EP0470587B1 - Electronic coin testing device - Google Patents

Electronic coin testing device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0470587B1
EP0470587B1 EP91113239A EP91113239A EP0470587B1 EP 0470587 B1 EP0470587 B1 EP 0470587B1 EP 91113239 A EP91113239 A EP 91113239A EP 91113239 A EP91113239 A EP 91113239A EP 0470587 B1 EP0470587 B1 EP 0470587B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
coin
testing device
switch
control means
sensor
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Expired - Lifetime
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EP91113239A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0470587A2 (en
EP0470587A3 (en
Inventor
Klaus Dipl.-Ing. Meyer-Steffens
Gerhard Dipl.-Ing. Schlichting
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Crane Payment Innovations GmbH
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National Rejectors Inc GmbH
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Publication of EP0470587A2 publication Critical patent/EP0470587A2/en
Publication of EP0470587A3 publication Critical patent/EP0470587A3/en
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F5/00—Coin-actuated mechanisms; Interlocks
    • G07F5/24—Coin-actuated mechanisms; Interlocks with change-giving
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
    • G07D3/00—Sorting a mixed bulk of coins into denominations
    • G07D3/14—Apparatus driven under control of coin-sensing elements

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an electronic coin validator according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • Electronic coin validators which usually carry out digital processing and control of the data and functions, have at least one sensor on a test track, which checks the passing coins with regard to their nature, such as material, thickness, diameter, mint pattern, etc., as a rule Several sensors assigned to a test track so that a number of different coin values can be checked for authenticity with great certainty.
  • the test section is followed by a so-called coin switch, which is closed in the rest position and directs a coin coming from the test track into a return channel. In the open position, the coin goes into an acceptance channel.
  • the mostly electromagnetically operated acceptance gate is reset after switching to the acceptance channel when the accepted coin has passed the gate.
  • a time delay circuit is provided which moves the acceptance gate back to the closed position when a predetermined time has elapsed.
  • Another possibility is to provide a presence sensor behind the acceptance gate which responds when it is passed by a coin. This ensures that the acceptance gate is not reset until the coin has actually passed through the acceptance gate.
  • a coin acceptor accepting several coins is often designed as a money changer at the same time. Coins of different values are sorted according to the authenticity check and can be issued specifically for the purpose of returning change. The coins are usually stored according to the coin value in tubes or tubes into which the coins enter.
  • a sorting switch is connected between the sorting device, which directs the coins into the tubes, for example, and the acceptance switch. which directs the coins to the sorting device in the closed position and to the cash register in the open position. If a coin tube is filled, the accepted coin is expediently directed directly into the cash register.
  • electronic coin validators work with electronic data processing. Coins that come into the authenticity area as a result of the authenticity check are recorded, classified and processed by value and quantity, so that a proper settlement of the overpaid sum and the output of the desired goods or the like takes place.
  • the course of the coins within the authenticity range is usually not completely monitored for reasons of effort.
  • the incoming real coins are usually sorted into tubes. The data acquisition therefore assumes that real coins reach the tubes. If a coin tube is filled, a full sensor can indicate that additional coins may no longer be stored, so that the coins automatically go to the checkout. This can also be determined and taken into account in a data acquisition. If, on the other hand, bent or soiled coins are sent to the cash register because their duration is too long, this cannot be determined. The accounting system is therefore faulty.
  • the term assigned to the coins to be sorted must not be too short in the known coin validator, since otherwise too few coins will get into the tubes. Rather, the term is to be chosen so that the longest term of a real unimpaired coin leads to storage in the coin tube. For security reasons, each term is appropriately a surcharge granted. However, this makes the total processing time relatively long, since it is applied to every coin regardless of how quickly it actually reaches the sorting device. In the known coin validator, the follow-up rate with which coins can be checked and processed one after the other is therefore relatively small.
  • the invention has for its object to provide an electronic coin validator with a sorting device with which a high level of security is achieved.
  • a speed measuring device is assigned to the test track, which measures the speed of the coins in the test track.
  • the speed measuring device can be implemented, for example, by two sensors which are arranged at a distance from one another on the test track. The time that the coin takes from the first to the second coin sensor is a measure of the speed. Since several test sensors are usually arranged on the measuring section, these can be used for the speed measurement.
  • the sorting switch is controlled by the control device as a function of the measured speed.
  • the control is such that an incoming real coin is directed into the sorting device in any case depending on its speed.
  • soiled or sticky coins may take a longer time to run, but sorting these coins into the sorting device and dispensing them for the purpose of returning change are not difficult. Only heavily soiled or significantly deformed coins can cause problems. However, they can be mechanically prevented from continuing to run into the sorting device.
  • the control device keeps the acceptance gate closed when the speed of a real coin falls below a lower limit. Such coins are therefore - although genuine - not accepted, but directed into the return channel. Accordingly, a further embodiment of the invention provides that the control device keeps the acceptance gate closed when the speed of a real coin exceeds an upper limit.
  • the sorting time is therefore directly adapted to the speed of the respective coin and is therefore optimal.
  • the throw-in rate is therefore optimal.
  • the invention enables a high sorting security for the data acquisition. Real coins usually go to the sorting area and only to the checkout immediately if a coin store is full.
  • the full sensor can therefore assume three different states, namely an inactive one in which a coin does not pass the sensor.
  • the other state is the delivery of a short impulse when passing a coin.
  • the sensor When the storage tube is full, the sensor remains active as long as there is a coin in the detection range. However, it can happen that the fill level of a storage tube is very close to the response level and the fill level sensor is temporarily activated by movements in the coin column. A corresponding output signal from the level sensor can be incorrectly interpreted by the control device as an indication that a coin has been sorted into the storage tube. If a coin is controlled in the sorting but does not arrive or the level sensor gives a continuous signal, it is not clearly recognized whether the coin has arrived in the tube.
