GB1089794A - Improved vehicle-washing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

1,089,794. Coin-freed washing facilities. J. S. WEBBER Ltd. Aug. 21, 1964 [May 24, 1963], No. 20787/63. Heading G4V. Vehicle washing apparatus comprises a manually operable coin-freed priming device for starting a timer and actuating a switch which returns to its original interval after a pre-set interval, and a hose connected to the outlet of a water valve operable by means in circuit with the switch. Figs. 2-4 are three sectional views of the coin-freed and timing mechanism, comprising a disc 14, manually rotatable by a knob (not shown), and normally prevented from significant rotation by engagement of a catch 19 with a recess in the disc. When a coin of the correct size falls into slot 25, however, the catch can ride up the coin and clear the recess. A finger 27 on the disc 14 normally abuts a lever 28 on shaft 29 of a timing spring (not shown), so that rotation of disc 14 winds the spring until an arm 23 rotating with the disc abuts stop 30. Pawl and ratchet mechanism 32, 31 ensures that disc 14, when rotated, must be rotated the full amount, and in direction A only, until winding is complete. The switch controlling the water valve (not shown) is actuated with arm 28, so as to be closed while the arm is not in its datum position. When the device is first wound, the water valve is held closed by opening of switch 18 until the winding up is complete and arm 23 is returned by spring 24 on release of the manual winding knob. The valve is then open, while arm 28 is returned to its datum position by the timing mechanism. This pre-set interval may be varied by insertion of finger 27 in various holes 44, 45, and by adjustment of a screw 46 on arm 28 extending towards finger 27. The hose may terminate in a brush containing solid detergent, or an auxiliary valve, directly operated by the customer, may add detergent to the water flow as required. The switch operated by the timer may also control an indicator lamp.