Limit value detection device comprising counting unit

Abstract

The invention relates to a limit value detection device (100) for multiple detections of limit value events, comprising a capture mechanism (101) manufactured using microstructuring technology and having a first capture element (103) and a second capture element (203), each capture element (103, 203) comprising a plurality of capture portions (102a, 102b... 102n; 220a, 220b,..., 220m) of the plurality of elements; a pawl (104) configured to engage in a catch intermediate space between two adjacent catches (102a, 102b) of the first catch element (103), where the first catch element (103) is movable relative to the pawl (104) in a freewheel rotational direction (106), and a movement of the first catch element (103) relative to the pawl (104) in a blocking direction (107) is blockable by means of the pawl (104); and an actuation device (108) configured to move the first catch element (103) and the pawl (104) relative to each other in the freewheel rotation direction (106) in a catch-in-catch manner. According to the invention, the first capture element (103) and the second capture element (203) together form a counting unit in which a counter state for indicating a detected limit value event is determined on the basis of the position or positioning of the two capture elements (103, 203) relative to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for repeatedly detecting limit value events. Such limit value events are defined as falling below or exceeding preset threshold values. These threshold values ​​may be, for example, threshold values ​​of pressure, temperature, acceleration, mechanical force, etc. Background Art

[0002] In many industrial processes, it can be important to detect and identify such exceeding or falling below limit values ​​within a specific time period. One example of this is critical temperature loads that occur, for example, during product production, in logistics chains, during product use, or generally in processes where products are subject to temperature influences.

[0003] Exceeding acceleration limits, for example in a drop sensor in a smartphone, or exceeding pressure limits, for example in a gas cylinder, are of particular concern in industry today. Often, there is an interest in understanding how often predefined limit values ​​are exceeded or undershot.

[0004] Furthermore, in medical or clinical settings, limit value detection devices are used for autoclaving in the form of so-called "sterilization cycle counters." Autoclaving, i.e., steam sterilization of instruments in clinical settings, is essential for ensuring the sterility and safe reuse of sterilized medical instruments. However, this process, which uses high-temperature, saturated steam, often places a considerable strain on the instruments and must not exceed certain maximum limits.

[0005] WO 2018 / 069079 A1 describes a universal device for detecting limit value events. This device includes a gear or rack with teeth that engage a pawl. After each detected limit value event, the pawl advances one tooth. However, the number of limit value events that can be detected using this device is always strictly limited to the number of teeth present. For example, in the case of a gear with twelve teeth (and correspondingly twelve tooth spaces in which the pawl can engage), the number of limit value events to be detected is limited to exactly eleven, because after the twelfth pass, the device returns to the initial state of the first tooth. After a complete pass, the device must be reset before a new count can be started. Otherwise, an overflow occurs, and the device starts counting from "1" even though it has actually detected the twelfth limit value event. In certain applications, this can lead to undesirable side effects. For example, in the case of a sterilization cycle counter that counts the number of sterilization cycles performed on surgical instruments, an incorrect indication of the number of sterilization cycles that have occurred can pose a significant risk to the durability of the surgical instrument and, therefore, the safety of the patient undergoing surgery.

[0006] Because the number of limit value events to be detected is limited by the number of teeth or catches (latches) of the capture element (e.g., gear), the user must be extremely careful when counting detected limit value events to avoid overlooking overflows. This can be circumvented by increasing the number of possible limit value events to be detected. To this end, increasing the number of catches or teeth could be considered. However, the capture element (e.g., gear) cannot be increased as desired, as this would no longer be in line with the concept of microstructuring technology.

[0007] It is therefore desirable to improve existing microstructured limit value detection devices such that the number of detectable limit value events can be significantly increased, preferably while maintaining as small a form factor as possible for the microstructured limit value detection device. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This object is achieved according to the invention by a limit value detection device comprising the features of claim 1 .

[0009] The limit value detection device according to the present invention includes, among other things, a capture (or latch) mechanism. The capture mechanism includes a first capture element having multiple capture portions, and at least a second capture element having multiple capture portions. The capture mechanism may also include more than two capture elements. The limit value detection device also includes at least one pawl configured to engage with the capture portion intermediate space between two adjacent capture portions of one of the capture elements. The capture portion intermediate space is the gap between the two capture portions. The pawl blocks movement of the capture element of the capture portion engaged by the pawl in a first direction. Therefore, the first direction is also referred to as the blocking direction. However, the pawl allows movement in the opposite direction. Therefore, this opposite direction is also referred to as the freewheeling direction. Thus, the capture element of the capture portion engaged by the pawl can move relative to the pawl in the freewheeling direction, while movement of the capture element in the blocking direction is blocked by the pawl. The limit value detection device according to the present invention also includes an actuating device configured to actuate the first capture element or pawl so that the first capture element moves relative to the pawl in the freewheeling direction, capture portion by capture portion. According to the present invention, this relative movement occurs in a catch-by-catch manner, meaning that the first catch element and the pawl move forward by exactly one catch element with each deflection of the actuator. In other words, with each deflection of the actuator, the first catch element and the pawl move relative to each other, causing the first catch element to gradually move forward relative to the pawl, moving one catch element with each actuation. If a limit value is determined to have been exceeded or fallen below, the actuator moves the first catch element relative to the pawl by one catch element. The actuator can then return to its starting position. Thus, the occurrence of a limit value event can be detected multiple times. The actuator can be sensitive to the variable to be measured for limit value detection purposes. This means, for example, that the actuator can deflect in response to force, temperature, pressure, current, etc., so that if a predetermined threshold value of the variable to be measured is fallen below or exceeded, the actuator actuates the first catch element or the pawl, causing them to move relative to each other by one catch element. According to the present invention, two or more catch elements of the catch mechanism together form a counting unit, where the number of limit value events to be detected is determined based on the position or positioning of each catch element relative to the other. This essentially amounts to encoding the number of limit value events to be detected by means of the capture elements. In this case, all participating capture elements can be considered to determine the number of limit value events that have occurred. In the sense of encoding, the corresponding positioning or position of the individual capture elements always together define a one-to-one combination. The number of possible one-to-one positioning combinations depends on, among other factors, the number of capture parts (e.g. teeth) of the respective capture elements. For example, if two capture elements are involved, the number of capture parts (e.g. teeth) of the first capture element differs from the number of capture parts (e.g. teeth) of the second capture element and there is no greatest common divisor between them, then a particularly large number of possibilities arises.

[0010] According to the invention, the capture mechanism is manufactured using microstructuring technology and can be embodied, for example, as a microsystem or micromachine or microelectromechanical system, the abbreviation for microelectromechanical system being MEMS. Microsystems differ significantly from precision engineering structures in terms of structure and production requirements. While precision engineering structures, such as the gears of a clock, are usually stamped or occasionally laser cut, microsystem structures are usually manufactured using etching processes. Many structures that can be manufactured using precision engineering can only be realized very difficultly or even not at all using microsystem technology. However, manufacturing the capture mechanism as a microsystem has the decisive advantage that the capture mechanism becomes very compact and space-saving. In particular, compared to the above-mentioned precision engineering structures, microsystem structures are usually several orders of magnitude smaller. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings and are explained below, in which:

[0012] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an inventive limit value detection device according to a first embodiment,

[0013] Figure 2 Shown for illustration Figure 1 and Figure 3 The coding table of the counter state of the counter unit,

[0014] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of an inventive limit value detection device according to another embodiment,

[0015] Figure 4A shows a schematic diagram of an inventive limit value detection device according to another embodiment,

[0016] Figure 4B shows a schematic diagram of an inventive limit value detection device according to another embodiment,

[0017] Figure 5 Shown for illustration from Figure 4A The coding table of the counter state of the counter unit,

[0018] Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of a capture element according to an embodiment, wherein the capture element has electrical components for reading out a counter state of a counter unit,

[0019] Figure 7 shows another schematic diagram of a capture element according to an embodiment, wherein the capture element has electrical components for reading out a counter state of a counter unit, and

[0020] Figure 8A further schematic diagram of a capture element according to an embodiment is shown, wherein the capture element has electrical components for reading out a counter state of a counter cell. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] An embodiment is described below in which a counter unit is formed by a first capture element 103 and a second capture element 203. This serves only to illustrate the general concept. It is also conceivable that more than two capture elements exist, which together form a counter unit. In the case of three or more capture elements, these multiple capture elements, for example, connected in parallel, can all engage with the same capture element, for example, the first capture element 103. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that multiple capture elements are all connected in series, so that each capture element engages only in one other capture element. In principle, a series connection of capture elements can also be combined with a parallel connection of capture elements.

[0022] Furthermore, the individual capture elements can be of an annular configuration, wherein one or more further capture elements can be arranged inside and / or outside the annular capture element. The capture elements arranged inside can all engage with the annular capture element in the sense of being connected in parallel. Alternatively or additionally, the capture elements arranged inside can all be connected in series in the sense of being connected in series. The same applies to the further capture elements arranged outside. It is also conceivable that multiple annular capture elements are arranged inside one another.

[0023] In the following, embodiments will be described in which the capture elements have external teeth. Alternatively or additionally, these capture elements may also have internal teeth. And vice versa.

[0024] In some embodiments, by way of example only, the first capture element 103 and the second capture element 203 are each configured as a gear, in which case the capture portions 102a, 102b...102n; 220a, 220b...220m are configured as teeth of the respective gears 103, 203. In other embodiments, the first capture element 103 and the second capture element 203 are each configured as a rack, in which case the capture portions 102a, 102b...102n; 220a, 220b...220m are configured as teeth of the respective racks 103, 203. Everything described below when referring to a gear also applies to a rack, and vice versa.

