Patent GB-1322266-A (GB)
Title: Taximeter equipment having an tariff change-over
IPC: G07B13/10
Filed: 1971-07-22
Abstract: 1322266 Taximeters KIENZLE APPARATE GmbH 22 July 1971 [25 July 1970] 34379/71 Heading G4T Taximeter equipment includes a switching device which operates automatically at predetermined times to alter the tariff rate charged by the taximeter. The predetermined times may, for example, be such that the taximeter is automatically conditioned to operate at the higher of two tariff rates at night-time, at weekends and during public holidays. In one embodiment (not shown), a radio centre, in communication with a number of taxis to control their employment, also repeatedly transmits a tariff-change over signal for the duration of a particular tariff period. The tariff in force at any time is optically indicated. The signals change the state of an electric relay, which in turn conditions the taximeter for charging according to the particular tariff. A holding circuit for the relay is arranged to drop out after a certain time interval if no further signal is sensed. The time interval is less than the time between successive signals. In the embodiment shown, the switching device includes a disc 4, Fig. 3, rotated by a motor 2 in 24 hours. Cams 7, 7<SP>1</SP>, positioned in accordance with the pre-determined tariff changing times, trip arms 8, 9 to step a toothed wheel 10 and thus a disc 12. The disc carries a conductive surface 13, contacted continuously by contact 14 and intermittently by contact 15. Disc 12 rotates once in a week and the shape of surface 13 gives electrical connection between 14 and 15 every night and all day Sunday, uninterrupted portion 16 corresponding to daytime Sunday. This switching device is incorporated at U in the circuit of Fig. 4, which is shown ready for hire (switch F being closed) at daytime tariff (switch U being open). Manual closing of a contact T energizes relay R1 to start a motor M driving a shaft W. Cam K1 on shaft W closes switch M1 to hold the relay energized until cam K2, also on shaft W, acts on switch bank F, K, T2, T1 to close T1 (which conditions the taximeter for daytime tariff operation), switches F, K and T2 being open. Cam K1 has opened M1 to stop the motor M at this position. A second closing of contact T again rotates shaft W a predetermined amount until K2 closes switch T2. At this time current flows via T2 and r to energize R3, which through contact R3.1 holds relay R1. The motor thus continues to rotate past the T2 (high tariff) position, despite the action of M1, K1, until K2 closes K to condition the taximeter for "Cash" display. A third closing of contact T returns the circuit to the condition shown. For high tariff operation, switch U is closed. In the "for hire" condition (F closed), R2 is energized through F and U to make contact a. R2.2 holds R2 energized. Closing of contact T rotates K2 to close T1. Through T1 and a, R3 is energized to hold R1 energized and by-pass the T1 (low tariff) condition in a similar way to that in which the T2 (high tariff) condition was by-passed during low tariff operation. Shaft W and K2 continue rotating until T2 is closed. Subsequent closings of contact T condition the taximeter for "cash" display (K closed) and then back to "for hire". Indicators, Illumination.-Switches D and S, also controlled by the cam K2, serve to illuminate the roof sign D<SP>1</SP> and the meter dial S<SP>1</SP> respectively.