EP0078214B1 - Testing arrangement for a multitude of different coins - Google Patents

Testing arrangement for a multitude of different coins Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0078214B1
EP0078214B1 EP82401954A EP82401954A EP0078214B1 EP 0078214 B1 EP0078214 B1 EP 0078214B1 EP 82401954 A EP82401954 A EP 82401954A EP 82401954 A EP82401954 A EP 82401954A EP 0078214 B1 EP0078214 B1 EP 0078214B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
diameter
thickness
alloy
discriminator according
chute
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Expired
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EP82401954A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0078214A1 (en
Inventor
Joel Doucet
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Individual
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Individual
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
    • G07D5/00—Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of coins, e.g. for segregating coins which are unacceptable or alien to a currency
    • G07D5/02—Testing the dimensions, e.g. thickness, diameter; Testing the deformation
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
    • G07D5/00—Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of coins, e.g. for segregating coins which are unacceptable or alien to a currency
    • G07D5/08—Testing the magnetic or electric properties

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a multi-coin coin selector comprising a corridor having an inclined bottom for rolling the coins and an inclined wall for supporting one face of the coins, means comprising photoreceptive means and photoemissive means on both sides. 'other of the corridor to recognize the dimensions of the parts, and means comprising two coils on either side of the corridor to recognize the alloys of the parts.
  • Such coin selectors are intended for automatic devices for distributing objects or services.
  • the multi-room selectors as described in FR-A-2461 987 and FR-A-2 466 055 include, as means of recognizing the dimensions of the parts, also two coils on either side of the running lane of the parts . These coils have diameters such that the upper end of a part having the minimum diameter crosses only slightly their electromagnetic field and a part having the maximum diameter completely crosses this electromagnetic field.
  • One of the so-called oscillating coils is connected to an oscillating circuit which supplies a high frequency signal of the order of 100 kHz.
  • the other so-called receiving coil transmits to voltage comparison means a voltage which is proportional to the intensity of the magnetic flux which crosses the upper part of each part. Reference voltages representative of the diameters of the different types of acceptable parts are compared with the voltage transmitted by the take-up coil in order to deduce whether the part must be accepted, in which case its diameter is between the minimum and maximum diameters, or be refused otherwise.
  • the means for recognizing alloys of the parts also use the same principle of comparison of tensions.
  • Another coin selector is disclosed in FR-A-2 448 752. This selector selects only one type of coin, that is to say can only admit coins having a predetermined diameter, constituted by a predetermined alloy or material.
  • the alloy recognition means are based on the principle described above. They also include two coils facing each other. One of the coils is excited by a frequency generator. The other coil receives an induced signal, the amplitude of which is compared with a predetermined voltage with a view to accepting the part inserted between the coils when the amplitude is less than the predetermined voltage.
  • the means for recognizing the dimensions of the parts according to FR-A-2 448- 752 comprise two pairs of lamp and phototransistor which are respectively placed at a distance substantially equal to the diameter of the type of acceptable part. If one or both of the phototransistors are illuminated, the inserted part does not have the required diameter and is rejected.
  • the previous known selectors thus adopt as selection criteria only the diameter and the alloy of the parts. If a part with a required diameter and alloy is introduced, it will be accepted regardless of its thickness. This also offers a non-negligible prospect for fraudsters to introduce false coins into the dispensing device.
  • the diameter recognition means according to FR-A-2 466 055 only allow parts having a diameter included in a predetermined relatively small range to be accepted. If the dispenser has to accept parts with a very large difference in diameter, the measurement sensitivity to distinguish the diameters requires very precise adjustment and the number of diameters requires as many comparison circuits. This last remark is also valid for the comparison circuits included in the alloy recognition means.
  • Such a coin selector is disclosed in GB-A-1 288 674.
  • the means for recognizing dimensions in this selector are purely mechanical and include in the chute for falling coins a deflector protrusion above the bottom of the corridor and fixed to the inclined wall of the corridor against which the parts are leaning, and a groove below the deflector, made in the bottom of the corridor. Only parts having both a thickness less than the width of the groove and a diameter such that they can pass under the deflector are accepted.
  • the selector according to GB-A-1 288 674 thus only selects parts having diameters and thicknesses between respective predetermined limits and does not precisely determine the diameter and the thickness of each of the acceptable parts. False coins with dimensions between the predetermined limits can therefore be accepted.
  • the means for recognizing the dimensions of the pieces in this selector are divided into means for recognizing predetermined diameters of the pieces and means for recognizing predetermined thicknesses of the pieces successively housed along the chute for falling pieces. Every way to recognition of a predetermined dimension are associated with a large rectangular electrode close to the center of the rooms rolling in the corridor, as well as first and second small rectangular electrodes parallel to the large electrode and at different distances from it. The electrodes are formed in an inclined insulating wall of the corridor against which the parts bear.
  • the detection of the predetermined dimension consists in evaluating the coupling capacities between the part and the first and second electrodes or between the part and the first electrode which is closest to the large electrode. For the detection of a predetermined diameter, the first and second electrodes are above the large electrode; a part is accepted when the part creates a coupling capacity only between the large electrode and the first lower electrode, which corresponds to an acceptable diameter comprised between the distances from the bottom of the corridor and the lower edges of the first and second electrodes.
  • the bottom of the corridor forms an angle ⁇ with the support wall of the pieces of less than 90 °, and the first and second electrodes are below the large electrode and at the inclined bottom of the corridor; a workpiece is accepted when the workpiece creates a coupling capacity only between the large electrode and the first upper electrode, which corresponds to an acceptable thickness between the distances from the bottom of the corridor and the upper edges of the first and second electrodes, at tg a near.
  • the selector corridor In the multi-room selector according to GB-A - 2 062 327, there are thus as many individual means for recognizing dimensions as there are different thicknesses and diameters between acceptable parts. If many acceptable parts are provided, the selector corridor must be very long, and each acceptable dimension must be provided with a specific means of recognition.
  • the present invention aims to provide a multi-coin selector in which the recognition means including dimensions are unique and used for all types of coins regardless of the diameter or thickness of each acceptable coin.
  • the means for recognizing universal dimensions according to the invention are also associated with means for recognizing universal alloys according to the invention, which allows the multi-room selector to be introduced into all dispensing devices, whatever the diameter. , thickness or alloy of parts acceptable by the device.
  • a multi-coin selector is as defined in claim 1.
  • the staircase section of the bottom thus makes it possible to differentiate the thicknesses of acceptable pieces.
  • the concealment of photoreceptors in front of the risers and other photoreceptors above the stairs thus produces a binary word identifying not only the diameter but also the thickness of each type of acceptable part.
  • Recognition of acceptable dimensions is obtained by means connected to the photoreceptors to detect a word identifying the diameter and the thickness of each piece introduced into the corridor, a word memory identifying respectively the dimensions of acceptable pieces and means for compare each detected word with the memorized words in order to accept or reject the document entered.
  • the alloy recognition means comprise an impedance bridge of which two adjacent branches each include parallel impedance and one of these two branches of which includes the two coils in series, means for comparison of voltages to detect the balance of the bridge with a view to accepting or refusing a part passing between the two coils, a word memory identifying respectively the alloys of acceptable parts and switching means receiving the words alloy idenfitification to select the impedance combinations in the bridge corresponding to its equilibrium for all types of acceptable parts.
  • a selector for coins or tokens having different diameters, thicknesses and alloys includes means for recognizing dimensions 1-2 of the pieces P and means for recognizing alloys 3-4 of the pieces P.
  • Each of these means comprises a device for detecting the pieces 1, 3 which is located along the corridor 5 for the gravity bearing of the parts P, and a circuit 2.4 associated with the respective detection device 1, 3 for comparing the dimension or the alloy detected with those prerecorded.
