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Publication Number
US-10929742-B2
Publication Date
2021-02-23
Expiration Date
Abstract
A counting mechanism (100) for a dispenser comprising: a first and a second housing part (110, 120) that are rotatable relative to each other; and a counting ring (130) disposed between the housing parts. The first housing part has a protrusion (111) which abuts the counting ring, holding a portion of the counting ring in contact with the second housing part. The relative rotation of the housing parts causes the protrusion to slide against the surface of the counting ring to drive a rolling movement of the counting ring around the circumference of the second housing part, such that a predefined rotation of the housing parts produces an incremental rotational displacement between the counting ring and second housing part to record a count. The counting mechanism provides a large gear reduction ratio in a compact form which is straightforward to manufacture and provides an accurate and reliable record of counts.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a counting mechanism for a dispenser or a sampler that includes a first housing part and a second housing part rotatable with respect to each other, where the second housing part has a curved cross-sectional shape. A counting ring is disposed between the first and second housing parts, and the first housing part has a protrusion that abuts the counting ring and holds a portion of the counting ring in contact with the second housing part.
During relative rotation of the first and second housing parts, the protrusion slides against the surface of the counting ring to drive rolling movement of the counting ring around the circumference of the second housing part. A predefined rotation of the first and second housing parts produces an incremental rotational displacement between the counting ring and the second housing part, and this incremental rotational displacement records a count.
In the described embodiments and refinements, the counting mechanism supports non-slip rolling and large gear reduction in a compact low-part-count form, including cycloidal gearing with sequential interlocking teeth and alternative tooth profiles. The document also describes ratchet and pawl arrangements to permit relative rotation in a single direction and multi-stage stacking of counting stages to increase reduction ratios.
A lock out mechanism is described for a counting device, where rotation of a second rotatable housing part drives incremental rotation of a rotatable counting part such that a full rotation of the second housing part produces an incremental rotation of the counting part with respect to the first housing part. The lock out mechanism comprises a locking feature provided on each of the counting part, the first housing part, and the second housing part, configured to lock together when all three locking features are simultaneously aligned, including embodiments where a sprung member is driven orthogonally to the direction of rotation.
Claims Coverage
The document includes two independent claims: one directed to a counting mechanism for a dispenser or sampler and one directed to a lock out mechanism for a counting device. Across these claims, the inventive features focus on rolling count recording driven by relative housing rotation, gearing or tooth-based incremental displacement, and a multi-feature lockout triggered after a sufficient number of rotations.
Incremental count recording by rolling counting ring driven by sliding protrusion
A counting mechanism for a dispenser or a sampler comprising a first housing part and a second housing part rotatable with respect to each other, the second housing part having a curved cross-sectional shape; a counting ring disposed between the first and second housing parts; and a protrusion on the first housing part that abuts the counting ring and holds a portion of the counting ring in contact with the second housing part, wherein relative rotation causes the protrusion to slide against the surface of the counting ring to drive a rolling movement of the counting ring around the circumference of the second housing part such that a predefined rotation produces an incremental rotational displacement between the counting ring and second housing part to record a count.
Non-slip rolling and incremental displacement tied to contact behavior and circumference difference
The protrusion drives non-slip rolling movement of the counting ring around the second housing part such that relative rotation produces an incremental rotational displacement between the counting ring and the second housing part, with the incremental displacement provided by a difference in the circumference of the counting ring.
Tooth-count incremental displacement by sequential interlocking gear teeth
The counting ring has a first array of gear teeth and the second housing part has a second array of gear teeth, where the protrusion meshes with the opposing teeth; such that sequential interlocking of the teeth provides the incremental rotational displacement between the counting ring and second housing part based on a difference in the number of teeth.
Single-direction relative rotation using ratchet and pawl
The first and second housing parts include a ratchet and a pawl such that only one direction of relative rotation is permitted.
Three locking features simultaneously aligned to trigger lock out after sufficient rotations
A lock out mechanism for a counting device where a first housing part and a second housing part are rotatable with respect to the first housing part and a rotatable counting part has rotation driven by rotation of the second housing part such that a full rotation of the second housing part produces an incremental rotation of the counting part with respect to the first housing part; the lock out mechanism comprises a locking feature provided on each of the counting part, the first housing part, and the second housing part, the features configured to lock together when all simultaneously aligned; after a sufficient number of rotations of the second housing part all three locking features are driven into alignment to trigger the lock out.
Sprung-member locking feature activated by simultaneous alignment of three features
A lock out mechanism comprising locking features that lock together when simultaneously aligned, wherein the locking feature is formed by a sprung member activated when it simultaneously aligns with the other two locking features.
Orthogonal driving of sprung member relative to housing rotation directions
A lock out mechanism in which the sprung member is driven orthogonally to the direction of rotation of the first and second housing parts.
Overall claim coverage combines a counting mechanism where relative rotation between two rotatable housing parts drives rolling of a counting ring around a curved housing surface via a protrusion to record incremental rotational displacement, with refinements including non-slip rolling, tooth-based sequential interlocking, and single-direction rotation. It also combines a lock out mechanism where locking features on the counting part, first housing part, and second housing part align simultaneously to trigger lock out after a sufficient number of rotations, including sprung-member and orthogonal drive features.
Stated Advantages
Large gear reduction in a small form factor.
Minimal backlash/wear for quiet operation.
Robustness to shocks.
Easy and low-cost manufacture.
Reliable end-of-life lockout.
Documented Applications
A dispenser or a sampler that includes the described counting mechanism.
A counting device implementing the described lock out mechanism to trigger lock out after a sufficient number of rotations.
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