Radiant energy – Photocells; circuits and apparatus – Optical or pre-photocell system
Patent
1991-01-23
1992-12-08
Nelms, David C.
Radiant energy
Photocells; circuits and apparatus
Optical or pre-photocell system
34087002, G01D 534
Patent
active
051700514
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an optoelectronic sensor for domestic energy consumption meters, such as electricity meters and gas meters.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
At the present time, electricity and gas meters display on their front face a series of figures which express the consumption of electricity or gas. These figures are read periodically in order to prepare the consumption invoice. These periodic readings create serious constraints and involve a high outlay.
Many solutions have been provided for doing away with the above-mentioned readings. These solutions have involved placing inside the meter a sensor capable of detecting the passage of a reference mark on a rotary disc during each revolution of the latter.
Whenever the reference mark is detected, an electronic component associated with the sensor supplies an electrical signal. These electrical signals can be converted into electricity or gas consumption.
The reading of the consumption can thus be carried out remotely.
However, fastening these sensors inside the electricity and gas meters presents difficulties.
In fact, it is important to place these sensors at a constant and exact distance from the rotary disc carrying the reference mark, so as to obtain reliable and reproducible measurements.
The solutions provided hitherto are unsatisfactory because they entail modifications to the meters and excessive assembly times.
The object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the above-mentioned solutions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is therefore aimed at an optoelectronic sensor for a domestic energy consumption meter which comprises a rotary member of which the rotational speed is a function of the consumption, this sensor being intended to be placed inside the meter in order to detect the passage of a reference mark of the rotary member during each revolution of the latter.
According to the invention, the sensor is accommodated in a support comprising means allowing it to be fastened to an existing part inside the meter, the means maintaining the sensor at a fixed distance from the rotary member of the meter.
Thus, the mounting of the sensor is very easy and can be carried out in a very short time, since it requires no modification of the meter. The means for fastening the support can consist of a gripper capable of gripping the existing part of the meter elastically.
The support in which the sensor is accommodated makes it easier to manipulate the latter, while at the same time protecting it.
Moreover, this support, together with its quick-fastening means, guarantees a high mounting accuracy inside the meter.
According to an advantageous version of the invention, the conductors coming from the sensor are embedded in a flexible tape made of an insulating material sufficiently thin to be capable of passing between the cover of the meter and the body of the latter, without any modification of these.
According to a preferred version of the invention, the optoelectronic sensor can be fastened in an electricity consumption meter comprising, on the front face of its cover, an identification plate having an aperture, behind which a disc carrying a reference mark is mounted rotatably.
In this case, the support of the sensor preferably comprises a face equipped with an elastic tongue capable of covering the edge of the identification plate, this same face of the support having a catch which can be lodged at that end of the aperture of the identification plate adjacent to the edge of the latter covered by the tongue of the support.
Because the catch is engaged in the aperture of the identification plate, the support of the sensor is wedged in the two longitudinal directions of the aperture, on the one hand by the catch up against the end of this aperture and on the other hand by the bottom of the groove defined by the tongue which is up against the edge of the plate.
Furthermore, the catch wedges the support in the two directions of width of the aperture. Thus, the fastening of the support i
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patent: 4031441 (1977-06-01), Garrett
patent: 4037219 (1977-07-01), Lewis
patent: 4638314 (1987-01-01), Keller
patent: 4792677 (1988-12-01), Edwards et al.
patent: 4803484 (1989-02-01), Schutrum et al.
patent: 4942295 (1990-07-01), Brunner et al.
Le Que T.
Manufacture d'Appareillage Electrique de Cahors
Nelms David C.
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