DE102011054273A1 - Device for handling coins with a buffer - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) for handling coins (12), with a buffer (14) for sorted receiving sorted supplied coins (12), and with a retaining unit (18) for retaining the coins in the buffer (14) (12), wherein the retaining unit (18) and the buffer (14) in a feed position, in which the retaining unit (18) and the buffer (14) have a first position relative to each other, are arranged such that the retaining unit (18) an exit opening (36) of the buffer (14) closes, wherein the retaining unit (18) and the buffer (14) in a transfer position, in which the retaining unit (18) and the buffer (14) have a second position relative to each other, arranged are that in the buffer (14) stored coins (12) are fed to a coin store (32), and wherein the retaining unit (18) and the buffer (14) in a Return position in which the retaining unit (18) and the buffer (14) have a third position relative to each other, are arranged such that in the buffer (14) stored coins (12) are fed to a return tray (34).

Description

The invention relates to a device for handling coins with a buffer. A device for handling coins, with the help of supplied coins are isolated, is for example from the document AT 413 006 B known. However, this device does not have a buffer for buffering coins. In the case of coin handling devices, it is desirable to re-issue, if necessary, the coins last fed to the device, for example if a difference between a total value of coins fed by the device and a total value determined by a user and / or entered via an operating unit of the device is determined. Then the total value of the reissued coins can be determined again. Even if a user desires to pay out the same total amount and the same denomination after a deposit, the coins supplied for the deposit of the device can be returned to him, so that an exchange of the coins is avoided.

It is an object of the invention to provide a coin handling apparatus which can buffer coins entered into the apparatus in a simple manner.

This object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

According to the invention, the device comprises a buffer for sorted reception of sorted supplied coins, and a retaining unit for retaining the coins received in the buffer, wherein the retaining unit and the buffer in a feed position in which the retaining unit and the buffer have a first position relative to each other, such arranged that the retaining unit closes a discharge opening of the buffer, wherein the retaining unit and the buffer in a transfer position, in which the retaining unit and the buffer have a second position relative to each other, are arranged such that coins stored in the buffer are fed to a coin storage, and wherein the restraint unit and the buffer store are arranged in a return position, in which the restraint unit and the buffer store have a third position relative to one another, such that in Z. Saved stored canned coins can be fed to a return tray.

This ensures that the device stores the supplied coins in the feed position, in the transfer position the coins can be fed to the coin store and in the return position to the return tray. The invention is based on the recognition that the relative arrangement of the buffer having the output opening to the retaining unit can be used either to temporarily store the supplied coins, to return them to the return tray or to store them in the coin store. Thus, the device can pay out or store the cached coins.

According to a preferred embodiment is in the operating position of the device, the output port of the buffer at the lower end and is closed in the feed position by the retaining unit.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the retaining unit is stationary and the buffer between the feed position, the transfer position and the return position displaceable. Preferably, the feed unit is between the three positions, ie the Zuführposition, the transfer position and the return position is arbitrarily displaced. In this way, it is achieved that the device can be transferred in a simple manner from any of the three named positions into the two remaining positions, namely by displacement of the buffer relative to the stationary retaining unit. This is particularly preferably done in a horizontal plane. This has the advantage that the displacement can be accomplished with very little effort and is easy to handle for a user.

In providing a manually operable by an operator mechanism to move the cache memory, the handling of the device is then very simple. Alternatively or additionally, a drive unit, in particular an electric motor for moving the buffer is provided, wherein the buffer is preferably moved horizontally by means of the drive unit. The electric motor may be a stepping motor, a linear motor or a spindle motor. In this case, a spindle motor is understood as meaning a threaded spindle or an electric motor having a movement screw. In this case, a rotating movement of the electric motor is converted into a translational movement, which preferably moves the buffer horizontally. The advantage of this is that the buffer is movable by means of the electric motor, preferably horizontally, in both a forward and a reverse direction.

