Mechanical counters and meters equipped therewith

Abstract

The present invention provides a mechanical counter and a meter equipped therewith, which can easily reduce the effort required for reading. [Solution] In a mechanical counter used in a flow meter, in which multiple cylinders are arranged in a row, each cylinder comprises a cylindrical drum with letters or symbols written on its circumference and rotatable in the circumferential direction, and an RFID sensor tag placed on the drum that includes a first sensor that detects information regarding the rotation angle of the drum and transmits the information obtained by the first sensor via wireless communication.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mechanical counter and a meter including the same.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, flow meters such as gas meters or water meters have been equipped with mechanical counters and can display the amount of gas or water used.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a gas meter equipped with a mechanical counter. Patent Document 2 describes a system that automatically checks the indicated value of an integrator by converting it into an electrical signal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in Patent Document 2, since the position of the displayed number is detected by a magnet, when the magnetic force deteriorates over time, the detection accuracy deteriorates, which is a problem for infrastructure equipment assuming long-term use. In addition, since it is premised on wired data collection, a large-scale system is required.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a mechanical counter that can easily reduce the labor of reading and a meter including the same.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A mechanical counter according to one aspect of the present invention is used in a flow meter and is a mechanical counter in which a plurality of cylinders are arranged in a row, wherein each cylinder comprises a cylindrical drum with letters or symbols written on its circumference and rotatable in the circumferential direction, and an RFID sensor tag which includes a first sensor placed on the drum and detecting information regarding the rotation angle of the drum, and which wirelessly transmits the information obtained by the first sensor.

[0008] A meter according to one aspect of the present invention includes the mechanical counter described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a mechanical counter that can easily reduce the effort required for reading, and a meter equipped with the same. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of a cylinder displaying one digit of a mechanical counter. [Figure 2] Correspondence table between angle readings from angle sensor and displayed values. [Figure 3] An explanatory diagram showing an example configuration of the counting system of Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] Schematic diagram of the cylinder in Embodiment 1 [Figure 5] Perspective view of the cylinder [Figure 6] Diagram illustrating the circuit configuration of an RFID sensor tag. [Figure 7] Correspondence table between output values ​​of the first and second sensors and displayed values. [Figure 8] Schematic diagram of the cylinder in Embodiment 2 [Figure 9] Graph of the output values ​​of two RFID sensor tags. [Figure 10] Correspondence table between the output values ​​and displayed values ​​of the two RFID sensor tags. [Figure 11] Plot diagram of the output values ​​of two RFID sensor tags. [Figure 12]Schematic diagram of the cylinder of Embodiment 3 [Figure 13] Schematic diagram of the cylinder of a modification of Embodiment 3 [Figure 14] Schematic diagram of the cylinder of the modification

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] The embodiments described below are all specific examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Also, the numerical values, shapes, configurations, steps, order of steps, etc. specifically shown in the following embodiments are examples and do not limit the present invention. Among the components in the following embodiments, components not described in the independent claims indicating the highest-level concept are described as optional components. Also, in all embodiments, the same applies to the configurations in each modification, and the configurations described in each modification may be combined with each other.

[0012] Next, the outline of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a cylinder 21 that displays one digit of a mechanical counter. FIG. 1(a) is a side view seen from one side of the cylinder 21, FIG. 1(b) is a front view of the cylinder 21, and FIG. 1(c) is a side view seen from the other side of the cylinder 21.

[0013] The mechanical counter has a plurality of cylinders 21 arranged side by side, and a plurality of digits can be indicated by the numbers displayed on each cylinder 21. Each cylinder 21 includes a cylindrical drum 22 rotatable in the circumferential direction, a gear 23, a flat plate 24, and an RFID sensor tag 25.

[0014] The RFID sensor tag 25 incorporates an angle sensor. As the drum 22 rotates, the angle of the RFID sensor tag 25 changes, and the angle sensor detects the angle of the RFID sensor tag 25. Characters or symbols are marked on the circumferential portion of the drum 22. For example, the ten digits from 0 to 9 are shown in order, so the drum 22 rotates 36 degrees to display the next character. The drum 22 rotates 360 degrees from the display of a certain character until the same character is displayed again.

