Patent GB-1436389-A (GB)
Title: Coin mechanism
IPC: G07F9/08
Filed: 1973-06-05
Abstract: 1436389 Coin mechanism R S PEARSON 5 June 1973 [12 July 1972] 26740/73 Heading G4V A coin mechanism comprising means 11 for receiving coins of different values, means for sorting the coins into individual coin channels according to value, pivotable means 43 arranged to receive said coins from said channels whereby each coin causes said pivotable means to swing an amount related to the value of the coin and means for totalizing said swinging movements and thereby the value of the coins. In the embodiment described inserted coins pass a magnet 20 and are then sorted into 25c, 5c and 10c channels by diameter/weight testing cradles 23, 34. The pivoted arm 43 has pins 45 to 48 positioned to receive the coins from the shoots and moving in respective slots 45s to 48s. The arm swings under the weight of a coin received on an adjacent pair of pins until the coin is displaced by an ejection block 51, 52 or 53 these being positioned so that the swinging movement of the arm is proportional to the value of the coin. A catch (68) (Figs. 3 and 3A, not shown) operated by a 5c coin when it approaches block 52 is provided to prevent overrun of the arm 43 as the momentum developed by this coin is high. The arm carries a counterweighted pawl 54 which raises a ratchet 56 an amount corresponding to the value of the coin, the ratchet being retained in its elevated position by a stationary pawl 58s. Coin clearing and return.-The coin shoots are defined between spaced plates 70 and (49) (Fig. 4, not shown) by projections, e.g. 21, extending through slots in plate 70 from a back plate 70B on which are also mounted the cradles 23 and 34 and magnet 20. Depression of a coin rejection/return bar 14, Fig. 6, operates via a shaft (109) (Fig. 7, not shown) to depress a cleaning pin (16) to separate plates 70 and 70B and increase the spacing between plates 70 and (49). A projection on bar 14 also opens door 105 of escrow compartment 107 to allow the coins to fall to a reject receptacle 106 and the end of the bar pivots a plate 113 to release pawls 54, 58s from ratchet 56 to eliminate any credit established. Similarly if the customer does not wish to continue a purchase of the deposition of coins operation of bar 14 will release the coins from compartment 106 and zeroize the ratchet 56. Price changing.-The ratchet 56 has a common terminal point for all prices and the required total value of coins is varied by adjusting the starting position of the ratchet by means of a stop 117 carried on a sliding shaft 131 the upper end of which is positionable on one of a number of screws 133. Operation and interlocks.-To enable the opening of a vending machine door release bar 12 is depressed to move a pawl 94S to sense the position of the ratchet 56 which if in its terminal position will block movement of the pawl and hence pivot a door lock 98 to release the door catch. An interlock bar 123 is provided for preventing simultaneous depression of release bar 12 and reject bar 14. On opening of the door a reset lever (120) is depressed to reset the ratchet 46 and pivot door 108 of the escrow compartment to allow the coins to fall to a coin box 130.