counting mechanism

Abstract

This invention discloses a counting mechanism for coupling to a measuring mechanism of a flow meter, wherein the output end of the measuring mechanism's transmission device is operatively engaged with a counting mechanism-side transmission device, which is equipped with interchangeable gears to adapt to the rotation direction of the measuring mechanism. Furthermore, a counting mechanism is also disclosed that can be connected to a modular base plate system via a mechanical interface, wherein the base plate of this system can be equipped with engaging or interlocking elements arranged in different ways.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a counting mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] The basic structure of such a counting mechanism is described, for example, in the applicant's publications EP 0 633 545 B1 and EP 1 965 180 A1. According to these publications, the counting mechanism is adapted to be coupled to the measuring mechanism of a gas meter or water meter (hereinafter referred to as a flow meter) and has a transmission on the input side. The output gear of this transmission drives at least one counting roller supported on a counting roller shaft. The input gear of this transmission engages operatively with the gear of the measuring mechanism's transmission, thereby driving the counting roller according to the gear's rotational speed and the transmission ratio / reduction ratio. The resulting rotational motion is proportional to the volumetric flow rate of the medium, such as the impeller driving the measuring mechanism. Except for the driven counting roller (which is the "lowest-order" counting roller), the other counting rollers are typically supported on the counting roller shaft, with a switching pinion arranged between each two adjacent counting rollers. One-tenth of a revolution of each lower-order counting roller is transmitted to the next higher-order counting roller via this switching pinion. In this case, in order to determine the consumption, that is, the volume flowing through the measuring mechanism within a predetermined time period, the state of the roller counting mechanism is read at the beginning and end of this time period.

[0003] The counting mechanisms used in these known solutions are, for example, mounted onto the measuring mechanism housing via a suitable base plate. When establishing the functional connection between the counting mechanism's side reduction gear and the output end of the measuring mechanism's transmission, care must be taken to ensure that the rotation direction at the measuring mechanism's output end matches the rotation direction applicable to the counting mechanism. To accommodate different rotation directions of the measuring mechanism, two counting mechanisms are typically provided, each capable of being driven in one rotation direction (forward) or the other (backward). In this case, during installation, the appropriate counting mechanism is selected based on the rotation direction at the output end of the measuring mechanism's gear. The necessity of providing two different types of counting mechanisms (forward drive and reverse drive) increases the logistical and manufacturing costs during the counting mechanism's production process.

[0004] DE 100 62 807 A1 discloses a unidirectional counting mechanism that, when employing a bidirectional rotational direction driver, has a display including a unidirectional rotational direction. For this purpose, two ratchet-pawl systems connected by a worm gear and an intermediate gear are arranged side-by-side in the counting mechanism. Individually, each of these ratchet-pawl systems is effectively engaged only in one rotational direction. That is, two different counting mechanism types are arranged in one counting mechanism, and even when the rotational directions are opposite, these two counting mechanisms drive the unidirectional accumulation counting mechanism display. The technology for manufacturing such a unidirectional counting mechanism is relatively expensive because both counting mechanism types must be manufactured and pre-installed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a counting mechanism that can be assembled onto a measuring mechanism with different rotation directions at a lower cost.

[0006] The solution to achieve the above objective lies in the counting mechanism according to the present invention.

[0007] According to the invention, a counting mechanism adapted to be coupled to the measuring mechanism of a flow meter has a transmission device, wherein the driven wheel of the transmission device drives at least one counting roller supported on a shaft, and the input wheel of the transmission device (i.e., its measuring mechanism side gear) can operatively mesh with the output end of the measuring mechanism transmission device. According to the invention, at least one gear of the transmission device is implemented as an exchange gear, which is adapted to be switched within the transmission device to reverse the direction of rotation.

[0008] This solution provides a single counting mechanism type for both rotational directions of the measuring mechanism, where the rotational direction is adapted by simply changing the interchangeable gears. In this case, this conversion is chosen in a way that allows it to be performed relatively simply without complex installation steps, preferably tool-free, so that it can also be matched in the field of measurement.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the exchange gear is mounted on an exchange shaft and, for example, has bevel gear teeth that mesh with a bevel gear. The exchange gear has two mounting positions on the exchange shaft, these positions being selected in such a way that the bevel gear is driven in a first rotational direction in a first mounting position and in the opposite direction in a second mounting position. Other transmission elements can, of course, be used instead of the aforementioned bevel gear.