[0025] Figure 1A first embodiment of an inventive limit value detection device 100 is shown. The limit value detection device 100 includes a capture mechanism 101. In this example, the capture mechanism 101 includes a first capture element 103 and a second capture element 203. However, it is also conceivable that the capture mechanism 101 includes more than two capture elements, with the capture elements 103 and 203 being shown here purely as an example. In this case, of course, everything described herein with respect to the first capture element 103 and the second capture element 203 also applies accordingly to each of the other capture elements. In the sense of being connected in series, two or more capture elements can be arranged so that each capture element engages precisely in one of the other capture elements. Alternatively, in the sense of being connected in parallel, two or more capture elements can be arranged so that the second capture element and each additional capture element engage in the first capture element. However, in order not to unnecessarily complicate the description, only two capture elements are described below by way of example.

[0026] In the embodiment shown here, the two catch elements 103, 203 are each embodied as a gear with external teeth. However, it is also conceivable that at least one of the two catch elements 103, 203 is embodied as a rack with internal teeth or with multiple teeth.

[0027] The catch mechanism 101 may additionally include a pawl 104 that is functionally coupled to one of the catch elements 103, 203. The pawl 104 may, for example, engage in the intermediate space between two catch portions 102a, 102b, ..., 102n; 220a, 220b, ..., 220m. The pawl 104 may be configured such that it allows the corresponding catch element 103, 203 to move in only one direction while inhibiting movement in the corresponding opposite direction.

[0028] The first catch element 103 comprises a plurality of n (at least two) catch portions 102a, 102b, ... 102n, which are implemented in the form of teeth. An intermediate space between the catch portions, into which the pawl 104 can engage, is formed between every two adjacent catch portions.

[0029] The second catch element 203 also includes a plurality, namely m (at least two) of catch portions 220a, 220b ... 220m, which are implemented in the form of teeth. In the embodiment shown here, the teeth or catch portions 102a, 102b ... 102n of the first gear or catch element 103 engage with the teeth or catch portions 220a, 220b ... 220m of the second gear or catch element 203.

[0030] The first catch element 103 is movable relative to the pawl 104 in a freewheel rotation direction 106. On the other hand, the movement of the first catch element 103 in a blocking direction 107 can be blocked by means of the pawl 104. This can be achieved, for example, by a suitable geometry of the pawl 104 and the individual catch portions 102a, 102b, ..., 102n.

[0031] The device 100 according to the invention further comprises an actuating device 108. The actuating device 108 is configured to move the first catch element 103 and the pawl 104 relative to each other in a catch-by-catch manner in the freewheel rotational direction 106. This means that the actuating device 108 can actuate the first catch element 103 or the pawl 104 in order to move the first catch element 103 relative to the pawl 104 in a catch-by-catch manner.

[0032] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 108 actuates the first capture element 103. To this end, the actuator 108 may include a thermal bending transducer 111. The thermal bending transducer 111 may, for example, be a bimetallic strip having different thermal expansion coefficients. The thermal bending transducer 111 may also include a so-called bimorph. While a bimetallic strip comprises two metals having different thermal expansion coefficients, a bimorph typically comprises two different materials. For example, a bimorph may include a first active region comprising a metal and a second active region comprising silicon.

[0033] The thermal bending transducer 111 may, for example, include a thermally deformable active region. As a function of temperature, the thermal bending transducer 111 is preferably deflectable in a first direction 113. After cooling, the thermal bending transducer 111 returns to its original shape. The thermal bending transducer 111 may also include a shape memory alloy (SMA).

[0034] The actuating device 108 can advantageously be configured such that, when predetermined limit values ​​are exceeded and / or undershot, it deflects in the first direction 113 in order to move the first catch element 103 catch-by-catch in the freewheel rotational direction 106 by means of this deflection.

[0035] In the embodiment shown here, the actuation device 108 comprises an actuation element 112 which can engage in a catch portion intermediate space between two adjacent catch portions 102a, 102b ... 102n of the first catch element 103. The actuation element 112 can, for example, comprise a pawl-like shape which is configured to engage between two adjacent catch portions 102a, 102b ... 102n of the first catch element 103.

[0036] Actuating element 112 can be additionally coupled to thermal bending transducer 111 so that when thermal bending transducer 111 deflects, actuating element 112 moves along with thermal bending transducer 111. For example, when a temperature limit is exceeded (alternatively, when the temperature is below the limit), thermal bending transducer 111 can be deformed in first direction 113, and actuating element 112 can also be moved in first direction 113. Actuating element 112 locks between two adjacent catches 102a, 102b, ..., 102n, thereby moving first catch element 103 in freewheel rotation direction 106. Pawl 104 unlocks, first catch element 103 rotates further by one catch, and pawl 104 locks in the intermediate space between the subsequent catches. In this embodiment, first gear 103 will thus rotate exactly one tooth in freewheel rotation direction 106.

[0037] If the temperature subsequently drops below the temperature limit again (or alternatively, rises above the temperature limit), the thermal bending transducer 111 returns to its original shape and moves in a second direction 114 opposite to the first direction 113. As a result, the actuator element 112 also moves in this second direction 114 and, in this case, locks from the previous catch portion intermediate space into the next catch portion intermediate space. A new limit value test can then be performed.

[0038] According to the invention, the capture elements of the capture mechanism 101 (here the first capture element 103 and the second capture element 203) together form a counting unit, wherein the counter state for indicating a detected limit value event is determined based on the position or positioning of the individual capture elements 103, 203 relative to each other. Figure 1 102n or teeth of the first capturing element or gear 103 are numbered 1, 2, 3, ... n-1, n. The capturing elements 220a, 220b, ... 220m or teeth of the second capturing element or gear 203 are numbered 1, 2, 3, ... m-1, m.

[0039] In this embodiment, the capture portions or teeth 102a, 102b, ..., 102n of the first capture element or gear 103 engage the capture portions or teeth 220a, 220b, ..., 220m of the second capture element or gear 203. Therefore, during the rotation of the first gear 103, the second gear 203 also rotates continuously. This results in multiple one-to-one positioning or locations of the capture elements 103, 203 relative to each other.

[0040] This is particularly advantageous when the capture elements or gears 103, 203 of the capture mechanism each include a different number of capture portions or teeth. Thus, for example, with each capture portion-by-capture portion movement of a first capture element or gear 103, the same tooth (e.g., tooth number 2) of one gear 103, 203 can engage in a different capture portion intermediate space or tooth gap of the respective other gear 103, 203 (e.g., tooth gap 8 / 9 between teeth 8 and 9, and also tooth gap 20 / 21 between teeth 20 and 21). This results in different, but independent, positional combinations of the individual capture elements or gears 103, 203 relative to one another. This means that even if the smaller of the two gears 103, 203 (i.e., the gear comprising fewer teeth) rotates multiple times through 360°, the same tooth of the smaller gear 103, 203 can engage in the corresponding other tooth gap of the larger gear 103, 203 (i.e., the gear comprising more teeth) after each complete rotation, thereby achieving different one-to-one combinations of the positioning or positions of the engaging teeth of the two gears 103, 203 despite the smaller gear rotating multiple times through 360°.

[0041] To take the purely schematic example above, for example, a first position of the gears 103, 203 relative to one another, in which tooth number 2 of the first gear 103 engages in tooth gap 8 / 9 of the second gear 203, can represent a first counter state, and a different second position of the two gears 103, 203 relative to one another, in which tooth number 2 of the first gear 103 engages in tooth gap 20 / 21 of the second gear 203, can represent a different second counter state. This means that different positioning or positions of the two capture elements 103, 203 relative to one another represent different counter states of the counting unit.

[0042] The counter unit formed by the individual capture elements of the capture mechanism 101 (here the first capture element or gear 103 and the second capture element or gear 203) can indicate the counter status of a detected limit value event in a coded sense. The number of possible one-to-one positionings of the individual gears 103, 203 relative to each other determines the number of available code words. This will be referred to below. Figure 2 The table shown explains it in more detail.

[0043] Figure 2 The table in Figure 1 shows different possible combinations of positioning of the two gears relative to each other, where the number of teeth of the first gear Z1 is z1 = 3 teeth and the number of teeth of the second gear Z2 is z2 = 5 teeth. In this example, the first gear Z1 would correspond to the first arresting element 103 and the second gear Z2 would correspond to the second arresting element 203.

[0044] In the first column of the table, the counter states are indicated, which can be represented by means of a one-to-one position combination of the two gears Z1, Z2 relative to each other before the possible position combination repeats. The counter state represents the number of detected limit value events, for example the number of sterilization cycles performed (hence the counter state is exemplarily represented here by "cycles").

[0045] In the second column of the table, teeth 1, 2 and 3 of the first gear wheel Z1 are listed. In the third column of the table, teeth 1 to 5 of the second gear wheel Z2 are listed.

[0046] The fourth column of the table shows possible combinations of the teeth of the first gear Z1 and the teeth of the second gear Z2, and thus shows different combinations of the positions of the two gears Z1 and Z2 relative to each other. The first number represents the number of the tooth of the first gear Z1, and the second number, separated by a dash, represents the number of the tooth of the second gear Z2.

