US2144172A

US2144172A - Coin controlled time switch

Info

Publication number: US2144172A
Application number: US738247A
Authority: US
Inventors: Arthur W Welcome
Original assignee: WELCOME METER Co
Current assignee: WELCOME METER Co
Priority date: 1934-08-03
Filing date: 1934-08-03
Publication date: 1939-01-17
Anticipated expiration: 1956-01-17

Description

3 Sheets-Sheet l lNVENTOR: f' .lf/c

ATIORNFY `I an. 17, 1939. A. w. wELcoME COIN CONTROLLED TIME SWITCH Filed Aug. 3, 1934 Jan. 17, 1939. A. wl wELcoMF G01N CQNTROLLED YTIME SWITCH Z Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 3, 1934 Wy/I/e/com ATTO R N E Y Jan.l7, 1939.

A. w.l WELCOME COIN CONTROLLED Y'MME YSWlTHh Filed Aug. 3,' 1954 :s Smm-sheet 3 INVENTOR ar W/co/m:

ATTORNEY Patented Jan. 17,1939

UNITED STATI-:s

2,144,1'12 Conv coN'rnoruzn Tmmswrrcn Arthur W. Welcome, Los Angeles, Calif., signor 'to Welcome Meter Compmy, Pasadena, Calif.,

a corporation of Californiav Application August 3, 1934, Serial No. '138,247

. 1 Claim.

This invention relates to a device for controlling an electric circuit, and particularly by the aid of a coin control mechanism.

Mechanisms for timing the period of utilizing electric power are now well-known. It is also known to provide a coin-in-the-Jslot device whereby a coin must be deposited as a prepayment for the periodof use of the service.

It is one of the objects of this invention to improve in general this type of mechanism.

The mechanisms of this character usually incorporate a constant speed device, such as a clock mechanism, a synchronous motor, or a disc induction motor. The constant speed device is usually connected to a motion transmission mechanlsm, such as reduction gearing, so that after a definite number of revolutions the contacts controlling the load circuit are operated. It is another object of this invention to improve in general the mode in which the contacts are arranged, whereby a quick make and break is obtained.

It is still another object of the invention to make it possible to start a new cycle or period of energization some time before the load is disconnected, so that there is no substantial period of interruption. Thus for example, when the timer is used to energize lamps for illuminating a tennis court for a definite interval such as an hour, the device can be operated just before the hour has elapsed, to secure an additional hour of play.V This is accomplished without in any way altering the accuracy of the determination of the period of activity paid for.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a signaling device for warning the user prior to the time when the period of energization is to elapse, so that an additional prepayment can be made. Y

It is still another object of this invention to provide a coin mechanism such that slugs can be detected, and that the coin must be of the proper size for operating the mechanism.

This invention possesses many other advantages, and has other objectsl which may be made more easily apparent from a consideration of one embodiment of theinvention. For this purpose there is shown a form in the drawings accompanying and forming part of the presentspecication. This form shall now be described in detail, illustrating the general principles of the invention; but itis to be understood that this detailed description isnot to be taken in a limiting sense, since the scope of the invention is best dened by `the appended claim.

Referring to the drawings:

(Cl. 20o-33) Figure l is a front elevation of a device incorporating the invention;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view takenA along the plane 2--2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken along the plane 5 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the plane 4-4 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 51s a detail sectional view taken along the plane 5-5 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary detail view taken along the planet-8 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 'l is a detail sectional view taken along plane 1-1 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 8 is a detail sectional view taken along 15 plane 8-8 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary view similar to Fig. 3, showing one stage in the operation of the coin control mechanism;

Fig. 10 is a view similar to Fig. 9, but showing 9 a later stage of operation of the coin control mechanism;

Fig. 11 is a detail sectional Aview similar to Fig. 8 but illustrating the coin rest in a position to hold the coin from dropping into the coin box; 25 and Fig. 12 is a schematic wiring diagram of the apparatus.

