GB346282A - Improvements in or relating to coin-freed mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

346,282. Prepayment mechanism for meters &c. BUTHERUS, F. R. and BRITISH SANGAMO CO., Ltd., Cambridge Arterial Road, Enfield, Middlesex. Jan. 4, 1930, No. 395. [Class 27.] Coin action, mechanical-connection and with delivery proportionate to value of coin.-In prepayment mechanism for the supply of a commodity, a penny, sixpence, or a shilling is inserted through a single coin slot to a coin chamber and a rod 9, Fig. 1, is pushed in and then rotated to advance setting-mechanism, which operates controlling means for the supply, to an extent corresponding to the value of the coin inserted, the setting-mechanism being returned to zero by the consumption of commodity. The coin chamber consists of a pair of plates 1, 2 connected by a rear part 14, and has projections 3 extending through a frame-plate 4 to be engaged by a spring 5, which normally presses the chamber forwards, so that a bolt 6 on one of the plates 1, 2 locks a disc 15 against rotation by entering a hole therein. The rod 9 has a squared portion passing through the disc 15, a button 12 to engage a coin 13 in the coin chamber, and three wheels 17, 19, 18 having one, six and twelve teeth respectively. When the rod 9 is pushed in against the action of a spring 40 by a knob 41, after the insertion of a coin, the bolt 6 is withdrawn from the disc 15, so that the rod can be turned through one revolution, and one of the wheels 17, 18, 19 meshes with a wheel 20 on a shaft 21. The particular wheel in mesh depends on the axial position of the rod as determined by the size of the coin. The rotation of the shaft 21 through gearing 22, 23, 24 operates the setting-mechanism. A disc 25 on the rod 9 is slotted radially at 26 and has a part at the side of the slot bent away from the plane of the disc towards the front of the apparatus. When the rod is engaging a coin, the disc 25 is brought opposite one of three slots 28 in a plate 27 so that the rod is held in its inner position until it has been completely rotated. Backward rotation of the rod is prevented by a pawl 39 engaging ratchet teeth on the dic 15, and more than one revolution by the bent portion of the disc 25 engaging the plate 27. An indicator 42 shows the total number of coins inserted, and the amount remaining unspent at any particular instant. The mechanism is stated to be particularly applicable to prepayment electricity meters but also to prepayment apparatus generally. The setting-mechanism illustrated is described in Specification 346,283 and controls an electric switch. It may include relay apparatus such as described in Specifications 335,536 [Class 38 (v), Electric switches &c.], and 344,001, [Group XXXVII], to cause the switch to be opened and closed automatically. Coin - slit closing - devices ; coin - discharging- mechanism.-When the coin is inserted, it engages the lower end 31, Fig. 3, of a counterweighted lever 30 to cause the upper end 29 of this to close the coin-slit. The coin rests on a plate 36 which is withdrawn to allow the coin to drop by a lever- 34 having an extension 38 which normally engages a peripheral depression in the disc 15. When the disc is rotated, the lever 34 is actuated against the action of a spring 37 to withdraw the plate 36 and to move another plate 33 over the coin-slit. Mechanism for prepaying fixed charges.-The setting-mechanism may be driven by a spring motor, acting through an escapement, to cut off the supply irrespective of whether current is used or not. The spring motor is wound by actuation of the prepayment mechanism.