In a further preferred embodiment, the retaining unit comprises a retaining element for retaining the coins received in the buffer and a first guide element for transporting the sorted coins from the buffer to the coin storage and a second guide for transporting the sorted coins from the buffer into the return slot and being the first Guiding element disposed on a first side of the retaining element and the second guide element on a second side of the retaining element, wherein the second side is preferably arranged opposite to the first side. This has the advantage that the retaining element of the retaining unit in the feed position retains the coins supplied to the buffer in the buffer store, the first guide element in the transfer position of the retaining unit can transport the coins stored in the buffer from the buffer into the coin store, in particular sorted, and that second guide element in the return position can transport the sorted coins entered from the buffer to the return tray. In this case, the guide elements can be arranged on different sides of the retaining element. Furthermore, it is possible that the first guide element and the second guide element are identical and a separation of the coins to be transported in the return tray or the coin storage takes place only after the coins have already left the buffer. In a further embodiment, the buffer has a folding mechanism at the discharge opening, which supplies the input coins to the first or the second guide element as required. Preferably, the second guide element is arranged on an opposite side of the first guide element. This has the advantage that by moving the buffer horizontally in two opposite directions it can be achieved that the coins stored in the buffer are transported either in the direction of the coin store or in the direction of the return slot as soon as the buffer reaches the transfer position or the return position. Preferably, this is done by the coins in the respective positions leave the buffer by the discharge opening either guided over the first guide element in the coin storage or on the second guide element in the return tray or transported.

Furthermore, it is advantageous to carry out the retaining element and the first and second guide element in one piece. This has the advantage that the retaining unit can be produced easily, for example by pressing metal parts, in particular metal sheets. Furthermore, such an integrally manufactured component is less susceptible to wear and thus more robust.

In another preferred embodiment, a side of the retaining element facing the buffer in the feed position is planar and arranged in a horizontal plane in the operating position of the device. This advantageously, in particular in the event that the dispensing opening is arranged at the lower end of the buffer, ensures that the flat, the buffer memory facing side of the retaining element can hold back the coins recorded in the buffer in a simple manner and is easily displaced in the horizontal plane , In this case, the retaining element is preferably dimensioned such that in the feed position no coins can leave the buffer, upon release of the retaining element in the forwarding position or in the return position, the output port of the buffer is released and the coins received therein the coin storage or the return tray can be fed ,

In a further preferred embodiment, the first and the second guide element each have a planar guide region, which each define an angle α, β between 200 ° and 260 ° with the side of the retaining element facing the buffer in the feed position. By this arrangement of the guide areas of the guide elements relative to the retaining element or its in the feed position the buffer memory side is advantageously achieved that the recorded in the feed position in the buffer coins on displacement of the buffer in the transfer position or in the return position on the respective guide areas and, due to the downward angle (α-90 °, β-90 °), will automatically slip into the coin storage or return tray.

In a further preferred embodiment, the buffer has a plurality of juxtaposed compartments. This has the advantage that the cache can store several coins separately. The compartments of the buffer store preferably have the same dimensions. In this case, it is further preferred if each compartment is provided for storing only one, in particular different, denomination. This has the advantage that each denomination can be processed separately without mixing with different denominations.

In a further preferred embodiment, the compartments are open on a first side and / or on a second side, wherein the second Side in the feed position facing the retaining element and is preferably arranged on one of the first side opposite end of the compartment. In this way, it is achieved that the coins can be fed into and out of the temporary storage both via the first side and via the second side. Furthermore, this can advantageously be achieved by the retaining element holding the coins in the buffer on the second side. In the preferred embodiment, the first side faces the second side, thereby enabling the coins to be easily forwarded from the input side to the output side, in this case the second side.