[0010] In a very simple solution, the exchange gear has a hollow shaft with bevel gear teeth on its end section and can be mounted on two positions offset by approximately 180° on the exchange shaft. In this case, the hollow shaft can be placed on the end section of the exchange shaft.

[0011] If the hollow shaft has a locking mechanism for engaging with the change shaft, then changing the change gears is particularly easy.

[0012] In this case, for example, engaging grooves can be constructed in the hollow shaft, and the engaging element of the exchange shaft engages into these engaging grooves through the cavity surrounded by the hollow shaft. Of course, reverse motion is also possible, where the grooves are implemented on the exchange shaft side and the engaging element is implemented on the hollow shaft side.

[0013] If the engaging grooves corresponding to the two mounting positions are constructed on the hollow or interchangeable shaft in a manner that is offset axially and / or circumferentially, the locking and unlocking can be simplified.

[0014] This counting mechanism can be implemented in a particularly compact manner if the rotating shaft of the changing gear is arranged in a way that is offset by about 90° and spaced a certain distance from the shaft of the counting roller.

[0015] If the change gear is directly driven by the input gear, the structure of this transmission is particularly simple because access to the change gear is simplified in this case.

[0016] As mentioned at the beginning, for example as proposed in EP 1 965 180 A1, the counting mechanism is mounted on the measuring mechanism housing of the flow meter's measuring mechanism using a base plate. To enable mounting to different measuring mechanisms, this counting mechanism has a modular base plate system. This system is individually adaptable to the corresponding measuring mechanism and also has a customized mechanical interface on the counting mechanism side, which can engage functionally with the standardized interface of the counting mechanism. In this case, the standardized interface is designed in a way that allows it to be assembled onto base plates equipped with different interfaces.

[0017] This concept can also reduce logistics and manufacturing costs during the installation / manufacturing of counting mechanisms, as a single type of counting mechanism can be assembled onto measuring mechanisms implemented in different ways by selecting a base plate from a modular base plate system.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the counting mechanism housing is generally implemented as a cuboid with four sides, wherein at least two engaging elements are constructed on the longitudinal face and at least one engaging element is constructed on the shorter end face, the engaging elements corresponding to the bottom plate side engaging elements, wherein the number of engaging elements is greater than the number of engaging elements.

[0019] If the engaging element is a stop flange extending away from the base plate, this connection is particularly easy to establish. These stop flanges can engage with engaging elements of the counting mechanism housing that have engaging grooves. Of course, during reversal of motion, these stop flanges can also be implemented on the counting mechanism side, and the engaging grooves can also be implemented on the base plate side. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the schematic diagrams. Wherein:

[0021] Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of a first embodiment of a counting mechanism according to the present invention is shown, which can be connected to the measuring mechanism of a flow meter via a base plate;

[0022] Figure 2 The one shown does not have a housing top cover Figure 1 The counting mechanism shown;

[0023] Figure 3 and 4 It shows that according to Figure 1 Detailed diagrams of the counting mechanism in different functional positions;

[0024] Figure 5 and 6 It shows that according to Figures 1 to 4 A view of the changing gears of the counting mechanism;

[0025] Figure 7 and 8 It shows Figure 3 and 4 A sectional view of the area shown;

[0026] Figure 9 Another embodiment of the counting mechanism with a base plate according to the present invention is shown;

[0027] Figure 10 and 11 It shows that according to Figure 9 Detailed drawing of the counting mechanism without a base plate;

[0028] Figure 12 It shows according to Figure 9 A top view of the counting mechanism;

[0029] Figure 13 It shows that according to Figures 1 to 12 Detailed cross-sectional view of the counting mechanism; and

[0030] Figure 14 and 15 It shows that according to Figure 9 A three-dimensional sectional view of the counting mechanism.