[0047] As can be seen from the table, during multiple 360° rotations, the same tooth of the first gear Z1 (e.g., tooth number 1) can contact different teeth of the second gear Z2. Thus, for example, during the first 360° rotation, tooth number 1 of the first gear Z1 can contact tooth number 1 of the second gear Z2 (see code word 1-1 in row 1 of the table). During the second 360° rotation of the first gear Z1, tooth number 1 of the first gear Z1 can contact tooth number 4 of the second gear Z2 (see code word 1-4 in row 4 of the table). During the third 360° rotation of the first gear Z1, tooth number 1 of the first gear Z1 can contact tooth number 2 of the second gear Z2 (see code word 1-2 in row 7 of the table). During the fourth 360° rotation of the first gear Z1, tooth number 1 of the first gear Z1 can contact tooth number 5 of the second gear Z2 (see code word 1-5 in row 10 of the table). During the fifth 360° rotation of the first gear Z1, tooth number 1 of the first gear Z1 can come into contact with tooth number 3 of the second gear Z2 (see code word 1-3 in row 13 of the table). During the sixth 360° rotation of the first gear Z1, the initial state is reached again, where tooth number 1 of the first gear Z1 again comes into contact with tooth number 1 of the second gear Z2 (see code word 1-1 in row 16 of the table). From this point on, the encoding repeats.

[0048] The number of limit value events to be detected is thus encoded in a code that is generated by different combinations of tooth positions or different combinations of positions of the two gears 103, 203 relative to one another. Here, each individual digital code or codeword, i.e., each different engagement position of the teeth of the first gear Z1 with the teeth of the second gear Z2, corresponds to a different position or location of the two gears Z1, Z2 relative to one another. In other words, the first capture element or gear 103 and the second capture element or gear 203 together form a counting unit in which the number of limit value events to be detected is determined based on the different possible positions or locations of the two capture elements 103, 203 relative to one another.

[0049] Based on a first gear Z1 with z1=3 teeth and a second gear Z2 with z2=5 teeth, the description has been made purely by way of example. Figure 2 The coding table shown in . Of course, it is conceivable that the two gears have completely different numbers of teeth. Therefore, other combination possibilities also arise from this. In addition, it is conceivable to use more than two gears for coding.

[0050] This encoding is particularly suitable for situations where the individual gears Z1 and Z2 have different numbers of teeth. If the number of teeth of the individual gears Z1 and Z2 does not have a greatest common divisor (GCD), the number of possible combinations can be maximized. In this case, the maximum number of codewords or combinations will be possible, which is calculated by multiplying the number of teeth of the individual gears Z1 and Z2 (for example according to: z1*z2). Figure 2 In the example of , 3*5=15 different one-to-one position combinations of the two gear wheels Z1 , Z2 relative to each other are possible.

[0051] This means that, although the two gear wheels Z1 , Z2 have only three and five teeth, 15 different positions and therefore 15 different counter states are possible for counting limit value events.

[0052] If the number of teeth of the two gears Z1, Z2 should have a greatest common divisor (GCD), the number of possible one-to-one combinations is calculated according to the following formula: z1 / GCD*z2. So, for example, if the first gear Z1 had six teeth instead of the five teeth mentioned above, the greatest common divisor would be the number 3. Therefore, instead of the 15 one-to-one position combinations mentioned above, only six one-to-one position combinations would be possible, even though the first gear Z1 has one more tooth here.

[0053] Typically, the start or initial positioning of the respective capture element or gear 103, 203 (e.g. code word 1-1 in row 1 of the table) represents a count of "0". Thus, for example, a sterilization cycle counter in the starting position (code word 1-1) has not yet passed the sterilization process. This is indicated by the counter state "0" in row 1 of the table. During the first sterilization process, the counter moves to the value "1", which is indicated by the counter state "1" in row 2 of the table. This means that exactly one of all possible position combinations of the gears 103, 203 is reserved for the starting position. Still in the example above, with 15 possible one-to-one position combinations, 14 countable sterilization cycles will be reached plus one position combination of the starting positions of the two gears 103, 203 for counter state "0". This means that countable limit value events (such as sterilization cycles) are calculated according to the following formula:

[0054] (Number of possible one-to-one position combinations) - 1

[0055] If the number of teeth of the two gears 102, 203 does not have a greatest common divisor (GCD), then using a counting unit formed by the individual catch elements of the catch mechanism 101 (here formed by the first gear 103 and the second gear 203), (z1*z2)-1 different counter states for counting limit value events can be achieved. If there is a GCD, the number of possible one-to-one counter states is calculated according to the following formula:

[0056]

[0057] Typically, gears with fewer teeth have a smaller diameter than gears with more teeth. One embodiment of the present invention provides that, given the different numbers of teeth, the first capture element or gear 103 has fewer teeth than the second capture element or gear 203. Consequently, the first gear 103 will have a smaller diameter than the second gear 203. This has the advantage of achieving a gear reduction, requiring less torque to rotate the smaller first gear 103. This plays a significant role, particularly in components of the inventive limit value detection device 100 manufactured using microstructuring technology.

[0058] Figure 3 FIG. 1 shows a further conceivable embodiment of the inventive limit value detection device 100. Figure 1 Identical components having the same functions as explained herein are provided with the same reference numerals. Figure 1 .

[0059] Figure 3 The embodiment shown in Figure 1The embodiment shown in FIG differs in particular in that the second capture element or gear wheel 203 is arranged at a distance from the first capture element or gear wheel 103 and the capture portions or teeth 102a, 102b ... 102n; 220a, 220b ... 220m do not engage with one another. Figure 3 As shown, two capture elements 103 , 203 may be arranged adjacent to each other.

[0060] Here, it is also conceivable that the capture mechanism 101 includes more than two capture elements, and the capture elements 103, 203 are shown here purely by way of example. For example, one or more additional capture elements can interact with the first capture element 103, and / or one or more additional capture elements can interact with the second capture element 203.

[0061] In addition to the above-mentioned pawl 104, a second pawl 204 is provided, which can engage in a catch portion intermediate space or tooth gap between two adjacent catch portions or teeth 220a, 220b, ..., 220m of the second catch element or gear 203. The second pawl 204 allows the second catch element or gear 203 to move or rotate in a freewheel rotation direction 306 and blocks the second catch element or gear 203 from moving or rotating in an opposite blocking direction 307.

[0062] The actuating device 108 comprises a second actuating element 212 which can engage in a catch portion intermediate space or tooth gap between two adjacent catch portions or teeth 220a, 220b ... 220m of the second catch element or gear wheel 203. The second actuating element 212 can, for example, comprise a pawl-like shape which is configured to engage between two adjacent catch portions 220a, 220b ... 220m.

[0063] Advantageously, the actuator 108 can be configured such that, when a predetermined limit value is exceeded and / or fallen below, the actuator 108 deflects in a first direction 113 so as to move, in addition to the first capture element 103, the second capture element 203 is also moved in the freewheel rotation direction 106, 306 in a capture-by-capture manner by means of this deflection.

[0064] To this end, the second actuating element 212 can be coupled to the thermal bending transducer 111 so that when the thermal bending transducer 111 deflects, the second actuating element 212 moves along with the thermal bending transducer 111. For example, when a temperature limit is exceeded (or alternatively, when the temperature is below the limit), the thermal bending transducer 111 can deform in the first direction 113, and the second actuating element 212 can also move in the first direction 113. The second actuating element 212 locks between two adjacent catches 220a, 220b, ..., 220m, thereby moving the second catch element 203 in the freewheel rotation direction 306. The second pawl 204 unlocks, the second catch element 203 rotates by exactly one catch, and the second pawl 204 locks in the space between the subsequent catches. In this embodiment, the second gear 203 will therefore rotate further by exactly one tooth in the freewheel rotation direction 306.

[0065] If the temperature subsequently drops below the temperature limit again (or alternatively, has risen above the temperature limit), the thermal bending transducer 111 returns to its original shape and moves in a second direction 114 opposite to the first direction 113. As a result, the second actuating element 212 also moves in the second direction 114 and, in this case, locks from the previous catch portion intermediate space into the next catch portion intermediate space. Subsequently, a new limit value detection can be performed.

[0066] In this embodiment, there are also different one-to-one positions or positioning combinations of the individual catch elements or gears 103, 203 relative to each other. These different positions each represent a counter state of the counter unit formed by the individual catch elements of the catch mechanism 101 (here, the first catch element or gear 103 and the second catch element or gear 203).

[0067] according to Figure 2 The coding of the table shown also applies here in principle. A difference is only that the teeth of the individual gears 103, 203 do not engage with one another. However, the different one-to-one positions of the gears 103, 203 relative to one another are decisive and common to both embodiments.

[0068] For all embodiments described herein, a marking 300 can be present, for example, on, next to or between the gears 103, 203, wherein it can be read which tooth of the respective gear 103, 203 is currently located at the marking 300. The respective position or location of the respective capture element or gear 103, 203 can be determined at the marking 300. Figure 3 A single marking 300 is shown purely by way of example in FIG. However, it is also possible to provide each capture element 103 , 203 with a separate marking.

[0069] exist Figure 3In the example shown, for example, tooth number 12 of the first capture element or gear 103 and tooth number 1 of the second capture element or gear 203 would be opposite each other at reference 300. This would correspond to codeword 12-1, which in turn would correspond to a particular counter state of the counter unit.

[0070] Figure 4A A further embodiment of the inventive limit value detection device 100 is shown. Figure 1 and Figure 3 Identical parts having the same functions are provided with the same reference numerals, and reference is made to the accompanying drawings for the description in this regard.

[0071] In accordance with Figure 1 and Figure 3 In the aforementioned embodiment, the second capture element or gear 203 moves or rotates continuously with the first capture element or gear 103, i.e., each time the first capture element or gear 103 rotates further by one capture portion, the second capture element or gear 203 also rotates further by one capture portion. Thus, the second capture element or gear 203 moves continuously with the first capture element or gear 103. This can be achieved by the engagement of the teeth of the two gears 103, 203 ( Figure 1 ), or alternatively ( Figure 3 ) is that the actuating device 108 causes the two gears 103 and 203 to move or rotate a capture portion or a tooth together through an actuating operation.

