EP3227648A1

EP3227648A1 - Meter and method for determining meter readings and method for the wireless transmission of electrical energy

Info

Publication number: EP3227648A1
Application number: EP15804470.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Peter Mathis; Roland Mettler; Markus Helfenstein
Original assignee: GWF MessSysteme AG
Current assignee: GWF MessSysteme AG
Priority date: 2014-12-04
Filing date: 2015-12-02
Publication date: 2017-10-11
Also published as: WO2016087553A1; US10114045B2; US20170328938A1; EP3029431A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a meter comprising a hermetically encapsulated electronic metering mechanism having at least one meter unit for the determination of meter readings, wherein the hermetically encapsulated electronic metering mechanism comprises a data memory for storing the meter readings, and the metering unit comprises an antenna of a defined shape, and at least one readout unit is arranged outside the hermetically encapsulated electronic metering mechanism for reading the meter readings from the data memory. The invention further relates to a method for the determination of meter readings and for the wireless transmission of electrical energy. The shape of the antenna of the readout unit is identical to the antenna shape of the metering unit, wherein the congruent and predefined positioning of the antenna of the readout unit ensures an effective wireless energy supply to the metering unit by means of electromagnetic radiation through the readout unit, and, independently thereof, a stable wireless data coupling for the determination of meter readings between the metering unit and the readout unit.

Description

ZfMgrjpdl Method for the determination of meter readings and methods for the wireless transmission of electrical energy

The invention relates to a counter with a hermetically sealed electronic counter with at least one counting unit for determining meter readings, the hermetically sealed electronic meter comprising a data memory for Speicherang the meter readings and at least one counting unit an antenna with a defined antenna shape and at least one readout unit for reading the meter readings can be arranged from the data store outside the hermetically sealed electronic counter. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for determining counter readings of a hermetically sealed counter with an electronic counter, a counting unit and a data memory for storing the counter readings, wherein the counting unit comprises an antenna with a defined antenna shape. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for the wireless transmission of electrical energy by means of electromagnetic radiation for a hermetically sealed counter with electronic counter and a counting unit, wherein the counting unit comprises an antenna with a defined antenna shape,

Counters of fluid resources, such as water and gas meters, are often placed in the immediate vicinity of the fluid resource supply systems, and are therefore directly exposed to adverse external conditions such as moisture, dirt and temperature fluctuations. As a protection against these adverse environmental conditions have been used in the past mechanical counters in the counters, especially in water meters, which could ensure reliable, cost-effective and long service life. A disadvantage of mechanical counters, however, is that the reading of the meter readings must be made locally and mainly visually by a person, which is labor-intensive and thus costly.

From this grande are various electronic counters in use, which are connected to a network, so that the digital counter readings of the counters can be read via the network from a central database. These network-bound applications are often summarized under the collective term "Smart Metering". In order to ensure the functionality of the electronic meters, the electronic meters need on the one hand a power supply and on the other hand, the meters must be connected by means of suitable and reliable interfaces with the network for the transmission of meter data. In the prior art, the energy supply has hitherto been provided either by means of an internal current source, such as a battery, or by means of a permanent electrical supply, as described by way of example in EP0293639A2.

When using an internal power source such as an internal battery for the electronic counter, the life of the electronic meter is mainly determined by the life of the internal battery. In order to protect the power source from environmental influences, the power source or the electronic counters are usually hermetically encapsulated, so that a simple replacement of the power source is not possible and therefore counter with an internal battery as a power source are used only limited. In the case of a power supply and data coupling by means of an electrical cable or data connection often arise leakage problems within the cable glands due to aging processes and fatigue of the materials used, in particular the sealing material.

Alternatively, counters with radio applications are known, which enable at least wireless data transmission from the hermetically sealed counter to a reader arranged outside the counter. However, internal power sources, such as batteries, and wired cable connections are still commonly used to power these counters with radio applications, as exemplified in US 2014/0045550 A1.

Fully wireless power supply and data transmission systems are also known in meters, such as Radio Frequency Identification - short RFID applications. For this purpose, an RFID transponder is integrated into the meter's hermetically sealed counter, the RFID transponder having an antenna, an analogue circuit for receiving and transmitting, as well as a digital circuit and a permanent memory. In accordance with the meanwhile standardized RFID method, the reading device assigned to the RFID transponder generates a high-frequency electromagnetic alternating field which is recorded by the antenna of the RFID transponder. is taken and the electronics of the RFID transponder activated. The reader simultaneously transmits communication and control commands, which the RFID transponder receives and processes. For example, the detection of the respective RFID transponder in the reader is ensured by the fact that the RFID transponder codes the signal response to the reader and in the radiated electromagnetic field of the reader by field weakening in non-contact short circuit or antiphase reflection, the electromagnetic field and thus his own unchanging Serial number, other data or other information requested by the reader transmitted. After the data transmission from the RFID transponder to the reading device, the data coupling between the RFID transponder and the reading device is separated again by means of a standardized method and then the energy transmission is interrupted by the reading device.

Thus, JP2008015855A describes an RFID transponder system for a counter with Kommumkationsfunktionen, the wireless and secure data transmission from the counter to the reader is ensured by the targeted control of the transmission rate of the counter.

A problem with known RFID transponder systems, however, is that due to different positioning of the reader relative to the RFID transponder often a circular polarization of the high-frequency alternating electromagnetic field is necessary, which requires a high radiation energy of the electromagnetic alternating field and has a long period of energy transfer and data coupling result , In addition, the fluid resources, especially water, absorb the radiant energy of the alternating electromagnetic field, which causes additional reflections of the alternating electromagnetic field to the, mostly metallic, components of the counter that only a fraction of the radiant energy of the electromagnetic alternating field of the reader reaches the RFID transponder , Therefore, high radiation energies of the electromagnetic alternating fields emitted by the reading device for energy transmission and data coupling with the RFID transponder are necessary. Even with a very high radiation energy emitted by the reader electromagnetic alternating fields, the wireless energy transmission or the subsequent data coupling may be incorrect in an unfavorable or variable positioning of the reader relative to the RFID transponder, resulting in a renewed connection expansion and thus leads to a renewed time-consuming data coupling according to the RFDD standard between reader and RFID transponder.

A disadvantage of the solutions in the prior art is further that the previous wired and wireless meter systems ensure no effective power supply of the hermetically coupled counter while safe and stable data coupling between the reader and the hermetically sealed counter. A disadvantage of the RFID transponder systems in counters is in particular that the power supply of the RFID transponder is only possible by very high radiation energies emitted by the reader electromagnetic alternating fields, which causes a high power consumption of the readers. Due to inaccurate and variable positioning of the reader relative to the RFID transponder energy and data coupling must be repeated very often, which further increases the power consumption of the reader and delays or prevents the reading of the data from the RFID transponder.

It is therefore an object of the invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a counter which provides an effective and stable power supply of a hermetically sealed electronic register during data coupling between the hermetically sealed electronic counter and an external reader, as well as a ensures secure and stable data coupling.

This object is achieved by the meter disclosed in the independent claims with a hermetically sealed electronic totalizer, the disclosed method for detecting meter readings and the disclosed method for the wireless transmission of electrical energy by means of electromagnetic radiation.

The invention relates to a counter with a hermetically sealed electronic counter with at least one counting unit for the determination of meter readings, wherein the hermetically sealed electronic meter comprise a data memory for storing the meter readings and the counting unit an antenna with a defined antenna shape. Electronic counter according to the present invention comprises a mechanical counter with a readout electronics or a fully electronic counter. Furthermore, under the definition, data within the meaning of the present invention are current or ganged counter readings, identification information of the counter, the counting unit, the readout unit and / or information on operating states of the counter, the counting unit and / or the readout unit summarized. The invention further relates to a readout unit for reading the meter readings from the data memory, which is arranged outside the hermetically sealed electronic counter and has an antenna with a corresponding antenna shape to the antenna shape of the antenna of the counting unit. The readout unit can either permanently or temporarily be connected to the counting unit, for example permanently on the counter or temporarily as a handheld reading device which can be connected to the counting unit for a short time. The readout unit and the counting unit can be positioned relative to one another in such a way that the antenna of the readout unit and the antenna of the counting unit are arranged congruently with one another. Due to the identical antenna shapes of the counting unit and the readout unit and the congruent arrangements of the antennas of the readout unit relative to the counting unit, a very effective energy transfer from the reading unit to the counting unit can be provided by the present invention. Due to the congruent arrangements of the antennas of the readout unit and the counting unit, after the initial wireless electrical energy supply to the counting unit by the readout unit, an effective and stable data coupling of the counting unit with the readout unit via the identical antenna forms the readout unit and the counting unit is possible, which is the necessary external power supply the counting unit is limited to an absolutely necessary minimum. Because of this inventive conception of the counter, readers can also be used as readout units with significantly lower transmission power in comparison to conventional RFID readers.

For an efficient energy transfer from the readout unit to the counting unit, said antennas arranged congruently are preferably positioned in the meter or arranged in the installed state such that the antennas lie one above the other, the antennas covering one another.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term "congruent" is understood to mean a spacing which corresponds in a plurality of points to the antenna of the counting unit and of the antenna of the read-out unit. In particular, with a congruent arrangement of the antennas, the effective transmission area of the antenna form of the readout unit and the effective area of the antenna form of the counting unit are congruent and parallel Layers are arranged at a small distance from each other. For example, a circular antenna of the counter may be rotated with respect to the same center relative to an identical circular antenna of the readout unit in the associated parallel plane, wherein the coincidence of the effective transmission surface of the readout unit antenna with the effective area of the antenna of the counting unit just does not change. The counting unit can be connected in the sense of the invention with several read-out units simultaneously or in each case individually and separately.

Advantageously, electrical energy is transmitted wirelessly from the readout unit to the counting unit, wherein the electrical energy from the antenna of the readout unit to the corresponding antenna of the counting unit can be transmitted as electromagnetic radiation. Alternative energy transfer mechanisms utilizing the antenna shapes and the relative arrangements of the antennas of the readout unit and the counting unit, such as a capacitive coupling, are also included in the concept of the present invention. However, the use of an internal power source, such as a battery or a capacitor, within the hermetically sealed counter, as well as other known forms of meter electrical power supply, can be implemented in meter systems according to the present invention.

Although the use of corresponding antenna forms of the readout unit and the counting unit and their congruent arrangement relative to each other for a wireless power supply of the counting unit by the readout unit and the simultaneous wireless data coupling between the counting unit and the readout unit in particular are advantageous, the exclusive use is exclusively for Purpose of the wireless power supply of the counting unit or separately the data coupling between the counting unit and the readout unit according to the invention explicitly possible and advantageous. Thus, for example, due to certain environmental conditions, the use of a battery, a rechargeable battery and / or only one capacitor may be indicated as an internal power source of the counter, so that the congruent arrangement of corresponding antennas of the counter and the readout unit is used exclusively for the purpose of data coupling and data transmission. The internal power source in the counting unit can also be charged for this application by means of the wireless energy transmission from reading unit.

The antennas of the read-out unit and of the counting unit can each be replaced by a closed, annular body are formed.

It is regarded as an advantage that the antenna form of the readout unit and the corresponding antenna form of the counting unit are at least partially circular and the respective circular sections of said antennas have the same circle radius or that the aforementioned antennas are each formed as circle segments. For example, the antennas formed as circle segments may consist of a circular arc section and a chord section or be composed. It is further regarded as an advantage that the antenna of the readout unit in the housing of the readout unit and the corresponding antenna of the counting unit are integrated in the housing of the counting unit and the readout unit and the counting unit can be positioned relative to one another by means of a coupling element. In the case of the congruent arrangement of circular antenna forms for the counting unit and the readout unit, a high congruence of the effective transmission area of the readout unit and the effective area of the counting unit is made possible, which enables an efficiency of wireless energy transmission of over 90%. Other types of antennas, in particular rectangular configurations, are also included within the scope of the invention. The antenna may also exploit only part of the circumference of the glass or be placed elsewhere. In particular, in the case of a plastic housing it is possible to place an arbitrary antenna shape at a suitable location. In conjunction with a fixed embedding of the respective antennas in the housing of the readout unit and the counting unit, the readout unit and counting unit can be positioned relative to each other so that the integrated antennas are arranged congruent to each other. Preferably, the distance between the antennas is between 2 mm and 10 mm, since a very effective wireless power supply and / or stable wireless data coupling is possible, especially with small distances between the antennas of the zoom unit and the read-out unit which are arranged congruently to one another. Coupling elements can also be used on the read-out unit and on the counting unit, so that the read-out unit and the counting unit can each be connected to one another only in a precisely defined position, for example by means of a snap coupling or by a rotating thread.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the readout unit is directly connected to the counter and thus to the counting unit. The readout unit can either permanently or temporarily refer to the counting unit as a handheld reading device. be connected to the counter. When using circular antenna shapes, the diameter of the circular antennas can be adapted to the diameter of the usually also circular sight glass of the meter. This results in the possibility to arrange within the hermetically sealed counter the circular antenna of the counting unit below the sight glass and to position the circular identical antenna of the readout above the circular sight glass, optionally integrated into the holder of the sight glass. On the one hand, this meter concept makes possible a direct visual reading of the meter readings through the sight glass and, on the other hand, a wireless effective power supply or data coupling between the readout unit above the sight glass and the meter below the sight glass in the hermetically sealed meter.

With regard to the data coupling mechanism, it is regarded as an advantage that data from the data memory of the counting unit can be transmitted to the readout unit, wherein the data can be transmitted from the antenna of the counting unit to the corresponding antenna of the readout unit by means of capacitive and / or inductive coupling. By means of this capacitive and / or inductive coupling not only data from the counting unit to the readout unit, but also control commands, information or configuration files can be transmitted from the readout unit to the counting unit and further processed or stored in the counting unit. Taking into account the frequency bands of the carrier wave, the different capacitive and / or inductive coupling methods permit different data transmission rates and connection stabilities of the wireless data coupling and data transmission between the counting unit and the readout unit. Also, in the context of a capacitive and / or inductive data coupling an encrypted data transmission, possibly involving other data processing equipment and network connections, can be ensured within the scope of the invention. The use of common connection protocols and data flow control methods between the counting unit and the readout unit, such as the use of IP addresses as network protocols for the counting unit or a so-called handshake method for adjusting the data transmission rate between the counting unit and the readout unit, are via a capacitive and or inductive Data coupling can be implemented. It is regarded as an advantage of the present invention that the data from the data memory of the counting unit to the readout unit can be transmitted digitally and with a reduced amount of data compared to a standardized data record. The standardized data sets and data protocols in accordance with common technical standards, for example the M-Bus Open Metering System, usually require the transmission of a large number of data from the counting unit to the readout unit, whereby the most varied application cases and various data combinations are observed by the technical standards. However, for a large number of, in particular, standard application cases, the complete transmission of all the data required in the respective technical standard is not necessary. In this respect, part of the inventive concept of a counter is that data can also be transmitted with a reduced amount of data compared to a standardized data set of a technical standard or a technical standard. On the one hand to keep the duration of the data transmission as low as possible, but on the other hand to allow further processing of the data from the counting unit according to the common technical standards and standards, is provided according to the present invention that the read-out unit compared to the standardized data record reduced data means maps and completes an assignment function to the standardized record. Thus, a data transmission with a reduced compared to the standard record from the counting unit to the readout unit is possible, but at the same time a data processing according to the technical standard or the standard due to the completion of the data on the necessary standard data set of the relevant technical standard or standards in the readout unit guaranteed.

To speed up the read-out of the counting unit is also advantageous that the data storage of the counting unit has a main memory and a buffer memory and the data between the main memory and the buffer memory at the present electrical energy can be synchronized, the data from the buffer memory in the context of data transmission between the Counting unit and the readout unit are readable and transferable. Common RFID memory architectures often use non-volatile Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), but with slow access times and limited life, which limits their use as data storage in a hermetically-sealed counter. According to the invention, it is therefore proposed that the data in a random access Memory (RAM) can be stored, such as Ferroelectric Random Access Memory (FRAM) or Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), whose memory properties by specific changes in the electrical properties, such as the ferromagnetic properties in FRAMs, are changeable. The lifetime of the RAMs, such as FRAMs or SRAMs, is not limited, so the use of RAMs in a hermetically sealed counter is advantageous. Due to the additional subdivision of the RAM into a main memory and an even faster buffer memory, the data within the counting unit can be made available faster in the buffer memory compared to the main memory and transmitted wirelessly to the readout unit.

For effective data transmission in the case of data coupling, it is advantageously provided that the data memory of the counting unit initially processes the data internally or determines the meter reading electrical and, after successful internal data preparation, sets a selected memory mark, the data of the counting unit being selected only when the memory mark has been selected can be read by the readout unit. Due to the very limited time window for data processing and data transmission in the case of a power supply to the counter by the readout unit, extensive and thus time-consuming data flow control methods, such as an extensive handshake procedure between counter and read unit, would lead to erroneous or repeated data transmission between the counter and the read unit. Advantageously, therefore, in accordance with the present invention, when the electrical energy supply of the counting unit is present, the data is first processed internally, for example, the current meter reading is determined electronically in the meter and made available in the data memory. Only after completion of this internal data processing in the counting unit is a selected memory mark set, for example a selected address range in the data memory from "busy" to "ready." Since the electrical power supply of the readout unit is not problematic, the readout unit periodically accesses the selected address range of the readout unit Data memory to and initiates the data transfer only when the state "ready" is present as a set memory marker. The time intervals for the check of the selected memory mark by the read-out unit are dependent on the data quantities to be expected, the data transmission quality and / or the data transmission. transmission rate in the readout device freely selectable.

In addition, the reduced data flow control of the present invention allows an immediate interruption of the wireless power supply of the counter by the readout unit after successful data transmission, so that extensive decoupling methods between the readout unit and the counter are not necessary. After the interruption of the electrical energy supply of the counting unit, the selected memory markings are immediately and automatically reset, for example to "busy", so that further data transmission is no longer possible and data in the data memory can no longer be influenced outside the counting unit Energy supply through the readout unit also does not lead to overvoltages in the counter, in particular not in the data memory, so that damage to the counting unit are excluded in this procedure.

Advantageously, the transmission of the data from the data memory of the counting unit to the readout unit can be encrypted, in particular by means of common hardware or software-based encryption methods, such as by means of a token or a PIN keyboard on the reader and / or counter, with the help of a digital signature, by certificates or by public-key encryption. Furthermore, it is regarded as an advantage that the readout unit has additional electronic components for determining and matching the impedance and the resonant frequency of the antenna form of the counting unit for an optimized electrical energy transfer from the antenna of the readout unit to the antenna of the counting unit. Through these measures, the efficiency of the energy transfer from the readout unit to the counting unit can be further increased and optimized.

The invention further relates to a method for determining counter readings of a hermetically sealed counter with an electronic counter, a counting unit and a data memory for storing the counter readings, wherein the counting unit comprises an antenna with a defined antenna shape. After the arrangement of at least one readout unit for reading the meter readings from the data memory outside the hermetically sealed electronic counter, wherein the readout unit has an antenna with a corresponding antenna shape to the antenna form of the counting unit, the Readout unit positioned relative to the counting unit and arranged the antenna of the readout unit relative to the antenna of the counting unit congruent. As soon as an electrical energy supply of the counting unit is ensured, the coupling of the antenna of the counting unit with the corresponding antenna of the reading unit is performed and the wireless transmission of the data from the data memory of the counting unit is initiated by means of the antenna of the counting unit to which the antenna of the readout unit.

Advantageously, the data in the counting unit are first processed in the data memory of the counting unit when the electrical energy is present, and after the data has been processed, a selected memory mark is set, wherein the data of the counting unit can only be read by the reading unit when the selected memory mark has been selected.

It is regarded as an advantage that the data are transmitted with a reduced amount of data compared to a standardized data record, for example the M-Bus Open Metering System, and the data reduced compared to the standardized data record are allocated and completed by the readout unit to the standardized data record by means of an assignment function , The data is advantageously synchronized between a main memory and a buffer memory of the data memory in the presence of electrical energy, wherein in the context of the data transmission between the counting unit and the readout unit, the data is read from the buffer memory of the counting unit and then transmitted to the readout unit.

In an advantageous embodiment of the method, it is provided that the electrical energy of the electromagnetic radiation from the antenna of the read-out unit first used for the data coupling of the antenna of the counting unit with the corresponding antenna of the readout unit and at the same time the count by means of the electronic counter due to the presence of electrical energy determined and then the data between the main memory and the buffer memory of the data storage prepared and synchronized. Upon completion of the synchronization of the data between the buffer memory and the main memory, the selected memory tag is set and the readout unit initiates the transmission of the data immediately upon detection of the selected memory tag and immediately suspends transmission of the electrical energy to the meter, upon receiving the expected amount of data. leinheit. As a result, on the one hand, short switch-on times of the counting unit with applied electrical power supply by the readout unit can be maintained, on the other hand, secure and fast data transmission from the counting unit to the readout unit can be ensured.

The invention further relates to a method for the wireless transmission of electrical energy by means of electromagnetic radiation for a hermetically sealed counter with electronic counter and at least one counting unit, wherein the counting unit comprises an antenna with a defined antenna shape and at least one readout unit is arranged outside the hermetically sealed electronic counter, wherein the read-out unit has an antenna with a corresponding antenna shape to the antenna form of the antenna of the counting unit. Furthermore, the readout unit is positioned relative to the counting unit and ensures a congruent arrangement of the antenna of the readout unit relative to the antenna of the counting unit, so that a wireless transmission of electrical energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation from the antenna of the readout unit to the antenna of the counting unit is possible.

Further advantageous embodiments will become apparent from the following figures and various embodiments will be explained in more detail below. Show it:

FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a three-dimensional view of the meter 1 according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of the inventive counter 2 with counting unit 3;

3a, 3b, 3c: a plan view of different antenna shapes for the antenna 4 of the counting unit 3 and the antenna 7 of the read-out unit 6;

FIG. 4 shows a flow diagram of the counting unit 3 for determining counter readings;

Figure 5: an overview drawing of the assignment function 21 with respect to the transmitted reduced data set 20 and the standardized data set 19, in accordance with the specifications of the relevant technical standard. 1 shows a perspective sectional view of a three-dimensional view of the counter 1 according to the invention with a hermetically encapsulated electronic counter 2 and with a counting unit 3 accommodated in the hermetically sealed electronic counter 2 for determining counter readings. The hermetically encapsulated electronic counter 2 has a data memory 5 for storing the counter readings (not shown in FIG. 1) and the counting unit 3 comprises an antenna 4 with a defined, according to the embodiment of the invention in Fig. 1 designed as a circular segment, antenna shape , The antenna 4 of the counting unit 3 is integrated within the counting unit 3, preferably encapsulated in the outer area of the counting unit 3 with a plastic. Alternatively, the arrangement of an antenna guide channel in a region of the counting unit 3 is possible, which ensures autonomous maintenance and replacement of the antenna 4 of the counting unit 3, without opening the hermetically sealed electronic counter 2.

At least one read-out unit 6 for reading the meter readings from the data memory

5 of the counting unit 3 is arranged outside the hermetically encapsulated electronic counter 2, preferably on the top or bottom of the counter 1. The readout unit

6 has an antenna 7 with a corresponding antenna shape to the antenna shape of the antenna 4 of the counting unit 3, wherein in the example shown in FIG. 1, the antenna 7 of the readout unit 6 is designed as a circular segment and has an identical circular segment shape to the antenna 4 of the counting unit 3. In the example shown in Fig.l the readout unit 6 serves as a glass holder of the sight glass 21 of the counter 1 visible from above and is stationary and permanently connected to the counter 1. The read-out unit 6 and the counting unit 3 are relative to each other positionable as a coupling element 8 due to the stationary, shown in the example of FIG. 1 connector that the antenna 7 of the readout unit 6 and the antenna 4 of the counting unit 3 are arranged congruent to each other. Alternatively, the read-out unit 6 can also be a hand-held reader that can be temporarily and nevertheless accurately connected to the counter 1 and thus to the counting unit 3 by means of a suitable coupling element 8.

The term congruent arrangement is understood to mean a spacing that corresponds in a plurality of points to the antenna 4 of the counting unit 3 and the antenna 7 of the readout unit 6. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the two are shown as Kreisseg- Mente trained antennas 4.7 arranged with substantially the same radii on each parallel planes to each other. It is important in this exemplary arrangement according to FIG. 1 that the effective transmitting surface of the antenna 7 of the readout unit 6 and the active surface of the antenna 4 of the counting unit 3 are arranged congruently or at least almost congruently and on parallel planes with a distance of more than 2 mm from each other , In the installed state, the antennas 4 and 7 of the counter 1 according to the exemplary embodiment of Figure 1 are arranged such that the antennas 4, 7 are superimposed, wherein the antennas 4, 7 overlap each other.

The hermetically sealed electronic counter 2 can be equipped by means of an additional power source, for example an internal battery, an accumulator and / or a capacitor, so that only a data link 12 and a data transmission 13 between the antenna 4 of the counting unit 3 and the corresponding and congruent arranged antenna 7 of the readout unit 6 is provided. For the purposes of the present invention, an exclusive use of the antennas 4, 7 for a wireless electrical energy supply by means of electromagnetic radiation from reading unit 6 to the counting unit 3 is also possible. The data coupling 12 and data transmission 13 are in this case made with other external data processing devices, for example by a data cable between the counting unit and an external data processing device. The simultaneous use of the antenna 7 of the reading unit 6 and the antenna 4 of the counting unit 3 for the wireless electrical power supply and wireless data coupling 12 and data transmission 13 is an essential part of the present invention.

As is apparent from Figure 1, the antenna 4 of the counting unit 3 on the one hand and the antenna 7 of the read-out unit 6 on the other hand each formed by a closed, annular body. Evidently, the respective antennas 4, 7 are formed as identical circular segments comprising a circular arc section and a chord section.

Since the counting unit 3 and the read-out unit 6 can be designed even for very small sizes, since only one corresponding antenna shape of the antennas 4, 7 and their congruent arrangement must be ensured, the counting unit 3 and / or the read-out unit 6 can already be used against Operating counter 1 exchanged or retrofitted. The readout unit 6 may be connected to other processing devices and / or wireless or wired networks that allow further processing of the data of the counting unit 3.

2 shows a schematic plan view of the inventive hermetically sealed electronic counter 2 with counting unit 3. In Fig. 2, the sight glass 21 is shown by dashed lines and arranged below the sight glass 21 antenna 4 of the counting unit 3 as a dashed because deeper lying line. The antenna 4 is connected directly to the counting unit 3, which is likewise located below the sight glass 21, as an electronic circuit and thus permits rapid data preparation 14, data coupling 12 and data transmission 13 to the read-out unit 6 (not shown in FIG. 2). At the same time or alternatively, an effective wireless energy transfer from the readout unit 6 to the counting unit is possible. Even with a complete electrical failure of the counter 2 or the readout unit 6 is still an immediate visual reading of the meter readings possible through the use of an additional sight glass 21, so that the counter 1 would not be directly replaced in case of electrical system failure.

Depending on the structural conditions for the counter 1 to the supply lines, the necessary or predetermined sizes and shapes of the counting unit 3 and the readout unit 6 or the connection options for the antenna 4,7 within the counting unit 3 or the readout unit 6 different antenna shapes for Antennas 4,7, as shown by way of example in FIGS. 3 a, 3 b and 3 c, for which data communication between the counting unit 3 and the readout unit 6 and / or for the energy transmission from the readout unit 6 to the counting unit 3 are used.