Further, it is advantageous if the subjects each have a vertical longitudinal axis in the operating position of the device, wherein the longitudinal axis connects a center of the first side with a center of the second side. Thus, in operational position, the first side of each compartment is at the top and the second side of each compartment is at the bottom so that the second side is located opposite the retention element. This has the advantage that the coins fed in through the top first side automatically fall by gravity to the second side and are stopped there in the feed position by the retaining element of the retaining unit. After shifting the buffer to the transfer position or to the return position, the discharge opening is released and the coins can fall into the coin storage or the return tray due to gravity.

It is also advantageous if the first guide element has a plurality of separate guideways for sorted guidance of the coins from the buffer into the coin store, each compartment being assigned a guideway. The guideways are in this case arranged so that it is possible to transport the sorted in the cache coins in the same sorting from the buffer in the coin storage. Here, the coins stored in a compartment can be easily transported via the guideway associated with the compartment into a compartment of the coin store assigned to this guideway.

It is advantageous if the coin storage has as many compartments as the cache.

In a preferred embodiment, the return tray has only one compartment. The cached coins are issued to a customer on request. Since it does not depend on the sorting of the coins, a single compartment is sufficient for this purpose. In another preferred embodiment, the return tray on several subjects, in particular as many subjects as the cache. This has the advantage that the coins returned to the customer are sorted and taken sorted by the customer, in particular into a further coin store for sorted receiving coins can be transferred.

It is also advantageous if the first guide element with the coin store and the second guide element are connected to the return tray. This has the advantage that the coins can slide or be transported from the buffer store via the first guide element or the second guide element without an intermediate step directly into the coin store or into the return tray.

In a further preferred embodiment, the retaining unit with the retaining element, the first and the second guide element, the coin storage and the return tray is made in one piece. This has the advantage that the retention unit is easy to manufacture, e.g. of molded metal part in a pressing process. Furthermore, coins can be transported further by means of the retaining unit or stored in the coin store or returned to the return pocket.

Another aspect of the invention relates to an arrangement for handling coins having an input unit for inputting coins, a singulating unit for singling the coins, a sorting unit for sorting the coins and a coin handling apparatus as described above, wherein the singulating unit the coins entered via the input unit are separated, and the sorting unit sorts the separated coins and sorts them to the buffer. As a result, it is advantageously achieved that the entire process from the entry of a coin to the intermediate storage and return or storage of the coins is realized by a single device.

Preferably, the coin handling device now mentioned also has a coin recognition unit and / or authentication unit, wherein the coin recognition unit and / or authentication unit detects the separated coins, and wherein the sorting unit sorts the separated coins as a function of the detection result of the coin recognition unit and / or authenticity checking unit and sorted into the cache. The coin recognition and / or authenticity checking unit advantageously achieves that the denomination of the coins and / or further features of the coins, in particular the authenticity of the coins, can be detected.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which illustrates the invention with reference to embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

Show it:

1 a schematic representation of an arrangement for handling coins;

2 a three-dimensional representation of a cache;

3 a top view of a device according to the invention for handling coins with a buffer and a retaining unit and a coin storage and a return tray in a feed position;

4 a side view of the device according to 3 ;

5 the device according to the 3 and 4 in a transfer position; and

6 the device according to the 4 to 6 in a return position.

1 shows a schematic representation of an arrangement 52 for handling coins 12 , In the arrangement 52 can coins 12 both entered and reissued. The order 52 has an input unit 40 for entering coins 12 and one with the input unit 40 linked separation unit 42 for separating the entered coins. The isolated coins 12 are in a subsequent coin recognition unit and / or authenticity verification unit 50 detected. Here, in particular, the denomination of the coins 12 be recognized. Furthermore, the authenticity, the currency and other characteristics of the coins 12 be recognized. In a next step, the coins are 12 a sorting unit 44 fed, in which the isolated coins 12 as a function of the detection result of the coin recognition unit and / or authenticity checking unit 50 be sorted. In the event that only coins 12 One and the same currency are detected, the sorting is done here in particular after the denomination of the coins 12 , In a final step, the sorted coins 12 a device 10 for handling coins 12 supplied as described in the general part of the description and subsequently in conjunction with the 2 to 6 for an embodiment will be described in more detail. The device 10 has, in particular, a buffer for the sorted reception of sorted supplied coins and a retaining unit for the retention of the coins received in the buffer.

2 shows a cache 14 the device 10 with several juxtaposed compartments, which preferably have identical dimensions. One of the subjects is exemplified by the reference numeral 16 characterized. Every subject 16 has a first page 46 at the top and a second side 48 at the bottom of the cache 14 on. Further, every subject 16 on the upper side 46 and at the bottom 48 open and has identical rectangular floor and ceiling surfaces. The height of each subject 16 is greater than its depth and its width, so every tray 16 elongated along the vertical. About the first page 46 coins can 12 in every subject 16 entered or the respective subject 16 be supplied. The subjects 16 are each sized so that the coins 12 in the respective subjects 16 can stand or lie down. The coins 12 be in the subjects 16 on the second page 48 by a retaining unit, not shown in the buffer 14 retained. In the respective subjects 16 identical denominations, but also several different denominations can be stored. In particular, in the subjects 16 each different denominations are stored. In the latter case one speaks of a sort-pure storage.

3 shows the device 10 for handling coins 12 with a cache 14 and a restraint unit 18 in a top view. In the central area of 3 you recognize the cache 14 with several compartments 16 , The in the subjects 16 stored coins 12 be on the second page 48 the subjects 16 from the restraint unit 18 in the cache 14 retained. In the present case, the retaining unit 18 a retaining element 22 , a first guide element 24 , a second guide element 26 , a coin store 32 and a return tray 34 on. Here is the retention unit 18 made in one piece with said elements. In other embodiments, the retaining unit 18 also be executed in several parts. In particular, each said element of the retention unit 18 be formed by a separate component.

In the plan view of 3 you recognize the retaining element 22 below the cache 14 in the form of a rectangular metal plate or metal sheet whose longer side is the same or substantially the same length as the extension of the intermediate store 14 between the two outer compartments of the cache 14 , The retaining element 22 has an in 3 visible, in the feed position the buffer 14 facing surface 23 on, which is flat and is arranged horizontally. This can be done in the subjects 16 of the cache 14 stored coins 12 in a simple manner in the interior of the cache 14 being held. To the left side of the retaining element 22 closes the first guide element 24 with several coin storages 32 one of which is exemplified by the reference numeral 32 is drawing. The first guide element 24 has several separate guideways, on the coins in the transfer position 12 for subjects 16 separated from the subjects 16 in the coin store 32 be transported. Every guideway 38 has at both lateral ends in each case two, first lateral boundary elements 28 to the sorted leading in the subjects 16 stored coins 12 in the coin store 32 on. Two adjacent guideways 38 be through a first lateral boundary element 28 separated from each other. The first lateral boundary elements 28 are made in such a way that in the subjects 16 stored coins 12 from the subjects 16 in the respective coin store 32 are transferable, without the coins 12 the respective guideway 38 leave.

On the right side of the retaining element 22 closes the second guide element 26 with the return tray attached 34 to the retaining element 22 at. The return tray 34 is a rectangular compartment, which is closed at the bottom. The return tray 34 is about the second guide element 26 with the retaining element 22 integrally connected. Here, the second guide element tapers 26 from the retaining element 22 to the return tray 34 out. Furthermore, the second guide element 26 at the two edges in each case a second lateral limiting element 29 on, leaving the second guide element 26 to the return tray 34 is funnel-shaped merges. As a result, they are in the return position of the buffer 14 from the subjects 16 falling coins 12 Reliable to the return tray 34 fed.

The angle in the first guide element 24 is in 4 with α and the angle between the in the feed position the buffer 14 facing surface 23 and the second guide member 26 is in 4 denoted by β. The angles are the same in the present case and each amount to 225 °.