The main function of the device is to control a load circuit by the aid of a pair of contacts. 30 These contacts are shown at i and 2 (Figs. 2,

4 and l2) As indicated in Fig. l2, when the contacts l and 2 are in engagement the load l is energized. The period of engagement of contacts l and 2 therefore determines the period of 35 energization of the load. This load may be any translating device, such as lamps for illuminating a tennis court, or the like; an l electric refrigerator; an electric washing machine; or. any other electrical device.

The contact point I is conveniently supported on a resilient arm 4 fastened to a block 5 of insulation material. This block 5 is in turn fastened to a wall of a supporting frame 6 (Figs. 2 and 4). This frame 6 can be appropriately made as by die casting, and as will be described later on, it serves as a main support for many of the parts utilized in the apparatus.

The cooperating contact 2 is similarly supported 59 on a resilient contact arm l, fastened to the other side of the insulation block 5. Appropriate terminal posts 8 and 9 connect respectively with the

arms

4 and 1. These arms are furthermore provided with right-angled extensions i0 and il, for 55 priate'a'ngle gagement ofthe contacts by advancing 'member I3 through a relatively small angle.

I8, lthe con.l tacts -I and 2 are rapidly separated when rotatableAv appropriately maintaining their position with respect to the supporting block5.

In the free position, such as indicated in Fig. 4,. the resilience of arm 4 is such as to lift the contact point 'I out of engagement with contact point. 2; and accordingly the load 3 is deenergized. However, it is possible by the aid of a cam mechanism to depress the free end I2 of arm 4, and to urge' contact I against contact 2. Since contact 2 is alsoresiliently supported, this pressure on end I2 acts to maintain the contacts I and 2 in resilient engagement.

In the present instance the engagement of contacts I and 2 is effected by thej aid of a rotatable member I3 (Figs. 2 and 4). This rotatable member` is made from insulation material, such as' Bakelite an is mounted for rotation on a stationary stub shaft I4 (Figs. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9 and 10). This stub shaft can be appropriately fastened at one end in a boss projecting from the main frame 6. Its other end can be similarly supported in a stationary member or plate I5 carried by acover member I6. I

Thefrotatable member I3 has a circular portion orperiphery I1. When the extremity I2 of resilient arm 4 rests upon the circular portion II/, the arm 4 is depressed and held in its contact making position. However, as member I3 rotates in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 4, the

extremity I2 is permitted, after a definite angular movement, to drop off portion I4. This is permitted by the provision of a shoulder I which terminates the circular portion I1. 'I'his shoulder. it will be noted, undercut. The releasing position is shown in Fig. 4. To reengage the contacts I and 2, it is therefore necessary to advance the rotatable member I3 in a counterclockwise direction. This motion causes the surface I9 of member I3 gradually to depress the extremity I2 of arm 4, bringing contact I close to contact 2. As member I3 continues to rotate, shoulder I8 passes extension 20 of member 1. Extension 20 snaps off of this shoulder abruptly hinging contact 2 into engagement with contact I. In other words, rotation of member I3 first depresses spring 4 bringing the contacts close together and then allows member 1 to snap upwardly due to its extension 20 riding off of periphery I1 over shoulder I8. This causes a quick, positive contact which minimizes arcing and sparking. Further rotation of member I3 causes surface I9 to bend

members

4 and 1 downward with' contacts I and 2 in engagement and as the points. of flexure are at the corners of insulation block-Sand separated by the thickness thereof a sliding or wiping action between the contacts will occur. ,I This serves to clean the points and makes for more positive contact. As the rotation continues, extremity I2 again rides upon the circular portion I1. The surface I9 is made at an appro- 'tn ...make it possible tn .eifect this en- Due to the abrupt drop at shoulder member I3 reaches the definite angular position of Fig. 4. The undercutting of shoulder I8 eliminates any possibility of extremity I2 being impeded as it springs upward, ensuring an abrupt break. In this way, arcing or sparking between the contacts is substantially eliminated.

As shown in Fig. 4, the contact arm1 can be provided with an extension 20, which may engage with circular portion I1 when contact I separates from contact; 2. \In this way contact 2 is prevented from (following contact I as contact I raises; and there is accordingly a certainty of deenergization of the load 3, when rotatable member I3 reaches the angular position of Fig. 4.