  • the circuits 2 and 4 are included in a logic control unit 6 which determines, according to the results of the comparisons, whether an introduced part must be accepted and cashed or be refused and reimbursed.
  • the multi-room selector is located in a known object or service dispenser. We will only mention in the following the elements of this device which relate directly to the multi-room selector.
  • the runway 5 has an inlet 50 which is constituted by the single slot for introducing the parts, and a double outlet 51-52.
  • the latter consists of a first outlet 51 known as acceptable coins above the collection receptacle of the dispensing apparatus and by a second outlet 52 of rejected coins above the reimbursable receptacle of the dispensing apparatus.
  • the selection at the end of the corridor between acceptable and rejected parts is obtained by means of an electromagnet 60 which is controlled through a conductive link 61 by the unit 6.
  • the electromagnet 60 keeps the bottom of the corridor open , through a retractable hatch 62, as long as the comparisons relating either to the dimensions or to the alloy are negative.
  • the runway 5 has a generally rectangular section and has a descending bottom 53 from the inlet 50 towards the outlet 51-52. According to the illustrated embodiment, from the inlet 50, a part first passes through the detection device of dimensions 1 then the detection device of alloys 3.
  • the bottom 53 of the raceway has a width equal to the greatest thickness of the acceptable parts.
  • the plane 53e of the bottom side of the inlet 50 is at a level higher than the plane 53a of the bottom passing through the device 2 to the outlet 51-52.
  • the bottom has a cross section in straight staircase, through the device 1, as shown in FIG. 4. It was assumed that the staircase section included three intermediate steps 54b, 54c and 54d between a lower step 54a and an upper step 54e.
  • the steps 54a and 54e are respectively coplanar with the bottom planes 53a and 53e.
  • the longitudinal walls 550 and 551 of the passage 5 are inclined relative to the vertical so that all the parts are supported by gravity on the lower wall 550.
  • the longitudinal risers or transitions between the plane 53e extended by the upper step 54e and the next step 54d, between the steps 54d and 54c, between the steps 54c and 54b and between the step 54b and the lower plane 53a extending the step 54a consist respectively of rectangular inclined planes 56d, 56c, 56b and 56a.
  • These inclined planes are contiguous to the wall 550 against which one of the faces of the parts bears by gravity.
  • the corridor also includes inclined planes 57d to 57a which form respective transitions between the steps 54e to 54a and which are adjacent to the upper longitudinal wall 551.
  • inclined planes 57d to 57a which form respective transitions between the steps 54e to 54a and which are adjacent to the upper longitudinal wall 551.
  • lesmarches 54e to 54a form between the walls 551 and 550 of the longitudinal parallel strips which are each offset from the previous towards the outlet.
  • the inclined planes serve for the progressive descent of the pieces of different thicknesses between the upper plane 53e and the lower plane 53a of the bottom.
  • other configurations and longitudinal distributions of the inclined planes can be envisaged.
  • the distances between the support wall 550 and the risers and the other wall 551 are substantially greater than the five different thicknesses of the acceptable parts.
  • a thin piece P a rolls, starting from the upper bottom plane 53e, successively on the inclined planes 56d to 56a and along the lower step 54a, while a thick piece P e whose thickness is greater than the distance between the wall 550 and the upper riser and at most equal to the width of the corridor 5, rolls first on the upper step 54e then on the inclined planes 57d to 57a.
  • the thicknesses of the pieces are detected, according to the illustrated embodiment, by photosensitive receptors at junction 10a to 10i in combination with the selection by means of the staircase section of the corridor. These receivers are also used to detect the diameters of the parts.
  • the dimension detection device 1 comprises a radiating source 11 and a plurality of photosensitive receivers 10a to 10i such as phototransistors.
  • the radiating source 11 can emit in the visible range or, preferably, in the infrared in order to get rid of any parasitic detection of the light which can come in particular from the entry slot 50 of the parts.
  • the radiating source 11 consists either of a lamp or of an electroluminescent diode or of several photo-emissive diodes.
  • Photosensitive receivers can also be replaced by any other electro-optical means such as a camera or trans-circuit board.
  • charge fert (CTD) of the charge coupled type, the operating mode of which will be detailed later.
  • the radiating source 11 is fixed behind a slot 12 which is formed in the upper wall 551 of the corridor and which is perpendicular to the bottom 53 of the corridor and therefore to all the steps 54e to 54a.
  • the phototransistors 10a to 10i are inserted in the support wall 550 and are also aligned vertically with the bottom 53 in the transverse plane which is perpendicular to the walls 550 and 551 and median to the slot 12. This plane is marked by the line IV-IV in fig. 2 and 3 and is at the level of a staircase cross section of the bottom 53.
  • the slot 12 can be replaced by holes which are made in the upper wall 551 of the corridor, aligned vertically with the bottom 53 of the corridor and respectively opposite phototransistors 10a to 10i.
  • the lower phototransistors 10a to 10d are respectively positioned opposite the midpoints of the risers. It was assumed according to the illustrated example that five phototransistors 10e to 10i were equally distributed between the upper step 54e and the upper edge of the wall 550. However, in practice, the phototransistors 10a and 10i can be more numerous and be distributed according to the diameters of the different acceptable parts. The last phototransistor 10i is generally substantially above the highest level of the acceptable parts rolling in the staircase section in order to detect the false parts having too large a diameter for example.
  • the circuit 2 of the logic unit 6 can deduce the diameter and the thickness of a part.
  • the excitation of a lower phototransistor 10a to 10d by the radiating source 11 indicates that the part has a thickness greater than the distance between the bearing wall 550 and the corresponding riser.
  • the concealment of the other phototransistors indicates the diameter of the part.
  • the high logic signals a to i indicate the respective excitations of the phototransistors 10a to 10i, while the complementary logic signals a to 1 indicate their respective occultations.
  • the insert P c has a thickness between the distances from the wall 550 and the risers of the steps 54c and 54d. She therefore rolls on step 54c. Its diameter is significantly greater than the distance between the phototransistors 10c and 10g. It follows that the phototransistors 10c to 10g will be obscured and that the phototransistors 10a, 10b, 10h and 10i will be excited by the source 11. In this case, a bus 13 of wires connected to the phototransistors transmits to the circuit 2 the detected word abcdefghh i .
  • the insert P b rolls on the second step 54b and has a diameter substantially greater than the distance between the phototransistors 10b and 10h.
  • the word detected and delivered on bus 13 is a bcdefghi.
  • the part R has the same dimensions as that shown in FIG. 8, but was drilled centrally to form a washer. Its central hole lets in the radiation from the source 11 which excites the phototransistor 10e, which makes it possible to distinguish the word transmitted on the bus 13, such as a b c d e f g h i.
  • the circuit 2 recognizes in the logic signal received at least two separate sets of signals at the low level, ul deduces therefrom that the inserted part is perforated and therefore unacceptable and must be refused by retracting the hatch 62 controlled by the electro - ejection magnet 60.
  • a part may be ejected into the reimbursement receptacle by means controlled manually or electromechanically to move at least the support wall 550 from the corridor.
  • each acceptable part can be characterized by a word identifying the diameter and the thickness.
  • the circuit 2 comprises a read-only memory (ROM) 20 which contains at predetermined addresses nine-bit words identifying respectively the dimensions of all the types of part which the dispensing device can accept.
  • ROM read-only memory
  • This memory is preferably reprogrammable (REPROM) so that the device management company can select the acceptable parts according to the cost of the service or the object to be distributed.
  • the circuit 2 also includes, according to the example illustrated, a shift buffer register 21 with at least nine stages, a time base. 22, a read addressing circuit 23 for the read only memory 20 and a logic comparison circuit. 24, the input buses 240, 241 of which are connected to the parallel outputs of the memory 20 and of the register 21.
  • the bus 13 transmits the parallel bits of the binary identification words to the time base 22.
  • the time base 22 periodically reads the words on the bus 13 and includes means for comparing two by two successively these words in order to retain only the word having the greatest number of bits at the low logic level between two predetermined times corresponding substantially to the passage of a part between the slot 12 and the phototransistors 10a to 10i.
  • the selected word corresponds to the passage of the diametrical section of the part.
  • the time base 22 then orders the next cycle.
  • the retained identification word is recorded in the buffer register 21 via a bus 220.
  • the time base simultaneously controls the reading of the register 21 and the reading of a first acceptable piece identification word in memory 20 through the addressing circuit 23.
