Patent GB-447633-A (GB)
Title: An improved coin-freed apparatus for receiving coins of different values
IPC: G07F15/02
Filed: 1935-04-08
Abstract: 447,633. Prepayment mechanism for meters. LANDIS & GYR AKT.-GES., 1, Hofstrasse, Zug, Switzerland. April 8, 1935, No. 10822. Convention date, Aug. 10, 1934. [Class 27] Coin-action, mechanical connection with delivery proportionate to value of coin; coin-slit closing devices; coin-discharging mechanism.-In a prepayment meter adapted for optional use with any one of a number of coins and giving proportionate delivery, a coin inserted through a slot 3 is received into a rotary pocket 2 and couples it to an actuating element 5 of the setting handle 4 which, when rotated, causes a feeler rod 8, slidable in an axial bore in the coin pocket shaft 10, to move outwardly to gauge the diameter of the coin and to set accordingly change gear mechanism 14, 47, 48, 49 connected in the drive to the quantity mechanism, there being also provided an obturator 37 for the coin slot 3, connected with the coin feeler 8 in such a manner as to prevent entry through the slot of a further coin when a coin is already in the pocket. The gear 14 of the change gear mechanism is journalled on a sleeve 11, connected with the feeler rod 8 and movable axially by a pivoted arm 24 linked with a pivoted plate 26 operated by a spring-actuated bar 31 under the control of a cam 34 connected by gearing with the coin pocket. As the coin pocket is rotated, the cam 24 allows the bar 31 to fall sharply, causing inward movement of the sleeve 11 and gear 14 until the feeler rod 8 abuts against the edge of the coin in the pocket. The gear 14 thus takes up an axial position determined by the diameter of the coin, and engages either the wheel 47 having one tooth, the wheel 48 having 12 teeth, or the wheel 49 having 6 teeth, according as a penny, shilling, or a sixpence is inserted. The wheels 47, 48 and 49 all turn with a sun-wheel 50 of a differential gear, the second sun-wheel 52 being normally held fast by engagement of a pawl 62 with a notched disc 53 with which it turns, whilst the planet wheel 46<1> is carried by a central shaft 44. During the half revolution of the pocket to discharge the coin, one of two toothed segments on a wheel 43 turning with the pocket engages and rotates a toothed wheel 45 fixed to the shaft 44, the movement being transmitted through the differential gear to cause one revolution of the wheels 47, 48, 49. Part or the whole of this revolution, according to the axial setting of the wheel 14 and the coin inserted, is transmitted to the wheel 14 and, through a long pinion 15 loose on a shaft 36, to the setting shaft 20 of the quantity mechanisms. Mounted on a shaft 55, and opposite the wheels 47, 48, 49, is a gauging comb 56 having apertures 63, 64 with which the teeth of the wheel 14 register in the case of a shilling and a sixpence. With a penny, the wheel 14 is located against one edge of the comb but does not engage it. If an incorrect coin smaller than a pemiy is introduced, the teeth of the wheel 14 engage and tilt the comb 56 so that a pawl 57 fixed to the shaft 55 engages a ratchet wheel 51 fixed to the sun-wheel 50 to prevent rotation of the wheels 47, 48, 49 and setting of the quantity mechanism. The pawl 62 is, however, under these circumstances, disengaged from the disc 53 by rotation of the comb 56, so that rotation of the coin pocket to discharge the coin is permitted. Coins smaller than a sixpence are not engaged by the arm 5, and are released into the cash receptacle as a coin support 73 connected with the setting knob 4 is withdrawn from under the pocket. The coin pocket and sleeve 10 are located in their correct normal positions by a spring 67. The setting shaft 69 of the commodity switch or valve is connected directly with the sleeve 10. A flier 71 geared to the wheel 42 prevents too rapid operation of the mechanism. The coin slot obturator comprises a pivoted plate 37 provided with a roller 39 engaged by the coins inserted through the slot 3, and a roller 38 in driving engagement with a cam edge of the pivoted plate 26 connected with the coin feeler 8. As a coin is inserted, the feeler is momentarily moved into the pocket 3, but if another coin is already present in the pocket, this movement is checked, and the coin cannot be passed through the slot 3. The coin slot 3 is closed during rotation of the handle 4 by a pivoted shutter 6 operated by a cam 7 on the shaft of the handle 4.