[0015] Figure 2 is an example of a correspondence table between the reading angle of the angle sensor and the displayed numerical value. Therefore, the numerical value displayed by the cylinder 21 can be known based on the reading angle of the angle sensor. Even at a position away from the mechanical counter by the RFID sensor tag 25 arranged on each cylinder 21, the numerical value displayed by the mechanical counter can be known.

[0016] With the above-described configuration, a wireless numerical reading function can be added without significant current modifications. For example, when attached to a mechanical counter of a gas meter or a water meter, it can be directly read by a reader from a few meters away from the meter, significantly reducing the labor of the meter reader and further eliminating numerical reading errors. Since the read numerical value is automatically input into the system, the labor for data entry, cost calculation, etc. is significantly reduced, and errors are also significantly reduced.

[0017] (Embodiment 1) Next, the schematic configuration of the counting system 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of the counting system 1 in Embodiment 1. FIG. 4(a) is a side view of the cylinder 21A as viewed from the L direction of FIG. 4(b), and FIG. 4(b) is a front view of the cylinder 21A.

[0018] The counting system 1 comprises a meter 3, a reader 7, and a control device 9. The meter 3 measures the amount of fluid passing through (usage), such as gas or water. The meter 3 comprises a mechanical counter 5, an inlet 11, a measuring unit 13, and an outlet 15.

[0019] Fluid flows into the meter 3 from the inlet 11, and the amount passing through is measured in the metering unit 13. The meter 3 can display the amount of fluid passing through by rotating the mechanical counter 5 according to the amount of fluid passing through measured in the metering unit 13. The fluid measured in the metering unit 13 flows out of the meter 3 through the outlet 15.

[0020] The mechanical counter 5 has multiple cylinders 21A arranged in a row. The cylinder 21A located at the far right is rotated by a gear 23 according to the amount passing through the weighing section 13, while the other cylinders 21A rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the cylinder 21A to their right when a carry-over occurs due to the gear 23.

[0021] Each cylinder 21A is equipped with an RFID sensor tag 25A that detects information regarding the rotation angle of the drum 22A. The RFID sensor tag 25A has a sensor for measuring physical parameters within the RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag. The RFID sensor tag 25A detects information regarding the rotation angle of the drum 22A using radio waves from wireless communication from the reader 7 as its power source.

[0022] The reader 7 reads the detection result of the RFID sensor tag 25A and the tag identification information that identifies the RFID sensor tag 25A from the RFID sensor tag 25A via wireless communication. The reader 7 communicates with the RFID sensor tags 25 installed in each cylinder 21A and obtains the detection result of each RFID sensor tag 25.

[0023] The tag identification information is linked to cylinder identification information that identifies the cylinder 21A on which the RFID sensor tag 25A is located. The reader 7 may also be a reader / writer that has the function of writing information to the RFID sensor tag 25A. In this case, the reader 7 may store the cylinder identification information linked to each tag identification information in each RFID sensor tag 25A.

[0024] The management device 9 manages the numerical values ​​displayed by the mechanical counter 5 of the meter 3. The management device 9 is, for example, a computer. The management device 9 is connected to the reader 7 via an internet connection, for example, by wireless communication in the frequency band of a mobile phone. The management device 9 has a storage unit that stores the numerical values ​​displayed by the mechanical counter 5 of each meter 3. The storage unit includes, for example, at least one of a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid-state storage device (SSD), and a semiconductor memory (RAM). The detection results of the RFID sensor tags 25A linked to tag identification information are transmitted from the reader 7 held by the meter reader, and the detection results of each meter 3 are stored in the storage unit of the management device 9.

[0025] Next, the cylinder 21A will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 5 is a perspective view of the cylinder 21A. The cylinder 21A comprises a drum 22A, a gear 23, a flat plate 24A, a pair of electrodes 34, and an RFID sensor tag 25A.

