CA1166724A - Coin-operated machine for dispensing articles - Google Patents
Coin-operated machine for dispensing articlesInfo
- Publication number
- CA1166724A CA1166724A CA000396084A CA396084A CA1166724A CA 1166724 A CA1166724 A CA 1166724A CA 000396084 A CA000396084 A CA 000396084A CA 396084 A CA396084 A CA 396084A CA 1166724 A CA1166724 A CA 1166724A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- coin
- machine
- malfunction
- dispensing
- articles
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Landscapes
- Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
In a coin-operated machine a malfunction detector is operatively associated with an article dispensing unit to inhibit the dispensing of an article in the presence of a malfunction condition. The output signal of the detector also prevents the coin-operated machine from accepting new coins. If the signal of the malfunction detector is supplied after the money has been already inserted and the article has been chosen accordingly, the money corresponding to the amount inserted before the occurrence of the malfunction is returned.
In a coin-operated machine a malfunction detector is operatively associated with an article dispensing unit to inhibit the dispensing of an article in the presence of a malfunction condition. The output signal of the detector also prevents the coin-operated machine from accepting new coins. If the signal of the malfunction detector is supplied after the money has been already inserted and the article has been chosen accordingly, the money corresponding to the amount inserted before the occurrence of the malfunction is returned.
Description
67~2~
Background of the Invention . . _ Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a coin-operated machine for dispensing articles, comprising a coin validator, a memory for storing the value of the inserted money, a coin storage means, an article storage means, and a dispensing unit through which the articles are dispensed.
Descri~tion of Prior Art It has been known -to provide in a coin-operated vending machine a safety circuit which supplies a trouble signal in case of malfunctions in the opera*ion. If malfunctions occur or if a reservoir is empty of goods, a corresponding malfunction or empty-condition indicator lamp turns red and the selection for the corresponding article is stopped. Such a safety circuit includes jamming products in the chute or electrical disturbances in the operation, e.g., the fusing of an output coil. However, it is disadvantageous that such a malfunction of the coin-operated machine triggers the safety circuit during the dispensing or vending operation after the insertion of the money by a customer, because in such a case the inserted money is not returned.
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/ Summary of the Invention /
/ It is the-object of the invention to further develop a coin-operated machine of the type mentioned at the outset hereof so that even in cases where a malfunction is determined ùpon the insertion of the money, the money is returned to the customer.
To solve said problem, according to the invention the dispen-sing unit for articles is fitted with a malfunction detector which, in case o a disturbance, supplies a malfunction signal, the malfunction signal controlling a gate circuit which only in the absence of the malfunction signal, transmits the signal required for the dispensing of articles, to the corresponding unit, and, if no articles are dispensed, the malfunction signal enables the return of mone~ corresponding to the amount inserted.
Thus, it is ensured that the vending machine returns the money value corresponding to the inserted amount, if the malfunc-tion occurs after the insertion of the money. If it occurred earlier, the money is not accepted by the coin mechanism, i.e., an indication shows that the desired vend of the article is impossible thus allowing the customer to get back the money when a coin-return button is depressed.
In a prefer~red embodiment of the present invention, the sig-nal required for the dispensing of goods ~hose transmission is interrupted with a malfunction signal, is a selective signal coming from the selector unit and being supplied to the reservoir or goods.
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;The malfunction detector need not necessarily be a single constructional element, but may be several detectors distributed at several points in the dispensing unit or of the reservoir of goods, respectively, each of which controls a specific function.
However, it is important that with the detection of a defect, the corresponcding signal is supplied immediately to avoid the further dispensing of goods and the return of money paid subsequently.
In addition, care is taken, according to the in~ention,that the money inserted prior to the occurrence of tlle defect and for which no article was dispensed, is returned accorclingly.
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/ Brief Description of the Drawings An embodiment of the invention is explained hereinafter more closely with reference to the sole figure of the drawing. The dra~ing illustrate~ a block diagram of a coin-operated machine.
Detailed Description o~ Preferred ~mbodiment The coins are inserted into a slot 10 of the machine into a channel 11 to a coin validator for checking coins as to genuineness and ~alue. In the course of the coin channel 11, there is provided behind the validator 12 a coin branch 13 connecting to the coin channel either an accept channel 1~ or a return channel 15. The accept channel 14 ends in a coin storage means 16 which is a cus-tomary coin tube, while the return channel 15 ends in a coin return compartment 17 accessible from the outside. At the lol~er end of the coin tube 16, there is a return device 18 which, con-trolled by a driving means 19, may route individual coins 20 out of the coin tube into the return compartment 17.