[0072] Figure 4A The embodiment shown in FIG differs from the previously discussed embodiments, inter alia, in that the second capture element or gear 203 is discontinuously displaced from the first capture element or gear 103. This means that during each capture-by-capture movement or rotation of the first capture element or gear 103, the second capture element or gear 203 does not move or rotate in a capture-by-capture manner. Instead, during every n-th capture-by-capture movement or rotation of the first capture element or gear 103, the second capture element or gear 203 rotates by only one capture portion, where n>1.

[0073] exist Figure 4A In the example shown, the second capture element or gear 203 moves or rotates only one capture portion or one tooth during each complete rotation (360°) of the first capture element or gear 103. This means that the first capture element or gear 103 first rotates completely through all capture portions or teeth 102a, 102b...102n, and then the second capture element or gear 203 moves or rotates through a single capture portion or single tooth 220a, 220b...220m.

[0074] To this end, the first arresting element or gear 103 can include a drive (or stop) element 400. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the first gear 103 comprises an annular structure, i.e., a toothed section with teeth 102a, 102b ... 102n, which are arranged radially outside the outer circumference 420 of the first gear 103. In this embodiment, the drive element 400 is arranged on the inner circumference 430 of the annular first gear 103.

[0075] According to such an embodiment, the first capture element or gear 103 can thus be of an annular configuration, wherein the capture portions or teeth 102a, 102b...102n are arranged in the form of external teeth on the outer circumference 420 of the annular first capture element or gear 103. The annular first capture element or gear 103 can also include a drive element 400, which is arranged on the inner circumference 430 of the annular first capture element or gear 103.

[0076] like Figure 4A As exemplarily shown in FIG, the second capture element or gear 203 can be arranged inside the annular first capture element or gear 103. In this case, the outer diameter of the second capture element or gear 203 (including the teeth 220a, 220b...220m) will be smaller than the inner diameter of the annular first capture element or gear 103 (without the drive element 400).

[0077] The teeth 220a, 220b ... 220m of the second capture element or gear 203 can be realized in the form of external teeth on the outer circumference of the second capture element or gear 203. Therefore, the teeth 220a, 220b ... 220m of the external teeth of the second capture element or gear 203 are opposite the drive element 400, which is arranged on the inner circumference 420 of the annular first capture element or gear 103.

[0078] The drive element 400 can engage with the teeth 220a, 220b ... 220m of the outer teeth of the second catch element or gear 203. As a result, the drive element 400 rotates the second catch element or gear 203 catch by catch, ie exactly one catch or exactly one tooth.

[0079] As Figure 4A Alternatively or in addition to the illustrated embodiment, it is conceivable that the second capture element or gear 203 or at least one further capture element is arranged outside the first capture element 103. In this case, the drive element 400 or the further drive element would also be arranged on the outer circumference 420 of the first capture element 103. Here, the drive element would move the outer-arranged capture element discontinuously (e.g., after each complete 360° rotation of the first capture element 103) by one capture portion.

[0080] Suitably, the first capture element or gear 103 includes exactly one drive element 400 on the inner circumference 430 and / or on the outer circumference 420. Thus, the first capture element or gear 103 can rotate a full 360° before the drive element 400 causes the second capture element or gear 203 to move exactly one catch or tooth. In other words, the second capture element or gear 203 rotates only one catch or tooth after each full 360° rotation of the first capture element or gear 103.

[0081] If the first capture element or gear 103 comprises exactly one single drive element 400, firstly all teeth 102a, 102b...102n of the outer teeth of the first capture element or gear 103 can be completely passed through and used to count detected limit value events (e.g. exceeding a temperature threshold), while the second capture element or gear 203 is always in the same position.

[0082] Only after completely passing all teeth 102a, 102b ... 102n of the outer teeth of the first capture element or gearwheel 103, i.e., after the first capture element or gearwheel 103 has rotated a full 360°, can the second capture element or gearwheel 203 be rotated by exactly one capture portion or one tooth by means of the drive element 400, thereby assuming a new second position. In the second position of the second capture element or gearwheel 203, the first capture element or gearwheel 103 can again pass all teeth 102a, 102b ... 102n, i.e., complete a new 360° rotation.

[0083] It is also conceivable that the capture mechanism 101 includes more than the two capture elements 103, 203 shown purely by way of example. It is particularly conceivable that further capture elements be provided that have the same functions and features as the second capture element 203 described here by way of example. One or more additional capture elements may be arranged within the first capture element 103, as described using the example of the second capture element 203. Alternatively or additionally, one or more additional capture elements may be arranged outside the first capture element 103.

[0084] Since the counter unit according to the invention is always formed by the individual capture elements of the capture mechanism 101 (here formed by the first capture element or gear 103 and the second capture element or gear 203), the individual capture elements or gears 103, 203 are used to count the detected limit value events. Here, a plurality of possible one-to-one positionings of the individual gears 103, 203 relative to each other are also generated, which can represent the counter state in a coded sense. This will be explained below based on Figure 5 The table shown explains it in more detail.

[0085] Figure 5 The table in FIG. 1 shows by way of example the different possible combinations of the positions of the two gears relative to each other, as shown in FIG. Figure 4A Here, the first capture element or gear 103 includes a drive element 400. After each complete 360° rotation of the first capture element or gear 103, the drive element 400 actuates the second capture element or gear 203 and causes it to move or rotate one capture portion or one tooth.

[0086] The table shows two gears, Z1 and Z2, with different numbers of teeth. The first gear Z1 has three teeth, while the second gear Z2 has five teeth. Here, the first gear Z1 corresponds to the second arresting element 203, while the second gear Z2 corresponds to the first arresting element 103.

[0087] In the first column of the table, the possible counter states are indicated by means of a one-to-one position combination of the two gear wheels Z1, Z2 relative to each other before a repetition of the possible position combination occurs. For a further explanation of the counter states, refer to Figure 2 Description of the displayed table.

[0088] In the second column of the table, teeth 1, 2, and 3 of the first gear Z1 are listed. In the third column of the table, teeth 1 to 5 of the second gear Z2 are listed.

[0089] The fourth column of the table shows the possible combinations of teeth of the first gear Z1 and the second gear Z2, along with the resulting codewords. These codewords describe the different position combinations of the two gears Z1 and Z2 relative to each other. The first digit represents the number of the tooth of the first gear Z1, and the second digit, separated by a dash, represents the number of the tooth of the second gear Z2.

[0090] As mentioned above Figure 4A As explained, the first capture element or gear 103 (here Z2) rotates a full 360°, while the second capture element or gear 203 (here Z1) remains in the same position or location during this time.

[0091] In the table, this can be seen from the fact that gear Z2 rotates through all five teeth (corresponding to a complete 360° rotation), while gear Z1 remains in the first tooth position during this time. This can be seen in the first five rows of the table, where gear Z1 always remains in position 1 or tooth position 1, while gear Z2 assumes tooth positions 1 to 5. This therefore results in the numerical codes 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, and 1-5.

[0092] After a complete 360° rotation, i.e., when the first tooth of gear Z2 has returned to its starting position (row 6), gear Z1, with the aid of gear Z2's drive element 400, rotates one tooth. Gear Z1 is now in the second tooth position. This is indicated by the number 2 in the table's "Z1" column and rows 6-10. While gear Z1 remains in this second tooth position, gear Z2 rotates again through all five teeth, i.e., a 360° rotation. This is indicated by the numbers 1-5 in the table's "Z2" column and rows 6-10. This results in the numerical codes 2-1, 2-2, 2-3, 2-4, and 2-5.

[0093] After another full 360° rotation, when the first tooth of gear Z2 reaches its starting position again (row 11), gear Z1 rotates one tooth again with the aid of gear Z2's drive element 400. Gear Z1 is now in the third tooth position. This is indicated by the number 3 in the "Z1" column and rows 11-15 of the table. While gear Z1 remains in this third tooth position, gear Z2 rotates through all five teeth again, i.e., 360°. This is indicated by the numbers 1-5 in the "Z2" column and rows 11-15 of the table. This results in the numerical codes 3-1, 3-2, 3-3, 3-4, and 3-5.

[0094] The number of limit value events to be detected is thus encoded in a code generated by the different combinations of the positions or locations of the individual gears Z1 and Z2 relative to one another. Each position corresponds to exactly one digital code or codeword. In other words, the individual capture elements of the capture mechanism 101 (here, the first capture element or gear 103 and the second capture element or gear 203) together form a counting unit in which the number of limit value events to be detected is determined based on the different possible positions or locations of the individual capture elements 103 and 203 relative to one another.

[0095] Based on a gear Z1 with z1=3 teeth and a gear Z2 with z2=5 teeth, the description has been made purely by way of example. Figure 5 The coding table shown in . Of course, it is conceivable that the two gears Z1, Z2 have completely different numbers of teeth. Therefore, other combination possibilities also arise from this. It is also conceivable to provide more than two capture elements or gears.

[0096] The number of possible combinations, ie the maximum possible number of one-to-one codewords or combinations, is calculated from the product of the number of teeth of the individual gears (e.g. according to: z1*z2). Figure 5 In the example of , 3*5=15 different or one-to-one position combinations of the two gear wheels Z1 , Z2 relative to each other are possible.