The'rotatable member I3 is arranged to be advanced in a counterclockwise direction by the aid of a constant speed mechanism. Accordingly the contacts I and 2 stay in engagement for on'e complete revolution of member I3. V The mechanism for driving member I3 at a constant speed in this case includes a constant speed motor of the induction disc type. This motor is illustrated diagrammaticallvat 22 (Figs. Zand 12). The coils for the motor are shownat 23, 24. The motor is shown as supported on the back of the main frame 6, except for the induction disc 25 (Figs. 2 and 6) This induction disc is provided with an appropriate step' baring located in the boss 26 on the front of the frame 5 as well as an appropriate upper bearing for the upper end of the shaft 21 upon which disc 25 is fastened. This induction disc 25 accordingly drives the perpendicular shaft 21, which is located in front of the frame 6.

The details of the drive by the shaft 21 and the rotatable member I3 will be described hereinafter. It is sufficient at the present time to note that motor 22 is located in a circuit parallel to the load 3 as indicated in Fig. 12. In this way, the opening of contacts I and 2 also serves to deenergize the motor 22, and the apparatus comes to rest in the position shown in Fig. 4. It is necessary therefore whe'n it is desired to start the cycle of operations, to advance member I3 to cause contacts I and 2 to engage, even while motor 22 is deenergized. For this reason, the mechanical drive between motor 22 and member I3 includes a lost motion connection. This renders it possible to advance member I3 independently of the motor 22 to start the cycle of operations.

This drive mechanism can now, be described.

Shaft 21, which is driven by the induction disc 25, carries a worm 28. This worm is in engagement with a Worm wheel 29'(Figs. 2 and 6). This worm wheel is rigidly fastened to a toothed member 30 which may be of the Geneva type. The

elements

29 and 30 can be approximately journailed on a stationary shaft supported on a boss 3i in frame 6. The toothed member 30 serves to drive the toothed member 32 in an intermittent manner, as is well understood. This toothed d member 32 is appropriately supported on a stationary stub shaft fastened in boss 33 on lframe 6. To this toothed member 32 is fastened. a smaller toothed member 34 which engages the toothed member 35 for intermittently advancing it. This tooth member 35 is rotatable upon shaft I4. By appropriate choice of the number of i teeth in the various toothed elements, the reduction' of speed from the disc 25 to the toothed wheel 35 can be made of any desired value, so that one revolution of wheel 35 can take place in any desired interval such as a quarter or a half hour, or as long as desired.

The drive between wheel 35 and a member I3 includes a slot and pin connection. For` example, the wheel 35 can be provided with an arcuate slot 36. In this slotvis engaged the pin 31 fastened to the member I3 and having axis parallel to the shaft I4, as shown most clearly in Fig. 6.

' It is apparent that, as defined by the angular spread of the arcuate slot 36, member I3 can be advanced in av direction\to cause energization of the load 3 from the position shown in Fig. 4. In.

this advanced position, the pin 31 leaves the upper 75 end of the slot 35. Motor 22 and load 3 are energized; but member I3 is not driven by motor 22 until the upper end of slot reengages the pin 31. Accordingly, the period of energization of the motor 22 and load 3 is again accurately determined by 'onecomplete'revolution of wheel 35, irrespective of the fact that the member I3 has been advanced by independent means from the open circuiting position of Fig. 4.

In other words, the lost motion connection such. as the slot and pin connection 36--31 makes it possible to restart the cycle of operations without disturbing the timing of the mechanism.

The manner in which the independent advancing of member I3 can be accomplished will now be described. vShaft I4 carries a bushing or sleeve 38 immediately adjacent the front face of member I3. This member 33 carries an ear 39 (Figs. 2 and 5). Through this ear passes a pin 40 carried by the member I3 (Figs. 2, 4 and 5.). Accordingly the sleeve member 38 is in drivingr connection with member I3, and if member 38 is advanced in counterclockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 4, then the member I3 will be correspondlngly advanced. This advance is accomplished-.by the aid of a swinging pawl 4I (Figs.