[0026] The drum 22A has an opening 31 on one side of the rotation axis Ra (opposite the gear 23) and a cavity 33 inside the drum 22. A flat plate 24A, fixed so as not to rotate, intersects the rotation axis Ra of the drum 22A and is housed in the cavity 33. For example, a disc-shaped flat plate 24A is fixed to the case of the meter 3.

[0027] The pair of electrodes 34 have semicircular electrodes 35 and 36 arranged opposite each other on a flat plate 24A. Electrodes 35 and 36 are spaced radially apart. The flat plate 24A is housed in the cavity 33 of the drum 22A parallel to the other side surface of the drum 22A, so that the pair of electrodes 34 are positioned inside.

[0028] The RFID sensor tag 25A is equipped with terminals 37 and 38 that can contact electrodes 35 and 36, respectively. The RFID sensor tag 25A is equipped with a second sensor 46 (see Figure 6) that detects the capacitance value between a pair of electrodes 34 when terminals 37 and 38 come into contact with the pair of electrodes 34, respectively. The second sensor 46 is electrically connected to terminals 37 and 38, respectively.

[0029] Next, the circuit configuration of the RFID sensor tag 25A will be explained with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the circuit configuration of the RFID sensor tag 25A.

[0030] The RFID sensor tag 25A includes a circuit board 39, an analog module 41, a control unit 43, a first sensor 45, a second sensor 46, and an antenna 47.

[0031] The circuit board 39 is equipped with an analog module 41, a control unit 43, a first sensor 45, a second sensor 46, and an antenna 47.

[0032] The analog module 41 recovers energy from radio waves received by the antenna 47 from the leader 7, receives a communication signal from the leader 7, and then transmits a communication signal to the leader 7.

[0033] The analog module 41 includes a modulation unit 49 for transmitting a communication signal, a demodulation unit 51 for receiving a communication signal, a rectifier unit 53 for converting radio energy into continuous energy, and a supply control unit 55 for generating a predetermined voltage and current from the continuous energy and storing it in a capacitor. With these configurations, the analog module 41 supplies power to the first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46 using the energy contained in the carrier wave of the communication signal from the leader 7, without including a battery or energy storage unit, and sends the detection results of the first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46 back to the leader 7.

[0034] The control unit 43 is electrically connected to the analog module 41 and has a processor and storage unit capable of processing data and storing detection values ​​acquired by the first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46. The control unit 43 stores tag identification information that identifies the RFID sensor tag 25A and cylinder identification information that identifies the cylinder 21A in which the RFID sensor tag 25A is located, linked together. The control unit 43 is also electrically connected to the first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46 and supplies the power energy received from the analog module 41 to the first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46.

[0035] The first sensor 45 detects information regarding the rotation angle of the drum 22. The first sensor 45 is, for example, an accelerometer. The accelerometer can detect information regarding the rotation angle of the RFID sensor tag 25A by detecting changes in gravitational acceleration. The detection result of the first sensor 45 is transmitted to the control unit 43.

[0036] The second sensor 46 is connected to terminals 37 and 38 and detects the capacitance between terminals 37 and 38. This makes it possible to detect whether the RFID sensor tag 25A is positioned facing the upper half or the lower half of the flat plate 24A.

[0037] Referring to Figures 4, 6, and 7, a method for using an acceleration sensor as an angle sensor will be explained. Figure 7 is a table showing an example of the correspondence between the output values ​​of the first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46 and the corresponding display values.

[0038] As shown in the table in Figure 7, the first sensor 45 outputs the component force of the gravitational acceleration applied to it, and therefore outputs different values ​​(first sensor output values) in the range of +90 degrees and -90 degrees from the vertical upward direction. The output value of the first sensor 45 is proportional to sinθ, using the angle θ between the vertical downward direction and the first sensor 45. The output value of the first sensor 45 is output to the control unit 43 as a capacitance value corresponding to the angle value.