[0097] This means that, despite the two gear wheels Z1 , Z2 having only three and five teeth, 15 different positions and therefore also 15 different counter states can be achieved for counting limit value events.

[0098] It is also conceivable that the first capture element or gear 103 includes more than the single drive element 400 shown here by way of example. In addition to the second capture element or gear 203, it is also conceivable that there are additional capture elements or gears that can be moved in a capture-by-capture manner by the drive element 400 (or more drive elements). In addition to the second capture element or gear 203, it is also conceivable that there are additional capture elements or gears whose capture parts or teeth engage in the capture parts or teeth of the second capture element 203 and are moved by the second capture element 203.

[0099] Can be substituted for or added to Figure 4A In the illustrated embodiment, it is contemplated that the drive element 400 or an additional drive element is mounted on the outer circumference 420 of the first capture element or gear 103. Here, the drive element 400 can be positioned, for example, between two adjacent capture portions 102a, 102b. The drive element 400 can be longer than the capture portions 102a, 102b, ..., 102n, thereby protruding beyond the capture portions 102a, 102b, ..., 102n. In this case, the second capture element or gear 203 can be positioned at a distance from the first capture element or gear 103 such that the capture portions or teeth 102a, 102b, ..., 102n of the first capture element or gear 103 do not engage with the capture portions or teeth 220a, 220b, ..., 220m of the second capture element or gear 203. On the other hand, the protruding drive element 400 will be able to engage in the catches or teeth 220a, 220b...220m of the second catch element or gear wheel 203 in order to rotate the second catch element or gear wheel 203 by one catch or one tooth.

[0100] In accordance with Figure 4A In an embodiment, an end stop can also be implemented, wherein the second arresting element or the gear wheel 203 driven by the drive element 400 can hit the end stop after a complete 360° rotation. Thus, the maximum number of limit value events to be detected can be determined without overflows occurring.

[0101] Figure 4B A corresponding conceivable embodiment of the inventive limit value detection device 100 is shown, which has an end stop. Figure 4A Identical parts having the same functions are explained with the same reference numerals. For the description of this aspect, reference is made to Figure 4A In accordance with Figure 4BIn the exemplary embodiment, more than the two capture elements 103, 203 shown purely by way of example can also be provided. In particular, it is conceivable to provide further capture elements having the same functions and features as the second capture element 203 described here by way of example. As described using the example of the second capture element 203, one or more additional capture elements can be arranged inside the first capture element 103. Alternatively or additionally, one or more additional capture elements can be arranged outside the first capture element 103.

[0102] and Figure 4A One difference is that Figure 4B The illustrated embodiment features an optional end stop 410. End stop 410 is configured to prevent further rotation of the counter unit at a specific point. For example, it can prevent movement of the counter unit where overflow would otherwise occur, i.e., without end stop 410. This can occur, for example, after all tooth combinations or codewords have been traversed. Consequently, overflow can be prevented, which is advantageous for anti-counterfeiting purposes and can prevent manipulation.

[0103] The end stop 410 can be configured as a mechanical end stop. The end stop 410 can include, for example, a first stop element 411 protruding from the outer circumference of the second catch element or gear 203. For example, this can be configured in the form of an additional catch element or tooth. This additional tooth 411 can be arranged in the intermediate space between two adjacent catch portions 220a, 220b, ..., 220m.

[0104] The end stop 410 may also include a fixed second stop element 412. The second stop element 412 is arranged opposite the second catch element 203 such that the catches or teeth 220a, 220b...220m can pass over the second stop element 412 in an unhindered manner during rotation.

[0105] On the other hand, the first stop element 411 can be longer than the other catch portions 220a, 220b, ..., 220m, i.e., the first stop element 411 can protrude further from the outer circumference of the second catch element 203 than the other catch portions 220a, 220b, ..., 220m. The first stop element 411 can protrude to such an extent that it does not pass over the second stop element 412 unimpeded, but rather strikes the second stop element 412. As a result, further rotation of the second catch element 203 is prevented.

[0106] It is worth mentioning that Figure 4BThis is merely a schematic illustration. The end stop 410 or its stop elements 411, 412 can also be arranged at different locations. Furthermore, the stop elements 411, 412 are arranged so that the drive element 400 can move past them unimpeded. The first stop element 411 is also configured so that it does not contact the inner circumference 430 of the first arresting element 103.

[0107] exist Figure 4B In the purely exemplary shown position, a rotation of the first catch element 103 through exactly one complete revolution is still possible before the end stop 410 blocks a further movement of both catch elements 103 , 203 .

[0108] This end stop 410 is referred to above Figure 1 、 3 The embodiments discussed in and 4 are also possible. For example, one of the two capture elements 103, 203 shown here can be Figure 4B In this case, the Figure 4B The small internal catch element can serve purely for the purpose of realizing the end stop 410 , while the encoding described here is still realized by the two large catch elements 103 , 203 .

[0109] In all embodiments described herein, the movable components of the microstructured limit value detection device 100 can move within a common plane. The movable components include, among others, the capture elements or gears 103, 203 and the actuator 108. For example, the limit value detection device 100 can be arranged on a substrate such that all movable components move within the plane of the substrate, i.e., parallel to the substrate surface.

[0110] It is also conceivable that the catch element or gear 103, 203 has a scale based on which the teeth can be numbered and / or the counter status can be read. The scale can be mounted (e.g. printed, engraved or laser engraved) on the catch element or gear 103, 203. By means of the numbering of the catches or teeth, it can be read, for example, which catch or tooth 102a, 102b ... 102n of the catch of the first catch element or gear 103 is to engage with which catch or tooth 220a, 220b ... 220m of the second catch element or gear 203 ( Figure 1 ), or which capture portions are opposite each other and / or which capture portions are located at the markings (e.g. Figure 3 Typically, the positioning or location of the two capture elements or gears 103, 203 relative to each other can therefore be determined using a scale.

[0111] Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the counter status is read and possibly decoded by means of suitable electronic components.

[0112] The position or location of the respective capture element or gear 103 , 203 may be determined, for example, by means of an electrical component (eg a capacitor) which changes its electrical properties (eg capacitance) depending on the position of the respective capture element or gear 103 , 203 .

[0113] in this regard, Figure 6 A conceivable embodiment is shown using the example of a first capture element or gear 103, wherein the concept can also be transferred to a second capture element or gear 203. Figures 1 to 5 Identical parts having the same functions as explained herein have the same reference numerals. For the description in this respect, reference is made to these drawings.

[0114] The first catch element or gear 103 is here formed as a freely rotatable gear. However, it is also conceivable that the first catch element or gear 103 is elastically rotatable, i.e., the gear 103 can be rotated, for example, against the force of a spring. A spring (not shown here), such as a helical spring known from mechanical clocks, can be coupled to the gear 103 so that when the gear 103 moves in a first direction, the spring is tensioned (i.e., tensioned by pressure or tension), and when the gear 103 moves in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the spring is relaxed. This also applies to all embodiments discussed herein, as well as to the second catch element or gear 203.

[0115] exist Figure 6 In the illustrated gear 103, a pawl 104 engages in the inter-tooth space between two adjacent teeth 102a, 102b. As can be seen, due to the specific shape of the pawl 104 and the individual teeth 102a, 102b, a freewheeling direction 106 is created here as well, in which the gear 103 is freely rotatable relative to the pawl 104. However, in the opposite direction, i.e., in a blocking direction 107, the pawl 104 blocks movement of the gear 103.

[0116] In this embodiment, the actuating device 108 actuates the catch element 103 so as to move one catch portion 102a, 102b of the catch element 103 relative to the pawl 104 in a catch-by-catch manner in the freewheel rotation direction 106. It can be seen that the actuating device 108 engages the catch portion 102c of the catch element 103 so as to move the catch element 103 relative to the pawl 104 in a catch-by-catch manner.

[0117] Here, the inventive limit value detection device 100 is arranged on a substrate 210. The substrate 210 can be, for example, a silicon wafer. The inventive device 100 can be arranged as a microsystem on the substrate 210. For example, the illustrated gear structure 103 can be produced by a suitable etching method.

[0118] As indicated by arrow 205, the actuator 108 is deflected upwards in the image plane in order to actuate the gear 103. The actuator 108 is thus deflected in a horizontal direction, ie in a plane parallel to the substrate plane.

[0119] The movement of the actuating device 108 is essentially a pivoting movement caused by the supply of external energy, for example thermal energy, wherein in this example the actuating device 108 behaves approximately like a bent rod clamped on one side.

[0120] The use of the above-mentioned electrical components 109 for determining the actual position of the capture element 103 is not limited to Figure 6 The embodiment of the actuating device 108 is shown. In contrast, the electrical component 109 can be used independently of the specific configuration of the actuating device 108, which is why the electrical component 109 can be combined with all embodiments described herein.

[0121] The electrical component 109 is configured here purely by way of example as a capacitor. More precisely, the first capacitor plate 201 is arranged here on the substrate 210, and the second capacitor plate 202 is arranged on the capture element 103. It is also conceivable that the first capacitor plate 201 is arranged on the first capture element 103 and the second capacitor plate 202 is arranged on the second capture element 203 (not shown here).

[0122] It can be seen that the two capacitor plates 201, 202 are two semicircular segments. Figure 6 In the shown positioning of the gear 103 relative to the base plate 210, the two capacitor plates 201, 202 are aligned relative to each other so that they are positioned exactly relative to each other, ie so that they combine to form a complete circle in plan view.