2, 5, 9- and 10). This pawl is pivoted vupon the pin 40 and has a short' extension 4I adapted to engage against the outer surface of the sleeve 38. Accordingly when the pawl 4I is urged in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Figs. 5, 9 and 10, the pawl acts as a rigid radial extension, and a corresponding counterclockwise drive is imparted to the member. 38. It is sufficient to start the cycle of operations merely to advance pawl 4I to a position such that member I3 will press arm 4 downwardly to cause engagement of contacts I and 2. In order to turn thispawl 4I fo accomplish this result. use is made of a knob 42 (Figs. l and 2). This knob is located on the outside of the cover I6 and carries a pointer 43 cooperating with the legends Oli and On. In order to begin a cycle of operation. the knob 42 is turned from the off position to the on.

position. As described hereinafter, at the end of the cycle of operations the knob 42 is automatically turned to the off position.

Knob 42, as shown most clearly in Fig. 2, has a hollow portion accommodating the boss 44 of a disc 45. This boss 44 serves as a journal for the knob assembly in a boss 48 on cover I6. This discl is rigidly fastened to the knob 42, as by the aid of a fiat-headed screw 45. The disc has a face substantially7 in contact with the inner surface of the cover I6. it carries a pin 41 parallel tothe axis of rotation of knob 42. This pin, upon clockwise rotation of knob 42, engages the pawl 4l. In Fig. 9 thepin 41 has not yet contacted with pawl 4I. ln Fig. l0 pin 41 has reached the end of its movement', and 'has moved the sleeve 38 in a' counterclockwise direction sufficient to cause reengagement of contacts I and 2. The limit imposed upon the rotation of knob 42 includes an arcuate slot 5I in the stationary wall I5 which is spaced from the disc 45; a pin 4l secured to disc 45 is located in this slot. A smilar arcuate slot 49 is formed in disc 45 and embraces a stationary pin 50 fastened to the inside of cover member I6. This is clearly shown 1n Fig. 2.

Furthermore, clockwise rotation of the knob assembly is resiliently opposed by a helical spring 52. This spring is wound around a stationary anchor piece 53 fastened to the inner surface cf the plate, I5. One end of the helical spring is connected to this anchor piece 53. The other end of spring 52 is formed into a hook extension 54 engaging the pin 41. Accordingly, as knob 42 is turned in a clockwise direction, the spring 52 is wound up. When rotatable member I3 approaches near the definite angular position of Fig. 4, the spring is released and the knob 42 returns to the ofi position, shown in Fig. 2. Furthermore, the knob 42 is prevented from Lvrning unless a coin is deposited in a manner now to be described. i

4The disc 45 has a notch 55 in its periphery'. This notch is adapted to cooperate with a pawl 56' to prevent rotation of disc 45 unless the pawl 56 is lifted out of the Way. This pawl 56 is journaled. on a stub shaft 51 fastened in the rear of the cover member I6. It is urged toward engaging position as by a leaf spring 58. This leaf spring is fastened at one end to the pawl 56 and at the other end is confined against a vertical wall 59 formed on the cover I6.

A coin must be utilized to urge pawl free of the notch 55. For this purpose the coin must be deposited inan opening 60 in the cover I5. 'Ihis opening-60 leads to a coin chute 5I (Fig. 3). This coin chute 5I is formed between an integral boss 62 formed on the inside wall of cover I6, and the plate I5. This plate I5 is also provided with

side extensions

64 and 65 as well as an arcuate intermediate portion 63 in which the slot 5I is provided. The disc 45 rotates beneathl the overhanging

shoulders

65 and 61 of the integral boss 62. The disc is furthermore provided with converging surfaces 68 and 58' which are perpendicular to the plane of the disc. They are spaced apart a sufficient distance to provide a pocket for the coin 59, as illustrated in Fig. 9. The chute 5I is just large enough to accommodate this coin. A smaller coin than the desired denomination will roll out between the surfaces 58 and 68', without being lodged therein.