  • a further presence sensor can be provided behind the sorting gate, which gives an impulse to the control device when it registers a coin.
  • the presence sensor shows the control that a coin has entered the cash register despite the sorting switch previously set. The presence sensor therefore improves monitoring and registers the entry of a coin into the cash register.
  • the coins After being deflected by the sorting switch into the sorting device, the coins require a certain time until they are completely stored in the assigned storage tube. During this time, a new coin can already be inserted and processed.
  • the preferred embodiment therefore provides a control option according to which the control device resets the sorting switch to the open position and generates a release signal for the coin validator when a predetermined time has passed after the registration of a coin by a presence sensor after the sorting switch.
  • the coin validator shown schematically in FIG. 1 has a mechanical part 10, the functional units of which are controlled by a microprocessor 12.
  • the mechanical part 10 contains a coin insertion slot 14, which is followed by a coin track 16.
  • An inserted coin 18 runs along the track 16 and passes two sensors Cp1 and Cp2, the outputs of which are connected to the microprocessor 12.
  • the sensors Cp1, Cp2 can be conventional authenticity sensors. They can also be purely presence sensors that generate a signal when a coin passes.
  • the authenticity check which is usually carried out in such coin validators, is not to be discussed in detail. This is state of the art.
  • the electromagnet 22 is controlled by the microprocessor 12.
  • the acceptance switch 20 is normally in the closed position, so that a coin striking it is deflected to the left into a return channel 24.
  • the switch 20 is open, the coin arrives at a first sorting switch 26, which is actuated by a magnet 28, which in turn is controlled by the microprocessor 12.
  • Coins passing through the sorting window 32 enter a central storage tube 34, while coins rolling past the window 32 enter a left storage tube 36.
  • a second sorting switch 38 which is actuated by a magnet 40 which is controlled by the microprocessor 12. In the closed position, the second sorting switch 38 directs a coin to a right coin tube 42. In the open position, the coin arrives in an acceptance channel 44, which is directed to the cash register (not shown).
  • a third coin sensor Cp3 is located between the acceptance gate 20 and the first sorting gate 26.
  • a fourth coin sensor Cp4 is assigned to the acceptance channel 44.
  • So-called full sensors Vm, Vr and Vl are assigned to the storage tubes 34, 36, 32. The sensors mentioned are all connected to the microprocessor 12. They generate a signal when a coin is in the detection area or moves through it.
  • An inserted coin 18 generates a pulse when passing the sensors Cp1 and Cp2, which in FIG Time diagram are reproduced.
  • the time tx is therefore the time that a coin needs between the sensors Cp1 and Cp2.
  • the size of the time is a measure of the running speed of the coin. If a coin is qualified as fake, the coin switch 20 remains closed and the coin is rejected. If the coin is classified as genuine, the acceptance gate 20 is opened and the coin can pass through the acceptance gate 20 and arrives at the sorting gate 26 switched to the closed position 26, which was previously in the open state.
  • the presence sensor Cp3 detects the entry of the coin in this area and generates a corresponding signal for the microprocessor 12, which then brings the acceptance gate 20 back into the closed position.
  • the sorting switch 26 remains closed for a time which is n times tx.
  • n is an empirically determined value and is, for example, 5.5.
  • n times tx is the time that a coin needs after leaving the test section until it is completely sorted into one of the coin tubes.
  • the time tx depends on the running speed of the coin. A coin can run at different speeds depending on the mechanical deformation and contamination. A coin that runs more slowly therefore requires a longer sorting time. This is taken into account in that the sorting gate 26 remains closed for a correspondingly longer time ensure that the coin actually runs to the storage tube.
  • the sorting switch 38 which sorts into the coin tube 42. In this case, when the coin is accepted, which is to be stored in the storage tube 42, the sorting gate 26 is opened.
  • the transit time tx between the sensors Cp1 and Cp2 can also be determined empirically, in particular a lower and an upper value can be specified, which are, for example, 90 and 170 ms, respectively. If the runtime is less than 90 ms, it can be assumed that there has been manipulation, for example by a blow to the coin validator, which accelerates the run of the coins. Since a correct coin check cannot be carried out in this case, the microprocessor 12 ensures that an acceptance is not made even if an authenticity signal is generated. The acceptance gate 20 therefore remains closed. It remains closed even if the maximum value of 170 ms is exceeded. This value indicates that the coins are extremely slow-moving, for example mechanically deformed. They are also rejected, even if they are found to be genuine by the test sensors.
  • the presence sensor Cp3 brings the acceptance switch 20 back in the closed state when the presence of a coin is determined.
  • the sorting switch 26 or 38 is switched back to the open state after the time n times tx.
  • the fill level or full sensors Vl, Vm and Vr generate a short pulse when they are sorted into the storage tubes 34, 36, 42 (see FIG. 2), which is given to the microprocessor 12.
  • the latter can thus register that a coin has actually been sorted into a storage tube.
  • the sensors V1, Vm and Vr serve to indicate when the tubes are filled.
  • the sorting switches 26, 38 remain open and incoming real coins enter the acceptance channel 44 and from there to the checkout.
  • the presence sensor Cp4 registers that a coin has actually been fed into the cash register.
  • the fill level in a storage tube is very close to the full level and temporarily excites the corresponding full sensor.
  • this can also be a signal that reflects the insertion of a coin into a tube.
  • the presence sensor Cp4 is used to make a clear distinction here and thus a sorting security. Registered If the coin enters the cash register at the same time, the signal from the associated full sensor is suppressed.
  • the sequence rate of the coins to be inserted one after the other is determined by the sorting time in the coin validator described.
  • the follow-up rate can be increased if a next real coin can be fed to the sorting area during the last section of the sorting. This can be done using the presence sensor Cp3. This not only registers the entry of a coin into the sorting area, but also determines when a coin has left the sensor. At this point he is on the way to the assigned coin tube. If a predetermined time is provided from this point in time, which is shorter than the final sorting time, the entry of a further coin into the sorting area can be permitted after this period, which means that the sorting switch 26 temporarily into the opening and then back into the Closed position has been adjusted.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Testing Of Coins (AREA)
  • Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf einen elektronischen Münzprüfer nach dem Oberbegriff des Patentanspruchs 1.The invention relates to an electronic coin validator according to the preamble of claim 1.