The coin stores 32 are cylindrical with a diameter corresponding to the denomination to be stored. In another embodiment, all diameters of the coin storage are identical or only coin store are provided with rectangular cross-section.

The cylinders of the coin storages 32 are at an upper end over the first guide element 24 with the retaining element 22 connected. Here each connects a guideway 38 a coin store 32 with a left edge of the retaining element 22 ,

In the following 4 to 6 become three different positions of the cache 14 relative to the retention unit 18 described. 4 shows the feed position, 5 the transfer position and 6 the return position.

In 4 the supply position is shown, in which the retaining unit 18 and the cache 14 are arranged to each other such that the retaining unit 18 a dispensing opening 36 of the cache 14 closes. The closing is done by the the cache 14 facing, horizontally arranged surface 23 of the retaining element 22 , Here is the retaining element 22 arranged so that the second pages 48 all subjects 16 of the cache 14 so completely closed, that no coins 12 from the subjects 16 over the lower side 48 can escape. The over the cache 14 on the left and right side of the cache 14 outstanding parts of the retaining element 22 stand each equally far above. The transfer position and return position of the 5 and 6 arise due to shifts of the buffer 14 to the left or right, which is indicated by the in 4 shown arrows P1 and P2 is indicated.

The arrangement of 5 arises from the 4 by horizontal displacement of the buffer 14 to the left in the illustration of the 4 ie in the direction of the arrow P1. Due to the displacement becomes the discharge opening 36 of the cache 14 released, so that in the cache 14 recorded coins 12 through the delivery opening 36 on a level, by footbridges 28 in guideways 38 subdivided management area 25 of the first guide element 24 slide along and from there into the coin store 23 fall. The transport of coins 12 from the subjects 16 of the cache 14 is sorted here. The in the subjects 16 contained coins 12 slip over the respective guideways 38 of the first guide element 24 in the respective coin store 32 ,

The arrangement of 6 in which the cache 14 is shown in the return position, takes place from the feed position to 4 out by horizontal shift of the cache 14 to the right in the picture of the 4 that is, in the direction of the arrow P2. This shift becomes the output port 36 of the cache 14 released, so that in the different subjects 16 of the cache 14 recorded coins 12 on the second, level guidance area 27 of the second guide element 26 in the return tray 34 slip. Here is the second guide element 26 a flat plate or a flat sheet, over which the sorted coins 12 unsorted in the return tray 34 be transported.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

contraption

12

coin

14

cache

16

subject

18

Retaining unit

22

Retaining element

23

in the feed position the buffer memory facing surface of the retaining element

24

first guide element

25

Guide region of the first guide element

26

second guide element

27

Guide region of the second guide element

28

first lateral boundary elements

29

second lateral boundary elements

30

output tray

32

coin store

34

return specialist

36

discharge opening

38

guideway

40

input unit

42

separation unit

44

sorting unit

46

first page of the subjects

48

second side of the subjects

50

Coin recognition unit and / or authenticity checking unit

52

Arrangement for handling coins

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• AT 413006 B [0001]

Claims (15)