In the off position, the

surfaces

58 and 68 form virtually a continuation of chute 6I, as il lustrated in Fig. 3. Conveniently the size o f the coin can be marked on the surface of the plate I5 opposite the opening 60, so as to be exposed through the opening. In the present instance the numeral 25y appears through the opening 60, indicating that a twenty-five cent piece is the proper coin to use in connection with the mechanism. The seating of the coin 89 by the

surfaces o

58 and 53 is such that the edge of the coin errtends slightly above the periphery of the disc 45. Furthermore, the coin pocket so 'formed falls opposite to the notch 55; so that as the disc 5 is rotated in a clockwise direction, the pawl 55 is urged upwardly by the exposed edge of the coin 68 and accordingly the knob 42 can be 'turned beyond the position shown in Fig. 9. rihe lifting of pawl 56 is illustrated in this figure and it is shown to be priorv to the time of engagement ci pin 41 with the arm 4I. In this way it is ensured that a. coin must be deposited before it is possible to begin the cycle of operations.

The coin 59 is confined in the pocket formed by

surfaces

68 and 58 as well as yby the corresponding parallel surfaces of the disc 45 and portion 83 of the plate I5.

As soon as actuating pin 41 approaches close to the arm 4I, another pawl 10 engages the first Vnotch 1I of a series of notches on disc 45, preventing backward rotation of disc 45. This ensures that the disc 45 must be turned only toward a coin ldischarging position. A succeeding notch 12 is provided for preventing the disc 45 from being reversed after pin 41 is in engagement with arm 4 I The last notch 13 isshown as in engagement with pawl 10 in Fig. 10, to hold the disc 45 against the action of spring 52, and to hold it in coin discharging position.

The pin` 511 serves thev purpose of positively ejecting the lcoin from its seat in the disc 45 when this is turned to on position. By referring to Figs. 9 and 10, it will be plain that as disc 45 is rotated in a clockwise direction, pin 50 will engage the lower edge of .the coin 69 .and force it outwardly. As the disc approaches the limit of its movement, tooth 89 will similarly engage the-coin and finish expelling it from its seat. This serves to prevent the use of some sticky substance, such as chewing gum on the coin to hold it in its seat and permit repeat operation on the same coin. 1

Pawl 1I) is shown as rotatably mounted on a. stub shaft 14 fastened to the inner side of the cover` member I6. A leaf spring 15 is fastened at one end to the pawl 1I! and abuts against the -vertical wall 16 provided on the inside of cover I6. The

stub shafts

51 and 14 can be hollow for the accommodation of screws to hold the plate lI in closely spaced relation to the disc 45, and

to form the coin chute.

The disc 45 is held in the position of Fig. 10 until near the time when the period of energize.- tlonfof the load circuit expires. To release the disc "45, it is necessary to lift pawl- 16 out of engagement with the notch 13. For this purpose pawl has an extension 11. This extension 1-1 "is inthe path of a rising cam 18 fastened to the' bushing member 38.- Accordingly, as rotatable member I8. carries bushing 38 in a counterclock-v wise direction, the cam 18. engagesunder the extension 11 and raises-pawl 10 to release the disc 4l (Fig.- 9). When this occurs the disc 45 is returned to the off position of Fig. 3.

' Preferably the lifting of pawl 10 to permit they return of disc 45 is accomplished a/ short period prior to the disconnection of contacts I and 2. Therefore, it is possible' to restart the cycle immediately, by inserting an additional coin, with-1:-

out'waiting for the circuits to be deenergized. The additional coin can be deposited through the opening 60 and theknob 42 turned. This results in advancing of member I3 through the definite angular position of Fig. 4, but yet4 within the limits of the angular extent of slot 32.

In order to give a.y visible signal indication that offspring contactarms 8| and 82 (Fig. 4). These contact on the periphery of rotatable member I3. However, since member I3 is made from4 I insulating materiaL'the energization of the lamp 19 is not completed until a conducting segment I3 fastened to the periphery of member I3,

bridges the two arms 8| and 82. As is clearlyv indicated in--.,Fig. 4, this bridging action takes place somewhat prior to the disconnection of contacts I and 2.

