US1578655A - Coin-controlled metering device for washing machines - Google Patents

Description

March 30,1926. 1,578,655

F. J. GOGGINS COIN CONTROLLED METERING DEVICE FOR WASHING MACHINES Filed Sept. 15, 1924 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 March 30 {1926. 1,578,655

' I F. J. GOGGINS COIN CONTROLLED METERING DEVICE FOR WASHING MACHINES Filed Sept. 15, 1924 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Mar. 30, 1926.

UNITED STATES FRED J'. GOGGINS, OF LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, ASSIGNOR OF ONEHALF TO FRANK W. KINNEY, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

COIN-CONTROLLED METERING DEVICE FOR WASHING MACHINES.

Application filed September 15, 1924; Serial No. 737,640.

To all whom it may concelm:

- Be it known that FRED J. GocolNs, a citizen of the United States of America, residing at Los Angeles, in the county of Los 6 Angeles and State of California, has invented certain new and useful I'mprovemerits in Coin-Controlled Metering Devices for \Vashing Machines, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to washing machines having association therewith means adapted to automatically control the operation of the washer.

The object of my invention is in the provision of a controlling device in combination with a conventional washing machine,

whereby, said washer has its movement con trolled and its operation limited in a predetermined manner.

A further object of my invention resides in the novel organization of a Washing machine and a controlling device, by-means of which the period of operation of the machine maybe automatically controlled in a predetermined manner, said controlling means being arranged to stop the operation of the machine after a predetermined period has elapsed.

Other objects of my invention will appear in the following specification, taken in connection with the annexed drawings, in

- which Fig. 1, is a front elevation, with the cover removed, of the metering device.

Fig. 2, is a perspective showing the mounting of the coin controlled metering device and driving connection with the electric motor of the washing machine. 4

Fig. 3, is an enlarged detail showing the coin insert and actuating means for initially energizing the metering device, and

Fig. 4 is a detail view showing modification of the actuating member for circuit control member.

Y Referring to the drawings, in Fig.2, I

have shown the coin controlled metering device, in combination with a washing machine, and the particular manner of mounting same. I

The present device is adapted mainly for use in apartment houses, the revenue gained from the use of same, being intended to eventually pay for the machine,-as well as permit a profit. I 6

Generally, it might be said that the metering device is installed with relation to the washer to prohibit use of same unless the proper coin is inserted in the metering device.

Although the present disclosure illustrates a certain type of washing machine; namely cylinder, nevertheless, the present metering device is adapted to be used in connection with any of the well known and conventional types of washing machines. By washing machines, of course, is meant the power machines and especially the electric motor driven type.

Referring to the drawings, in Fig. 2, I have shown generally a power washer of the electric type, designated X. No details of the particular gearing for the washing machine or drive mechanism other than the belt drive from the electric motor, has been Y shown,for the reason that the above structure is entirely formal and merely shown generally for the purpose of bringing out the association of the metering device with a washer. Y

With respect to the metering device, now to be described, it might be said that this metering device is adapted to control the electric current to the motor of the washing machine for a determined period, although the present strncture is designed with respect to the timing element to permit the operation of the washer for a period of 30 minutes upon the insertion of a quarter. Nevertheless, it may well be seen that the device might be constructed to take any coin or be constructed to run any desired length of time, the changes that would be necessary being merely matters of degree.

An electric motor of conventional design is shown at 10, there being a belt drive 11, from said electric motor to the main drive wheel 12, that controls the operation of the washing element whether it be of the reciprocating, cylinder, dolly or any other type, as well as the wringer mechanism.

An extension of the motor shaft 13, carries at its outer end, a small pulley 14. A belt drive connection 15 connects said pul- 1ey 14: with the driving element or pulley 16, on themetering device; A stub shaft 17 suitably supported in bracket 18, provides the axis for thepulley 16, as well as the driving element for the series of gears in the metering device, this driving connection being made through the engagement of to the actuating member, to have the electric current controlled thereby broken, or inade'by the .engagement or disengagement of this actuating bar therewith. One sprocket wheel 39, has been described, and this sprocket wheel forms one of the elements in a series of timing gears now to be described. A second gear 46, has an inner tooth 47, integrally cast therewith and rotating upon the same pivot 48, said tooth adapted upon each rotation of the gear 46, to transmit a slight movement to the gear 39, in the direction shown by the arrow.