A schematic flow chart for determining counter readings in the counting unit 3 is shown in FIG. In the event that the counting unit 3 (not shown in FIG. 4) is connected to a permanent electrical power supply, the counting unit 3 can actively monitor the presence of an electrical energy supply and possibly also actively perform the data preparation 14 or also the data coupling 12 to the readout unit 6 (not shown in FIG. 4). In the event that the counting unit 3 is not connected to a separate electrical power supply and a wireless power supply through the read-out unit 6 required, a data link 12 between the counting unit 3 and the readout unit 6 can only be initiated for this case, if previously or simultaneously the short-term electrical energy was used within the counting unit 3 for the data processing 14. Upon completion of the data preparation 14, the selected memory marker 15 is set and should a data coupling 12 be present at the same time, the data transmission 13 between the counting unit 3 and the readout unit 6 is started. After the readout unit 6 has completely received all data, an immediate interruption of the electrical power supply 18 by the readout unit 6 can be made, which leads to an immediate shutdown of the counting unit 3 and thus an interruption of the data coupling 12. In the de-energized state, the selected memory mark is automatically set to busy, so that a further data transmission 13 is no longer possible and data can no longer be influenced outside of the counting unit 3. Alternatively, in the case of a permanent power supply to the counting unit 3, a coordinated decoupling procedure between the counting unit 3 and the read-out unit 6, and then the counter 3 puts itself into a low-consumption mode.

FIG. 5 shows an overview drawing of the assignment function 21 with regard to the transmitted reduced data record 20 and the standardized data record 19, in accordance with the specifications of the relevant technical standard or standard. It is considered advantageous in the context of the present invention that only the most necessary data in a reduced amount of data 20 is transmitted to the read-out unit 6 (not shown in FIG. 5) by the counting unit 3 (not shown in FIG. 5). This data includes the data determined at runtime, such as meter reading and status. Also required are the counter data such as counter number, unit, decimal places of the meter reading, medium, manufacturer and other standard or standard-dependent information. The read-out unit 6 contains the standardized data set 19 on which the respective relevant technical standard or standard is based, and assigns the data of the reduced data quantity 20 to the standardized data record 19 via a predefined assignment function 21. The assignment function 21 can be permanently implemented in the read-out unit 6 and possibly also contains further data and information which are necessary for the assignment or completion of the standardized data record 19 by means of the reduced data quantity 20. Thus, for example, with a permanent relative arrangement of the counting unit 3 and the read-out unit 6 on the transmission of fixed data, such as the identification number or the manufacturer of the counter 1 (not shown in Fig. 5) are omitted, since these data are not changed and are always associated with the respective counter 1. Additionally or alternatively, the readout unit 6, possibly in conjunction with other data processing devices and networks, dynamically determine the reduced amount of data 20 and dynamically generate the assignment function 21 by means of external databases and thus complete the reduced amount of data 20 in relation to the standardized data record 19.

In the example shown in FIG. 5, only a total of 16 bytes of reduced data quantity 20 is transmitted and adapted to the considerably more extensive protocol of the standardized technical standard data record 19, such as the standard transmission protocol of the M-Bus Open Metering System.

Claims

Patetitansprüehe

1. Counter (1) with a hermetically encapsulated electronic counter (2) with at least one counting unit (3) for determining counter readings, wherein the hermetically sealed electronic counter (2) has a data memory (5) for storing the counter readings and the counting unit (3 ) comprise an antenna (4) with a defined antenna shape and at least one readout unit (6) for reading the meter readings from the data memory (5) outside the hermetically sealed electronic counter (2) can be arranged, characterized in that the readout unit (6) an antenna (7) with corresponding antenna shape to the antenna shape of the antenna (4) of the counting unit (3) and the readout unit (6) and the counting unit (3) are positioned relative to each other such that the antenna (7) of the readout unit (6) and the Antenna (4) of the counting unit (3) are arranged congruent to each other.

2. counter (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the mutually congruently arranged antennas (4, 6) of the counting unit (3) and the read-out unit (6) are positioned in the counter (1) such that the antennas (4, 6) are superimposed, wherein the antennas (4, 6) cover each other.

3. counter (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the antenna (7) of the readout unit (6) and the antenna (4) of the counting unit (3) are formed by a closed, annular body.

4. counter (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that electrical energy from the readout unit (6) to the counting unit (3) can be transmitted wirelessly, wherein the electrical energy from the antenna (7) of the readout unit (6 ) is transferable to the corresponding antenna (4) of the counting unit (3) as electromagnetic radiation.

5. counter (1) according to one of claims to 4, characterized in that the

Antenna shape of the antenna (7) of the readout unit (6) and the corresponding antenna shape of the antenna (4) of the counting unit (3) are at least partially circular and have the same radius of the circle and are each formed in particular as identical circular segments.

6. counter (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the antenna (7) of the readout unit (6) within the readout unit (6) and the corresponding antenna (4) of the counting unit (3) within the counting unit ( 3) and the read-out unit (6) and the counting unit (3) by means of at least one coupling element

(8) are positionable relative to each other.

7. Counter (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that data from the data memory (5) of the counting unit (3) to the readout unit (6) can be transmitted, wherein a data coupling (12) from the antenna (4 ) of the counting unit (3) with the corresponding antenna (7) of the readout unit (6) can be performed by means of capacitive and / or inductive coupling.

