WO2015082050A1 - Coupling device for a meter apparatus, meter assembly, and method for communicating with a meter apparatus - Google Patents
Coupling device for a meter apparatus, meter assembly, and method for communicating with a meter apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2015082050A1 WO2015082050A1 PCT/EP2014/003093 EP2014003093W WO2015082050A1 WO 2015082050 A1 WO2015082050 A1 WO 2015082050A1 EP 2014003093 W EP2014003093 W EP 2014003093W WO 2015082050 A1 WO2015082050 A1 WO 2015082050A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- counter
- optical
- adapter head
- coupling device
- end piece
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01D4/00—Tariff metering apparatus
- G01D4/002—Remote reading of utility meters
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
- G01R22/00—Arrangements for measuring time integral of electric power or current, e.g. electricity meters
- G01R22/06—Arrangements for measuring time integral of electric power or current, e.g. electricity meters by electronic methods
- G01R22/061—Details of electronic electricity meters
- G01R22/063—Details of electronic electricity meters related to remote communication
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/26—Optical coupling means
- G02B6/32—Optical coupling means having lens focusing means positioned between opposed fibre ends
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/3616—Holders, macro size fixtures for mechanically holding or positioning fibres, e.g. on an optical bench
- G02B6/3624—Fibre head, e.g. fibre probe termination
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/3833—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture
- G02B6/3847—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture with means preventing fibre end damage, e.g. recessed fibre surfaces
- G02B6/3849—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture with means preventing fibre end damage, e.g. recessed fibre surfaces using mechanical protective elements, e.g. caps, hoods, sealing membranes
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04Q—SELECTING
- H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
- H04Q2213/13003—Constructional details of switching devices
Definitions
- the invention relates to a coupling device for an optical terminal having arranged in an access having slot counter means, a counter arrangement and a method for communication with a arranged in a slot counter means via an optical terminal of the counter means.
- Counter devices are already widely known in the art. These are measuring devices that usually measure their flow for fluids, in particular gas and / or water, as well as their use for electricity. A common example of counter devices are therefore fluid meters, ie in particular gas meters and water meters.
- Certain arrangements of ducts or buildings require counter devices to be installed in shafts in the basement or in shafts lying outside of buildings.
- situations can occur in which an optical interface of the counter device implemented by an optical connection must be accessed, for example as a configuration interface. Examples include a variation of the measurement, for example, to retrieve values other than the count for a short time, error and / or alarm situations in which diagnoses must be performed, and the need to adjust operating parameters, for example, by changing the configuration of the overall system can result.
- it is therefore necessary that the optical port of the counter device must be accessed, thus a person must penetrate into the slot of the counter device.
- problems there are a variety of problems.
- an infrared interface As an optical interface used in an optical port of a counter device, an infrared interface is often used, and, for example, a standard defined by the IRDA (Infrared Data Association) can be used.
- IRDA Infrared Data Association
- the invention is therefore based on the object to provide a way to improve the access to optical ports of a hard to reach places, especially in shafts, arranged counter device.
- a coupling device for a metering device having an optical port, in a slot having access or otherwise arranged in a manner difficult to access comprising:
- an adapter head designed to be connected to the optical connector
- a connecting device having at least one optical waveguide and connecting the adapter head and the end piece, in particular with a length such that the end piece can be arranged at the access or outside the shaft, -
- the adapter head having an optical signals of the counter device in the optical fiber and inversely feeding optics and the tail have an optical signals from the optical fiber in a manner corresponding to the optical port of the counter means in the access port and vice versa introductory optics.
- the optical connection is preferably a configuration interface, wherein infrared light is also preferably used for the optical communication.
- the invention therefore proposes to use an optical extension, which is adapted to the counter device, so that access to the optical interface of the counter device can take place from the access itself or even outside the shaft or other hard to reach place.
- Using the coupling device according to the invention is therefore no longer forced to make the access to the optical port of the counter device consuming directly at the fixed installation of the counter device, without simultaneously a bidirectional radio system is required.
- the coupling device according to the invention makes it possible to retrofit existing counter devices in a cost-effective and simple manner, since the coupling device is preferably applicable to existing, already installed counter devices, so that the entire counter device does not have to be replaced. Retrofitting unidirectionally sparking counter devices with the coupling device described is easily possible.
- the coupling device on three basic components, namely on the one hand for connecting to the optical connector formed adapter head, which is a connector to the built counter device.
- the outer dimensions of the adapter head correspond, for example realized via a housing of the adapter head, those of the optical head, which would usually be connected to the optical port and which is substituted.
- Such optical heads are usually provided at appropriate maintenance facilities.
- the adapter head further includes a first optics, which feeds one optical signals, preferably infrared signals, the counter device in the optical fiber, but conversely also on the optical fiber incoming optical signals according to the specifications of the optical port returns to this, as the optical head of a maintenance facility would do immediately.