[0031] Wherein: 1: Counting mechanism; 2: Base plate; 4: Measuring mechanism counter; 6: Measuring mechanism gear; 8: Input wheel; 10: Counting mechanism transmission device; 12: Housing frame; 14: Housing top cover; 16: Aperture; 18: Counting roller; 20: Switching pinion; 22: Switching pinion shaft; 24: Driven wheel; 26: Engaging tongue; 28: Groove; 30: Exchange shaft; 32: Support frame; 34: Bearing bracket; 36: Exchange gear; 38: Bevel gear tooth; 40: Bevel gear; 42: Support bracket; 44: Driven shaft; 46: Hollow shaft; 48: Bevel gear collar; 5 0: Engaging groove; 52: Engaging groove; 54: Engaging element; 56: Inner hole; 58: Radial shoulder; 60: Annular end face; 62: Engaging groove; 64: Engaging groove; 66: Engaging groove; 68: Engaging groove; 70: Engaging groove; 72: Longitudinal face; 74: Longitudinal face; 76: End face; 78: End face; 80: End rib; 82: End rib; 84: Mandrel; 86: Stop flange; 88: Stop flange; 90: Stop flange; 92: Stop flange; 94: Stop flange; 96: Stop flange; 98: Engaging groove; 100: Stop protrusion; 102: Bevel gear. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional diagram of a first embodiment of the counting mechanism 1, which is mounted on a measuring mechanism 4 (shown as dashed lines) of a flow meter (e.g., a gas meter or water meter) via a base plate 2. The counting mechanism 1 is driven by a measuring mechanism drive, which in turn is driven by an impeller acted upon by the fluid flow, and wherein, in Figure 1 Only the gear 6 of the transmission output measuring mechanism, indicated by a dashed line, is visible. According to... Figure 1 The measuring mechanism transmission engages with the input wheel 8 of the counting mechanism transmission 10, driving the actual counting mechanism 1 via this input wheel. In the illustrated embodiment, the transmission 10 is substantially supported on a base plate 2, which is connected to the counting mechanism 1, thus forming part of the counting mechanism 1. Depending on the type of measuring mechanism / flowmeter, the base plate 2 can have different structures, but the counting mechanism side interface is designed in a way that allows a single counting mechanism type to be mounted onto different base plates. Figures 9 to 15 This modular baseboard system with corresponding interfaces will be described.

[0033] Figure 1The counting mechanism 1 shown has a counting mechanism housing, which is essentially composed of a lower housing frame 12 and a housing top cover 14 placed on the lower housing frame. The housing frame 12 is connected to the base plate 2 via the aforementioned mechanical interface. The housing top cover 14, also referred to as a protective cover, has an aperture 16 through which the status of the counting mechanism can be read. The basic structure of a practical counting mechanism is known from the prior art described at the beginning; therefore, only the components necessary for understanding the present invention will be described here, and otherwise reference will be made to the prior art.

[0034] Figure 2 The counting mechanism 1 is shown, with its housing cover 14 (protective cover) removed, thus revealing the counting mechanism components housed within the housing frame 12. As described in the prior art above, the counting mechanism 1 has multiple counting rollers, wherein only the lowest-order counting roller 18 is in... Figure 2 The diagram includes reference numerals. These counting rollers are rotatably supported on a counting roller shaft. In the illustrated embodiment, this counting roller shaft carries eight counting rollers 18. A switching pinion 20 is provided between every two adjacent counting rollers 18. Accordingly, there are a total of seven switching pinions 20 supported on the switching pinion shaft 22 for the eight counting rollers. By means of the switching pinions 20 arranged between two adjacent counting rollers 18, each tenth of a revolution of a lower-order counting roller 18 is passed to the next higher-order counting roller, thereby allowing for accurate display and reading of volume in eight digits when using the illustrated embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, this mechanical component of the counting mechanism 1 also corresponds to a sensor device through which the display status of the counting mechanism 1 can be electronically read—these reading electronics are based on… Figure 2 It is not visible in the diagram. (Through...) Figure 2 The driven wheel 24 of the transmission device 10 shown drives the lowest-order counting roller 18, as... Figure 1 As shown in the diagram, this transmission device is basically supported on the base plate 2.

[0035] A protruding engaging tongue 26 is constructed on the side wall of the housing frame 12, according to Figure 1 These latching tabs engage with the grooves 28 on the top cover side of the housing to secure the top cover 14 to the housing frame 12. In the illustrated embodiment, two latching tabs 26 spaced apart from each other are constructed on the longitudinal surface of the housing frame 12, and one latching tab 26 is constructed on the shorter end face. The corresponding grooves 28 on the top cover 14 correspond to these latching tabs.