[0123] Due to the relative positioning of the two capacitor plates 201, 202, capacitor 109 has a specific capacitance in this position. During the capture-to-capture movement of capture element 103 relative to substrate 210, gear 103 rotates relative to substrate 210, thereby changing the alignment of the two capacitor plates 201, 202 relative to each other. Simultaneously, the capacitance of capacitor 109 also changes. Electrical component 109 may be an adjustable component of a radio frequency identification (RFID) resonant circuit 207. In addition to capacitor 109, radio frequency identification (RFID) resonant circuit 207 may also include a coil 206. This is an inductive and capacitive (LC) resonant circuit, whose resonant frequency depends on the components.

[0124] The resonant frequency of the resonant circuit 207 varies depending on the capacitance of the adjustable capacitor 109. Thus, a specific positioning of the two capacitor plates 201, 202 relative to each other results in each position of the gear 103 relative to the base plate 210 or relative to the pawl 104. As a result, for each actual position, a specific capacitor capacitance and therefore a specific resonant frequency of the radio frequency identification (RFID) resonant circuit 207 is set.

[0125] This means that the RFID resonant circuit 207 has a specific resonant frequency for each actual position of the gear 103 relative to the substrate 210 or relative to the pawl 104. The RFID resonant circuit 207 can be read out with the aid of a suitable RFID reader. Here, the position of the gear 103 (second capacitor plate 202) relative to the substrate 210 (first capacitor plate 201) or relative to the pawl 104 can therefore be derived from the corresponding characteristic transmission frequency of the resonant circuit 207. Similarly, the position of the first capture element 103 relative to the second capture element 203 can be derived from the corresponding characteristic transmission frequency of the resonant circuit 207.

[0126] To this end, the device 100 may comprise an electronic interface 209. The electronic interface 209 makes it possible to read out variations of the electrical component 109, for example if the electrical component 109 directly represents an RFID resonant circuit or an adjustable component of a more complex electronic system.

[0127] If the electrical component 109 corresponds to a typical component of a resonant circuit 207 (capacitor, coil, resistor), for example a variable capacitor 109, and together with the coil structure 206 forms an LC resonant circuit 207, a change in capacitance also changes the oscillation characteristics of the resonant circuit 207. The resulting passive transponder of an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) system can be read wirelessly with a corresponding reader. It is also conceivable that the electrical component 109 is a coil, while the other resonant circuit element 206 is a capacitor.

[0128] If the electrical component 109 is part of an electronic circuit which in turn is part of an RFID transponder system, electrical energy can be wirelessly coupled to the circuit by means of a corresponding reader and can be used to perform functions of the electronic circuit, such as signal amplification, signal evaluation and further transmission tasks.

[0129] The electrical component 109 does not necessarily have to be a capacitor. It is also conceivable that the electrical component 109 is an ohmic resistor, a coil or an electro-optical element.

[0130] For example, in Figure 7An embodiment in which an ohmic resistor can be used is shown in . Again, only the first capture element 103 is shown purely by way of example, representing the two capture elements 103 , 203 . This means that everything described below relating to the first capture element 103 also applies to the second capture element 203 .

[0131] Here, the first catch element 103 is realized in the form of a rack comprising a plurality of teeth 102a, 102b. The actuating device 108 is realized in the form of a linear actuator, which actuates the catch element 103. The actuating device 108 pulls or pushes the rack 103 in the freewheel rotation direction 106.

[0132] During each catch-to-catch movement of the rack 103 by means of the actuating device 108 , the pawl 104 moves in the direction indicated by the arrow 110 towards or away from the rack 103 in order to thereby engage between the tooth intermediate spaces of two adjacent teeth 102 a , 102 b .

[0133] Although the arresting element 103 is shown here as a linear rack, it is also conceivable that the rack 103 is curved rather than linear. Thus, the rack 103 can also have a circular arc or circular segment structure, for example, wherein the teeth can be arranged radially on the inside and / or radially on the outside.

[0134] Regardless of whether the catch element 103 is a rack or a gear, the individual catches 102a, 102b are arranged one after another along the catch element 103 in the freewheel rotation direction 106, so that the pawl 104 continuously engages from one catch intermediate space 105a to the next adjacent catch intermediate space 105b in a catch-by-catch movement. As a result, for example, in the case of an endlessly rotating gear 103, there is no need to provide a separate reset mechanism.

[0135] The actuating device 108 may for example comprise a traction means 401 and a traction device 402, the traction device 402 actuating the actuating device 108 by means of the traction means 401, thereby moving the rack 103. The actuating device 108 may for example be mechanically (also thermally) or electrically deflectable.

[0136] As mentioned at the outset, electrical component 109 may be a variable ohmic resistor. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, resistor 109 may be positioned between catch mechanism 101 and substrate 210. Variable ohmic resistor 109 here roughly corresponds to a potentiometer. With each catch-to-catch movement of catch element 103 relative to pawl 104 or substrate 210, its resistance changes.

[0137] The ohmic resistor 109 can also be part of the resonant circuit 207. This is, for example, a detunable RL resonant circuit 207 having the mentioned ohmic resistor 109 and the coil arrangement 206.

[0138] Also in this embodiment, instead of an ohmic resistor, a capacitor can be used as the detunable electrical component 109 in order to form a detunable LC resonant circuit 207 together with the coil 206, as described above with reference to FIG. Figure 6 As stated.

[0139] As mentioned above Figure 6 As described above, the catch element 103 is freely movable or also elastically movable. Here, the rack 103 is drivable by a spring.

[0140] Figure 8 Such an embodiment is shown. The embodiment shown here is similar to the embodiment shown above with reference to Figure 7 The embodiment described differs in that here the actuating device 108 does not actuate the catch element 103 , but rather the pawl 104 .

[0141] The catch element 103 is prestressed (or biased) here by means of a tensioning element 501. The tensioning element 501 can be, for example, a tensioning spring that is initially stretched and thus prestressed. In the example shown here, the catch element 103 can be pulled against the tension of the tensioning spring 501 to the last tooth in the direction of freewheel rotation 106. The pawl 104 engages in the space between the last teeth and blocks movement of the catch element 103 in the blocking direction 107.

[0142] As mentioned at the outset, the actuator 108 here actuates the pawl 104. Here, the actuator 108 does not necessarily have to directly contact the pawl 104; rather, the actuator 108 can also be connected to the pawl 104, for example, by means of a connection means 502. The actuator 108 can also optionally include a deflection device 503, so that the actuator 108 does not necessarily have to move the pawl 104 in the same direction as the deflection direction of the actuator 108. This, of course, also applies to actuators 108 that actuate the catch element 103 instead of the pawl 104.

[0143] Therefore, the catch element 103 is pre-tensioned by means of the tensioning spring 501, i.e., the tensioning spring 501 pulls the catch element 103 in the blocking direction 107. However, the pawl 104 blocks movement of the catch element 103 in this blocking direction 107. During the movement of the pawl 104, the pawl 104 releases its engagement in the catch portion intermediate space 105a, and the pre-tensioned catch element 103 moves due to the pre-tensioning of the tensioning element 501, i.e., the tensioning spring 501 pulls the catch element 103 in the blocking direction 107. This is only possible because the pawl 104 has already released its engagement with the catch portion intermediate space 105a. However, in this case, the catch element 103 is only further pushed by one of the catch portions 102a, 102b before the pawl 104 reengages in the next adjacent catch portion intermediate space 105b.

[0144] Instead of the tension spring just described, a compression spring can also be provided which pushes the catch element 103 in the blocking direction 107. In this case, however, Figure 8 In contrast, the compression spring will act on the opposite side of the capture element 103 .

[0145] In order to prevent an unbraked sliding of the catch element 103 relative to the (temporarily non-engaged) pawl 104 , a braking device may be provided, such as an additional pawl or a mechanical stop.

[0146] Reference Figures 6 to 8 The electrical component 109 discussed can be used in all embodiments and variants of the present invention described herein to determine the counter state of the counter unit. Preferably, the first capture element 103 and the second capture element 203 can each include such an electrical component 109, by means of which the actual position of the respective capture element 103, 203 can be detected.

[0147] In addition, reference Figures 6 to 8 Everything described using the example of the first capture element 103 also applies to the second capture element 203. Furthermore, the capture elements 103, 203 can alternatively be embodied as a gear or a rack.

[0148] In addition, the content of WO 2018 / 069 079A1 is incorporated herein by reference.The following examples are also part of the present disclosure.

[0149] A first embodiment relates to a limit value detection device (100) for detecting limit value events multiple times. The limit value detection device (100) may include a capture mechanism (101) manufactured using microstructuring technology, the capture mechanism (101) having a first capture element (103) and a second capture element (203), wherein each capture element (103, 203) may include a plurality of capture portions (102a, 102b...102n; 220a, 220b...220m). The limit value detection device (100) may additionally include a pawl (104) configured to engage in a catch portion intermediate space (105) between two adjacent catch portions (102a, 102b) of the first catch element (103), wherein the first catch element (103) is movable relative to the pawl (104) in a freewheel rotation direction (106), and movement of the first catch element (103) relative to the pawl (104) in a blocking direction (107) can be blocked by means of the pawl (104). The limit value detection device (100) may additionally include an actuating device (108) configured to move the first catch element (103) and the pawl (104) relative to each other in a catch portion-by-catch portion manner in the freewheel rotation direction (106). The first capture element (103) and the second capture element (203) can together form a counting unit in which a counter state indicating a limit value event to be detected is determined based on the position or positioning of the two capture elements (103, 203) relative to each other.

[0150] According to a second embodiment which can be combined with the first embodiment, the capture mechanism ( 101 ) can be realized as a microsystem (micro-electromechanical system: MEMS).

[0151] According to a third embodiment, which can be combined with the first and / or second embodiment, the limit value detection device (100) can additionally include a substrate (210) on which the capture mechanism (101) is provided as a microsystem, and wherein the actuator (108) is deflected horizontally, i.e., in a plane parallel to the substrate plane. The substrate plane refers to the plane in which the substrate extends, which plane is bounded or spanned by the lateral outer edges of the substrate. For example, in the case of a wafer, the substrate plane is approximately equivalent to the wafer itself being flat. The movement in a plane parallel to the substrate plane can be, for example, a movement within or on the substrate.

[0152] According to a fourth embodiment, which can be combined with the first and / or second embodiments, the limit value detection device (100) can additionally include a substrate (210) on which the capture mechanism (101) is provided as a microsystem, and wherein the actuator (108) is deflected vertically, i.e. perpendicularly to the substrate plane. Here, the limit value detection device can include a deflection device, by means of which a deflection movement of the actuator (108) directed vertically (i.e. perpendicular to the substrate plane) can be deflected into a movement in a horizontal direction (i.e. parallel to the substrate plane). A vertical movement perpendicular to the substrate plane would, for example, be a movement of the actuator (108) away from the substrate plane, i.e. the actuator (108) would, for example, be moved vertically or perpendicularly away from the substrate. The corresponding deflection device can, for example, be provided in the form of a gear, in particular a bevel gear or a worm gear. However, it is also conceivable that the deflection device comprises a first and a second deflection means, wherein the first deflection means has an inclined surface and the second deflection means is in contact with the inclined surface. If the second deflection means exerts pressure on the inclined surface, the first deflection means moves in a direction that is inclined to the direction of movement of the second deflection means. For example, in the case of an inclined surface with an angle of 45°, a deflection from a horizontal to a vertical movement can be achieved. In this case, the actuation of the pawl (104) or the catch element (103, 203) is not carried out directly by the actuation device (108), but indirectly and with the help of the deflection device arranged between them. This means that the actuation device (108) actuates the deflection device (perpendicular to the substrate plane) and the deflection device actuates the pawl (104) or the catch element (horizontal to the substrate plane).

[0153] According to a fifth embodiment, which can be combined with one or more of the preceding embodiments, the associated catch portions of the catch element (103, 203) can be arranged one after another along the corresponding catch element (103, 203) in the direction of rotation of the freewheel, so that the pawl (104) engages continuously from one catch portion intermediate space to the next adjacent catch portion intermediate space during the catch portion-by-catch portion movement. This distinguishes the inventive limit value detection device (100) from other devices that only include one catch element with one catch portion and pawl. While in such systems a reset mechanism is necessarily required after a single actuation, in the inventive limit value detection device (100), the catch element (103, 203) can be moved multiple times relative to the pawl (104).

[0154] According to a sixth embodiment, which can be combined with one or more of the preceding embodiments, the first and second catch elements (103, 203) can each be implemented in the form of a freely rotatable gear, wherein the associated catch elements are formed in the form of teeth arranged radially on the outside or radially on the inside of the respective gear (103, 203). Such gears can also be produced relatively easily using microsystem technology. Furthermore, the embodiment of the catch element as a gear offers the advantage that the gear can be infinitely moved relative to the pawl (in a catch-by-catch manner). However, it is also conceivable to provide end stops to limit the number of catch-by-catch movements. For example, after a full rotation of the gear, the end stop can limit further rotation of the gear. Thus, it is possible to prevent a counter unit connected to the gear from being reset to zero after a predetermined number of catch-by-catch movements or rotations of the gear. Thus, it is possible to ensure that the counter status does not overflow. However, end stops can also be used in the case of a gear rack, etc., to prevent a specific number of catch-by-catch movements from being exceeded.

[0155] According to a seventh embodiment, which can be combined with one or more of the preceding embodiments, at least one of the two catch elements (103, 203) can be implemented in the form of a rack that is movable relative to the pawl (104), and wherein the catch portion is formed in the form of teeth arranged on the rack. For example, the rack can have a straight or curved shape. In the case of a curved shape, the teeth can be arranged on the inside, i.e. towards the center point of the curvature radius, and / or on the outside, i.e. on the side of the rack facing away from the center point of the curvature radius. It is conceivable that one of the two catch elements (103, 203) is implemented in the form of a rack, while the corresponding other of the two catch elements (103, 203) is implemented in the form of a gear. However, it is also conceivable that both catch elements (103, 203) are implemented in the form of a rack.

[0156] According to an eighth embodiment, which can be combined with one or more of the preceding embodiments, the actuating device (108) can actuate the first catch element (103) so as to move the first catch element (103) relative to the pawl (104) one catch portion at a time in a catch-by-catch manner in the freewheel rotation direction (106). As described above, the actuating device (108) can actuate the first catch element (103) directly or indirectly. The actuation of the first catch element (103) has the advantage that the pawl (104) can be arranged in a fixed manner when the first catch element (103) is moved in the freewheel rotation direction. The movement of the pawl (104) from one catch portion intermediate space to the next catch portion intermediate space in the direction of freewheel rotation can here occur, for example, by appropriately shaping the catch portions (102a, 102b...102n) and the pawl (104) so ​​that the pawl (104) slides over the catch portions along the side of the catch portions during the movement of the first catch element (103) and latches into the adjacent catch portion intermediate space.

[0157] According to a ninth embodiment, which can be combined with the eighth embodiment, the actuating device (108) can engage the catches (102a, 102b, ..., 102n) of the first catch element (103) in order to move the first catch element (103) relative to the pawl (104) in a catch-by-catch manner. Thus, the actuating device (108) can, for example, engage the teeth of a gear and directly move the gear by one tooth. This is a relatively simple way to actuate the first catch element, since no additional deflecting levers or the like are required.

[0158] According to a tenth embodiment, which can be combined with one or more of the preceding embodiments, the first catch element (103) can be pre-tensioned by means of a tensioning element (501), and the actuating device (108) can actuate the pawl (104), wherein during the movement of the pawl (104) releasing the engagement in the catch intermediate space (105a), the pre-tensioned first catch element (103) continues to move one catch (102a, 102b) due to the pre-tensioning before the pawl (104) reengages. This has the advantage that, for example, in the case of a theoretically infinitely rotatable gear, the pre-tensioning is only selected to such an extent that the gear only performs a predetermined maximum number of catch-by-catch movements. Thus, it can be ensured that no overflow occurs when reading the counter status. Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable to provide the above-mentioned end stop.

[0159] According to an eleventh embodiment, which can be combined with one or more of the before-addressed embodiments, the actuating means (108) can be thermally deflectable. Thus, exceeding of thermal limit values ​​can be measured.

[0160] According to a twelfth embodiment, which can be combined with one or more of the preceding embodiments, the actuator (108) can be a thermal bending transducer, and / or the actuator (108) can include a shape memory alloy. A thermal bending transducer is understood to be a component that changes its shape according to temperature. For example, when a limit temperature value is exceeded, the thermal bending transducer can be deformed in a first direction. When the temperature is below the limit value, the thermal bending transducer returns to its starting position again, i.e., it deforms again in another direction. The thermal bending transducer can also be a component known as a bimorph in English. Such a bimorph includes two or more active areas that can be driven independently of each other. For example, a thermal bimorph includes two active areas, which, when the temperature exceeds a limit value, deform in a first direction. When the temperature is below the limit value, the two active areas move back to their starting position again, i.e., move in an opposite second direction. The two active areas can have different thermal expansion coefficients. As a result, the deformation amounts of the two active areas are different, which in turn leads to mechanical deflection of the bimorph. Thus, the thermal bimorph can move in two directions in response to temperatures falling below or exceeding a limit.

[0161] According to a thirteenth embodiment, which can be combined with one or more of the preceding embodiments, the actuator (108) can be mechanically or electrically deflectable. For example, the actuator (108) can be mechanically deflected using a specific force (e.g., pressure). This can be, for example, atmospheric pressure, i.e., the actuator (108) can be used, for example, in a dive timer and can indicate the number of dives. However, the actuator (108) can also be deflected, for example, by an acceleration force. Thus, for example, it is possible to detect whether the device has been dropped from a specific height and how often it has been dropped, or it is possible to detect the number of speeding in a vehicle.

[0162] According to a fourteenth embodiment, which can be combined with one or more of the preceding embodiments, the actuator (108) can be configured to be deflected when a predetermined limit value is exceeded and / or fallen below, so that by this deflection, the first catch element (103) and the pawl (104) are moved relative to each other in a catch-to-catch manner in the freewheel rotation direction (106). Such a limit value can be, for example, a predetermined amount of temperature, pressure, acceleration or other thermal, electrical or mechanical force, depending on the force (e.g. thermal, electrical, mechanical force) that makes the actuator (108) deflectable. Such a limit value can be an upper limit value and a lower limit value. The actuator (108) actuates the pawl and / or the first catch element (103) only when the force deflecting the actuator (108) falls below or exceeds the limit value. This means that the deflection of the actuator (108) is sufficient to move the first catch element (103) and the pawl (104) relative to each other only when the predetermined limit value is fallen below or exceeded.