Contraption ( 10 ) for the handling of coins ( 12 ), with a buffer ( 14 ) for the sorted reception of sorted fed coins ( 12 ), and with a retention unit ( 18 ) to withhold in the cache ( 14 ) ( 12 ), wherein the retention unit ( 18 ) and the cache ( 14 ) in a feed position in which the retention unit ( 18 ) and the cache ( 14 ) have a first position relative to each other, are arranged such that the retaining unit ( 18 ) a dispensing opening ( 36 ) of the cache ( 14 ), wherein the retention unit ( 18 ) and the cache ( 14 ) in a transfer position in which the retention unit ( 18 ) and the cache ( 14 ) have a second position relative to each other, are arranged such that in the buffer ( 14 ) stored coins ( 12 ) a coin store ( 32 ), and wherein the retention unit ( 18 ) and the cache ( 14 ) in a return position, in which the restraint unit ( 18 ) and the cache ( 14 ) have a third position relative to each other, are arranged such that in the buffer ( 14 ) stored coins ( 12 ) a return tray ( 34 ) can be supplied. Contraption ( 10 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the retaining unit ( 18 ) is stationary and that the cache ( 14 ) is displaceable between the feed position, the transfer position and the return position. Contraption ( 10 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a drive unit, in particular a motor, a linear motor or a spindle motor, for moving the temporary storage ( 14 ) is provided, the cache ( 14 ) is preferably moved horizontally. Contraption ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the retaining unit ( 18 ) a retaining element ( 22 ) to withhold in the cache ( 14 ) ( 12 ) and a first guide element ( 24 ) for transporting the sorted coins ( 12 ) from the cache ( 14 ) in the coin store ( 32 ) and a second guide element ( 26 ) for transporting the sorted coins ( 12 ) from the cache ( 14 ) in the return tray ( 34 ), and that the first guide element ( 24 ) on a first side of the retaining element ( 22 ) and the second guide element ( 24 ) on a second side of the retaining element ( 22 ), wherein the second side is preferably arranged opposite to the first side. Contraption ( 10 ) according to claim 4, characterized in that the retaining element ( 22 ) and the first and second guide elements ( 24 . 26 ) are made in one piece. Contraption ( 10 ) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that one in the feed position the buffer ( 14 ) facing side ( 23 ) of the retaining element ( 22 ) and is arranged in a horizontal plane. Contraption ( 10 ) according to claim 6, characterized in that the first and the second guide element ( 24 . 26 ) each have a planar guidance area ( 25 . 27 ) with the in the feed position the buffer ( 14 ) facing side ( 23 ) of the retaining element ( 22 ) each span an angle (α, β) between 200 ° and 260 °. Contraption ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the temporary storage ( 14 ) several juxtaposed compartments ( 16 ) Has. Contraption ( 10 ) according to claim 8, characterized in that each compartment is provided for storing only one, in particular different, denomination. Contraption ( 10 ) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the compartments ( 16 ) on a first page ( 46 ) and / or on a second page ( 48 ) are open, the second side ( 48 ) in the feed position the retaining element ( 22 ) and preferably at one of the first side ( 46 ) opposite end of the tray ( 16 ) is arranged. Contraption ( 10 ) according to claim 10, characterized in that the compartments ( 16 ) in the operating position of the device ( 10 ) each have a vertical longitudinal axis, wherein the longitudinal axis has a center of the first side ( 46 ) with a center of the second side ( 48 ) connects. Contraption ( 10 ) according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the first guide element ( 26 ) a plurality of separate guideways ( 38 ) for the sorted guidance of the coins ( 12 ) from the cache ( 14 ) in the coin store ( 32 ), each compartment ( 16 ) a guideway ( 38 ) assigned. Contraption ( 10 ) according to one of claims 4 to 12, characterized in that the first guide element ( 24 ) with the coin store ( 32 ) and the second guide element ( 26 ) with the return tray ( 34 ) are connected. Contraption ( 10 ) according to claim 13, characterized in that the retaining unit ( 18 ) with the retaining element ( 22 ), the first and the second guide element ( 24 . 26 ), the coin store ( 32 ) and the return tray ( 34 ) is made in one piece. Arrangement ( 52 ) for the handling of coins ( 12 ), with an input unit ( 40 ) for entering coins ( 12 ); a singling unit ( 42 ) for separating the coins ( 12 ); a sorting unit ( 44 ) for sorting the coins ( 12 ); and a device ( 10 ) according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the singling unit ( 42 ) via the input unit ( 40 ) entered coins ( 12 ), and the sorting unit ( 44 ) the isolated coins ( 12 ) and the cache ( 14 ) sorted.

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