8. counter (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the data from the data memory (5) of the counting unit (3) to the readout unit (6) digitally and with respect to a standardized data set (19) reduced amount of data (20) are transferable.

9. counter (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the readout unit (6) compared to the standardized data set (19) reduced amount of data (20) by means of an assignment function (21) the standardized record (19) assigns and completes.

10. counter (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the data memory (5) of the counting unit (3) has a main memory (8) and a buffer memory

(9) and the data between the main memory (8) and the buffer memory (9) are synchronized in the presence of electrical energy, wherein the data within the buffer memory (9) in the context of data transmission (12) between the counting unit (3) and the Readout unit (6) can be read out or communicated.

11. counter (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the data memory (5) of the counting unit (3) in the presence of electrical energy, the data first processed internally (14) and after completion of internal data processing (14) a selected Memory flag sets (15), the data of the counting unit (3) being set selected memory mark (15) by the readout unit (6) are read out.

12. counter (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the transmission of the data (13) from the data memory (5) of the counting unit (3) to the read-out unit (6) is encrypted.

13. Counter (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the read-out unit (6) additional electronic components (11) for determining and tuning the impedance and / or the resonant frequency of the antenna form of the counting unit (3) for an optimized electrical Energy transmission from the antenna (7) of the readout unit (6) on the antenna (4) of the counting unit (3).

14. A method for determining counter readings of a counter (1), according to one of claims 1 to 11, with hermetically encapsulated electronic counter (2), at least one counting unit (3) and a data memory (5) for storing the meter readings, wherein the counting unit (3) comprises an antenna (4) with a defined antenna shape, comprising the following steps:

Arrangement (10) of at least one readout unit (6) for reading out the counter readings from the data memory (5) outside the hermetically sealed electronic counter (2), wherein the readout unit (6) has an antenna (7) with a corresponding antenna shape to the antenna form of the antenna ( 4) of the counting unit (3);

Positioning (11) the readout unit (6) relative to the counting unit (3) and congruent arrangement of the antenna (7) of the readout unit (6) relative to the antenna (4) of the counting unit (3);

Data coupling (12) of the antenna (4) of the counting unit (3) with the corresponding antenna (7) of the readout unit (6) and wireless transmission of the data (13) from the data memory (5) of the counting unit (3) by means of the antenna ( 4) of the counting unit (3) on which the antenna (7) of the read-out unit (6).

15. A method for determining counter readings according to claim 14, characterized in that the data in the presence of electrical energy in the counting unit (3) first in the data memory (5) of the counting unit (3) are processed (14) and after that Data preparation (14) a selected memory mark is set (15), wherein the data of the counting unit (3) only when set selected memory marker (15) by the readout unit (6) can be read (13).

16. A method for determining meter readings according to one of claims 14 or

15, characterized in that the data with a compared to a standardized data set (19) reduced amount of data (20) are transmitted (13) and compared to the standardized record (19) reduced amount of data (20) by the readout unit (6) by means of an assignment function (21) are assigned to the standardized data set (19) and completed (16).

17. A method for determining counter readings according to one of claims 14 to

16, characterized in that the data between a main memory (8) and a buffer memory (9) of the data memory (5) in the presence of electrical energy are synchronized (17), wherein in the context of data transmission (13) between the counting unit (3) and the readout unit (6), the data from the buffer memory (9) of the counting unit (3) read and then transmitted to the readout unit (6).

18. A method for determining counter readings according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the electrical energy of the electromagnetic radiation from the antenna (7) of the readout unit (6) first for the data coupling (12) of the antenna (4) of the counting unit (3) with the corresponding antenna (7) of the readout unit (6) used and at the same time determines the count by means of the electronic counter (2) due to the presence of electrical energy and then the data between the main memory (8) and the buffer memory (9) of the data memory (5) are prepared and synchronized (17), wherein after completion of the synchronization of the data (17) between the buffer memory (9) and the main memory (8) the selected memory flag set (15) and by the readout unit (6) Transmission of the data (13) initiated immediately upon detection of the selected memory tag (15) and upon receipt of the expected amount of data Immediately the supply of electrical energy (18) of the counting unit (3) by the readout unit (6) is interrupted.

19. A method for the wireless transmission of electrical energy by means of electromagnetic radiation for a counter (1)), according to one of claims 1 to 13, with a hermetically sealed electronic counter (2) and at least one counting unit (3), wherein the counting unit (3) an antenna (4) with a defined antenna shape, comprising the following steps:

Arrangement (10) of at least one readout unit (6) outside the hermetically sealed electronic counter (2), wherein the readout unit (6) has an antenna (7) with a corresponding antenna shape to the antenna form of the antenna (4) of the counting unit (3);

• wireless transmission of electrical energy (18) in the form of electromagnetic radiation from the antenna (7) of the readout unit (6) to the antenna (4) of the counting unit (3) for wireless supply of the counting unit (3) with electrical energy (18).