Patent GB-1417290-A (GB)
Title: System for controlling coin-operated lockers
IPC: G07F17/12
Filed: 1973-12-10
Abstract: 1417290 Coin-freed lockers GLORY KOGYO KK 10 Dec 1973 [11 Dec 1972] 57102/73 Heading G4V A system for controlling locking and unlocking of a coin-operated rental locker comprises blocking means operable to prevent the lock mechanism from being unlocked, detecting means which detects when the lock mechanism is in a locked state, and a timer which operates in response to the detecting means to control operation of the blocking means so that, after a predetermined time period commencing with detection of the locked state of the lock mechanism by the detecting means, the blocking means is operated to prevent the lock mechanism from being unlocked. The coin-controlled locker includes a keyoperated lock 27 carrying a movable plate 23 notched at 25 and 26. A pivoted blocking member 20 engages notch 25 in the initial position to prevent the lock 27 being operated and the key withdrawn. Insertion of a coin 10 pivots counterweighted pawl 7 whereby rack 13 drops one step to pivot blocking member 20 clear of plate 23 and allow operation of the lock. The plate 23 is moved by operation of the lock to engage switch 35 and release spring-loaded roller 31. The latter engages a constantly rotating timer roller 34 and transmits drive to a cam 36 acting on switch 38. The switches 35, 38 and 42 are in circuit with a fourth switch 52 operated by insertion and removal of the key from the lock, Fig. 2. The switch circuit controls energization of a motor 46 driving a cam 40. At the start of the first revolution of cam 36, the motor 46 is energized momentarily to turn cam 40 and reset switch 42. At any time during the first revolution of cam 36 the locker may be opened without further payment. At the end of this period, switch 38 is reset by notch 37 in cam 36 and completes the motor circuit through switch 42 whereby cam 40 is turned through one revolution until switch 42 is reset by the action of notch 43. A pin 41 on the cam 40 engages teeth 18 on rack 13 to raise the rack one step and lower blocking member 20 into engagement with the notch 26 in plate 23. Each subsequent complete revolution of cam 36 raises the rack 13 a further step. To operate the lock it is now necessary to insert a corresponding number of coins and lower the rack step-by-step until blocking member 20 is raised by the projection 17 on the rack 13. On unlocking the locker, roller 31 is moved away from cam 36 and the latter restored to its initial position by spring 39. Motor 46 is energized through switches 36 and 42 to raise rack 13 one step and lower blocking member 20 into engagement with notch 25 in plate 23. In a modification, Fig. 4 (not shown), operation of the lock switch applies a signal to one input of an AND gate. The second input is connected to a pulse generator. The output of the AND gate is connected to a counter energizing a relay at predetermined intervals to move rack 13. When the lock is opened, the associated switch applies a reset pulse to the counter.  In a second modification, Fig. 5 (not shown), pulse inputs are applied to terminals 72-76. On locking the locker, a monostable vibrator is triggered whereby the pattern of pulses appearing on inputs 72-76 at that instance is inverted and stored by a flip-flop memory circuit 102. The pulse inputs are stepped at 5 minute intervals and whenever the same pattern reoccurs on the terminals 72-76 a solenoid is operated to step the rack. On unlocking the locker, the lock switch applies a pulse to reset the memory circuit.