- the optical fiber of the connector directs optical signals from and to the tail, which provides the now removed, easily accessible receptacle for the optical head of the maintenance device, thus having the access port which is constructed identically to the optical port of the counter device.
- the optical signals from the optical fiber in the optical Connection of the counter means corresponding manner in the access port directs or vice versa optical signals from the access port, for example, from an opto head of a maintenance device, fed into the optical fiber, so that they can be passed to the adapter head and from there into the optical interface of the counter device.
- the tail can also be referred to as an interface in its entirety.
- the tail does not necessarily have to be located directly at the entrance to the shaft or other hard to reach area, but it is just as conceivable for a longer connection device to install the tail in other places, for example near the shaft or other hard to reach area arranged maintenance boxes or the like.
- the adapter head has a sealing device, in particular a sealing ring, for sealing a connection between the optical connection of the counter device and the adapter head.
- a sealing device in particular a sealing ring
- the sealing device is also suitable for keeping water out of the connection area, which could also have negative effects on the transmission of the optical signals.
- it is alternatively or additionally also conceivable to make a seal of the remaining gap between the adapter head and the counter device after attachment of the adapter head to the counter device for example by encapsulation with a sealing material.
- Preferred here is the use of a silicone gasket. This represents an excellent safeguard against penetrating water. In this way, it is conceivable, for example, that the shaft is deliberately flooded or due to other circumstances runs full of water, without the optical signal transmission is hindered.
- the adapter head may have a fastening device for fastening the adapter to the counter device.
- a fastening device may be designed differently, for example, provide for a clamp on the counter device or cooperate with other parts of the counter device, for example, be screwed.
- the fastening device is provided solely on the part of the adapter head.
- the fastening device comprises a permanent magnet, in particular a magnetic ring.
- the housing of many counter devices but at least the underlying meter itself, often has metallic components that can interact with a permanent magnet, so that attachment of the adapter head to the counter device is possible in a particularly simple manner. It should be noted at this point that such attachment can also be reinforced by an additional, for example molded, seal, in particular a silicone gasket.
- the tail has an openable closure device for the access port.
- a closing device acts as a cover of the access port, for which it can be configured, for example, swiveling, possibly elastically counter-mounted.
- the locking device is preferably made of a robust plastic material.
- a sealing device in particular a sealing ring and / or a sealing lip for the access connection with the closing device closed, can be provided.
- Such a cover with seal protects the access port from contamination, which therefore also does not need to be cleaned consuming. In this way, ultimately, a dirt-protected interface is realized.
- the new access point, realized by the tail is thus designed so that the optical access port is protected during its non-use from dust and other contamination.
- the end piece comprises a recess accommodating an opto head of a maintenance device to be connected to the access connection.
- Such recordings for optical heads are usually already provided to the metering devices themselves and align, for example, the optical head correctly to be able to receive or send the optical signals ideal. Consequently, the end piece can also comprise such a receptacle, which is designed as a recess having the opto-head.
- the housing of the adapter head corresponds to the housing of such an optical head in order to allow an improved insertion into the counter side recess / receptacle on the optical connector of the meter.
- the connecting device may comprise a particularly flexible sheathing of the light guide.
- the light guide is protected as well as possible against external influences, wherein the connecting device forms a kind of optical cable.
- the light guide itself may generally be realized by at least one optical fiber extending within the sheath. Is the sheath flexible, therefore bendable, the connecting device can be like a cable inside the shaft (or other hard to reach area), where it can be easily attached, for example, by conventional fasteners, such as cable clamps.
- the sheath and the housing of the adapter head and / or a housing of the tail are waterproof and / or dust-tight manner, in particular by casting.
- a completely usable underwater coupling device can be provided.
- the optical fiber can be sealed in the housing waterproof, at least as far as the adapter head and the tail.
- the present invention also relates to a counter arrangement comprising a coupling device according to the invention and the counter device. All embodiments of the coupling device according to the invention can be analogously transferred to the counter arrangement according to the invention, with which therefore the already mentioned advantages can be obtained.
- a counter arrangement may also include a seal to be additionally attached between the adapter head and the counter device.
- the counter device may preferably be a fluid meter, thus, for example, a gas meter or a water meter.
- fluid meters are often arranged on pipelines that pass through the shaft, which incidentally can also be considered as part of the counter arrangement in one embodiment.
- the invention also relates to a method for communication with a counter device arranged in a shaft via an optical connection of the counter device, wherein a coupling device according to the invention is used.
- the adapter head can be attached to the optical connection to the counter device and the coupling device can be guided through the shaft at its entrance or to a location outside the shaft, so that the opto head of a maintenance device can be connected from outside the shaft to the access port.