In order to guard against the use of slugs or counterfeit coins, provision is made whereby the coin discharged from the coin pocket canbe viewed from outside the casing. Thus cover -I6 has a glass window 84 (Figs. 1 and 7) through which the coin 69 can be viewed when thecoin is in the position of Fig. 10. This coin is held in this position by the aid of a rib 85 formed on the extension 65 of plate I5. The lower edge of the disc is supported on a shallow extension or shelf 86 formed on a fiat spring member 81, fastened to the inner side of plate I5. This extension 86 is arranged to be active to hold they coin 69 in appropriate aperture 96 in plate I5. This tooth' is in the path of travel of the raised portions or bosses, of disc 45 which form the

surfaces

68 and 68. In the discharging position shown in Fig. 10,` the tooth 89 is located in the hollow space 9| (Fig. 11) in which the coin 69 was located. Therefore the extension 86 extending below the lower edge of plate I5 serves as a rest for the coin 69. However, as soon as disc 45 rotates in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 10, the tooth 89 is pressed outwardly and projection 86 is moved out of the path of the coin 69. This position is shown in Figs. 'l and8.

When the coin drops past the projection 86, it is held in a coin box 92 (Figs. 1, 2 and 3). This coin box has a flat spring 93 having one end xed to the coin box and its free end engaging against the frame 6, as shown in Fig. 2. This leaf spring serves to urge the coin box 92 outwardly through the appropriate opening ,formed in the cover' I6 unless the coin box is locked in place. For locking the coin box in place, use is made of a rotatable bar 94 (Figs. -2 and 3) engaging in a slot 95 in one side ofthe box 92. This y bar can be rotated only by inserting a key in the lock 96, .and `by Vrotating the key after it is in-r serted.

A sheet metal casing 91 can be provided for housing the whole structure. The open end of the casing can be closed by cover member I6.

`The edge of casing 91 can be accommodated in the appropriate groove 98 disposed in the flange -99 of cover I6.

- Main frame 6 is attached to cover memberY I6 by screws |00 disposed in suitable bosses IBI located at the corners thereof. Casing 91 may be heldin place by a couple 4of screws secured to the inside of its back and projecting through .the main frame 6-where they are engaged by hollow nuts, accessible through the opening formedv by..

the removal of coin box 92. This makes it impossible to tamper with the mechanism or connections unless thelock 96 is manipulated to release the coinbox. y

The mode of operation of the device can now be set forth. In the position shown in Fig. 4, the load 3 as well as the motor 22 are deenergized. To start the apparatus, a twenty-five cent piece is dropped through the window 60. This piece is accommodated between the surfaces 68 and 68' of the disc 45. The knob 42 is now turned in a clockwise direction. The coin 69 raises the y/pawl '56 so that it clears the notch 55. Pin 41,V

The requisite amount of advancing of member I3 by the aid of the disc l5 is well within the limits of arcuate slot 36. As soon as the motor is in operation, the wheel 35 is rotated, and after a while the upper end of slot 36 engages pin 31, and from that'point 'on member I3 is advanced by the motor 22. y

Just prior to the arrival of the member I3 to the position shown in Fig. 4, segment 83 connects iingers 5I and 82 and lamp 1! is illuminated. This warns the user that the period of energization is` nearing its end. At about the same time rising cam 18 lifts pawl I0 as shown in Fig. 5. This releases disc 45, which rotates back under the action' of-spring 52 to the position of Fig. 3. It is then possible to insert a new coin through the opening 60 and toadvance member I 3 past the open circuited position of I claim: In a timing device, a switch including a pair of resilient arms each carrying a contact point,

the extremities of said arms and including a circular portion terminating in an abrupt shoulder, rotation of said rotatable member to a definite lpoint causing one of said arms to slip oil' the shoulder and separate the contacts, rotation of said rotatable member beyond the definite point causing the other of said arms to slip oif the shoulder and engage the contacts, a motor for advancing said rotatable member and energized by closure of said contact mechanism, a lost motion connection between said rotatable member and the motor, and means independent of the motor for advancing the rotatable member beyond the deiinite point to close the contact mechanism.

ARTHUR. W. WELCOME.