JP4624720B2 - counter - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a counter provided with a rotating drum for displaying an integrated number, which is applied to an instrument such as a wattmeter, a gas meter, a water meter or the like.

The wattmeter has a counter that displays the measured amount of power, and the gas meter and water meter have a counter that displays the accumulated amount of the measured gas and water. Using a rotating drum that displays the numerical value of the quantity, a signal obtained from an optical encoder (consisting of a light emitting element and a light receiving element) is used to detect the position where the rotating drum has rotated, and externally output it as a signal representing the integrated amount. A counter that transmits and measures distances is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  FIG. 10 shows a counter of Conventional Example 1.

  In the counter of Conventional Example 1, two pairs of optical encoders (consisting of a pair of a light emitting element A1 and a light receiving element B1 and a pair of a light emitting element A2 and a light receiving element B2) are provided at opposing positions on both sides of the rotating drum D. The light-emitting element A1 is a light-receiving element B1, the light-emitting element A2 is a light-receiving element B2, and the light-emitting elements A1 and A2 and the light-receiving elements B1 and B2 are concentrically displaced by 90 degrees in the drum rotation direction. A light transmission hole h that is disposed in a positional relationship and penetrates in the axial direction is provided in a portion where light from the light emitting elements A1 and A2 of the rotating drum D passes, and the light emitting element is accompanied with the rotation of the rotating drum D. The signals from A1 and A2 are transmitted through the light transmitting hole h and received by the light receiving elements B1 and B2 are transmitted to the outside as signals of positions representing the rotation angle of the rotary drum D and integrated (distance measurement). Composed That.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the counter of Conventional Example 2 has five pairs of optical encoders (a pair of light emitting element A1 and light receiving element B1 and a light emitting element) at opposite positions corresponding to the circumference of 5 sides on both sides of the rotating drum D. A total of 5 pairs of a pair of element A2 and light receiving element B2, a pair of light emitting element A3 and light receiving element B3, a pair of light emitting element A4 and light receiving element B4, and a pair of light emitting element A5 and light receiving element B5) For element A1, light receiving element B1, for light emitting element A2, light receiving element B2, for light emitting element A3, light receiving element B3, for light emitting element A4, light receiving element B4, for light emitting element A5 The light-emitting element B5 is disposed, and the light-emitting elements A1 to A5 and the light-receiving elements B1 to B5 are arranged concentrically on the rotating drum D so as to face each other with an equal interval of 72 degrees in the drum rotation direction. Departure That has established a single light transmitting hole h light penetrates axially the portion passing from elements A1 to A5.
JP-A-5-133728 (FIGS. 1 and 3)

  However, in the counter of the conventional example 1, the rotating drum D between the light emitting elements A1 and A2 and the light receiving elements B1 and B2 rotates, so that the light transmitting hole h of the rotating drum D passes through each optical path. A signal is received, and light does not pass even if the light emitting elements A1 and A2 emit light in a portion without the light transmission hole h. Therefore, only two different signals are received for one rotation of the rotating drum.

  In the counter of Conventional Example 2, as the rotating drum D between the light emitting elements A1 to A5 and the light receiving elements B1 to B5 rotates, the light transmission hole h of the rotating drum D passes through each optical path. In the portion without the light transmission hole h, light does not pass even if the light emitting elements A1 to A5 emit light, so only five different signals are received for one rotation of the rotating drum.

In the conventional method, in order to receive the position of the rotation angle of the rotary drum D in a finely divided manner, the same signal is obtained even if the number of light transmitting holes h through which light passes is increased, and the number of pulses is simply increased. This is not effective for position detection. At present, in order to subdivide the detection position, increasing the number of Opti Cal encoder, should Ru to receive the number of Opti Cal encoder.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a counter capable of detecting more positions than the number of optical encoders without simply increasing the number of optical encoders. There is to do.

