GB744031A - Multiple tariff counting mechanism for measuring instruments, particularly electricity meters - Google Patents

Abstract

744,031. Counting-apparatus. LANDIS & GYR AKT.-GES. Nov. 11, 1953 [Nov. 13, 1952], No. 31307/53. Class 106 (1). A multiple-tariff electricity or other meter comprises frictional couplings for selectively engaging alternative counting trains with the measuring element, a common actuating device engaging one coupling whilst disengaging the other. In the two-tariff arrangement of Fig. 1, the meter shaft 1 drives a pair of coupling wheels 101, 201 freely rotatable upon shafts 110, 210, a pinion 102 secured to the shaft 110 serving to drive the low tariff counter I and a pinion 202 on the shaft 210 serving to drive the high tariff counter II. Coupling members 111 and 211 slidable on the shafts 110, 210 are urged towards the coupling wheels 102, 202 by respective springs 112. These coupling members are controlled by a lever 21 pivoted at 20 and loaded by a weight 23, so that an arm 220 of the lever holds the coupling member 211 clear of its coupling wheel 201, whilst a second arm 120 releases the coupling member 111 to its spring 112. The coupling wheel 101 is thus gripped between the coupling member 111 and pinion 102 and drives the low tariff counter I, whilst the high tariff counter II is held against rotation by the arm 220 bearing against the disengaged coupling member 211. The lever is rocked counterclockwise by energization of a tariff change magnet 24. This reverses the coupling members 111 and 211 so that the high tariff counter is driven by its coupling wheel 201 whilst the low tariff counter is locked. A slidable member, actuated by a spring in place of the weight 23, may be substituted for the lever 21. A triple-tariff arrangement, also described, comprises four frictional couplings, controlled by two magnets as 24, for selectively engaging the three counters. Where, as in Fig. 4, the counter numeral wheels of corresponding order are arranged coaxially, the couplings are coaxial with the units wheels 103, 203 of the two counters I and II. The coupling wheels 101, 201 loose on the shafts of these wheels are driven by gears 16, 26 on a motordriven shaft, whilst the slidable coupling members 111, 211 are selectively engaged with the coupling wheels by arms 140, 240 on a slidable rod 40 actuated by a spring 43 and magnet 42. Heat-operated bimetallic devices may be substituted for the tariff change magnets.