If the coin tester 12 accepts a coin as genuine, the coin branch 13 is placed into the position shown,thus allowing the corresponding coin to enter into the coin tube 16. If the coin is not accepted as genuine, it is directed through the return channel 15 into the return compartment 17.
An adder or accumulator 21 is connected to the coin validator 12, which accumulates the number or respective values o~ the coins inserted during a vending operation. The amount of the inserted money is contained in the adder 21 accordingly. The output of the adder 21 is connected to one input of a comparator 22. To the other input of the comparator 22, a price signal is supplied l~hich is given by price setting means 23. The output signal is only supplied by the comparator 22, if the contents of the adder or counter 21 is at least as great as the contents of the price set-ting means 23. If so, there is formed at the output of the compar-ator 22 the difference between the contents of the adder 21 and the adjusting means 23, the mentioned difference value being supplied as a returnable amount o~ change to a register 24 ~hose output controls via an AND-gate 25 tlle driving means 19 for the return of the money.
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/
If a signal appcars at the output of thc comparator 22, this will mean that the value of the inserted coins corresponds to or is higher than the price adjusted at the price setting means 23.
In this case, an enabling signal is generated at the one input 26 of one AND-gate 27.
The AND-gate 27 transmits to the article storage means 29 a selection signal adjustable at an article selector unit 28, so that an article corresponding to a selection signal from selector 28 is dispensed by the dispensing unit from the storage means 29.
The storage means 29 contains various groups of articles, e.g. 9 drinks in bottles of different sizes or of different kinds. By the corresponding actuation of the article selector unit 28, the desired article can be selected.
If the article storage means 29 - or one of its compartments -is empty, a sold-out signal is supplied to the input of an OR-circuit 31. The output of the OR-circuit 31 is connected to a malfunction indicator circuit 32 and, via an inverter 33, to another input of the AND-gate 27.
Another input of the OR-gate 31 recei~es the output signal of , a malfunction detector 33, which controls the unction and opera-tiveness of the dispensing unit 30.
Each time an article is dispensed, a signal is generated at the dispensing unit 30 which, via line 34, is supplied to the clearing input of adder 21 and to the second input of the AND-gate 25. In other words, the amount of money contained in the adder 21 as to the inserted coins is cancelled and the overpaid amount contained in the register 24, is returned by the AND-gate 25 to the driving means ~ or the coin return.
Resulting from the above description of operation, the AND-gate 27 is opened to only supply the selection signals from the selector unit 28 to the articlc storage means 29, if the cor-responding compartment in thc article storage mcans 29 is not sold-out and if ~he mal~unction dctector 3~ has not transmitted ,~
. . ~
:
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s a malfunction signal. I-lowcvcr, i~ tho corrcsponding compartmcnt of the article storage mcans 29 is emp~y ~sold-out~ or i-~ the malfunction detector 33 has found a malunction, an AND-gate 35 is opened by the output signal of the OR-gate 31 and the output signal of the adder 21 to the driving means 19 is accepted for the return of the coins. At the same time, the amount existing in the adder 21 is cancelled.
A return of the money is also effected if the OR-gate 31 did not first supply a malunction signal so that the selective signal was supplied via the AND-gate 27 to the article storage means 29, if, however, thereafter, the delivery of the article is stopped by a jamming in the dispensing chute or by another mal-function. In such a case, the OR-gate 31 passes signals after a compartment in the article storage means 29 has been selected and the amount of money contained in the adder 21 is supplied via the Al~D-gate 35 to the driving means l9 for the return of the coins, ~hereby an amount corresponding to the paid money is delivered from the coin tube 16 into the compartment 17.
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Background of the Invention . . _ Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a coin-operated machine for dispensing articles, comprising a coin validator, a memory for storing the value of the inserted money, a coin storage means, an article storage means, and a dispensing unit through which the articles are dispensed.
Descri~tion of Prior Art It has been known -to provide in a coin-operated vending machine a safety circuit which supplies a trouble signal in case of malfunctions in the opera*ion. If malfunctions occur or if a reservoir is empty of goods, a corresponding malfunction or empty-condition indicator lamp turns red and the selection for the corresponding article is stopped. Such a safety circuit includes jamming products in the chute or electrical disturbances in the operation, e.g., the fusing of an output coil. However, it is disadvantageous that such a malfunction of the coin-operated machine triggers the safety circuit during the dispensing or vending operation after the insertion of the money by a customer, because in such a case the inserted money is not returned.