- the access port can thus communicate with the counter device without a person having to enter the shaft or other hard to reach area.
- a particularly advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention provides for a gap between the adapter head and the counter device to be sealed by an additionally to be attached seal, in particular a silicone seal, after the coupling device has been attached to the counter device.
- a seal can also contribute to a fastening of the adapter head to the counter device. It allows a particularly good protection against penetrating water and / or penetrating dirt.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a counter arrangement according to the invention
- FIG 4 shows the adapter head of a coupling device according to the invention.
- Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a counter arrangement according to the invention, wherein a coupling device 1 according to the invention is used.
- a counter device 2 is arranged in a shaft 3 on a pipe 4 leading through the shaft 3.
- the counter device 2 is a gas meter and measures the flow of gas through the pipeline 4.
- the shaft 3 can be opened via a flap 5, wherein a ladder 6 basically allows boarding. Nonetheless, getting in to get to an optical interface, hence an optical port, of the counter 2 is an extremely expensive process;
- the optical connection of counter device 2 in the prior art is subject to severe contamination. exposed. Another problem may be that the shaft 3 itself is full of water.
- the use of the coupling device 1 significantly simplifies the procedure after it has an adapter head 7, which can be attached to the counter device 2 at the optical port, a connecting device 8 with a light guide and an end piece 9.
- Optical signals of the counter device 2 are transmitted by an optical system to the light guide of the connecting device 8 and passed in the end piece 9 via a further optics to a local optical access port and vice versa.
- the tail 9 was mounted in the shaft 3 so that the optical access port is located exactly at the entrance 10 to the shaft 3, thus easily accessible from the outside.
- a conventional counter device 2 was used in the present case, on which the adapter head 7 was initially attached.
- the connecting device 8 in which the light guide is surrounded by a flexible sheath, led to the access 10, where the tail 9 can be fixed accordingly.
- longer connecting means 8 and to arrange the tail for example, in a maintenance cabinet in the vicinity of the shaft 3 and the like.
- Fig. 2 shows first the tail 9 in more detail, in which the connecting device 8 opens with the light guide 11 in the flexible sheath 12.
- the connecting device 8 is designed to be watertight and also connected in a watertight manner to the housings 13, 14 (FIG. 4) of the end piece 9 or of the adapter head 7.
- the light guide 11 includes in the housing 13, which may be made of plastic, for example, an optics 15, the signals in the light guide 11 from an optical head connected to the access port 16 in the optical conductor 11 derives or derived from the optical fiber optical signals so that the same optical interface as given at the counter device 2, the optical head can thus communicate via the access port 16.
- the housing 13 which may be made of plastic, for example, an optics 15, the signals in the light guide 11 from an optical head connected to the access port 16 in the optical conductor 11 derives or derived from the optical fiber optical signals so that the same optical interface as given at the counter device 2, the optical head can thus communicate via the access port 16.
- the housing 13 is further formed so that it forms a receptacle or recess 17, which is matched in size exactly on the opto head of a maintenance device.
- a cover 19 is placed on the end piece 9 as a closing device 18 and has a circumferential sealing ring 20. points, which holds the cover 19 on the tail 9 by the frictional forces.
- the cover 19 may be made of plastic.
- the closing device 18 can also be realized in other ways, for example as a lid which can be pivoted in particular against an elastic force or the like. In any case, it prevents the ingress of dirt and possibly also water in the recess 17th
- Fig. 3 shows a partial view of the tail 9 as well as a sectional view in which the cover 19 is removed and instead the opto head 21 of the maintenance device not shown here in the recess 17 is inserted.
- the communication interface 22 is thereby automatically opposite the optics 15, so that the exchange of optical signals is made possible.
- FIG. 4 again shows the adapter head 7 in more detail in a sectional view.
- This geometrically has the shape of the optical head 21, which is achieved by the shape of the housing 14.
- the optical waveguide 11 terminates in an optical system 23 which corresponds to the optical system 15 and which can be arranged opposite the optical interface, ie the optical interface, of the counter device 2, as indicated at 24.
- this has a sealing ring 25; as an additional seal a silicone gasket 26 is sprayed after attachment of the adapter head 7 at the optical port 24.
- the adapter head 7 has a magnetic ring 27 formed as a permanent magnet, which is embedded in the housing 14 and interacts with the only partially indicated here metal 28 of the counter device 2, so that a fixed contact of the adapter head 7 is given to the housing of the counter device 2.
- a magnetic ring 27 formed as a permanent magnet, which is embedded in the housing 14 and interacts with the only partially indicated here metal 28 of the counter device 2, so that a fixed contact of the adapter head 7 is given to the housing of the counter device 2.