In order to achieve the above object, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rotating drum, a light transmitting hole provided in the rotating drum so as to penetrate in the axial direction, and one side in the axial direction of the rotating drum. disposed the five light-emitting elements and disposed on the other side of the light from the light emitting element, respectively a Opti Cal encoder consisting of five light receiving elements for receiving, from the light emitting element in accordance with the rotation of the rotary drum In a counter that accumulates signals that are transmitted through the light transmitting hole and received by the light receiving element, the light transmitting hole passes through the rotation direction of the rotating drum and is concentrically 0 ° to 108 °, 192 ° to 228. 3 arc long holes provided in an angle range of 276 degrees to 312 degrees, and the set of the light emitting element and the light receiving element is displaced by a predetermined angle in the drum rotating direction on the concentric circle of the rotating drum. Opposite position In arranging a plurality of the by passing received simultaneously or selectively the light receiving element light from the light emitting element, and subdivided on the basis of the combination of signals from the light receiving element position in the rotational direction of the rotary drum It is characterized by detecting.

Wherein the counter rotating drum is the number fraction juxtaposed corresponding to the number of digits, respectively the circular arc-shaped long hole in the rotating drum of each digit, a position facing both sides of the rotating drum of each digit, arcuate A light emitting element that emits light toward the rotation passing portion of the long hole and a light receiving element that receives light transmitted through the arc-shaped long hole from the light emitting element are arranged in pairs.

  The counters according to the first and second aspects are provided with a light transmission type optical encoder, but when a light reflection type optical encoder is applied, the counter is configured as in the third aspect.

That is, in claim 3, the rotating drum, the light reflecting film provided on one side surface of the rotating drum, and the light is obliquely irradiated toward the rotation passing portion of the light reflecting film on one side in the axial direction of the rotating drum. provided with five light-receiving elements disposed have been five light-emitting element and the illumination light reflected from the light emitting element is disposed so as to receive respectively to the Opti Cal encoder consisting accordance with rotation of said rotary drum In the counter for integrating the signals received by the light receiving element after the light from the light emitting element is reflected by the light reflecting film, the light reflecting film is arranged at 0 to 108 degrees on a concentric circle along the rotation direction of the rotating drum . Three arc-shaped long reflecting films provided in an angle range of 192 ° to 228 °, 276 ° to 312 °, and a set of the light emitting element and the light receiving element are predetermined in the drum rotation direction on a concentric circle of the rotating drum. angle A plurality of light emitting elements arranged in opposite positions, and the light from the light emitting element is reflected or received simultaneously or selectively by the light receiving element, so that the rotational direction position of the rotating drum is a combination of signals from the light receiving element. It is characterized by subdividing detection based on the above.

Wherein the counter rotating drum is the number fraction juxtaposed corresponding to the number of digits, provided each digit of the circular arc-shaped long reflective film to the rotary drum, respectively, elongated arcuate reflecting film wherein one side of each digit of the rotating drum An optical encoder comprising a light emitting element that irradiates light obliquely toward the rotation passing portion and a light receiving element that receives light reflected by the arc-like long reflection film from the light emitting element is disposed.

  According to the counter of the present invention, even if the number of optical encoders is small, the position in the rotation direction of the rotating drum can be obtained by subdividing as many optical encoders are installed. Many signals can be transmitted to the outside and measured remotely.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.

  1 and 2 show a first embodiment (embodiment corresponding to Conventional Example 1 in FIG. 10) in the case of using two pairs of light emitting / receiving elements (optical encoders). Two pairs of optical encoders E1 and E2 (comprising a total of two pairs of a pair of light emitting element A1 and light receiving element B1 and a pair of light emitting element A2 and light receiving element B2) are arranged with respect to light emitting element A1. The light receiving element B1 and the light emitting element A2 are the light receiving element B2, and the light emitting elements A1 and A2 and the light receiving elements B1 and B2 are concentrically arranged at 90 degrees in the drum rotation direction as shown in FIG. An arc-shaped length that extends in an angle range of 180 degrees in the drum rotation direction as a single light transmission hole that penetrates in the axial direction at a portion where the light from the light emitting elements A1 and A2 of the rotary drum D passes. Hole A signal that the light from the light emitting elements A1 and A2 passes through the arc-shaped elongated hole H and is received by the light receiving elements B1 and B2 with the rotation of the rotating drum D represents the rotation angle of the rotating drum D. The position signal is transmitted to the outside and integrated (separated).

  If the light transmitting hole is an arc-shaped elongated hole H as described above, when light from the light emitting elements A1 and A2 passes through the arc-shaped elongated hole H, the light receiving state by the light receiving elements B1 and B2 is the conventional light. Although it continues longer than the case of the transmission hole h, this is detected as a one-pulse signal on the software as in the case of the light transmission hole h.

  FIG. 3 shows the arrangement of the light emitting / receiving elements A1, B1, A2, B2 and the arc-shaped elongated holes H as the light transmitting holes at positions and sizes as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. Such different signals will be received. That is, there are four kinds of signals as shown in the column of received signal form in FIG. This is because even though there are two sets of light emitting / receiving elements A1, B1, A2 and B2 for one rotation of the rotating drum, four different signals are received and can be identified, so every 90 degrees. In addition, the position of the rotation angle can be detected.

  This is different from, for example, one set of light emitting / receiving elements, which is simply provided with four light transmission holes of the rotating drum. In this case, only four identical signals are received with respect to one rotation of the rotating drum, the signals cannot be distinguished from each other, and are simply integrated externally as simple pulse signals. This is because the rotation position of the rotating drum cannot be detected. To detect the rotational position, it is necessary to use different types of signals according to the rotational position. That is, if a signal corresponding to this rotational position is provided for each digit of the display device, the rotational position of each digit can be subdivided and obtained, and the positions of all digits of the rotating drum are immediately obtained by dividing into four equal parts. (However, the position uncertainty is a maximum of 90 degrees).

  4 and 5 show a second embodiment (embodiment corresponding to Conventional Example 2 in FIG. 11) in which five pairs of light emitting / receiving elements (optical encoders) are used. Five pairs of optical encoders E1 to E5 (a pair of light-emitting element A1 and light-receiving element B1, a pair of light-emitting element A2 and light-receiving element B2, and a light-emitting element A3 and a light-receiving element) B3, a pair of light-emitting element A4 and light-receiving element B4, and a pair of light-emitting element A5 and light-receiving element B5), with respect to light-emitting element A1, light-receiving element B1 and light-emitting element A2. Is a light receiving element B2, a light receiving element B3 for the light emitting element A3, a light receiving element B4 for the light emitting element A4, a light receiving element B5 for the light emitting element A5, and the light emitting elements A1 to A5 and the light receiving element B1. To B5 The concentric circles are arranged in an opposed positional relationship spaced apart as shown in FIG. 5 at equal intervals of 72 degrees in the drum rotation direction, and the light from the light emitting elements A1 to A5 of the rotary drum D passes through As a light transmission hole penetrating in the axial direction, an arc-shaped elongated hole H1 extending in a 108-degree angle range of 0 to 108 degrees in the drum rotation direction, an arc-shaped elongated hole H2 extending in a 36-degree angle range of 192 to 228 degrees, and 276 An arc-shaped long hole H3 extending from 36 degrees to 312 degrees is provided on the concentric circle as shown in FIG.

  By arranging the light emitting / receiving elements A1, B1 to A5, B5 and the arc-shaped long holes H1, H2, H3 as light transmitting holes at positions and sizes as in the second embodiment shown in FIGS. Different signals as shown in FIG. 6 will be received. That is, there are 30 signals as shown in the column of received signal form in FIG. This is because 30 different signals are received and can be identified every 12 degrees even though there are 5 sets of light emitting / receiving elements A1, B1 to A5, B5 for one rotation of the rotating drum. In addition, the position of the rotation angle can be detected.

  This is different from, for example, a set of light emitting / receiving elements, which is simply provided with 30 light transmission holes of a rotating drum. In this case, only 30 identical signals are received with respect to one rotation of the rotating drum, the signals cannot be distinguished from each other, and are simply integrated externally as simple pulse signals. This is because the rotation position of the rotating drum cannot be detected. To detect the rotational position, it is necessary to use different types of signals according to the rotational position. That is, if a signal corresponding to this rotational position is provided for each digit of the display device, the rotational position of each digit can be subdivided and obtained, and the positions of all digits of the rotating drum are instantly obtained by dividing it into 30 equal parts. (However, position uncertainty is up to 12 degrees).

  FIG. 7 shows an embodiment corresponding to claim 2 in which the rotating drums D are arranged in parallel by the number corresponding to the number of three digits. In the case of this embodiment, three rotating drums D1, D2 and D3 having accumulated numbers displayed on the outer periphery are provided, and one or a plurality of rotating drums D1 to D3 of each digit are long in the rotating direction of the drum. Arc-shaped elongated holes (three arc-shaped elongated holes H1, H2, H3 identical to those shown in FIG. 5 in the case of the illustrated example) are provided, respectively, and the rotating drums D1, D2 of each digit , D3, light-emitting elements A1 to A5 that irradiate light toward the rotation passing portions of the arc-shaped long holes H1 to H3, and arc-shaped long holes H1, H2, and H3 from the light-emitting elements at opposite positions on both sides of D3, D3. Light receiving elements B1 to B5 that receive the transmitted light are arranged in pairs. Since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first and second embodiments described above, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 8 shows an embodiment corresponding to claim 3 to which a light reflection type optical encoder is applied. The counter according to this embodiment includes a rotating drum D, a light reflecting film f provided on one side surface of the rotating drum, and a rotation passing portion of the light reflecting film f on one side in the axial direction of the rotating drum D. Two pairs of optical encoders comprising light emitting elements A1 and A2 arranged to irradiate light obliquely and light receiving elements B1 and B2 arranged to receive irradiation reflected light r from the light emitting elements. E1 and E2, and a counter that integrates signals received by the light receiving elements B1 and B2 as the light from the light emitting elements A1 and A2 is reflected by the light reflecting film f as the rotating drum D rotates. The light reflection film f is one or a plurality of arc-shaped long reflection films F that are long in the rotation direction of the rotary drum D (in the example shown, one arc-shaped long reflection film F that covers an angle range of 180 degrees in the drum rotation direction). ) And the light emitting element A1 By simultaneously or selectively reflect light to the light receiving element B1, B2 light from A2, it is the position in the rotational direction of the rotary drum D that is to be detected by subdivision. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the embodiment shown in FIG.

  If the light reflecting film is the arc-shaped long reflecting film F as described above, when light from the light emitting elements A1 and A2 is reflected on the arc-shaped long reflecting film F, the light receiving state by the light receiving elements B1 and B2 is long. This is continued, but this is detected as a one-pulse signal on the software.

  FIG. 9 shows an embodiment corresponding to claim 4 in which the rotating drum D is arranged in parallel by the number corresponding to the number of three digits. In the case of this embodiment, three rotating drums D1, D2, and D3 having accumulated numbers displayed on the outer periphery are provided, and one of the rotating drums D1 to D3 of each digit is long in the rotating direction of the drum or A plurality of arc-shaped long reflecting films (not shown) are provided, respectively, and light is directed toward the rotation passing portion of the arc-shaped long reflecting film on one side of the rotating drums D1, D2, and D3 of each digit. Three pairs of optical encoders E1, E2, and E3 each composed of light emitting elements A1, A2, and A3 that illuminate obliquely and light receiving elements B1, B2, and B3 that receive light reflected by the light reflecting film from the light emitting elements are respectively provided. It is arranged. Since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Moreover, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, the constituent elements over different embodiments may be combined.

The perspective view which showed the positional relationship of the rotating drum of the counter which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention, and a light emission and light receiving element. The side view which showed the positional relationship of the rotating drum of the counter shown in FIG. Action | operation explanatory drawing which shows the received signal form of the counter which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The perspective view which showed the positional relationship of the rotating drum of the counter which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention, and a light emission and light receiving element. The side view which showed the positional relationship of the rotating drum of the counter shown in FIG. 4, and a light emission and light receiving element. Action | operation explanatory drawing which shows the received signal form of the counter which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. FIG. 4 is a configuration explanatory view of a light transmission type counter in which the number of rotating drums corresponding to the number of three digits is arranged, wherein a part view (a) is a side view and a part view (b) is a front view. FIG. 2 is a configuration explanatory diagram of a counter to which a light reflection type optical encoder is applied, in which a part (a) is a side view and a part (b) is a front view. The structure explanatory drawing of the light reflection type counter in which the rotating drum was arranged in parallel by the number corresponding to the number of 3 digits. The perspective view which showed the positional relationship of the rotating drum and the light emission and light receiving element in the counter of the prior art example 1. FIG. The perspective view which showed the positional relationship of the rotating drum and the light emission and light receiving element in the counter of the prior art example 2. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

A1, A2 (A3, A4, A5) ... light emitting element,
B1, B2 (B3, B4, B5) ... light receiving element,
E1, E2 (E3, E4, E5) ... Optical encoder,
D (D1, D2, D3) ... rotating drum,
H (H1, H2, H3) ... arc-shaped long hole (light transmission hole),
F: Arc-like long reflective film (light reflective film).

Claims (4)

A rotating drum, a light transmission hole provided through the rotating drum in the axial direction, five light emitting elements disposed on one side of the rotating drum in the axial direction, and the light emitting element disposed on the other side a Opti Cal encoder consisting of five light receiving elements for receiving light from the device, respectively, the signal light is received by the light receiving element passes through the light transmitting hole from the light emitting element in accordance with the rotation of said rotary drum In the counter to accumulate,
The light transmission holes are three arc-shaped long holes provided in an angle range of 0 degrees to 108 degrees, 192 degrees to 228 degrees, and 276 degrees to 312 degrees on a concentric circle along the rotation direction of the rotating drum, A plurality of sets of the light emitting element and the light receiving element are arranged in a confronting positional relationship that is displaced by a predetermined angle in the drum rotation direction on a concentric circle of the rotating drum, and the light from the light emitting element is received simultaneously or selectively. A counter characterized in that the position in the rotation direction of the rotating drum is subdivided and detected based on a combination of signals from the light receiving element by causing the element to transmit and receive light. Sides the rotary drum is the number fraction juxtaposed corresponding to the number of digits, with the circular arc-shaped long hole in the rotational direction of the drum to the rotating drum of the respective digits are provided respectively, sandwiching the rotary drum of each digit A light emitting element that irradiates light toward the rotation passing portion of the arc-shaped elongated hole and a light-receiving element that receives light transmitted through the arc-shaped elongated hole from the light emitting element are arranged in pairs. The counter according to claim 1. A rotating drum, a light reflecting film provided on one side of the rotating drum, and an axially one side of the rotating drum are disposed so as to irradiate light obliquely toward the rotation passing portion of the light reflecting film. An optical encoder comprising five light emitting elements and five light receiving elements arranged so as to receive irradiation reflected light from the light emitting elements, respectively, and light from the light emitting elements as the rotating drum rotates. In the counter that integrates the signals reflected by the light reflecting film and received by the light receiving element,
The light reflecting films are three arc-shaped long reflecting films provided in an angle range of 0 degrees to 108 degrees, 192 degrees to 228 degrees, and 276 degrees to 312 degrees on a concentric circle along the rotation direction of the rotating drum. A plurality of sets of the light emitting element and the light receiving element are disposed in a confronting positional relationship that is displaced by a predetermined angle in the drum rotation direction on the concentric circle of the rotating drum, and simultaneously or selectively receive light from the light emitting element. A counter characterized in that the position in the rotational direction of the rotating drum is subdivided and detected based on a combination of signals from the light receiving element by causing the element to reflect and receive light. The rotating drum is the number fraction juxtaposed corresponding to the number of digits, this together with the circular arc-shaped long reflection film in the direction of rotation of the drum to the rotating drum of each digit are provided respectively, the rotary drum of the each digit one Optical encoders each comprising a light emitting element that irradiates light obliquely toward the rotation passing portion of the arc-shaped long reflecting film and a light receiving element that receives light reflected by the arc-shaped long reflecting film from the light emitting element, respectively The counter according to claim 3, wherein the counter is provided.

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