  • the comparison circuit 24 transmits the result of the comparison via its output wire 242 to the time base 22. As long as the result of the comparison is negative, the time base commands the reading of the other words of identification of acceptable part contained in the read-only memory 20 to compare them with the word detected and recorded in register 21.
  • the time base 22 orders via the wire 61 the rejection of the part introduced by opening the hatch 62. If a comparison is positive, the reading cycle of the memory 20 is stopped, and a address is transmitted via bus 200 from memory 20 to an alloy memory 40 contained in circuit 4. Each part identification word contained in memory 20 is memorized with a memory address m 40 which characterizes the alloy of the acceptable part having the dimensions corresponding to the identification words detected and stored in circuit 2.
  • the address words of the memory 40 are unused.
  • FIG. 4A and 4B Another embodiment uses, as a photosensitive reception means included in the detection device of dimensions 1, an OCD strip with charge coupling circuits already mentioned.
  • This embodiment is shown in Figs. 4A and 4B.
  • the phototransistors 10a to 10i are replaced by the N cells 14 1 to 14 N of the OCD strip which are connected to the bus 13.
  • the number N is greater than that of the phototransistors due to the very integrated structure of the strip .
  • the vertical definition with an OCD bar can reach at least a tenth of a millimeter.
  • the bar is also placed in the support wall 550 vertically from the bottom 53 of the corridor 5 and opposite the slot 12.
  • the stair treads 54a to 54d are replaced by an inclined plane 58 which forms a pre-finished acute angle a with the lower support wall 550.
  • an inclined plane 58 which forms a pre-finished acute angle a with the lower support wall 550.
  • the excited lower cells such as 14 i and 14 2 for the part P f or 14 1 to 14 4 for the part Pg directly determine the thickness 4e of the part according to the formula: where 41 is the distance between the bottom of the part and the top of the angle ⁇ , i.e. the length along which lower cells are excited.
  • x is chosen equal to r / 4 in order to facilitate the calculations since in this case:
  • the dimension comparison circuit validates the diameter of the part as before. In addition, it more precisely directly validates the thickness of the part according to the formula: by comparison of the word formed by the excitation of the lower CCD cells and of stored words identifying the thicknesses of the pieces acceptable for a predetermined diameter.
  • This embodiment has the advantage of giving the room selector an adaptation to all types of acceptable rooms without any mechanical modification - unlike the realization with a staircase corridor where each step corresponds to a room thickness -.
  • This adaptation is obtained only by programming the table of thicknesses and diameters of the parts stored in the reprogrammable memory (REPROM) of circuit 2.
  • CCD strip Another advantage of the CCD strip is that the excitation of the cells is sensitive to the relief of the part which makes it possible to "photograph" a slice of the part and thus to detect the false parts having however acceptable dimensions.
  • the detection device 3 comprises, as is known, two face-to-face coils 30 and 31 which are respectively inserted in the longitudinal walls 550 and 551 of the runway 5 above the lower plane 53a.
  • the coils 30 and 31 are electromagnetically coupled. Their common axis is perpendicular to the walls 550 and 551 and is preferably at the level of the mean center of the parts rolling on the plane 53a, for example equal to that of the upper plane 53e.
  • the circuit 4 comprises, in addition to the memory of alloy identification words already mentioned 40, a wheatstone bridge 41, an amplification circuit 42, an integrator circuit 43 and a threshold comparator circuit 44.
  • the common terminal 410 of two contiguous branches of the impedance bridge 41 is connected to the direct input 420 + of an amplifier 420 which is contained in the amplification circuit 42, through an input resistor 421.
  • Each of these two branches comprises in parallel a plurality of parallel circuits 451-461 to 454-464, 455-465 to 458-468, here four in number for example.
  • Each of these circuits comprises a complex impedance 451 to 458 - which can be adjustable - and an analog switch 461 to 468 of the contact-controlled type by a relay, or of the transistor type, or of the "analog switch" CD 4066 type of RCA for example. .
  • 11 - includes, in series with the four parallel circuits 451 -461 to 454-464, the two coils 30 and 31 connected in series, as well as a complex impedance 411 which may include a thermistor.
  • the second previous branch - below in fig. 11 - comprises two impedance 413 and 414 which are preferably resistive and capacitive respectively and which are in series with the other four parallel circuits 455-465 to 458-468.
  • the voltage of a generator 417 at a predetermined frequency, suitable for the discrimination of the alloys of the parts.
  • the third and fourth branches of the Wheatstone bridge 41 respectively include impedances 418 and 419 which are preferably resistive and capacitive respectively and which are connected to ground.
  • the reverse terminal 420- of the amplifier 420 is connected to a resistor 422 brought to ground and to a feedback resistance 423 connected to the output 424 of the amplifier 420.
  • the integrator circuit 43 includes two resistors 430 and 431, the common terminal of which is connected to a capacitor 432 brought to ground.
  • the other terminal of the resistor 430 is connected to the output 424 of the amplifier 420.
  • the other terminal of the resistor 431 is connected to one of the inputs 440 of the voltage comparator 441 contained in the circuit 44.
  • the threshold comparator circuit 44 also includes between the positive supply terminal and the ground a resistor 442 and a potentiometer 443 whose common terminal is connected to a resistor 444.
  • the other terminal of the resistor 444 is connected to a capacitor 445 brought to ground and to the other input 446 of comparator 441.
  • the output of comparator 441 is connected to the wire 61 for controlling the electromagnet 60 for rejecting rejected parts.
  • the potentiometer 443 is adjusted so that the voltage at terminal 446 of the comparator is equal to the equilibrium voltage of bridge 41 applied to the other terminal 440 through circuits 42 and 43.
  • Each group of analog switches 461 to 464, 465 to 468 is controlled by a four-wire output bus 401, 402 from the alloy identification word memory 40.
  • the adjustable impedances 451 to 458 are adjusted from so that, for certain combinations of closings and openings of switches 461 to 468, that is to say of predetermined combinations of impedance 451 to 458, each of the alloys or materials characterizing all the acceptable parts, introduced between the coils 30 and 31 indicate the balance of the bridge, for example by an output signal at the high level on the wire 61.
  • a combination of closings and openings of the switches or impedance corresponds a predetermined alloy and a word of alloy identification in reprogrammable read-only memory 40 (REPROM).
  • this memory 20 delivers on the bus 200, after a period of time corresponding substantially to the travel time of the part between the devices 1 and 3, the address of the alloy identification word which is contained in the memory 40 and which corresponds to the alloy of an acceptable part having the dimensions detected. Then the switches 461 to 468 are controlled via the buses 401 and 402 and positioned to detect the corresponding alloy. If the inserted part causes the bridge 41 to balance when it passes between the coils 30 and 31, the comparator 441 actuates the ejection electromagnet 60 (FIG.
  • the circuit 4 fulfills the functions analogous to the circuit 2.
  • the circuit 4 comprises a time base such as 22 which addresses in reading successively the alloy identification words in the memory 40, until the time base detects a signal at the low level at the output of the comparator 441, which validates the inserted part. Otherwise, for all combinations of closings and openings of analog switches 461 to 468 stored in memory 40, no balance of bridge 41 has been reported and the time base or comparator441 maintains the retraction of the hatch 62 to reject the unacceptable exhibit.
  • the alloy detection device 3 can precede the dimension detection device 1 along the path of the parts in the corridor 5.
  • the circuit 4 comprises a time base such as 22 which cyclically reads the memory 40 until a balance of the bridge 41 is achieved.
  • the memory 40 addresses the memory 20 so that a comparator such as 24 compares the word received on the bus 13 with that addressed in the memory 20.
  • the hatch 62 is actuated to close the end of the corridor.
  • the circuit 2 for recognizing the dimensions can be organized around a microprocessor 25, as shown in FIG. 12.
  • the microprocessor includes a random access memory RAM which is used for two by two successive comparisons of the words detected on the bus 13 during the passage of the part.
  • Circuit 2 also includes a reprogrammable memory 26 and an input / output interface. In the memory 26 are pre-recorded the words identifying the dimensions of acceptable parts and the instructions corresponding to the cycle of comparisons, as described previously with reference to FIG. 10.
  • the circuits 25, 26 and 27 are conventionally linked together by a unidirectional bus 28 for the addresses originating from the microprocessor 25 and by a bidirectional bus 29 for the instructions and the data.
  • the interface 27 is connected to the bus 13 connected to the photoreceptive means 10a to 10i (fig. 5) or 14 i to 14 N (fig. 4A and 4B), to the bus 200 serving the memory of alloy identification words 40 (fig. 11), to the control wire 61 of the electromagnet 60 of the retractable flap 62 (fig. 1) and directly, in this case, at the output of the voltage comparator 44 (fig. 11).
  • the interface 27 can serve by a bus 270 other devices, such as displays for example.
  • the memory 40 (FIG. 11) can also be produced in the form of a microprocessor.

Description

La présente invention concerne un sélecteur multipièce de monnaie comprennant un couloir ayant un fond incliné pour le roulement des pièces et une paroi inclinée pour l'appui d'une face des pièces, des moyens comportant des moyens photoréceptifs et des moyens photoémissifs de part et d'autre du couloir pour reconnaître les dimensions des pièces, et des moyens comportant deux bobines de part et d'autre du couloir pour reconnaître les alliages des pièces.The present invention relates to a multi-coin coin selector comprising a corridor having an inclined bottom for rolling the coins and an inclined wall for supporting one face of the coins, means comprising photoreceptive means and photoemissive means on both sides. 'other of the corridor to recognize the dimensions of the parts, and means comprising two coils on either side of the corridor to recognize the alloys of the parts.

De tels sélecteurs de pièces de monnaie sont destinés à des appareils distributeurs automatique d'objets ou de services.Such coin selectors are intended for automatic devices for distributing objects or services.

Les sélecteurs multipièces tels que décrits dans les FR-A-2461 987 et FR-A-2 466 055 comprennent, en tant que moyens de reconnaissance de dimensions des pièces, également deux bobines de part et d'autre du couloir de roulement des pièces. Ces bobines ont des diamètres tels que l'extrémité supérieure d'une pièce ayant le diamètre minimum ne traverse que faiblement leur champ électromagnétique et qu'une pièce ayant le diamètre maximum traverse complètement ce champ électromagnétique. L'une des bobines dite oscillante est reliée à un circuit oscillant qui fournit un signal à fréquence élevée de l'ordre de 100 kHz. L'autre bobine dite réceptrice transmet à des moyens de comparaison de tensions une tension qui est proportionnelle à l'intensité du flux magnétique qui traverse la partie supérieure de chaque pièce. Des tensions de référence représentatives des diamètres des différents types de pièces acceptables sont comparées à la tension transmise par la bobine réceptrice en vue d'en déduire si la pièce doit être acceptée, auquel cas son diamètre est compris entre les diamètres minimum et maximum, ou être refusée dans le cas contraire.The multi-room selectors as described in FR-A-2461 987 and FR-A-2 466 055 include, as means of recognizing the dimensions of the parts, also two coils on either side of the running lane of the parts . These coils have diameters such that the upper end of a part having the minimum diameter crosses only slightly their electromagnetic field and a part having the maximum diameter completely crosses this electromagnetic field. One of the so-called oscillating coils is connected to an oscillating circuit which supplies a high frequency signal of the order of 100 kHz. The other so-called receiving coil transmits to voltage comparison means a voltage which is proportional to the intensity of the magnetic flux which crosses the upper part of each part. Reference voltages representative of the diameters of the different types of acceptable parts are compared with the voltage transmitted by the take-up coil in order to deduce whether the part must be accepted, in which case its diameter is between the minimum and maximum diameters, or be refused otherwise.

Selon les demandes de brevet précédentes, les moyens de reconnaissance d'alliages des pièces font également appel au même principe de comparaison de tensions.According to the preceding patent applications, the means for recognizing alloys of the parts also use the same principle of comparison of tensions.

Un autre sélecteur de pièces de monnaie est divulgué dans la FR-A-2 448 752. Ce sélecteur ne sélectionne qu'un seul type de pièces, c'est-à-dire ne peut admettre que des pièces ayant un diamètre prédéterminé, constituées par un alliage ou matériau prédéterminé.Another coin selector is disclosed in FR-A-2 448 752. This selector selects only one type of coin, that is to say can only admit coins having a predetermined diameter, constituted by a predetermined alloy or material.

Les moyens de reconnaissance d'alliages reposent sur le principe décrit précédemment. Ils comprennent également deux bobines face à face. L'une des bobines est excitée par un générateur de fréquence. L'autre bobine reçoit un signal induit dont l'amplitude est comparée à une tension prédéterminée en vue d'accepter la pièce introduite entre les bobines lorsque l'amplitude est inférieure à la tension prédéterminée.The alloy recognition means are based on the principle described above. They also include two coils facing each other. One of the coils is excited by a frequency generator. The other coil receives an induced signal, the amplitude of which is compared with a predetermined voltage with a view to accepting the part inserted between the coils when the amplitude is less than the predetermined voltage.

Les moyens de reconnaissance de dimensions des pièces selon la FR-A-2 448- 752 comprennent deux piaires de lampe et de phototransistor qui sont respectivement placées à une distance sensiblement égale au diamètre du type de pièce acceptable. Si l'un des phototransistors ou les deux sont illuminés, la pièce introduite n'a donc pas le diamètre requis et est rejetée.The means for recognizing the dimensions of the parts according to FR-A-2 448- 752 comprise two pairs of lamp and phototransistor which are respectively placed at a distance substantially equal to the diameter of the type of acceptable part. If one or both of the phototransistors are illuminated, the inserted part does not have the required diameter and is rejected.

Les sélecteurs connus précédents n'adoptent ainsi comme critères de sélection que le diamètre et l'alliage des pièces. Si une pièce ayant un diamètre et un alliage requis est introduite, elle sera acceptée quelle que soit son épaisseur. Ceci offre encore une perspective non négligeable aux fraudeurs pour introduire des pièces fausses dans l'appareil distributeur. En outre, les moyens de reconnaissance de diamètre selon la FR-A-2 466 055 ne permettent d'accepter que des pièces ayant un diamètre compris dans une plage prédéterminée relativement petite. Si l'appareil distributeur doit accepter des pièces ayant une différence de diamètre très grande, la sensibilité de mesure pour distinguer les diamètres nécessite un réglage très précis et le nombre de diamètres exige autant de circuits de comparaison. Cette dernière remarque est également valable pour les circuits de comparaison inclus dans les moyens de reconnaissance d'alliages.The previous known selectors thus adopt as selection criteria only the diameter and the alloy of the parts. If a part with a required diameter and alloy is introduced, it will be accepted regardless of its thickness. This also offers a non-negligible prospect for fraudsters to introduce false coins into the dispensing device. In addition, the diameter recognition means according to FR-A-2 466 055 only allow parts having a diameter included in a predetermined relatively small range to be accepted. If the dispenser has to accept parts with a very large difference in diameter, the measurement sensitivity to distinguish the diameters requires very precise adjustment and the number of diameters requires as many comparison circuits. This last remark is also valid for the comparison circuits included in the alloy recognition means.

D'autres sélecteurs de pièces de monnaie connus comprenant uniquement des moyens de reconnaissance de dimensions des pièces adoptent comme critères de sélection aussi bien le diamètre des pièces que l'épaisseur des pièces.Other known coin selectors comprising only means for recognizing the dimensions of the coins adopt as selection criteria both the diameter of the coins and the thickness of the coins.

Un tel sélecteur de pièces est divulgué dans la GB-A-1 288 674. Les moyens de reconnaissance de dimensions dans ce sélecteur sont purement mécaniques et comprennent dans le couloir de chute des pièces un déflecteur un saillie au-dessus du fond du couloir et fixé à la paroi inclinée du couloir contre laquelle s'appuient les pièces, et une rainure en-dessous du déflecteur, pratiquée dans le fond du couloir. Seules les pièces ayant à la fois une épaisseur inférieure à la largeur de la rainure et un diamètre tel qu'elles puissent passer sous le déflecteur sont acceptées. Le sélecteur selon la GB-A-1 288 674 ne sélectionne ainsi que des pièces ayant des diamètres et des épaisseurs comprises entre des limites respectives prédéterminées et ne détermine pas précisément le diamètre et l'épaisseur de chacune des pièces acceptables. Des pièces fausses ayant des dimensions comprises entre les limites prédéterminées peuvent donc être acceptées. En outre, pour l'ensemble de pièces acceptables pour un appareil distributeur donné, il est nécessaire de concevoir un sélecteur mécanique bien déterminé qui acceptera d'autant plus facilement des pièces fausses que la différence des limites relatives au diamètre ou la différence des limites relatives à l'épaisseur est grande.Such a coin selector is disclosed in GB-A-1 288 674. The means for recognizing dimensions in this selector are purely mechanical and include in the chute for falling coins a deflector protrusion above the bottom of the corridor and fixed to the inclined wall of the corridor against which the parts are leaning, and a groove below the deflector, made in the bottom of the corridor. Only parts having both a thickness less than the width of the groove and a diameter such that they can pass under the deflector are accepted. The selector according to GB-A-1 288 674 thus only selects parts having diameters and thicknesses between respective predetermined limits and does not precisely determine the diameter and the thickness of each of the acceptable parts. False coins with dimensions between the predetermined limits can therefore be accepted. In addition, for the set of acceptable parts for a given dispensing device, it is necessary to design a well-defined mechanical selector which will accept false parts all the more easily as the difference in the limits relating to the diameter or the difference in the relative limits at the thickness is great.

Un autre sélecteur multipièce divulgué dans la GB-A-2 062 367 remèdie aux inconvénients précédents. Les moyens de reconnaissance des dimensions des pièces dans ce sélecteur sont partagés en des moyens de reconnaissance de diamètres prédéterminés des pièces et des moyens de reconnaissance d'épaisseurs prédéterminées des pièces successivement logés le long du couloir de chute des pièces. A chaque moyen de reconnaissance d'une dimension prédéterminée sont associées une grande électrode rectangulaire voisine du centre des pièces roulant dans le couloir, ainsi que des première et seconde petites électrodes rectangulaires parallèles à la grande électrode et à distances différentes de celle-ci. Les électrodes sont moyées dans une paroi inclinée isolante du couloir contre laquelle s'appuient les pièces. La détection de la dimension prédéterminée consiste à évaluer les capacités de couplage entre la pièce et les première et seconde électrodes ou entre la pièce et la première électrode qui est la plus proche de la grande électrode. Pour la détection d'un diamètre prédéterminé, les première et seconde électrodes sont au-dessus de la grande électrode; une pièce est acceptée lorsque la pièce crée une capacité de couplage seulement entre la grande électrode et la première électrode inférieure ce qui correspond à un diamètre acceptable compris entre les distances du fond du couloir et les bords inférieurs des première et seconde électrodes. Pour la détection d'une épaisseur prédéterminée, le fond du couloir forme un angle α avec la paroi d'appui des pièces inférieur à 90°, et les première et seconde électrodes sont en dessous de la grande électrode et au niveau du fond incliné du couloir; une pièce est acceptée lorsque la pièce crée une capacité de couplage seulement entre la grande électrode et la première électrode supérieure ce qui correspond à une épaisseur acceptable comprise entre les distances du fond du couloir et les bords supérieurs des première et seconde électrodes, à tg a près. Dans le sélecteur multipièce selon la GB-A - 2 062 327, il existe ainsi autant de moyens individuels de reconnaissance de dimensions qu'il y a d'épaisseur et de diamètres différents entre pièces acceptables. Si de nombreuses pièces acceptables sont prévues, le couloir du sélecteur devra être très long, et à chaque dimension acceptable devra être prévu un moyen de reconnaissance déterminé.Another multi-room selector disclosed in GB-A-2,062,367 overcomes the foregoing drawbacks. The means for recognizing the dimensions of the pieces in this selector are divided into means for recognizing predetermined diameters of the pieces and means for recognizing predetermined thicknesses of the pieces successively housed along the chute for falling pieces. Every way to recognition of a predetermined dimension are associated with a large rectangular electrode close to the center of the rooms rolling in the corridor, as well as first and second small rectangular electrodes parallel to the large electrode and at different distances from it. The electrodes are formed in an inclined insulating wall of the corridor against which the parts bear. The detection of the predetermined dimension consists in evaluating the coupling capacities between the part and the first and second electrodes or between the part and the first electrode which is closest to the large electrode. For the detection of a predetermined diameter, the first and second electrodes are above the large electrode; a part is accepted when the part creates a coupling capacity only between the large electrode and the first lower electrode, which corresponds to an acceptable diameter comprised between the distances from the bottom of the corridor and the lower edges of the first and second electrodes. For the detection of a predetermined thickness, the bottom of the corridor forms an angle α with the support wall of the pieces of less than 90 °, and the first and second electrodes are below the large electrode and at the inclined bottom of the corridor; a workpiece is accepted when the workpiece creates a coupling capacity only between the large electrode and the first upper electrode, which corresponds to an acceptable thickness between the distances from the bottom of the corridor and the upper edges of the first and second electrodes, at tg a near. In the multi-room selector according to GB-A - 2 062 327, there are thus as many individual means for recognizing dimensions as there are different thicknesses and diameters between acceptable parts. If many acceptable parts are provided, the selector corridor must be very long, and each acceptable dimension must be provided with a specific means of recognition.

La présente invention a pour but de fournir un sélecteur multipièce de monnaie dans lequel les moyens de reconnaissance notamment de dimensions sont uniques et utilisés pour tous les types de pièces quel que soit le diamètre ou l'épaisseur de chaque pièce acceptable. En outre les moyens de reconnaissance de dimensions universels selon l'invention sont également associés à des moyens de reconnaissance d'alliages universels selon l'invention ce qui permet au sélecteur multipièce d'être introduit dans tous les appareils distributeurs, quel que soit le diamètre, l'épaisseur ou l'alliage des pièces acceptables par l'appareil.The present invention aims to provide a multi-coin selector in which the recognition means including dimensions are unique and used for all types of coins regardless of the diameter or thickness of each acceptable coin. In addition, the means for recognizing universal dimensions according to the invention are also associated with means for recognizing universal alloys according to the invention, which allows the multi-room selector to be introduced into all dispensing devices, whatever the diameter. , thickness or alloy of parts acceptable by the device.

A cette fin, un sélecteur multipièce de monnaie est tel que défini dans la revendication 1.To this end, a multi-coin selector is as defined in claim 1.

La section en escalier du fond permet ainsi de différencier les épaisseurs de pièces acceptables. L'occultation de photorécepteurs en face des contremarches et d'autres photorécepteurs au dessus de l'escalier produit ainsi un mot bo- naire identifiant non seulement le diamètre mais également l'épaisseur de chaque type de pièce acceptable. La reconnaissance de dimensions acceptables est obtenue par des moyens reliés aux photorécepteurs pour détecter un mot d'identification du diamètre et de l'épaisseur de chaque pièce introduit dans le couloir, une mémoire de mots identifiant respectivement les dimensions de pièces acceptables et des moyens pour comparer chaque mot détecté avec les mots mémorisés en vue d'accepter ou de refuser la pièce introduit.The staircase section of the bottom thus makes it possible to differentiate the thicknesses of acceptable pieces. The concealment of photoreceptors in front of the risers and other photoreceptors above the stairs thus produces a binary word identifying not only the diameter but also the thickness of each type of acceptable part. Recognition of acceptable dimensions is obtained by means connected to the photoreceptors to detect a word identifying the diameter and the thickness of each piece introduced into the corridor, a word memory identifying respectively the dimensions of acceptable pieces and means for compare each detected word with the memorized words in order to accept or reject the document entered.

Selon un autre aspect de l'invention, les moyens de reconnaissance d'alliages comprennent un pont d'impédance dont deux branches adjacentes comprennent chacune des impédance parallèles et dont l'une de ces deux branches inclut en série les deux bobines, des moyens de comparaison de tensions pour détecter l'équilibre du pont en vue de l'acceptation ou du refus d'une pièce passant entre les deux bobines, une mémoire de mots identifiant respectivement les alliages de pièces acceptables et des moyens de commutation recevant les mots d'idenfitification d'alliage pour sélectionner les combinaisons d'impédances dans le pontcorres- pondant à son équilibre pour tous les types de pièces acceptables.According to another aspect of the invention, the alloy recognition means comprise an impedance bridge of which two adjacent branches each include parallel impedance and one of these two branches of which includes the two coils in series, means for comparison of voltages to detect the balance of the bridge with a view to accepting or refusing a part passing between the two coils, a word memory identifying respectively the alloys of acceptable parts and switching means receiving the words alloy idenfitification to select the impedance combinations in the bridge corresponding to its equilibrium for all types of acceptable parts.

D'autres avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront plus clairement à la lecture de la description qui suit de plusieurs modes de réalisation en référence aux dessins annexés correspondants, dans lesquels:

  • - la fig. 1 est une vue en coupe longitudinale schématique le long du couloir de roulement montrant l'emplacement des différents moyens généraux d'un sélecteur multipièce selon l'invention;
  • - la fig. 2 est une vue de côté du couloir en marche d'escalier;
  • - la fig. 3 est une vue de dessus du fond du couloir en marche d'escalier;
  • - la fig. 4 est une vue en coupe le long de la ligne IV-IV des fig. 2 et 3;
  • - les fig. 4A et 4B sont des vues en coupe analogues à la fig. 4 du fond du couloir avec un plan incliné selon un autre mode de réalisation;
  • - la fig. 5 est une vue transversale analogue à la fig. 4 montrant le roulement de pièces mince et épaisse sur le fond en escalier;
  • - la fig. 6 est une vue de côté schématique du couloir en escalier montrant le positionnement des récepteurs photosensibles;
  • - les fig. 7 à 9 sont des vues transversales analogues à la fig.4 montrant le roulement de deux pièces de diamètres et épaisseurs différents ainsi que d'une rondelle sur le fond du couloir en escalier;
  • - la fig. 10 est un bloc-diagramme du circuit de comparaison de dimensions;
  • - la fig. 11 est un bloc-diagramme di circuit de comparaison d'alliages; et
  • - la fig. 12 est un bloc-diagramme di circuit de comparaison de dimensions organisé autour d'un microprocesseur selon une autre réalisation.
Other advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of several embodiments with reference to the corresponding appended drawings, in which:
  • - fig. 1 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view along the running corridor showing the location of the various general means of a multi-room selector according to the invention;
  • - fig. 2 is a side view of the stairway corridor;
  • - fig. 3 is a top view of the bottom of the stairway corridor;
  • - fig. 4 is a sectional view along the line IV-IV of FIGS. 2 and 3;
  • - figs. 4A and 4B are sectional views similar to FIG. 4 from the bottom of the corridor with an inclined plane according to another embodiment;
  • - fig. 5 is a transverse view similar to FIG. 4 showing the rolling of thin and thick pieces on the staircase bottom;
  • - fig. 6 is a schematic side view of the staircase corridor showing the positioning of the photosensitive receivers;
  • - figs. 7 to 9 are transverse views similar to FIG. 4 showing the rolling of two pieces of different diameters and thicknesses as well as a washer on the bottom of the staircase corridor;
  • - fig. 10 is a block diagram of the dimension comparison circuit;
  • - fig. 11 is a block diagram of an alloy comparison circuit; and
  • - fig. 12 is a block diagram of a circuit for comparing dimensions organized around a microprocessor according to another embodiment.

On a représenté schématiquement à la fig. 1 un sélecteur pour des pièces ou jetons ayant des diamètres, épaisseurs et alliages différents. Il inclut des moyens de reconnaissance de dimensions 1-2 des pièces P et des moyens de reconnaissance d'alliages 3-4 des pièces P. Chacun de ces moyens comprend un dispositif de détection des pièces 1, 3 qui est localisé le long du couloir 5 pour le roulement par gravité des pièces P, et un circuit 2,4 associé au dispositif de détection respectif 1, 3 pour comparer la dimension ou l'alliage détecté à ceux préenregistrés. Les circuits 2 et 4 sont inclus dans une unité logique de commande 6 qui détermine en fonction des résultats des comparaisons si une pièce introduite doit être acceptée et encaissée ou être refusée et remboursée.There is shown schematically in FIG. 1 a selector for coins or tokens having different diameters, thicknesses and alloys. It includes means for recognizing dimensions 1-2 of the pieces P and means for recognizing alloys 3-4 of the pieces P. Each of these means comprises a device for detecting the pieces 1, 3 which is located along the corridor 5 for the gravity bearing of the parts P, and a circuit 2.4 associated with the respective detection device 1, 3 for comparing the dimension or the alloy detected with those prerecorded. The circuits 2 and 4 are included in a logic control unit 6 which determines, according to the results of the comparisons, whether an introduced part must be accepted and cashed or be refused and reimbursed.

Le sélecteur multipièce est localisé dans un appareil distributeur d'objets ou de service connu. On ne mentionnera dans la suite que les éléments de cet appareil se rapportant directement au sélecteur multipièce.The multi-room selector is located in a known object or service dispenser. We will only mention in the following the elements of this device which relate directly to the multi-room selector.

Comme montré à la fig. 1, le couloir de roulement 5 présente une entrée 50 qui est constituée par la fente unique d'introduction des pièces, et une double sortie 51-52. Cette dernière est constituée par une première sortie 51 dite de pièces acceptables au dessus du réceptable d'encaissement de l'appareil distributeur et par une seconde sortie 52 de pièces refusées au dessus du réceptable de remboursement de l'appareil distributeur. La sélection en sortie du couloir entre les pièces acceptables et refusées est obtenue au moyen d'un électro-aimant 60 qui est commandé à travers une liaison conductrice 61 par l'unité 6. L'électro-aimant 60 maintient ouvert le fond du couloir, à travers une trappe escamotable 62, tant que les comparaisons relatives soit aux dimensions, soit à l'alliage, sont négatives.As shown in fig. 1, the runway 5 has an inlet 50 which is constituted by the single slot for introducing the parts, and a double outlet 51-52. The latter consists of a first outlet 51 known as acceptable coins above the collection receptacle of the dispensing apparatus and by a second outlet 52 of rejected coins above the reimbursable receptacle of the dispensing apparatus. The selection at the end of the corridor between acceptable and rejected parts is obtained by means of an electromagnet 60 which is controlled through a conductive link 61 by the unit 6. The electromagnet 60 keeps the bottom of the corridor open , through a retractable hatch 62, as long as the comparisons relating either to the dimensions or to the alloy are negative.

Le couloir de roulement 5 a une section générale rectangulaire et présente un fond descendant 53 de l'entrée 50 vers la sortie 51-52. Selon le mode de réalisation illustré, à partir de l'entrée 50, une pièce traverse d'abord le dispositif de détection de dimensions 1 puis le dispositif de détection d'alliages 3.The runway 5 has a generally rectangular section and has a descending bottom 53 from the inlet 50 towards the outlet 51-52. According to the illustrated embodiment, from the inlet 50, a part first passes through the detection device of dimensions 1 then the detection device of alloys 3.

En se référant aux fig. 2 à 4, le fond 53 du couloir de roulement a une largeur égale à la plus grande épaisseur des pièces acceptables. Le plan 53e du fond de côté de l'entrée 50 est à un niveau supérieur au plan 53a du fond traversant le dispositif 2 jusqu'à la sortie 51-52. Entre les deux plans parallèles 53e et 53a à même inclinaison, le fond présente une section transversale en escalier droit, au travers du dispositif 1, comme montré à la fig. 4. On a supposé que la section en escalier comprenait trois marches intermédiaires 54b, 54c et 54d entre une marche inférieure 54a et une marche supérieure 54e. Les marches 54a et 54e sont respectivement coplanaires aux plans de fond 53a et 53e.Referring to fig. 2 to 4, the bottom 53 of the raceway has a width equal to the greatest thickness of the acceptable parts. The plane 53e of the bottom side of the inlet 50 is at a level higher than the plane 53a of the bottom passing through the device 2 to the outlet 51-52. Between the two parallel planes 53e and 53a with the same inclination, the bottom has a cross section in straight staircase, through the device 1, as shown in FIG. 4. It was assumed that the staircase section included three intermediate steps 54b, 54c and 54d between a lower step 54a and an upper step 54e. The steps 54a and 54e are respectively coplanar with the bottom planes 53a and 53e.