- the sealing ring 25 and the silicone gasket 26 is an excellent protection of the optical signal exchange region between the optics 23 and the optical port 24 from dirt and water given;
- the light guide 11 is encapsulated in the housing 14 watertight here, as was the case with the end piece 9.
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Optical Couplings Of Light Guides (AREA)
- Arrangements For Transmission Of Measured Signals (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
BR112016011618A BR112016011618A2 (en) | 2013-12-06 | 2014-11-20 | COUPLING DEVICE FOR A COUNTER INSTALLATION, COUNTER ARRANGEMENT AND PROCESS FOR COMMUNICATION WITH A COUNTER INSTALLATION |
EP14803047.1A EP3077622A1 (en) | 2013-12-06 | 2014-11-20 | Coupling device for a meter apparatus, meter assembly, and method for communicating with a meter apparatus |
CN201480066094.0A CN105793671A (en) | 2013-12-06 | 2014-11-20 | Coupling device for a meter apparatus, meter assembly, and method for communicating with a meter apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE102013020463.1 | 2013-12-06 | ||
DE102013020463.1A DE102013020463A1 (en) | 2013-12-06 | 2013-12-06 | Coupling device for a counter device, counter arrangement and method for communication with a counter device |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2015082050A1 true WO2015082050A1 (en) | 2015-06-11 |
Family
ID=51987114
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/EP2014/003093 WO2015082050A1 (en) | 2013-12-06 | 2014-11-20 | Coupling device for a meter apparatus, meter assembly, and method for communicating with a meter apparatus |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP3077622A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN105793671A (en) |
BR (1) | BR112016011618A2 (en) |
DE (1) | DE102013020463A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2015082050A1 (en) |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0206943A2 (en) * | 1985-06-24 | 1986-12-30 | Schlumberger Limited | Fiber optic connector assembly |
US4712861A (en) * | 1985-02-07 | 1987-12-15 | Northern Telecom Limited | Two-channel hermaphroditic fiber connector |
US20060193562A1 (en) * | 2005-02-25 | 2006-08-31 | Thomas Theuerkorn | Fiber optic receptacle and plug assembly including alignment sleeve insert |
US20070218775A1 (en) * | 2006-03-20 | 2007-09-20 | Coronado Martin P | Downhole optic fiber wet connect system and method |
US20130279846A1 (en) * | 2011-11-30 | 2013-10-24 | Steven J. Cowen | Multichannel Optical Data Coupler |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE2646010C3 (en) * | 1976-10-12 | 1979-05-17 | Siemens Ag, 1000 Berlin Und 8000 Muenchen | Magnetic coupling device for connector plugs |
DE3831322A1 (en) * | 1988-09-15 | 1990-03-29 | Kabelmetal Electro Gmbh | Detachable connection for optical fibres |
AU2003901531A0 (en) * | 2003-04-02 | 2003-05-01 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Connection system |
US8244085B2 (en) * | 2004-07-02 | 2012-08-14 | Finisar Corporation | Optical transceiver interface for multimode fibers |
US7607477B2 (en) * | 2006-09-06 | 2009-10-27 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Optical wet connect |
GB2471260A (en) * | 2009-04-01 | 2010-12-29 | Navetas Energy Man Ltd | Remote monitoring of utility meters |
CN102122030B (en) * | 2010-01-08 | 2013-09-25 | Ofs飞泰尔有限责任公司 | Connector cover for outside plant applications |
-
2013
- 2013-12-06 DE DE102013020463.1A patent/DE102013020463A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2014
- 2014-11-20 EP EP14803047.1A patent/EP3077622A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2014-11-20 CN CN201480066094.0A patent/CN105793671A/en active Pending
- 2014-11-20 WO PCT/EP2014/003093 patent/WO2015082050A1/en active Application Filing
- 2014-11-20 BR BR112016011618A patent/BR112016011618A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4712861A (en) * | 1985-02-07 | 1987-12-15 | Northern Telecom Limited | Two-channel hermaphroditic fiber connector |
EP0206943A2 (en) * | 1985-06-24 | 1986-12-30 | Schlumberger Limited | Fiber optic connector assembly |
US20060193562A1 (en) * | 2005-02-25 | 2006-08-31 | Thomas Theuerkorn | Fiber optic receptacle and plug assembly including alignment sleeve insert |
US20070218775A1 (en) * | 2006-03-20 | 2007-09-20 | Coronado Martin P | Downhole optic fiber wet connect system and method |
US20130279846A1 (en) * | 2011-11-30 | 2013-10-24 | Steven J. Cowen | Multichannel Optical Data Coupler |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE102013020463A1 (en) | 2015-06-11 |
EP3077622A1 (en) | 2016-10-12 |
CN105793671A (en) | 2016-07-20 |
BR112016011618A2 (en) | 2017-08-08 |
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