[0039] The pair of electrodes 34 are wired on the flat plate 24A over a total range of 180 degrees, from the vertically upward direction to the ranges of +90 degrees and -90 degrees. When the RFID sensor tag 25A is in contact with the pair of electrodes 34, it conducts, and when it conducts, the second sensor 46 can obtain a certain value (second sensor output value). The output value of the second sensor 46 is sent to the control unit 43. In the example of the correspondence table in Figure 7, the detected value of the pair of electrodes 34 by the second sensor 46 is set to three times the maximum output value of the first sensor 45. This ensures a one-to-one correspondence between the displayed digit and the total value, making it possible to obtain the displayed digit from the total value. The detected value of the pair of electrodes 34 by the second sensor 46 can be any value as long as it is at least twice the maximum output value of the first sensor 45. The output method of the first sensor 45, which is an acceleration sensor, was output as an electrical capacitance value, but it may also be output as an electrical resistance value. In this case, a resistor may be connected between the pair of electrodes 34, and the second sensor 46 may be configured to detect a predetermined resistance value while in contact with the pair of electrodes 34. Thus, the first sensor 45 may output information regarding the rotation angle of the drum 22 as an impedance value.

[0040] The control unit 43 can detect the rotation angle of the cylinder 21A over a 360-degree range by summing the output values ​​of the first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46. The control unit 43 may output the sum of the output values ​​of the first sensor 45 and the second sensor 46 to the reader 7, or it may convert the sum to a display number based on a table of sums and display numbers stored in the memory unit (for example, the table shown in Figure 7) and output it to the reader 7. The sum output from the control unit 43 to the reader 7 may be a capacitance value, a resistance value, or an impedance value. In this case, the reader 7 stores a table of sums and display numbers and converts the sum to a display number in the reader 7.

[0041] As described above, the mechanical counter 5 of Embodiment 1 is used in the meter 3, and a plurality of cylinders 21A are arranged in a row. Each cylinder 21A includes a cylindrical drum 22 on which numbers are written on the circumference and which is rotatable in the circumferential direction, a first sensor 45 placed on the drum 22 that detects information regarding the rotation angle of the drum 22, and an RFID sensor tag 25A that wirelessly transmits the information obtained by the first sensor 45.

[0042] By placing the RFID sensor tag 25A on the drum 22, a wireless numerical reading function can be easily added to the current mechanical counter without requiring significant modifications. Since the reader 7 can directly read the meter 3 from several meters away, the workload of meter readers is greatly reduced, and errors in reading the numerical values ​​are eliminated.

[0043] (Embodiment 2) Next, the mechanical counter of Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the cylinder 21B in Embodiment 2. Figure 8(a) is a side view of the cylinder 21B as seen from direction L in Figure 8(b), and Figure 8(b) is a front view of the cylinder 21B. Figure 9 is a graph of the output values ​​of the two RFID sensor tags 25B and 25C.

[0044] The cylinder 21B of Embodiment 2 includes a second RFID sensor tag 25C instead of the flat plate 24A and the pair of electrodes 34 in the cylinder 21A of Embodiment 1. Aside from this point and the points described below, the mechanical counter 5 of Embodiment 2 and the mechanical counter 5 of Embodiment 1 are the same, and a description of the common configuration will be omitted.

[0045] The RFID sensor tags 25B and 25C are configured by omitting the second sensor 46 of the RFID sensor tag 25A. Therefore, the RFID sensor tags 25B and 25C only need to detect gravitational acceleration. By arranging the RFID sensor tags 25B and 25C in the drum 22A at right angles to each other, the first sensors 45 of the RFID sensor tags 25B and 25C can be positioned at right angles to each other. Therefore, the output values ​​of the two first sensors 45 will be proportional to sinθ with different phases, as shown in Figure 9. By associating the set value obtained by combining the output values ​​of these two first sensors 45 with the rotation angle, the angle of the cylinder 21B can be determined in 360 degrees.