Elektronische Münzprüfer, die üblicherweise eine digitale Verarbeitung und Steuerung der Daten und Funktionen vornehmen, weisen mindestens einen Sensor an einer Prüfstrecke auf, der die vorbeilaufenden Münzen im Hinblick auf ihre Beschaffenheit prüft, wie Werkstoff, Dicke, Durchmesser, Prägebild usw. In der Regel sind mehrere Sensoren einer Prüfstrecke zugeordnet, damit eine Reihe unterschiedlicher Münzwerte mit großer Sicherheit auf Echtheit geprüft werden kann. Der Prüfstrecke ist eine sogenannte Münzweiche nachgeordnet, die in der Ruhestellung geschlossen ist und eine von der Prüfstrecke kommende Münze in einen Rückgabekanal leitet. In der geöffneten Stellung gelangt die Münze in einen Annahmekanal. Die zumeist elektromagnetisch betätigte Annahmeweiche wird nach einer Umschaltung in Richtung Annahmekanal zurückgestellt, wenn die angenommene Münze die Weiche passiert hat. Dies geschieht zum Beispiel dadurch, daß eine Zeitverzögerungsschaltung vorgesehen ist, welche die Annahmeweiche in die geschlossene Stellung zurückverstellt, wenn eine vorgegebene Zeit verstrichen ist. Eine andere Möglichkeit besteht darin, hinter der Annahmeweiche einen Anwesenheitssensor vorzusehen, der anspricht, wenn er von einer Münze passiert wird. Dadurch wird erreicht, daß eine Rückstellung der Annahmeweiche erst dann erfolgt, wenn die Münze die Annahmeweiche auch tatsächlich durchlaufen hat.Electronic coin validators, which usually carry out digital processing and control of the data and functions, have at least one sensor on a test track, which checks the passing coins with regard to their nature, such as material, thickness, diameter, mint pattern, etc., as a rule Several sensors assigned to a test track so that a number of different coin values can be checked for authenticity with great certainty. The test section is followed by a so-called coin switch, which is closed in the rest position and directs a coin coming from the test track into a return channel. In the open position, the coin goes into an acceptance channel. The mostly electromagnetically operated acceptance gate is reset after switching to the acceptance channel when the accepted coin has passed the gate. This is done, for example, in that a time delay circuit is provided which moves the acceptance gate back to the closed position when a predetermined time has elapsed. Another possibility is to provide a presence sensor behind the acceptance gate which responds when it is passed by a coin. This ensures that the acceptance gate is not reset until the coin has actually passed through the acceptance gate.

Häufig ist ein mehrere Münzen annehmender Münzprüfer gleichzeitig als Geldwechsler ausgebildet. Münzen unterschiedlichen Wertes werden nach der Echtheitsprüfung sortiert und können zur Wechselgeldrückgabe gezielt ausgegeben werden. Die Speicherung der Münzen nach Münzwert findet üblicherweise in sogenannten Tuben oder Röhren statt, in die die Münzen einlaufen. Zwischen der Sortiervorrichtung, welche die Münzen zum Beispiel in die Tuben lenkt und der Annahmeweiche ist eine Sortierweiche geschaltet, welche in der geschlossenen Stellung die Münzen zur Sortiervorrichtung lenkt und in der geöffneten zur Kasse. Ist eine Münztube gefüllt, wird die angenommene Münze zweckmäßigerweise unmittelbar in die Kasse gelenkt.A coin acceptor accepting several coins is often designed as a money changer at the same time. Coins of different values are sorted according to the authenticity check and can be issued specifically for the purpose of returning change. The coins are usually stored according to the coin value in tubes or tubes into which the coins enter. A sorting switch is connected between the sorting device, which directs the coins into the tubes, for example, and the acceptance switch. which directs the coins to the sorting device in the closed position and to the cash register in the open position. If a coin tube is filled, the accepted coin is expediently directed directly into the cash register.

Aus der DE-PS 26 45 367 ist bekanntgeworden, das Einspeichern der Münzen in Münztuben gezielt zu steuern. Die Zeit, welche Münzen nach Verlassen der Prüfstrecke bis zum Erreichen der Münztuben benötigen, hängt neben der Beschaffenheit der Münzlaufbahn und den Roll- und Falleigenschaften der Münze u.a. auch davon ab, ob die Münze durch mechanische Verformungen, Verschmutzungen oder dergleichen so verändert worden ist, daß die Laufzeit automatisch länger wird.Diese Tatsache macht sich der bekannte Münzprüfer zunutze und schließt solche Münzen von einer Einsortierung in die Speichertuben aus,deren Laufzeit ein bestimmtes Maß überschreitet. Ist diese Grenzzeit erreicht, wird die Sortierweiche automatisch in Richtung Kasse verstellt, so daß derartige Münzen unmittelbar in die Kasse gelenkt werden. US-A- 3.797.628 offenbart einen Münzprüfer mit den Merkmalen des Oberbegriffes des Anspruches 1.From DE-PS 26 45 367 it has become known to specifically control the storage of coins in coin tubes. The time it takes for coins to leave the test track and reach the coin tubes depends on the nature of the coin track and the rolling and falling properties of the coin, among other things. also depends on whether the coin has been changed by mechanical deformations, soiling or the like in such a way that the runtime automatically becomes longer.This fact takes advantage of the well-known coin validator and excludes such coins from sorting into the storage tubes, the runtime of which is a specific one Dimension exceeds. If this limit time is reached, the sorting gate is automatically adjusted in the direction of the cash register so that coins of this type are directed directly into the cash register. US-A-3,797,628 discloses a coin validator having the features of the preamble of claim 1.

Wie erwähnt, arbeiten elektronische Münzprüfer mit einer elektronischen Datenverarbeitung. Münzen, die aufgrund der Echtheitsprüfung in den Echtheitsbereich gelangen, werden nach Wert und Menge erfaßt, klassifiziert und verarbeitet, damit eine ordnungsgemäße Verrechnung der überzahlten Summe und die Ausgabe der gewünschten Ware oder dergleichen stattfindet. Der Verlauf der Münzen innerhalb des Echtheitsbereichs wird zumeist aus Gründen des Aufwandes nicht vollständig überwacht. Die einlaufenden echten Münzen werden normalerweise zu den Tuben sortiert. Die Datenerfassung geht daher davon aus, daß echte Münzen zu den Tuben gelangen. Ist eine Münztube gefüllt, kann durch einen Vollsensor angezeigt werden, daß weitere Münzen nicht mehr eingespeichert werden dürfen, so daß die Münzen automatisch zur Kasse gelangen. Dies läßt sich ebenfalls in einer Datenerfassung ermitteln und berücksichtigen. Werden hingegen verbogene oder verschmutzte Münzen zur Kasse geleitet, weil ihre Laufzeit zu lang ist, kann dies nicht festgestellt werden. Das Abrechnungssystem ist somit fehlerhaft.As mentioned, electronic coin validators work with electronic data processing. Coins that come into the authenticity area as a result of the authenticity check are recorded, classified and processed by value and quantity, so that a proper settlement of the overpaid sum and the output of the desired goods or the like takes place. The course of the coins within the authenticity range is usually not completely monitored for reasons of effort. The incoming real coins are usually sorted into tubes. The data acquisition therefore assumes that real coins reach the tubes. If a coin tube is filled, a full sensor can indicate that additional coins may no longer be stored, so that the coins automatically go to the checkout. This can also be determined and taken into account in a data acquisition. If, on the other hand, bent or soiled coins are sent to the cash register because their duration is too long, this cannot be determined. The accounting system is therefore faulty.