Another gear in the timing arrangement is shown at 49. This gear having also an inner tooth 50, cast in a rather similar manner as before to the axis 51, and said tooth 50, likewise upon each rotation actuating v as.

the gear 46, slightly in the direction of the arrow.

Now, it is clear that movement of this chain of gears is effected through the worm drive shown at 19, and the power being transmitted through the belt 15, and pulley 14, upon the electric motor.

Obviously, and as described, it is the shiftable movement of the member 25, which through the finger 36, throws the actuating bar 42, from between the lips of the spring switch 45, and hence closes the circuit to the electric motor and thus commences the operation of the washer. The commencement of operation of the electric motor as well as the operating portions of the washing machine also transmits movement to the metering device through the above noted connections and thereby starting the series of timing gears which results inthe following movement.

The movement of the ears can .be followed by noting the direction of the arrows which will showt-that the gear 39, is moved in a clockwise manner, carrying the actuating member 42 with it. It may be also seen that eventually the actuating member, after being. thrown initially from engagement with the switch 45, will ultimately reengage said switch and breakor rather open the electrical circuit to the; electric motor.

As has been said before, in this particu; lar structure; this timing of the operation of the electric motor has been for one half hour, although obviously merely degrees of structure would result in a different time arrangement. The arms 52, and 53, pivoted at 54, and spring tensioned as at 55, and engaging the respective gears 39, and 46, are merely for the purpose of resisting slightly their movements. to regulate the distance of travel when actuated by the respective teeth 47, and 50.'

In Fig. 4, I have shown a modification of the actuating bar 42, in this instance the actuating bar being fastened integrally with the gear 39, and its movement away from the spring switch 45 being effected by the abutment of the finger 36 with a lug 41, upon the gear 39. In other words,it is the slight movement of the gear wheel 39, that moves the actuating bar and starts into operation, the washing machine as well as the metering device. As said before, every precaution has been taken to prevent tampering with the mechanism of the metering device, and the cover plate is padlocked to the plate 20, carrying the working elements of the metering device in the following manner. A projecting bar 56, passes through an aperture in the casing 22, and is positively held in such manner by means of the padlock above described.

Relative to the operation of the washer, it may be seen that the operator has 30 minutes actual use thereof, irrespective of stops, inasmuch as an electric switch 57, upon thewasher controls the circuit to the electric motor and can be actuated at will, by the operator without effecting the metering device, other than to stop it temporarily. What I claim is: y 1. In combination a washing machine having a support, a tub on said support, a motor, driving connections between said motor and the washing machine, a source of electric power, a switch interposed between the source of power and the motor, a movable switch operating member operated by and in invariable timed relation with said motor for breaking said switch after a uniform predetermined period of operation of the motor, a closed casing surrounding said switch and switch-operating member, means for locking said casing against unauthorized entry therein, the said switch and switch operating member being completely inaccessible and protected when the casing is closed so as to prevent unauthorized movement of either the switch operating member or the switch, the said casing being provided with a restricted opening and a guideway extending in proximity to, the switch operating member, and a member adapted toenter said casing through said restricted opening and move along said guideway into a position of cooperation with said switch operating member to control the operation of the switch.

2. In combination, a Washing machine having a support, a tub mounted upon said support, a motor mounted upon said support, driving connections between said motbr and the tub, a source of electric power, and means interposed between the source of power and the motor for arresting the motor and the tub after a predetermined period of operation, said means including a switch, means for breaking said switch to interrupt the connection between the source of power and the motor, means for moving said switch breaking means into position to permit the connection between the source of power and the motor, means for locking said last mentioned means against unauthorlzed movement a casing surrounding said locking means, and means for locking the casing against unauthorized entry therein.

3. In combination, a. washing machine having a support, a tub on said support, a motor, driving connections between said motor and the tub, a source ct power and means interposed between the source of power and said motor for automatically arresting the motor and the tub after a predetermined period of operation, the said rupting means and said motorrwhereioy the 29 interrupting means is operated by and in timed relation with said motor, means itor moving said interrupting means in position;v

to connect the source or power with the motor, means for looking said last mentioned means against unauthorized movement, a casing enclosing all of said means, and means for locking said easing against unauthorized entry.

In testimony whereof I afiix-my signature,

FRED J. GUGGINS

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