~.
, .
- ` ~ ,~ ;
7~
/ Summary of the Invention /
/ It is the-object of the invention to further develop a coin-operated machine of the type mentioned at the outset hereof so that even in cases where a malfunction is determined ùpon the insertion of the money, the money is returned to the customer.
To solve said problem, according to the invention the dispen-sing unit for articles is fitted with a malfunction detector which, in case o a disturbance, supplies a malfunction signal, the malfunction signal controlling a gate circuit which only in the absence of the malfunction signal, transmits the signal required for the dispensing of articles, to the corresponding unit, and, if no articles are dispensed, the malfunction signal enables the return of mone~ corresponding to the amount inserted.
Thus, it is ensured that the vending machine returns the money value corresponding to the inserted amount, if the malfunc-tion occurs after the insertion of the money. If it occurred earlier, the money is not accepted by the coin mechanism, i.e., an indication shows that the desired vend of the article is impossible thus allowing the customer to get back the money when a coin-return button is depressed.
In a prefer~red embodiment of the present invention, the sig-nal required for the dispensing of goods ~hose transmission is interrupted with a malfunction signal, is a selective signal coming from the selector unit and being supplied to the reservoir or goods.
.
;The malfunction detector need not necessarily be a single constructional element, but may be several detectors distributed at several points in the dispensing unit or of the reservoir of goods, respectively, each of which controls a specific function.
However, it is important that with the detection of a defect, the corresponcding signal is supplied immediately to avoid the further dispensing of goods and the return of money paid subsequently.
In addition, care is taken, according to the in~ention,that the money inserted prior to the occurrence of tlle defect and for which no article was dispensed, is returned accorclingly.
,. , ~ .
; " ' , :
7~L
/ Brief Description of the Drawings An embodiment of the invention is explained hereinafter more closely with reference to the sole figure of the drawing. The dra~ing illustrate~ a block diagram of a coin-operated machine.
Detailed Description o~ Preferred ~mbodiment The coins are inserted into a slot 10 of the machine into a channel 11 to a coin validator for checking coins as to genuineness and ~alue. In the course of the coin channel 11, there is provided behind the validator 12 a coin branch 13 connecting to the coin channel either an accept channel 1~ or a return channel 15. The accept channel 14 ends in a coin storage means 16 which is a cus-tomary coin tube, while the return channel 15 ends in a coin return compartment 17 accessible from the outside. At the lol~er end of the coin tube 16, there is a return device 18 which, con-trolled by a driving means 19, may route individual coins 20 out of the coin tube into the return compartment 17.
If the coin tester 12 accepts a coin as genuine, the coin branch 13 is placed into the position shown,thus allowing the corresponding coin to enter into the coin tube 16. If the coin is not accepted as genuine, it is directed through the return channel 15 into the return compartment 17.
An adder or accumulator 21 is connected to the coin validator 12, which accumulates the number or respective values o~ the coins inserted during a vending operation. The amount of the inserted money is contained in the adder 21 accordingly. The output of the adder 21 is connected to one input of a comparator 22. To the other input of the comparator 22, a price signal is supplied l~hich is given by price setting means 23. The output signal is only supplied by the comparator 22, if the contents of the adder or counter 21 is at least as great as the contents of the price set-ting means 23. If so, there is formed at the output of the compar-ator 22 the difference between the contents of the adder 21 and the adjusting means 23, the mentioned difference value being supplied as a returnable amount o~ change to a register 24 ~hose output controls via an AND-gate 25 tlle driving means 19 for the return of the money.
' :
/
If a signal appcars at the output of thc comparator 22, this will mean that the value of the inserted coins corresponds to or is higher than the price adjusted at the price setting means 23.
In this case, an enabling signal is generated at the one input 26 of one AND-gate 27.
The AND-gate 27 transmits to the article storage means 29 a selection signal adjustable at an article selector unit 28, so that an article corresponding to a selection signal from selector 28 is dispensed by the dispensing unit from the storage means 29.
The storage means 29 contains various groups of articles, e.g. 9 drinks in bottles of different sizes or of different kinds. By the corresponding actuation of the article selector unit 28, the desired article can be selected.
If the article storage means 29 - or one of its compartments -is empty, a sold-out signal is supplied to the input of an OR-circuit 31. The output of the OR-circuit 31 is connected to a malfunction indicator circuit 32 and, via an inverter 33, to another input of the AND-gate 27.