Aus Sicherheitsgründen darf beim bekannten Münzprüfer die den einzusortierenden Münzen zugeordnete Laufzeit nicht zu klein sein, da sonst zu wenig Münzen in die Tuben gelangen. Vielmehr ist die Laufzeit so zu wählen, daß noch die längste Laufzeit einer echten unbeeinträchtigten Münze zur Einspeicherung in die Münztube führt. Jeder Laufzeit wird zweckmäßigerweise noch aus Sicherheitsgründen ein Zuschlag erteilt. Dadurch wird jedoch die gesamte Verarbeitungszeit verhältnismäßig lang, da sie auf jede Münze angewendet wird unabhängig davon, wie schnell sie tatsächlich zur Sortiervorrichtung gelangt. Beim bekannten Münzprüfer ist daher die Folgerate, mit der Münzen nacheinander geprüft und verarbeitet werden können, verhältnismäßig klein.For safety reasons, the term assigned to the coins to be sorted must not be too short in the known coin validator, since otherwise too few coins will get into the tubes. Rather, the term is to be chosen so that the longest term of a real unimpaired coin leads to storage in the coin tube. For security reasons, each term is appropriately a surcharge granted. However, this makes the total processing time relatively long, since it is applied to every coin regardless of how quickly it actually reaches the sorting device. In the known coin validator, the follow-up rate with which coins can be checked and processed one after the other is therefore relatively small.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, einen elektronischen Münzprüfer mit Sortiervorrichtung zu schaffen, mit dem eine hohe Sortiersicherheit erreicht wird.The invention has for its object to provide an electronic coin validator with a sorting device with which a high level of security is achieved.

Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß durch die Merkmale des Kennzeichnungsteils des Patentanspruchs 1 gelöst.This object is achieved by the features of the characterizing part of patent claim 1.

Beim erfindungsgemäßen Münzprüfer ist der Prüfstrecke eine Geschwindigkeitsmeßvorrichtung zugeordnet, die die Geschwindigkeit der Münzen in der Prüfstrecke mißt. Die Geschwindigkeitsmeßvorrichtung kann zum Beispiel von zwei Sensoren verwirklicht werden, die im Abstand voneinander an der Prüfstrecke angeordnet sind. Die Zeit, welche die Münze vom ersten zum zweiten Münzsensor benötigt, ist ein Maß für die Geschwindigkeit. Da üblicherweise mehrere Prüfsensoren an der Meßstrecke angeordnet sind, können diese für die Geschwindigkeitsmessung herangezogen werden.In the coin validator according to the invention, a speed measuring device is assigned to the test track, which measures the speed of the coins in the test track. The speed measuring device can be implemented, for example, by two sensors which are arranged at a distance from one another on the test track. The time that the coin takes from the first to the second coin sensor is a measure of the speed. Since several test sensors are usually arranged on the measuring section, these can be used for the speed measurement.

Erfindungswesentlich ist nun, daß die Sortierweiche von der Steuervorrichtung in Abhängigkeit von der gemessenen Geschwindigkeit gesteuert wird. Die Steuerung ist derart, daß abhängig von ihrer Geschwindigkeit eine ankommende echte Münze in jedem Fall in die Sortiervorrichtung gelenkt wird.It is essential to the invention that the sorting switch is controlled by the control device as a function of the measured speed. The control is such that an incoming real coin is directed into the sorting device in any case depending on its speed.

Bei der Erfindung wurde erkannt, daß verschmutzte oder klebrige Münzen unter Umständen eine größere Laufzeit benötigen, das Einsortieren dieser Münzen in die Sortiervorrichtung und das Ausgeben zwecks Wechselgeldrückgabe aber keine Schwierigkeiten bereiten. Lediglich stark verschmutzte oder deutlich deformierte Münzen können Probleme verursachen. Sie können jedoch mechanisch an einem Weiterlauf in die Sortiervorrichtung gehindert werden. Eine andere Möglichkeit besteht in einer bevorzugten Ausgestaltung darin, daß die Steuervorrichtung die Annahmeweiche geschlossen hält, wenn die Geschwindigkeit einer echten Münzen einen unteren Grenzwert unterschreitet. Derartige Münzen werden daher - obwohl echt - nicht angenommen, sondern in den Rückgabekanal gelenkt. Entsprechend sieht eine weitere Ausgestaltung der Erfindung vor, daß die Steuervorrichtung die Annahmeweiche geschlossen hält, wenn die Geschwindigkeit einer echten Münze einen oberen Grenzwert überschreitet.In the invention it was recognized that soiled or sticky coins may take a longer time to run, but sorting these coins into the sorting device and dispensing them for the purpose of returning change are not difficult. Only heavily soiled or significantly deformed coins can cause problems. However, they can be mechanically prevented from continuing to run into the sorting device. Another possibility in a preferred embodiment is that the control device keeps the acceptance gate closed when the speed of a real coin falls below a lower limit. Such coins are therefore - although genuine - not accepted, but directed into the return channel. Accordingly, a further embodiment of the invention provides that the control device keeps the acceptance gate closed when the speed of a real coin exceeds an upper limit.

Extrem schnelle Münzen, die aus Manipulationsgründen durch einen Schlag auf das Münzprüfgerät beschleunigt werden, werden somit ebenfalls abgewiesen.Extremely fast coins that are accelerated by tapping the coin validator for manipulation reasons are also rejected.

Beim erfindungsgemäßen Münzprüfer ist mithin die Sortierzeit unmittelbar an die Geschwindigkeit der jeweiligen Münze angepaßt und daher optimal. Mithin ist auch die Einwurfrate optimal. Ferner ermöglicht die Erfindung eine hohe Sortiersicherheit für die Datenerfassung. Echte Münzen gelangen in aller Regel in den Sortierbereich und allenfalls nur dann unmittelbar zur Kasse, wenn ein Münzspeicher gefüllt ist.In the coin validator according to the invention, the sorting time is therefore directly adapted to the speed of the respective coin and is therefore optimal. The throw-in rate is therefore optimal. Furthermore, the invention enables a high sorting security for the data acquisition. Real coins usually go to the sorting area and only to the checkout immediately if a coin store is full.

Es ist bekannt, bei gefüllten Speichertuben Münzen mechanisch in die Kasse abzulenken. Bei elektronisch arbeitenden Münzprüfern ist auch bekannt, einen Füllstandsensor vorzusehen, der anspricht, wenn der Füllstand in der Speichertube einen vorgegebenen Wert erreicht. Die nächstfolgende in die gefüllte Speichertube einzusortierenden Münze wird dann direkt zur Kasse geleitet, indem die Sortierweiche nicht in Richtung Sortiervorrichtung verstellt wird. Eine Ausgestaltung der Erfindung sieht nun vor, daß ein derartiger Vollsensor auch zur Überwachung des Münzlaufs herangezogen wird. Er erzeugt beim Passieren einer Münze in die Speichertube hinein einen kurzen Impuls, so daß in der Datenverarbeitung registriert wird, daß die in der Prüfstrecke ermittelte und für echt befundene Münze tatsächlich in die Münztube eingespeichert wurde.It is known to mechanically deflect coins into the cash register when the storage tubes are full. In the case of electronically operating coin validators, it is also known to provide a fill level sensor which responds when the fill level in the storage tube reaches a predetermined value. The next coin to be sorted into the filled storage tube is then passed directly to the cash register by not moving the sorting gate in the direction of the sorting device. An embodiment of the invention now provides that such a full sensor is also used to monitor the coin run. It creates in when passing a coin a short pulse into the storage tube, so that it is registered in the data processing that the coin determined in the test section and found to be genuine has actually been stored in the coin tube.

Der Vollsensor kann mithin drei verschiedene Zustände annehmen, nämlich einen inaktiven, bei dem eine Münze den Sensor nicht passiert. Der andere Zustand ist die Abgabe eines kurzen Impulses beim Passieren einer Münze. Im Vollzustand der Speichertube bleibt der Sensor so lange aktiv, als eine Münze im Erfassungsbereich liegt. Es kann jedoch geschehen, daß der Füllzustand einer Speichertube sehr nahe dem Ansprechniveau liegt und der Füllstandssensor durch Bewegungen in der Münzsäule vorübergehend aktiviert wird. Ein entsprechendes Ausgangssignal des Füllstandssensors kann von der Steuervorrichtung fälschlich als Hinweis gewertet werden, daß eine Münze in die Speichertube einsortiert worden ist. Wenn eine Münze in die Sortierung gesteuert wird, aber nicht ankommt oder der Füllstandssensor ein Dauersignal gibt, wird somit nicht eindeutig erkannt, ob die Münze in der Tube angekommen ist. Um auch diesen Fall auszuschließen, kann ein weiterer Anwesenheitssensor hinter der Sortierweiche vorgesehen werden, der einen Impuls auf die Steuervorrichtung gibt, wenn er eine Münze registriert. Der Anwesenheitssensor zeigt der Steuerung an, daß eine Münze trotz vorher eingestellter Sortierweiche in die Kasse gelangt ist. Der Anwesenheitssensor verbessert daher die Überwachung und registriert das Einlaufen einer Münze in die Kasse.The full sensor can therefore assume three different states, namely an inactive one in which a coin does not pass the sensor. The other state is the delivery of a short impulse when passing a coin. When the storage tube is full, the sensor remains active as long as there is a coin in the detection range. However, it can happen that the fill level of a storage tube is very close to the response level and the fill level sensor is temporarily activated by movements in the coin column. A corresponding output signal from the level sensor can be incorrectly interpreted by the control device as an indication that a coin has been sorted into the storage tube. If a coin is controlled in the sorting but does not arrive or the level sensor gives a continuous signal, it is not clearly recognized whether the coin has arrived in the tube. In order to rule out this case as well, a further presence sensor can be provided behind the sorting gate, which gives an impulse to the control device when it registers a coin. The presence sensor shows the control that a coin has entered the cash register despite the sorting switch previously set. The presence sensor therefore improves monitoring and registers the entry of a coin into the cash register.

Die Münzen benötigen nach dem Ablenken durch die Sortierweiche in die Sortiervorrichtung eine bestimmte Zeit bis zur vollständigen Einspeicherung in der zugeordneten Speichertube. In dieser Zeit kann eine neue Münze bereits eingeworfen und verarbeitet werden. Die bevorzugte Ausgestaltung sieht daher eine Steuermöglichkeit vor, nach der die Steuervorrichtung die Sortierweiche in die geöffnete Stellung zurückstellt und ein Freigabesignal für den Münzprüfer erzeugt, wenn nach der Registrierung einer Münze durch einen Anwesenheitssensor nach der Sortierweiche eine vorgegebene Zeit verstrichen ist.After being deflected by the sorting switch into the sorting device, the coins require a certain time until they are completely stored in the assigned storage tube. During this time, a new coin can already be inserted and processed. The preferred embodiment therefore provides a control option according to which the control device resets the sorting switch to the open position and generates a release signal for the coin validator when a predetermined time has passed after the registration of a coin by a presence sensor after the sorting switch.

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand von Zeichnungen näher erläutert.

Fig. 1
zeigt schematisch einen elektronischen Münzprüfer nach der Erfindung.
Fig. 2
zeigt ein Zeitdiagramm des Münzprüfers nach Fig. 1.
An embodiment of the invention is explained below with reference to drawings.
Fig. 1
shows schematically an electronic coin validator according to the invention.
Fig. 2
shows a timing diagram of the coin validator of FIG. 1st

Der in Fig. 1 schematisch dargestellte Münzprüfer weist einen mechanischen Teil 10 auf, dessen Funktionseinheiten durch einen Mikroprozessor 12 gesteuert werden. Der mechanische Teil 10 enthält einen Münzeinwurfschlitz 14, dem eine Münzlaufbahn 16 nachgeordnet ist. Eine eingeworfene Münze 18 läuft die Laufbahn 16 entlang und passiert zwei Sensoren Cp1 und Cp2, deren Ausgänge mit dem Mikroprozessor 12 verbunden sind. Bei den Sensoren Cp1, Cp2 kann es sich um herkömmliche Echtheitssensoren handeln. Sie können auch reine Anwesenheitssensoren sein, die beim Vorbeilauf einer Münze ein Signal erzeugen. Auf die Echtheitsprüfung, die üblicherweise in derartigen Münzprüfern vorgenommen wird, soll im einzelnen nicht eingegangen werden. Diese ist Stand der Technik.The coin validator shown schematically in FIG. 1 has a mechanical part 10, the functional units of which are controlled by a microprocessor 12. The mechanical part 10 contains a coin insertion slot 14, which is followed by a coin track 16. An inserted coin 18 runs along the track 16 and passes two sensors Cp1 and Cp2, the outputs of which are connected to the microprocessor 12. The sensors Cp1, Cp2 can be conventional authenticity sensors. They can also be purely presence sensors that generate a signal when a coin passes. The authenticity check, which is usually carried out in such coin validators, is not to be discussed in detail. This is state of the art.

Münzen, die die Münzlaufbahn 16 verlassen, fallen auf eine Annahmeweiche 20, die von einem Elektromagneten 22 betätigt wird. Der Elektromagnet 22 wird vom Mikroprozessor 12 gesteuert. Die Annahmeweiche 20 befindet sich normalerweise in der geschlossenen Stellung, so daß eine auf sie auftreffende Münze nach links abgelenkt wird in einen Rückgabekanal 24. Bei geöffneter Weiche 20 gelangt die Münze auf eine erste Sortierweiche 26, die von einem Magneten 28 betätigt wird, der seinerseits vom Mikroprozessor 12 gesteuert wird. Bei geschlossener Sortierweiche 26 gelangt die Münze nach links entlang eines Laufbahnabschnitts 30 zu einer im einzelnen nicht dargestellten Sortiervorrichtung, die u.a. ein Sortierfenster 32 aufweist. Das Sortierfenster 32 passierende Münzen gelangen in eine mittlere Speichertube 34, während an dem Fenster 32 vorbeirollende Münzen in eine linke Speichertube 36 einlaufen. Unterhalb der Sortierweiche 26 befindet sich eine zweite Sortierweiche 38, die von einem Magneten 40 betätigt wird, der vom Mikroprozessor 12 gesteuert wird. In der geschlossenen Stellung lenkt die zweite Sortierweiche 38 eine Münze zu einer rechten Münztube 42. In der geöffneten Stellung gelangt die Münze in einen Annahmekanal 44, der zur Kasse (nicht gezeigt) gerichtet ist.Coins that leave the coin track 16 fall on an acceptance switch 20, which is actuated by an electromagnet 22. The electromagnet 22 is controlled by the microprocessor 12. The acceptance switch 20 is normally in the closed position, so that a coin striking it is deflected to the left into a return channel 24. When the switch 20 is open, the coin arrives at a first sorting switch 26, which is actuated by a magnet 28, which in turn is controlled by the microprocessor 12. With the sorting gate 26 closed the coin to the left along a track section 30 to a sorting device, not shown in detail, which has, among other things, a sorting window 32. Coins passing through the sorting window 32 enter a central storage tube 34, while coins rolling past the window 32 enter a left storage tube 36. Below the sorting switch 26 there is a second sorting switch 38 which is actuated by a magnet 40 which is controlled by the microprocessor 12. In the closed position, the second sorting switch 38 directs a coin to a right coin tube 42. In the open position, the coin arrives in an acceptance channel 44, which is directed to the cash register (not shown).

Zwischen der Annahmeweiche 20 und der ersten Sortierweiche 26 befindet sich ein dritter Münzsensor Cp3. Dem Annahmekanal 44 ist ein vierter Münzsensor Cp4 zugeordnet. Den Speichertuben 34, 36, 32 sind sogenannte Vollsensoren Vm, Vr und Vl zugeordnet. Die erwähnten Sensoren sind sämtlich mit dem Mikroprozessor 12 verbunden. Sie erzeugen ein Signal, wenn eine Münze im Detektierbereich liegt oder sich durch diesen hindurchbewegt.A third coin sensor Cp3 is located between the acceptance gate 20 and the first sorting gate 26. A fourth coin sensor Cp4 is assigned to the acceptance channel 44. So-called full sensors Vm, Vr and Vl are assigned to the storage tubes 34, 36, 32. The sensors mentioned are all connected to the microprocessor 12. They generate a signal when a coin is in the detection area or moves through it.

Eine eingeworfene Münze 18 erzeugt beim Passieren der Sensoren Cp1 und Cp2 jeweils einen Impuls, die in Fig. 2 im Zeitdiagramm wiedergegeben sind. Die Zeit tx ist mithin die Zeit, die eine Münze zwischen den Sensoren Cp1 und Cp2 benötigt. Die Größe der Zeit ist ein Maß für die Laufgeschwindigkeit der Münze. Wird eine Münze als unecht qualifiziert, bleibt die Münzweiche 20 geschlossen und die Münze wird abgewiesen. Wird die Münze als echt klassifiziert, wird die Annahmeweiche 20 geöffnet und die Münze kann die Annahmeweiche 20 passieren und gelangt zur in die geschlossene Stellung 26 geschalteten Sortierweiche 26, die vorher in geöffnetem Zustand war. Der Anwesenheitssensor Cp3 stellt das Einlaufen der Münze in diesem Bereich fest und erzeugt ein entsprechendes Signal für den Mikroprozessor 12, der anschließend die Annahmeweiche 20 wieder in die geschlossene Stellung bringt. Die Sortierweiche 26 bleibt für eine Zeit geschlossen die n mal tx beträgt. n ist ein empirisch ermittelter Wert und liegt zum Beispiel bei 5,5. n mal tx ist diejenige Zeit, welche eine Münze nach dem Verlassen der Prüfstrecke bis zum vollständigen Einsortieren in eine der Münztuben benötigt. Die Zeit tx ist indessen von der Laufgeschwindigkeit der Münze abhängig. Eine Münze kann je nach mechanischer Deformation und Verschmutzung unterschiedlich schnell laufen. Eine langsamer laufende Münze benötigt daher auch eine längere Sortierzeit. Diesem wird dadurch Rechnung getragen, daß die Sortierweiche 26 entsprechend länger geschlossen bleibt, um sicherzustellen, daß die Münze auch tatsächlich zur Speichertube läuft. Das gleiche trifft auf die Sortierweiche 38 zu, die in die Münztube 42 sortiert. In diesem Fall ist bei der Annahme der Münze, die in Speichertube 42 eingespeichert werden soll, die Sortierweiche 26 geöffnet.An inserted coin 18 generates a pulse when passing the sensors Cp1 and Cp2, which in FIG Time diagram are reproduced. The time tx is therefore the time that a coin needs between the sensors Cp1 and Cp2. The size of the time is a measure of the running speed of the coin. If a coin is qualified as fake, the coin switch 20 remains closed and the coin is rejected. If the coin is classified as genuine, the acceptance gate 20 is opened and the coin can pass through the acceptance gate 20 and arrives at the sorting gate 26 switched to the closed position 26, which was previously in the open state. The presence sensor Cp3 detects the entry of the coin in this area and generates a corresponding signal for the microprocessor 12, which then brings the acceptance gate 20 back into the closed position. The sorting switch 26 remains closed for a time which is n times tx. n is an empirically determined value and is, for example, 5.5. n times tx is the time that a coin needs after leaving the test section until it is completely sorted into one of the coin tubes. The time tx, however, depends on the running speed of the coin. A coin can run at different speeds depending on the mechanical deformation and contamination. A coin that runs more slowly therefore requires a longer sorting time. This is taken into account in that the sorting gate 26 remains closed for a correspondingly longer time ensure that the coin actually runs to the storage tube. The same applies to the sorting switch 38, which sorts into the coin tube 42. In this case, when the coin is accepted, which is to be stored in the storage tube 42, the sorting gate 26 is opened.

Die Laufzeit tx zwischen den Sensoren Cp1 und Cp2 läßt sich ebenfalls empirisch ermitteln, insbesondere lassen sich ein unterer und ein oberer Wert angeben, die zum Beispiel bei 90 bzw. 170 ms liegen. Liegt die Laufzeit unterhalb von 90 ms, kann davon ausgegangen werden, daß eine Manipulation vorliegt, beispielsweise durch einen Schlag auf den Münzprüfer, durch den der Lauf der Münzen beschleunigt wird. Da in diesem Fall eine einwandfreie Münzprüfung nicht vorgenommen werden kann, sorgt der Mikroprozessor 12 dafür, daß eine Annahme nicht erfolgt, auch wenn ein Echtheitssignal erzeugt wird. Die Annahmeweiche 20 bleibt daher geschlossen. Sie bleibt auch geschlossen, wenn der Höchstwert von 170 ms überschritten wird. Dieser Wert zeigt an, daß es sich um extrem langsam laufende Münzen handelt, die zum Beispiel mechanisch stark deformiert sind. Sie werden ebenfalls abgewiesen, auch wenn sie von den Prüfsensoren für echt befunden werden.The transit time tx between the sensors Cp1 and Cp2 can also be determined empirically, in particular a lower and an upper value can be specified, which are, for example, 90 and 170 ms, respectively. If the runtime is less than 90 ms, it can be assumed that there has been manipulation, for example by a blow to the coin validator, which accelerates the run of the coins. Since a correct coin check cannot be carried out in this case, the microprocessor 12 ensures that an acceptance is not made even if an authenticity signal is generated. The acceptance gate 20 therefore remains closed. It remains closed even if the maximum value of 170 ms is exceeded. This value indicates that the coins are extremely slow-moving, for example mechanically deformed. They are also rejected, even if they are found to be genuine by the test sensors.

Der Anwesenheitssensor Cp3 bringt die Annahmeweiche 20 wieder in den geschlossenen Zustand, wenn die Anwesenheit einer Münze festgestellt wird. Die Rückschaltung der Sortierweiche 26 bzw. 38 in den geöffneten Zustand erfolgt nach Ablauf der Zeit n mal tx.The presence sensor Cp3 brings the acceptance switch 20 back in the closed state when the presence of a coin is determined. The sorting switch 26 or 38 is switched back to the open state after the time n times tx.

Die Füllstands- oder Vollsensoren Vl, Vm und Vr erzeugen beim Einsortieren in die Speichertuben 34, 36, 42 einen kurzen Impuls (siehe Fig. 2), der an den Mikroprozessor 12 gegeben wird. Dieser kann somit registrieren, daß eine Münze tatsächlich in eine Speichertube einsortiert wurde. Gleichzeitig dienen die Sensoren Vl, Vm und Vr dazu anzuzeigen, wenn die Tuben gefüllt sind. In diesem Fall bleiben die Sortierweichen 26, 38 geöffnet und einlaufende echte Münzen gelangen in den Annahmekanal 44 und von dort zur Kasse. Der Anwesenheitssensor Cp4 registriert, daß auch tatsächlich eine Münze in die Kasse geleitet wurde.The fill level or full sensors Vl, Vm and Vr generate a short pulse when they are sorted into the storage tubes 34, 36, 42 (see FIG. 2), which is given to the microprocessor 12. The latter can thus register that a coin has actually been sorted into a storage tube. At the same time, the sensors V1, Vm and Vr serve to indicate when the tubes are filled. In this case, the sorting switches 26, 38 remain open and incoming real coins enter the acceptance channel 44 and from there to the checkout. The presence sensor Cp4 registers that a coin has actually been fed into the cash register.

Es kann geschehen, daß das Füllstandsniveau in einer Speichertube sehr nahe an dem Vollniveau ist und den entsprechenden Vollsensor vorübergehend erregt. Für den Mikroprozessor 12 kann dies auch ein Signal sein, das den Einwurf einer Münze in eine Tube wiedergibt. Um hier eine klare Unterscheidung und damit eine Sortiersicherheit zu erreichen, wird der Anwesenheitssensor Cp4 eingesetzt. Registriert dieser nämlich in der gleichen Zeit das Einlaufen einer Münze in die Kasse, wird das Signal vom zugehörigen Vollsensor unterdrückt.It can happen that the fill level in a storage tube is very close to the full level and temporarily excites the corresponding full sensor. For the microprocessor 12, this can also be a signal that reflects the insertion of a coin into a tube. The presence sensor Cp4 is used to make a clear distinction here and thus a sorting security. Registered If the coin enters the cash register at the same time, the signal from the associated full sensor is suppressed.

