Automatic mechanical counter

Abstract

An automatic mechanical counter for a foosball table, comprising: a) an inclined plane with a predetermined incline that allows a ball to roll downwards in a controlled manner after a goal is scored; b) a movable rocker mounted at the lower end of the inclined plane, which is pivoted in the opposite direction by the ball's impact, thereby mechanically decoupling a display mechanism; c) a toothed bar that is mechanically connected to the rocker and performs a stepwise horizontal movement through its pivoting movement; d) a tension spring that is attached to the toothed bar and returns it to a defined starting position after each pivoting movement of the rocker; e) a mechanical ratchet device that ensures that the toothed bar remains in a stable position after each movement and ensures precise advancement of the counter; f) a display device that is connected to the toothed bar;to provide a numerical or symbolic representation of the current score in real time.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic mechanical counter specifically designed for use in foosball tables. It enables automatic recording and display of the score without requiring manual input from the players.

[0002] The scoring mechanism works on an inclined plane, over which the ball rolls downwards after a goal is scored. At the bottom of the inclined plane is a movable rocker. When the ball hits this rocker, the impact in the lower area causes it to swing upwards in the opposite direction. This swinging action mechanically decouples a toothed strip at the top of the structure.

[0003] The rack is connected to a tension spring, which moves the rack horizontally after each swing of the rocker. This movement of the rack occurs in steps, coupled with a mechanical detent. By swinging the rocker back using a rubber seal, the rack re-engages each time a goal is detected. This mechanism ensures that the score on the scoreboard is automatically and reliably updated.

[0004] Another important aspect of the invention is that the tension spring responsible for moving the rack is automatically tensioned when the score indicator is manually reset. This facilitates resetting the score before a new game and ensures that the counter is always ready for the next use.

[0005] A key advantage of this invention is that the counter operates entirely without electricity or other external power sources. It is powered solely by the mechanical movements of the ball and the rocker. This allows for automatic point counting without the need for electrical components or batteries.

[0006] The consistent incline of the inclined plane also ensures the system's long-term functionality. The steady and controlled movement of the ball ensures reliable activation of the mechanism, making the counter robust and low-maintenance over the long term.

[0007] Advantages of the invention: • Automatic counting of points without electricity or external energy sources • Automatic tensioning of the tension spring when manually resetting the score • Robust and durable mechanical construction • Easy integration into table football or similar devices • Consistent inclination of the inclined plane for permanent function • Energy independent due to purely mechanical operation • Low maintenance and high reliability

[0008] This invention offers a reliable and sustainable solution for automatic score recording in table football and similar games, based on mechanical principles and operating in the long term without electrical energy.

Claims

[1] An automatic mechanical counter for a football table, comprising: a) an inclined plane with a predetermined inclination, which allows a ball to roll downwards in a controlled manner after a goal has been scored, b) a movable rocker mounted at the lower end of the inclined plane, which is pivoted in an opposite direction by the impact of the ball and thereby causes a mechanical decoupling of a display mechanism, c) a toothed bar, which is mechanically connected to the rocker and whose pivoting movement performs a step-by-step horizontal movement, d) a tension spring, which is attached to the toothed bar and returns it to a defined starting position after each pivoting movement of the rocker, e) a mechanical locking device, which ensures that the toothed bar remains in a stable position after each movement and ensures precise advancement of the counter, f) a display device, which is connected to the toothed bar,to enable a numerical or symbolic representation of the current score in real time. [2] Counter according to claim 1, wherein the pivoting back of the rocker is effected by means of an elastic element, preferably a rubber, in order to ensure reliable return and re-locking of the toothed strip. [3] Counter according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tension spring is automatically tensioned when the score display is manually reset in order to ensure renewed operational readiness without manual readjustment. [4] A counter according to any one of the preceding claims, which operates without electrical or external energy sources and is based exclusively on mechanical principles, whereby it can be used in any environment without a power supply. [5] Counter according to one of the preceding claims, which is designed for easy integration into various models of table football and enables uncomplicated retrofitting without significantly changing existing components. [6] Counter according to one of the preceding claims, which ensures continuous and reliable operation due to the constant inclination of the inclined plane and has a low maintenance requirement due to its mechanical construction, which increases the longevity and operational reliability. [7] Counter according to one of the preceding claims, which, through the combination of rocker, toothed bar and grid mechanism, enables error-free and precise score recording by ensuring that each goal is recorded clearly and without double counting.