[0036] Figure 3 and Figure 4The area where the transmission device 10 is arranged in the counting mechanism 1 is shown. As explained at the beginning, the input wheel 8 of the transmission device 10 and the driven wheel 6 of the measuring mechanism 4 (not in the same position) are connected. Figure 3 and Figure 4 (As shown in the diagram) meshing. In the illustrated embodiment, the input wheel 8 is arranged on a large surface of the base plate 2 away from the actual counting mechanism 1 and supported on an exchange shaft 30, which passes vertically through the bottom wall of the base plate 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the base plate 2 is provided with a segmented support frame 32 surrounding the actual counting mechanism 1, on which a support for supporting the actual counting mechanism 1 is constructed. Figure 3 A bearing bracket 34 is mounted on the vertically extending exchange shaft 30. The exchange gear 36 is positioned above the bearing bracket 34 on the exchange shaft 30 (according to...). Figure 3 , 4 (As shown in the view), this exchange gear has bevel gear teeth 38 that mesh with a bevel gear 40, which is fixed to a driven shaft 44 supported on a support bracket 42 on the base plate 2. A driven wheel 24 for driving the lowest-order counting roller 18 is fixed to the end section of the driven shaft 44 away from the bevel gear 40. Based on the two meshing bevel gears, the exchange shaft 30 and the driven shaft 44 are also perpendicular to each other.

[0037] Figure 5 and 6 A detailed drawing of interchangeable gear 36, in which... Figure 5 Showing the situation according to Figure 3 The interchangeable gears at the installation location, and Figure 6 Then it shows that it is in accordance with Figure 4 The interchange gears at the installation position.

[0038] Therefore, the change gear 36 has a hollow shaft 46 that can be coaxially placed on the end section of the change shaft 30, which in Figure 5 The lower end section extends radially to form a bevel gear collar 48, on which bevel gear teeth 38 are constructed.

[0039] from Figure 5 It can also be seen that two meshing grooves 50a, 50b or 52a, 52b, which are axially spaced a certain distance from each other and staggered by 90°, are constructed on the hollow shaft 46, depending on the installation position of the exchange gear 36. These meshing grooves can engage with the meshing elements 54a, 54b of the exchange shaft 30 (see...). Figure 7 and 8 Functional meshing.

[0040] As explained in the introduction to the instruction manual, the rotation direction of the measuring mechanism gear 6 may vary depending on the type of the measuring mechanism counter 4. To adapt the counting mechanism 1 to different rotation directions, it can be configured as follows: Figure 3, 4 The bevel gear teeth 38 of the change gear 36 are arranged below the bevel gear 40, or by rotating the change gear 36 (see...). Figure 4 , 6 The bevel gear teeth are positioned above the bevel gear 40, and the rotation direction is reversed depending on the relative position of the change gear 36.

[0041] The corresponding installation location is also Figure 7 and 8 As shown in the figure, it is shown Figure 3 and Figure 4 A cross-section along the axis of the exchange shaft 30. This cross-sectional view clearly shows that two resilient engaging elements 54a and 54b are constructed on the end section of the exchange shaft 30, depending on the mounting position of the exchange gear 36. These two engaging elements can engage with engaging grooves 52a, 52b or 50a, 50b to secure the exchange gear 36 to the exchange shaft 30 radially and axially. In this case, the exchange shaft 30... Figure 7 and 8 The visible end section is immersed in the graded inner bore 56, wherein, depending on the installation position, radial shoulders 58a, 58b formed by the extended portion of the inner bore 56 are located on the annular end face 60 of the exchange shaft 30. Two engaging elements 54a, 54b constructed on the annular end face 60 are immersed in the cavity of the hollow shaft 46 and engage with engaging grooves 50a, 50b or 52a, 52b. Additional axial support is achieved in each installation position (see...). Figure 7 , 8 One of the two end faces 62 and 64 of the exchange gear 36 is supported on the bearing bracket 34, so that the exchange gear 36 is connected to the exchange shaft 30 in a torsion-resistant manner and in a fixed position in the radial and axial directions.

[0042] Additional positional fixation can be achieved by connecting the change gear 36 to the change shaft 30 via a material-joint method after installation that matches the direction of rotation.

[0043] Combination Figures 9 to 15 Another feature of the solution according to the invention will be described. Figure 9 Another embodiment of the counting mechanism 1 is shown, which is consistent with the one according to Figures 1 to 8 The difference in the embodiment lies in the shape of the base plate 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the base plate 2 does not form according to Figure 1 In the case of the support frame, the surface is basically smooth, and the transmission device 10 also has the same characteristics as according to... Figure 1 The embodiments have slightly different structures. However, the structure of the transmission device 10 plays only a secondary role in the following considerations, because it should be combined with Figures 9 to 15The interface between the actual counting mechanism 1 and the base plate 2 will be described. As described in the previous embodiment, the counting mechanism 1 has a housing including a housing frame 12, and a housing top cover 14 with an aperture 16 is fixed to this housing frame in the aforementioned manner. According to the present invention, the counting mechanism 1 is designed in a certain way so that it can be fixed to different measuring mechanisms 4 by a modular base plate system with different base plates 2 without making structural changes to the actual counting mechanism 1. Specifically, a "standardized" interface is provided on the counting mechanism side, which is implemented in a certain way so that different base plates 2 with different meshing elements can be functionally engaged with the counting mechanism housing.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the counting mechanism side interface is composed of a plurality of engaging elements constructed on the outer periphery of the housing frame 12, according to the illustrated counting mechanism 1 without a base plate 2. Figure 10 and 11 These meshing elements are constructed as meshing grooves 62, 64, 66, 68, and 70 and are constructed with... Figure 10 , 11 Another engagement groove 98 not visible in the middle (see Figure 13 In this case, according to Figure 10 and 11 As illustrated in the diagram, two engaging grooves 62, 64 or 68, 70 are spaced apart from each other on the longitudinal surfaces 72, 74 of the housing frame 12. Two additional engaging grooves 66, 98 are arranged on the end faces 76, 78 of the housing frame 12. These two end-side engaging grooves 66, 98 are formed in the transition region to the end ribs 80, 82 protruding from the corresponding end faces 76, 78 to the housing top cover 14, such that the bottom-plate side engaging element described below is laterally supported on the circumferential surfaces of the end ribs 80, 82 and the engaging grooves 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 98. Figure 11 In the figure, reference numeral 84 is used to indicate a mandrel used for cables or for assembling plugs.

[0045] The arrangement of engaging elements that can engage with engaging grooves 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, and 98, especially in... Figure 9 and 12 As shown, these engaging elements in the illustrated embodiment are constructed with stop flanges 86, 88, 90, 92, 94, and 96. Correspondingly, stop flanges 86, 88, 90, 92, 94, and 96 are constructed on the base plate 2. Figure 12 The visible support surface and protruding towards the counting mechanism 1 allow these stop flanges to engage with the corresponding engagement grooves 62, 64, 66, 68, 70, and 98. According to... Figure 12 In the top view, the lateral support of the stop flanges 94 and 96 on the two end ribs 80 and 82 of the housing top cover 14 can also be clearly seen.

[0046] Combination Figure 13 To reiterate the locking engagement, this diagram, for example, shows the end-side stop flange 96 engaging with the end face 76. Figure 10 and 11 The rear engagement groove 98 is not visible in the center. Correspondingly, the stop flange 96 has a stop protrusion 100, which precisely fits into the notch of the engagement groove 98, thereby connecting the counting mechanism housing (more precisely, the housing frame 12) to the base plate 2.

[0047] However, to connect the base plate 2 to the counting mechanism housing according to functional requirements, it is unnecessary to construct six stop flanges 86, 88, 90, 92, 94, and 96 on the base plate 2—four stop flanges, for example, are sufficient to mount the counting mechanism housing, based on the position pattern of the side interface of the counting mechanism housing. In other words, depending on the structure of the measuring mechanism counter, different base plates with different numbers and positions of stop flanges can be provided, but their basic pattern adapts to the corresponding interface. Therefore, the base plate of this modular base plate system can be connected to the interface of the counting mechanism housing without any modifications.

[0048] Combination Figure 14 and 15 To reiterate this concept, these two diagrams are based on... Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment. As can be seen in this figure, in this embodiment, the input wheel 8 of the transmission 10 also drives the bevel gear 102. Unlike the previous embodiments, this bevel gear is not constructed as an exchange gear. This bevel gear, in turn (as described in the previous embodiments), meshes with the bevel gear 40 that drives the driven wheel 24 via the driven shaft 44. As mentioned above, this driven wheel meshes with the lowest-order counting roller 18. According to... Figure 14 The diagram shows that the stop flanges 86, 88, and 96 engage with their corresponding engagement grooves 62, 64, and 98. Figure 15 The views are rear views, thus revealing the stop flanges 90 and 92 and the associated engagement grooves 68 and 70 on the other longitudinal side 74. The locking mechanism between the housing frame 12 and the housing top cover 14 is also clearly visible in both figures.

[0049] A counting mechanism for coupling to a measuring mechanism of a flow meter is disclosed, wherein the output end of the measuring mechanism drive is operatively engaged with a counting mechanism-side drive, which is equipped with interchangeable gears to adapt to the rotational direction of the measuring mechanism. Furthermore, a counting mechanism is disclosed that can be connected to a modular base plate system via a mechanical interface, wherein the base plate of this system can be equipped with engaging or disengaging elements arranged in different ways.

Claims

1. A counting mechanism for coupling to a measuring mechanism of a flow meter, having a transmission (10) whose driven wheel (24) drives at least one counting roller (18) supported on a shaft, and whose input wheel (8) is adapted to be in operative engagement with the output of the measuring mechanism transmission, wherein, The gear of the transmission (10) is a change gear (36) which is adapted to be shifted to reverse the direction of rotation, wherein the change gear (36) has a toothing which meshes with a transmission gear, wherein the shaft of the change gear (36) is a change shaft (30) and the change gear (36) is mountable on the change shaft (30) in two mounting positions, wherein the mounting positions are chosen such that in a first mounting position the transmission gear is driven in a first direction of rotation and in a second mounting position the same transmission gear is driven in the opposite direction, characterized in that the change gear (36) has a hollow shaft (46) on the end section of which the toothing is implemented and which is mountable on the change shaft (30) in two positions which are offset by approximately 180°, and wherein the hollow shaft (46) and the change shaft (30) comprise a latching connection for latching.

2. The counting mechanism according to claim 1, wherein in the hollow shaft (46) a latching groove (50, 52) is implemented into which a meshing element which is implemented on the change shaft side engages through the inner cavity which is surrounded by the hollow shaft (46).

3. The counting mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the latching grooves (50, 52) which correspond to the two mounting positions are implemented on the hollow shaft (46) in an axial and / or circumferential offset.

4. The counting mechanism according to claim 3, wherein the axis of rotation of the change gear (36) is arranged offset by approximately 90° and at a distance from the counting roller axis.

5. The counting mechanism according to claim 1 for coupling to a measuring mechanism of a flow meter or an electricity meter, with a transmission (10) whose driven wheel (24) drives at least one counting roller (18) which is supported on a counting roller axis, and whose input wheel (8) is adapted to be in active engagement with the output of a measuring mechanism transmission, wherein the counting mechanism has a counting mechanism housing which corresponds to a modular base plate system for fastening on the measuring mechanism (4), the base plate system having different base plates (2) which can be connected to the counting mechanism housing by a mechanical interface, wherein the mechanical interface has on the counting mechanism side meshing elements whose position pattern is chosen such that the counting mechanism housing can be in active engagement with base plate side latching elements of the base plate system which are arranged in different position patterns.

6. The counting mechanism according to claim 5, wherein the counting mechanism housing is implemented approximately in the shape of a cuboid, wherein on the longitudinal faces (72, 74) respectively at least two meshing elements are implemented and on the shorter end faces (76, 78) respectively at least one meshing element is implemented, the meshing elements corresponding to base plate side latching elements, wherein the number of meshing elements is greater than the number of latching elements.

7. The counting mechanism according to claim 6, wherein the engagement element is a stop flange (86, 88, 90, 92, 94, 96) extending away from the base plate (2), which stop flange (86, 88, 90, 92, 94, 96) is lockingly engageable with an engagement element of the counting mechanism housing constructed as an engagement groove (62, 64, 66, 68, 70, 98).

8. The counting mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the exchange gear (36) is driven by the input wheel (8).

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