Die Folgerate der nacheinander einzuwerfenden Münzen wird bei dem beschriebenen Münzprüfer durch die Sortierzeit bestimmt. Die Folgerate kann erhöht werden, wenn während des letzten Abschnitts der Sortierung eine nächste echte Münze dem Sortierbereich zugeleitet werden kann. Dies kann mit Hilfe des Anwesenheitssensors Cp3 geschehen. Dieser registriert nicht nur das Einlaufen einer Münze in den Sortierbereich, sondern stellt auch fest, wann eine Münze den Sensor verlassen hat. Zu diesem Zeitpunkt ist er auf dem Weg in die zugeordnete Münztube. Wird ab diesem Zeitpunkt eine vorgegebene Zeit vorgesehen, die kürzer ist als die endgültige Sortierzeit, kann nach Ablauf dieser Zeitdauer der Eintritt einer weiteren Münze in den Sortierbereich zugelassen werden, was bedeutet, daß die Sortierweiche 26 vorübergehend in die Öffnungs- und anschließend wieder in die Schließstellung verstellt worden ist.The sequence rate of the coins to be inserted one after the other is determined by the sorting time in the coin validator described. The follow-up rate can be increased if a next real coin can be fed to the sorting area during the last section of the sorting. This can be done using the presence sensor Cp3. This not only registers the entry of a coin into the sorting area, but also determines when a coin has left the sensor. At this point he is on the way to the assigned coin tube. If a predetermined time is provided from this point in time, which is shorter than the final sorting time, the entry of a further coin into the sorting area can be permitted after this period, which means that the sorting switch 26 temporarily into the opening and then back into the Closed position has been adjusted.

Claims (11)

  1. Electronic coin testing device comprising an examining track (16) including at least a sensor, an acceptance switch (20) which guides, when being in its normally closed position, a coin (18) arriving from the examining track into a return channel (24), further comprising a classification switch (26,38) arranged downstream of the acceptance switch (20) which classification switch guides, when being in its closed position, a coin (18) passing through the opened acceptance switch (20) to a classification means (32) and guiding the coin, when being in its opened position, to a cash-box (44) and further comprising a control means (12) which is connected to the sensor and the switches, wherein a velocity sensing means (Cp1, Cp2) is associated to the examining track (16) for measuring the velocity of the coin (18) in the examining track (16), characterized in that the control means (12) maintains the classification switch (26,38) in a closed position during a time period which is proportional to the velocity of the coin (18).
  2. The coin testing device of claim 1, characterized in that the control means (12) maintains the acceptance switch in a closed position when the speed of a genuine coin falls below a lower limit value.
  3. The coin testing device of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control means (12) maintains the acceptance switch (20) in a closed position when the speed of a genuine coin exceeds an upper limit value.
  4. The coin testing device of one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the speed of coins is measured by a pair of sensors (Cp1, Cp2) which are located along the examining track (16) spaced apart from each other.
  5. The coin testing device of claim 4, characterized in that the sensors (Cp1, Cp2) function for an examination of genuineness at the same time.
  6. The coin testing device of claim 5, characterized in that the first and the last sensor in the moving direction of the coin are used for measuring the speed when a plurality of sensors is provided.
  7. The coin testing device of one of claims 1 to 6, in which the classification means includes at least a tube for delivering exchange coins, characterized in that a fill sensor (Vm, Vl, Vr) is associated to the tube (34,36, 42) which fill sensor delivers a first long pulse to the control means (12) when the coins in the tube reach an upper filling level so that the control means (12) maintains the classification switch (26) in an opened position, and which delivers a short pulse to the control means when a coin falls into the tube.
  8. The coin testing device of claim 7, characterized in that a presence sensor (Cp4) is located downstream of the classification switch which presence sensor delivers a pulse to the control means (12) when registering a coin.
  9. The coin testing device of claim 8, characterized in that the control means (12) suppresses a short pulse of a fill sensor (Vm, Vl, Vr) when the presence sensor (Cp4) delivers a pulse.
  10. The coin testing device of one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a presence sensor (Cp3) is located between the acceptance switch and the classification switch (20; 26,38) and that the control means (12) resets the acceptance switch (20) to the closed position when the presence sensor (Cp3) registers a coin.
  11. The coin testing device of claim 10, characterized in that the control means (12) resets the classification switch (26,38) to an opened position and produces a release signal for the coin testing device when after registration of a coin by the presence sensor (Cp3) a predetermined time has been ellapsed.
EP91113239A 1990-08-10 1991-08-07 Electronic coin testing device Expired - Lifetime EP0470587B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE4025328 1990-08-10
DE4025328A DE4025328A1 (en) 1990-08-10 1990-08-10 ELECTRONIC COIN CHECKER

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EP0470587A2 EP0470587A2 (en) 1992-02-12
EP0470587A3 EP0470587A3 (en) 1993-05-12
EP0470587B1 true EP0470587B1 (en) 1995-04-05

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ES (1) ES2072493T3 (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2275532A (en) * 1993-02-25 1994-08-31 Mars Inc Coin handling apparatus
DE19836468C2 (en) * 1998-08-12 2000-08-17 Nat Rejectors Gmbh Coin operated device with acceptance gate operated by electromagnets
DE19956412A1 (en) * 1999-11-24 2001-06-07 Harting Vending Gmbh & Co Kg Method for returning coins inserted in automatic machines for selling goods in the event of a faulty function feeds signals from sensors a control device for monitoring the passage of coins through the coin-checking device.

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
BE787128A (en) * 1971-08-16 1972-12-01 Mars Inc COINS DISCRIMINATOR
US3797628A (en) * 1972-03-17 1974-03-19 Little Inc A Device and method for testing coins employing velocity determining means
US4106610A (en) * 1976-06-07 1978-08-15 Mars, Incorporated Coin apparatus having multiple coin-diverting gates
GB2042783B (en) * 1979-02-19 1982-12-08 Omron Tateisi Electronics Co Sorting coin
CH647608A5 (en) * 1980-04-28 1985-01-31 Sodeco Compteurs De Geneve METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CHECKING COINS FOR COURTNESS.
DE3486213T2 (en) * 1983-11-04 1994-01-13 Mars Inc Coin acceptor.
JPH0534060Y2 (en) * 1987-10-08 1993-08-30

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DE59105091D1 (en) 1995-05-11
EP0470587A2 (en) 1992-02-12
ES2072493T3 (en) 1995-07-16
EP0470587A3 (en) 1993-05-12
DE4025328A1 (en) 1992-02-13
DE4025328C2 (en) 1993-04-22

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