[0046] Refer to Figures 10 and 11. Figure 10 is a correspondence table between the output values ​​and displayed numbers of the two RFID sensor tags 25B and 25C. Figure 11 is a plot of the output values ​​of the two RFID sensor tags 25B and 25C. The displayed number corresponding to each plotted coordinate is shown.

[0047] The reader 7 can detect the rotation angle of the cylinder 21B over a 360-degree range based on a correspondence table as shown in Figure 10, using the set value of the output value of the first sensor 45 of the RFID sensor tag 25B and the output value of the first sensor 45 of the RFID sensor tag 25C.

[0048] The number of RFID sensor tags on cylinder 21B is not limited to two; cylinder 21B may have three or more RFID sensor tags. The relative positions of the RFID sensor tags do not have to be right angles; the phase of the output values ​​of the two RFID sensor tags can be shifted even if they are positioned at other angles. Also, the RFID sensor tags do not have to be arranged in concentric circles. The output method of the first sensor 45, which is an acceleration sensor, was output as an electrical capacitance value, but it may also be output as an electrical resistance value.

[0049] As described above, even with a mechanical counter equipped with the cylinder 21B of Embodiment 2, the same effects as the mechanical counter of Embodiment 1 can be obtained.

[0050] (Embodiment 3) Next, the mechanical counter of Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to Figure 12. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the cylinder 21D in Embodiment 3. Figure 12(a) is a perspective side view of the cylinder 21D as seen from direction L in Figure 8(b), and Figure 8(b) is a front view of the cylinder 21D.

[0051] In Embodiment 2, the cylinder 21B detected its rotation angle using a first sensor 45 which is an acceleration sensor and consists of RFID sensor tags 25B and 25C. In Embodiment 3, the cylinder 21D has capacitors with different capacitance values ​​arranged radially for each predetermined angle range, and the rotation angle of the cylinder 21D is detected by the capacitance value detected by the RFID sensor tag 25D which is electrically connected to the capacitors. Except for this point and the points described below, the mechanical counter 5 in Embodiment 2 and the mechanical counter 5 in Embodiment 1 are the same, and a description of the common configuration will be omitted.

[0052] On the flat plate 24A, pairs of electrodes 34D, corresponding to the number of displayed digits, are arranged radially. Here, for example, 10 pairs of electrodes 34D are arranged. Each adjacent pair of electrodes 34D is spaced apart in the circumferential direction. Each pair of electrodes 34D has fan-shaped electrodes 35D and 36D arranged opposite each other on the flat plate 24A. Electrodes 35D and 36D are spaced apart in the radial direction. The flat plate 24A is housed in the cavity 33 of the drum 22A parallel to the other side surface of the drum 22A, such that the pairs of electrodes 34D are positioned on the inside.

[0053] In the flat plate 24A, multiple capacitors 61 with different values ​​are arranged radially from the center of the flat plate 24A, and each capacitor 61 is positioned between the respective electrodes 35D and 36D. Each capacitor 61 has a capacitance corresponding to the displayed number, for example, a capacitance of 100 fF or more and 100 pF or less.

[0054] The RFID sensor tag 25D makes contact with electrodes 35D and 36D via terminals 37 and 38. Therefore, the second sensor 46 makes contact with the terminals of one of the multiple capacitors 61 in accordance with the rotation of the drum 22A. The RFID sensor tag 25D becomes conductive when terminals 37 and 38 each make contact with a pair of electrodes 34D, and when the reader reads the ID of the tag, it detects the ID of the RFID sensor tag 25D as well as the unique capacitance value of the capacitor 61 between the pair of electrodes 34D that corresponds to the displayed digit. This makes it possible to remotely obtain the displayed digit of the cylinder 21D.

[0055] The RFID sensor tag 25D is a configuration that omits the first sensor 45 of the RFID sensor tag 25A. Therefore, the RFID sensor tag 25D only needs to detect the capacitance value between terminals 37 and 38.

[0056] Alternatively, a resistor may be used instead of the capacitor 61, and the second sensor 46 of the RFID sensor tag 25D may detect a resistance value instead of a capacitance value. By using a resistor with a unique resistance value corresponding to the displayed digit, the displayed digit of each cylinder 21D can be detected.

[0057] As described above, even with a mechanical counter equipped with the cylinder 21D of Embodiment 3, the same effects as the mechanical counter of Embodiment 1 can be obtained.

[0058] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the cylinder 21E in a modified example of Embodiment 3. In Embodiment 3, the RFID sensor tag 25D rotates with the drum 22A, and the pair of electrodes 34D and capacitor 61 are fixed, but the configuration is not limited to this. In the modified example of the cylinder 21E, the pair of electrodes 34D and capacitor 61 are arranged on the inner wall of the drum 22A, and the pair of electrodes 34D and capacitor 61 rotate with the drum 22A. The RFID sensor tag 25D is arranged on the flat plate 24A, so it does not rotate with the drum 22A.

[0059] According to the modified embodiment of Embodiment 3, the RFID sensor tag 25D is always located in the same position, resulting in stable communication characteristics. The RFID sensor tag 25D can also be positioned on the flat plate 24A in a location that provides good communication characteristics. Furthermore, by changing the mounting angle of the RFID sensor tag 25D relative to the center of the flat plate 24A in adjacent cylinders 21E, communication with multiple RFID sensor tags 25D becomes easier.

[0060] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but can be modified and implemented as follows.

[0061] In the embodiments described above, the flat plate 24A was housed inside the drum 22, but this is not limited to this. As shown in Figure 14, the cylinder 21F may have a side surface 22Aa that intersects the rotation axis Ra on one side, and the RFID sensor tag 25A may be placed on the side surface 22Aa. The flat plate 24B on which the pair of electrodes 34 are placed is positioned opposite the side surface 22Aa of the drum 22.

[0062] Alternatively, a pair of electrodes 34 that contact the terminals 37 and 38 of the leftmost cylinder 21F in a group of multiple cylinders 21F may be placed on a fixed flat plate 24B, while for the remaining cylinders (those arranged to the right), a pair of electrodes 34 may be placed on the right side of the cylinder 21F located to the left of each cylinder 21F to detect their relative position to the left cylinder.

[0063] Although the present invention has been described in detail in each embodiment, the disclosures in these embodiments are subject to change in the details of their configuration, and changes in the combination and order of elements in each embodiment can be realized without departing from the claimed scope and spirit of the present invention.

[0064] A first embodiment of the present invention is a mechanical counter used in a flow meter, in which a plurality of cylinders are arranged in a row. Each cylinder comprises a cylindrical drum with letters or symbols inscribed on its circumference and rotatable in the circumferential direction, and an RFID sensor tag placed on the drum and including a first sensor that detects information regarding the rotation angle of the drum, and which wirelessly transmits the information obtained by the first sensor.

[0065] According to this embodiment of the mechanical counter, by placing RFID sensor tags on the drum, a wireless numerical reading function can be added to existing mechanical counters without requiring significant modifications. Since the reading can be done directly by a reader from several meters away from the flow meter, the workload of meter readers is greatly reduced, and errors in reading the numerical values ​​can be eliminated.

[0066] According to the second embodiment, in the mechanical counter of the first embodiment, the first sensor is an acceleration sensor.

[0067] According to the third embodiment, in the mechanical counter of the first or second embodiment, two RFID sensor tags are arranged in the drum at different positions in the direction of rotation of the drum.

[0068] According to a fourth aspect, in the mechanical counter of the first or second aspect, the cylinder each comprises a flat plate positioned so as not to rotate, intersecting the rotation axis of the drum, and a pair of semicircular electrodes positioned on the flat plate so as to face each other. The RFID sensor tag includes a second sensor that, upon contact with the pair of electrodes, detects a capacitance value between the pair of electrodes. The first sensor detects information regarding the rotation angle of the drum as an impedance value, and the RFID sensor tag wirelessly transmits the sum of the impedance values ​​obtained by the first and second sensors.

[0069] According to the fifth aspect, in the mechanical counter of the fourth aspect, the drum has an opening on one side of the rotating shaft and has a cavity inside, and a flat plate is housed in the cavity.

[0070] According to the sixth aspect, in the mechanical counter of the fourth aspect, the drum has a side surface that intersects with the axis of rotation, and the flat plate is positioned opposite the side surface.

[0071] According to the seventh aspect, in the mechanical counter of the first aspect, each cylinder comprises a flat plate positioned so as not to rotate, intersecting the rotation axis of the drum, and a plurality of capacitors of different values ​​arranged radially from the center of the flat plate. The first sensor contacts the terminal electrodes of any one of the plurality of capacitors in response to the rotation of the drum.

[0072] According to the eighth aspect, in the mechanical counter of the first aspect, each cylinder comprises a flat plate positioned so as not to rotate, intersecting the rotation axis of the drum, and a plurality of resistors of different values ​​arranged radially from the center of the flat plate. The first sensor contacts the electrodes at both ends of any one of the plurality of resistors in response to the rotation of the drum.

[0073] The meter of the ninth embodiment comprises a mechanical counter of any one of the first to eighth embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1. Counting System 3 meters 5 Mechanical counter 7 Leaders 9 Management device 11 Inlet 13 Measuring part 15 outlet 21, 21A, 21D, 21E, 21F Cylinders 22 drums 23 gears 24, 24A flat plate 25, 25A, 25D RFID sensor tags 31 Aperture 33 Cavity 34 pairs of electrodes 35, 36 electrodes Terminals 37 and 38 39 circuit boards 41 Analog Modules 43 Control Unit 45 First Sensor 46. ​​Second Sensor 49 Modulation Unit 51 Demodulation Unit 61 Capacitors

Claims

1. A mechanical counter used in flow meters, in which multiple cylinders are arranged in a row, Each of the cylinders is, A cylindrical drum with letters or symbols inscribed on its circumference and capable of rotating in the circumferential direction, The system includes an RFID sensor tag which is disposed on the drum and includes a first sensor that detects information regarding the rotation angle of the drum, and which wirelessly transmits the information obtained by the first sensor. Mechanical counter.

2. The first sensor is an acceleration sensor. The mechanical counter according to claim 1.

3. In the drum, the two RFID sensor tags are positioned at different locations in the rotational direction of the drum. A mechanical counter according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Each of the cylinders is, A flat plate is positioned so as not to rotate, intersecting the rotation axis of the aforementioned drum, The plate comprises a pair of semicircular electrodes arranged facing each other on the aforementioned flat plate, The RFID sensor tag includes a second sensor that detects the capacitance value between the pair of electrodes when it comes into contact with the pair of electrodes. The first sensor detects information regarding the rotation angle of the drum as an impedance value, The RFID sensor tag wirelessly transmits the sum of the impedance values ​​obtained by the first and second sensors. A mechanical counter according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The drum has an opening on one side of the rotating shaft and has a cavity inside. The flat plate is housed in the cavity. The mechanical counter according to claim 4.

6. The drum has a side surface that intersects with the rotation axis, The aforementioned flat plate is positioned opposite the aforementioned side surface. The mechanical counter according to claim 4.

7. Each of the cylinders is, A flat plate is positioned so as not to rotate, intersecting the rotation axis of the aforementioned drum, The flat plate comprises a plurality of capacitors of different values ​​arranged radially from the center of the flat plate, The first sensor contacts the electrodes at both ends of any one of the plurality of capacitors in accordance with the rotation of the drum. The mechanical counter according to claim 1.

8. Each of the cylinders is, A flat plate is positioned so as not to rotate, intersecting the rotation axis of the aforementioned drum, The flat plate comprises a plurality of resistors of different values ​​arranged radially from the center of the flat plate, The first sensor contacts the electrodes at both ends of any one of the plurality of resistors in accordance with the rotation of the drum. The mechanical counter according to claim 1.

9. A mechanical counter comprising any one of claims 1 to 8, meter.

Images