Another input of the OR-gate 31 recei~es the output signal of , a malfunction detector 33, which controls the unction and opera-tiveness of the dispensing unit 30.
Each time an article is dispensed, a signal is generated at the dispensing unit 30 which, via line 34, is supplied to the clearing input of adder 21 and to the second input of the AND-gate 25. In other words, the amount of money contained in the adder 21 as to the inserted coins is cancelled and the overpaid amount contained in the register 24, is returned by the AND-gate 25 to the driving means ~ or the coin return.
Resulting from the above description of operation, the AND-gate 27 is opened to only supply the selection signals from the selector unit 28 to the articlc storage means 29, if the cor-responding compartment in thc article storage mcans 29 is not sold-out and if ~he mal~unction dctector 3~ has not transmitted ,~
. . ~
:
7~
s a malfunction signal. I-lowcvcr, i~ tho corrcsponding compartmcnt of the article storage mcans 29 is emp~y ~sold-out~ or i-~ the malfunction detector 33 has found a malunction, an AND-gate 35 is opened by the output signal of the OR-gate 31 and the output signal of the adder 21 to the driving means 19 is accepted for the return of the coins. At the same time, the amount existing in the adder 21 is cancelled.
A return of the money is also effected if the OR-gate 31 did not first supply a malunction signal so that the selective signal was supplied via the AND-gate 27 to the article storage means 29, if, however, thereafter, the delivery of the article is stopped by a jamming in the dispensing chute or by another mal-function. In such a case, the OR-gate 31 passes signals after a compartment in the article storage means 29 has been selected and the amount of money contained in the adder 21 is supplied via the Al~D-gate 35 to the driving means l9 for the return of the coins, ~hereby an amount corresponding to the paid money is delivered from the coin tube 16 into the compartment 17.
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Claims (2)
1. A coin-operated machine for dispensing articles, comprising:
coin validator means for determining the value of coins inserted into said machine;
accumulator means responsive to said validator means for storing the total value of coins inserted into said machine during a sales transaction;
coin storage means for storing the coins inserted into said machine during said sales transaction;
article storage means for storing a supply of articles to be dispensed;.
dispensing means for passing articles from said machine at the end of said sales transaction;
detector means for sensing a malfunction in the opera-tion of the vending machine and generating an associated malfunction signal;
gate means responsive to the presence of said malfunction signal for inhibiting said dispensing means from passing articles from said machine; and coin return means responsive to the presence of said malfunction signal for returning the coins in said coin storage means.
coin validator means for determining the value of coins inserted into said machine;
accumulator means responsive to said validator means for storing the total value of coins inserted into said machine during a sales transaction;
coin storage means for storing the coins inserted into said machine during said sales transaction;
article storage means for storing a supply of articles to be dispensed;.
dispensing means for passing articles from said machine at the end of said sales transaction;
detector means for sensing a malfunction in the opera-tion of the vending machine and generating an associated malfunction signal;
gate means responsive to the presence of said malfunction signal for inhibiting said dispensing means from passing articles from said machine; and coin return means responsive to the presence of said malfunction signal for returning the coins in said coin storage means.
2. The coin-operated machine according to claim 1, further comprising:
product selector means for selectively enabling said dispensing means to pass selected articles from said machine in the absence of said malfunction signal.
product selector means for selectively enabling said dispensing means to pass selected articles from said machine in the absence of said malfunction signal.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP635680A JPS56103708A (en) | 1980-01-24 | 1980-01-24 | Checking circuit for load driving control element |
| DE19813106298 DE3106298A1 (en) | 1981-02-20 | 1981-02-20 | Coin-operated dispenser for goods |
| DEP3106298.9 | 1981-02-20 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1166724A true CA1166724A (en) | 1984-05-01 |
Family
ID=25791302
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000396084A Expired CA1166724A (en) | 1980-01-24 | 1982-02-11 | Coin-operated machine for dispensing articles |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1166724A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN110047197A (en) * | 2019-01-24 | 2019-07-23 | 阿里巴巴集团控股有限公司 | A kind of data processing method, equipment, medium and device |
-
1982
- 1982-02-11 CA CA000396084A patent/CA1166724A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN110047197A (en) * | 2019-01-24 | 2019-07-23 | 阿里巴巴集团控股有限公司 | A kind of data processing method, equipment, medium and device |
| CN110047197B (en) * | 2019-01-24 | 2021-08-20 | 创新先进技术有限公司 | Data processing method, device, medium and apparatus |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |