that the He ^¬ provide the correlation data is performed using a reference run (200), wherein the numbering wheels (108) which are driven by motors, are run and encoder position values by which the signal of the Sen ^¬ sors (130) indicates the passage of a magnetic, optical or inductive marker (131).

Method according to claim 11,

characterized in that for the purpose of ^¬ averaging the correlation data, a plurality of reference runs or a multiple revolutions of the numbering, which are driven by motors, comprehensive reference run is carried out, wherein the respectively stored Enco ^¬ the position values of the individual revolutions are statistically evaluated. 13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12,

characterized in that Minim ^¬ least a teach-drive (300) is performed in which a by a motor (109,110) driven Nummerierrad (108) by hand or by a mechanical pre-positioning a defined print position (115) is brought and the

Encoder steps are determined until reaching a predetermined magnetic, optical or inductive marker (131).