[0163] According to a fifteenth embodiment, which can be combined with one or more of the preceding embodiments, the limit value detection device (100) can include an electrical component (109) configured to change its electrical characteristics depending on the positioning or position of the two capture elements (103, 203) relative to each other. Thus, for example, the electrical component (109) can change its electrical characteristics each time the capture mechanism (101), i.e. the first capture element (103), has moved relative to the second capture element (203). The variable electrical characteristics of the electrical component (109) can assume a specific value for each individual position of the capture mechanism (101), i.e. each individual position of the first capture element (103) relative to the second capture element (203). For example, the electrical component (109) can be a variable resistor, a capacitor, or a coil, the respective magnitude (resistance, capacitance, inductance) of which changes with each capture part-to-capture part movement of the capture mechanism (101). In contrast, each individual resistance, capacitance or inductance value is therefore specific and unambiguous for a specific position or positioning of the first capture element (103) relative to the second capture element (203). The current position or positioning of the capture mechanism (101) or the first capture element (103) relative to the second capture element (203) can therefore be derived from the current measured value of the electrical component (109). Accordingly, from this determined position or positioning of the capture mechanism (101), it can be in turn derived how many times the two capture elements (103, 203) have moved on each capture element (starting from the starting position), i.e., how many times the limit value has been exceeded or fallen below. Consequently, not only can the occurrence of a limit value event be detected, but the limit value detection device (100) according to the invention is also able to detect and possibly store the number of limit value violations by means of the electrical component (109).

[0164] According to a sixteenth embodiment, which can be combined with the fifteenth embodiment, the electrical component (109) can be a capacitor or a resistor or a coil or an electro-optical element, all of which are suitable for detecting the smallest changes in their electrical behavior.

[0165] According to a seventeenth embodiment, which can be combined with the fifteenth and / or sixteenth embodiments, the electrical component (109) can be an adjustable component of the RFID resonant circuit (207). Thus, the electrical component (109) can be, for example, a power consumer with a variable resistor, a capacitor with a variable capacitance, or a coil with a variable inductance, wherein its respective electrical characteristics vary depending on a variable to be determined (e.g., temperature, pressure, etc.). As the electrical characteristics change, the resonant frequency of the entire RFID resonant circuit (207) also changes. The (active or passive) RFID resonant circuit (207) can thus be read out, for example, with an RFID reader, wherein the frequency of the resonant circuit can be an indicator of the current value of the respective adjustable electrical component (109), and thus also an indicator of the current position of the capture mechanism (101).

[0166] According to an eighteenth embodiment, which can be combined with the fifteenth, sixteenth, or seventeenth embodiment, the limit value detection device (100) can additionally include a substrate (210) on which the capture mechanism (101) is arranged, and the electrical component (109) can be arranged between the capture mechanism (101) and the substrate (210). Thus, for example, a movement of the capture mechanism (101) relative to the substrate (210) can result in a change in the electrical characteristics of the electrical component (109). Furthermore, this arrangement is space-saving because the electrical component (109) can, for example, be directly integrated into the substrate (210) and thus not be arranged next to the capture mechanism (101), but directly below the capture mechanism (101). The electrical component (109) can, for example, be constructed into the semiconductor substrate 210 as a corresponding component structure (capacitor, transistor, diode, resistor, etc.).

[0167] According to a nineteenth embodiment, which can be combined with the fifteenth, sixteenth, seventeenth or eighteenth embodiment, the limit value detection device (100) can additionally include a substrate (210) on which the capture mechanism (101) is provided, and the electrical component (109) can be a capacitor, wherein a first capacitor plate (201) is provided on the substrate (210) and a second capacitor plate (202) is provided on the capture mechanism (101) and / or on the pawl (104), and wherein during a capture portion-to-capture portion movement of the capture mechanism (101) and / or the pawl (104) relative to the substrate (210), the alignment of the capacitor plates (201, 202) relative to each other changes, so that the capacitor capacitance changes.

[0168] According to a twentieth embodiment, which can be combined with one or more of the preceding embodiments, the limit value detection device (100) can be implemented as a disinfection cycle counter, wherein after the disinfection process has been carried out, the actuating means (108) moves the capture mechanism (101) forward by exactly one capture portion (102a, 102b).

Claims

1. A limit value detection device (100) for multiple detection of limit value events, comprising: A capture mechanism (101) is manufactured using a microstructuring technique and comprises a first capture element (103) and at least one second capture element (203), wherein each capture element (103, 203) comprises a plurality of capture portions (102a, 102b...102n; 220a, 220b...220m), a pawl (104) configured to engage in a catch portion intermediate space between two adjacent catch portions (102a, 102b) of the first catch element (103), wherein the first catch element (103) is movable relative to the pawl (104) in a freewheel rotation direction (106), and by means of the pawl (104), the movement of the first catch element (103) relative to the pawl (104) in a blocking direction (107) is blockable, and an actuating device (108) configured to move the first catch element (103) and the pawl (104) relative to each other in a catch-by-catch manner in the freewheel rotation direction (106), The catch elements (103, 203) of the catch mechanism (101) together form a counting unit in which a counter state for indicating a detected limit value event is determined based on the position or orientation of the catch elements (103, 203) relative to each other.

2. The limit value detection device (100) according to claim 1, The individual catch elements (103, 203) of the catch mechanism (101) are each capable of assuming a plurality of different and one-to-one positions relative to one another, wherein each of these one-to-one combinations represents exactly one counter state of the counting unit.

3. The limit value detection device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, The number of capturing portions (102a, 102b...102n) of the first capturing element (103) is different from the number of capturing portions (220a, 220b...220m) of the second capturing element (203).

4. The limit value detection device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, The number of capturing portions (102a, 102b ... 102n) of the first capturing element (103) and the number of capturing portions (220a, 220b ... 220m) of the second capturing element (203) do not have a greatest common divisor.

5. The limit value detection device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, The first capturing element (103) includes fewer capturing portions (102a, 102b . . . 102n) and has a smaller diameter than the second capturing element (203).

6. The limit value detection device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the capture portion (102a, 102b ... 102n) of the first capture element (103) is engaged in the capture portion (220a, 220b ... 220m) of the second capture element (203), The first capture element (103) is caused to move the second capture element (203) continuously and also in a capture-part-by-capture-part manner during the capture-part-by-capture-part movement.

7. The limit value detection device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the limit value detection device (100) comprises a second pawl (204), the second pawl being configured to engage in a catch portion intermediate space between two adjacent catch portions (220a, 220b) of the second catch element (203), wherein the second catch element (203) is movable relative to the second pawl (204) in a free wheel rotation direction (306), and by means of the second pawl (204), the movement of the second catch element (203) relative to the second pawl (204) in a blocking direction (307) is blockable; and The actuating device (108) is configured to move the second catch element (203) relative to the second pawl (204) in a catch-by-catch manner in the freewheel rotation direction (306).

8. The limit value detection device (100) according to claim 7, During actuation, the actuation device (108) moves the first capture element (103) and the second capture element (203) together one capture portion at a time.

9. The limit value detection device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the capture portions (102a, 102b ... 102n) of the first capture element (103) and the capture portions (220a, 220b ... 220n) of the second capture element (203) are not engaged with each other, and In addition to multiple capturing parts (102a, 102b...102n), the first capturing element (103) also includes a driving element (400), and the driving element (400) is configured to engage in the capturing parts (220a, 220b...220n) of the second capturing element (203) so as to move the second capturing element (203) in a capturing part-by-capturing part manner.

10. The limit value detection device (100) according to claim 9, Each time the first capturing element (103) rotates a full 360°, the driving element (400) moves the second capturing element (203) one capturing portion at a time.

11. The limit value detection device (100) according to claim 9 or 10, The first capture element (103) comprises exactly one single drive element (400).

12. The limit value detection device (100) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, The first capture element (103) is of an annular structure, and the capture portions (102a, 102b...102n) are arranged in the form of external teeth on the outer circumference (420) of the annular first capture element (103), and The driving element (400) is arranged on the inner circumference (430) of the annular first capturing element (103).

13. The limit value detection device (100) according to claim 12, The outer diameter of the second capture element (203) is smaller than the inner diameter of the annular first capture element (103), and The second capturing element (203) is arranged inside the annular first capturing element (103).

14. The limit value detection device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, In addition to the first capture element (103) and the second capture element (203), the capture mechanism (101) also includes one or more additional capture elements, each of which is engaged in a capture portion (102a, 102b...102n) of the first capture element (103), so that the first capture element (103) also moves the second capture element and all additional capture elements.

15. The limit value detection device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, In addition to the first capture element (103) and the second capture element (203), the capture mechanism also includes one or more additional capture elements, each of which engages in precisely only one other capture element in the sense of a series connection.

16. The limit value detection device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: An end stop (410) is configured to prevent further movement of the capture element (103, 203) after a complete count of the counter unit has been passed.

17. The limit value detection device (100) according to claim 16, The end stopper (410) comprises a first stopper element (411) and a second stopper element (412), and wherein the first stop element (411) is arranged in the intermediate space of the capture portion of the first capture element (103) or the second capture element (203) and thus protrudes further from the outer circumference of the corresponding capture element (103, 203) than its corresponding capture portion (102a, 102b...102n; 220a, 220b...220m), The catching portion (102a, 102b ... 102n; 220a, 220b ... 220m) is allowed to pass over the second stop element (412) in an unhindered manner, while the first stop element (411) strikes the second stop element (412).

18. The limit value detection device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, The microstructured limit value detection device (100) is arranged on a substrate (210), and the movement of the actuation device (108) takes place in a plane parallel to the plane of the substrate.

19. The limit value detection device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, The capturing elements (103, 203) of the capturing mechanism (101) are respectively configured in the form of gears, and the associated capturing portions (102a, 102b...102n; 220a, 220b...220m) are each configured in the form of teeth arranged radially on the outside or radially on the inside on the corresponding capturing elements (103, 203).

20. The limit value detection device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the limit value detection device (100) is configured as a sterilization cycle counter, wherein after each successfully performed sterilization process the counter unit increases the counter state by one.

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