Par ailleurs, les parois longitudinales 550 et 551 du couloir 5 sont inclinées par rapport à la verticale afin que toutes les pièces s'appuient par gravité sur la paroi inférieure 550. Comme montré à la fig. 3, les contremarches longitudinales ou transitions entre le plan 53e prolongé par la marche supérieure 54e et la marche suivante 54d, entre les marches 54d et 54c, entre les marches 54c et 54b et entre la marche 54b et le plan inférieur 53a prolongeant la marche 54a sont constituées respectivement de plans inclinés rectangulaires 56d, 56c, 56b et 56a. Ces plans inclinés sont contigus à la paroi 550 contre laquelle s'appuie par gravité l'une des faces des pièces. Après le dispositif 1 et avant le dispositif 3, le couloir comprend également des plans inclinés 57d à 57a qui forment des transitions respectives entre les marches 54e à 54a et qui sont adjacents à la paroi longitudinale supérieure 551. Comme on le voit sur la fig. 3, lesmarches 54e à 54a forment entre les parois 551 et 550 des bandes parallèles longitudinales qui sont décalées chacune par rapport à la précédente vers la sortie.Furthermore, the longitudinal walls 550 and 551 of the passage 5 are inclined relative to the vertical so that all the parts are supported by gravity on the lower wall 550. As shown in FIG. 3, the longitudinal risers or transitions between the plane 53e extended by the upper step 54e and the next step 54d, between the steps 54d and 54c, between the steps 54c and 54b and between the step 54b and the lower plane 53a extending the step 54a consist respectively of rectangular inclined planes 56d, 56c, 56b and 56a. These inclined planes are contiguous to the wall 550 against which one of the faces of the parts bears by gravity. After the device 1 and before the device 3, the corridor also includes inclined planes 57d to 57a which form respective transitions between the steps 54e to 54a and which are adjacent to the upper longitudinal wall 551. As can be seen in FIG. 3, lesmarches 54e to 54a form between the walls 551 and 550 of the longitudinal parallel strips which are each offset from the previous towards the outlet.

Les plans inclinés servent à la descente progressive des pièces à épaisseurs différentes entre le plan supérieur 53e et le plan inférieur 53a du fond. Bien entendu, d'autres configurations et répartitions longitudinales des plans inclinés peuvent être envisagées.The inclined planes serve for the progressive descent of the pieces of different thicknesses between the upper plane 53e and the lower plane 53a of the bottom. Of course, other configurations and longitudinal distributions of the inclined planes can be envisaged.

D'une manière générale, les dimensions aussi bien en hauteur qu'en largeur des marches sont différentes.In general, the dimensions both in height and in width of the steps are different.

Les distances entre la paroi d'appui 550 et les contremarches et l'autre paroi 551 sont sensiblement supérieures aux cinq épaisseurs différentes des pièces acceptables. Par exemple, comme montré à la fig. 5, une pièce mince Pa roule, à partir du plan de fond supérieur 53e, successivement sur les plans inclinés 56d à 56a et le long de la marche inférieure 54a, tandis qu'une pièce épaisse Pe dont l'épaisseur est supérieure à la distance entre la paroi 550 et la contremarche supérieure et au plus égale à la largeur du couloir 5, roule d'abord sur la marche supérieure 54e puis sur les plans inclinés 57d à 57a.The distances between the support wall 550 and the risers and the other wall 551 are substantially greater than the five different thicknesses of the acceptable parts. For example, as shown in fig. 5, a thin piece P a rolls, starting from the upper bottom plane 53e, successively on the inclined planes 56d to 56a and along the lower step 54a, while a thick piece P e whose thickness is greater than the distance between the wall 550 and the upper riser and at most equal to the width of the corridor 5, rolls first on the upper step 54e then on the inclined planes 57d to 57a.

Les épaisseurs des pièces sont détectées, selon la réalisation illustrée, par des récepteurs photosensibles à jonction 10a à 10i en combinaison avec la sélection au moyen de la section en escalier du couloir. Ces récepteurs sont également utilisés pour détecter les diamètres des pièces.The thicknesses of the pieces are detected, according to the illustrated embodiment, by photosensitive receptors at junction 10a to 10i in combination with the selection by means of the staircase section of the corridor. These receivers are also used to detect the diameters of the parts.

En se référant aux fig. 2 à 6, le dispositif de détection de dimensions 1 comprend une source rayonnante 11 et une pluralité de récepteurs photosensibles 10a à 10i tels que des phototransistors. La source rayonnante 11 peut émettre dans le domaine visible ou, de préférence, dans l'infrarouge afin de s'affranchir de toute détection parasite de la lumière pouvant provenir notamment de la fente d'entrée 50 des pièces. La source rayonnante 11 consiste ou en une lampe ou en une diode électro-luminescente ou en plusieurs diodes photo-émissives. Les récepteurs photosensibles peuvent être également remplacés par tous autres moyens électro-optiques tels qu'une caméra ou barrette à circuits à transfert de charge (CTD) du type à couplage de charge dont le mode de fonctionnement sera détaillé plus loin. La source rayonnante 11 est fixée en arrière d'une fente 12 qui est pratiquée dans la paroi supérieure 551 du couloir et qui est perpendiculaire au fond 53 du couloir et donc à toutes les marches 54e à 54a. Les phototransistors 10a à 10i sont insérés dans la paroi d'appui 550 et sont alignés également à la verticale du fond 53 dans le plan transversal qui est perpendiculaire aux parois 550 et 551 et médian à la fente 12. Ce plan a pour trace la ligne IV-IV dans les fig. 2 et 3 et se trouve au niveau d'une section transversale en escalier du fond 53. La fente 12 peut être remplacé par des trous qui sont pratiqués dans la paroi supérieure 551 du couloir, alignés à la verticale du fond 53 du couloir et respectivement en face des phototransistors 10a à 10i.Referring to fig. 2 to 6, the dimension detection device 1 comprises a radiating source 11 and a plurality of photosensitive receivers 10a to 10i such as phototransistors. The radiating source 11 can emit in the visible range or, preferably, in the infrared in order to get rid of any parasitic detection of the light which can come in particular from the entry slot 50 of the parts. The radiating source 11 consists either of a lamp or of an electroluminescent diode or of several photo-emissive diodes. Photosensitive receivers can also be replaced by any other electro-optical means such as a camera or trans-circuit board. charge fert (CTD) of the charge coupled type, the operating mode of which will be detailed later. The radiating source 11 is fixed behind a slot 12 which is formed in the upper wall 551 of the corridor and which is perpendicular to the bottom 53 of the corridor and therefore to all the steps 54e to 54a. The phototransistors 10a to 10i are inserted in the support wall 550 and are also aligned vertically with the bottom 53 in the transverse plane which is perpendicular to the walls 550 and 551 and median to the slot 12. This plane is marked by the line IV-IV in fig. 2 and 3 and is at the level of a staircase cross section of the bottom 53. The slot 12 can be replaced by holes which are made in the upper wall 551 of the corridor, aligned vertically with the bottom 53 of the corridor and respectively opposite phototransistors 10a to 10i.

Comme montré à la fig. 6, les phototransistors inférieurs 10a à 10d sont respectivement positionnés en face des milieux des contremarches. On a supposé selon l'exemple illustré qui cinq phototransistors 10e à 10i étaient équirépartis entre la marche supérieure 54e et le bord supérieur de la paroi 550. Cependant, en pratique, les phototransistors 10a et 10i peuvent être plus nombreux et être répartis en fonction des diamètres des différentes pièces acceptables. Le dernier phototransistor 10i est généralement sensiblement au dessus du plus haut niveau des pièces acceptables roulant dans la section en escalier afin de détecter les fausses pièces ayant un diamètre trop grand par exemple.As shown in fig. 6, the lower phototransistors 10a to 10d are respectively positioned opposite the midpoints of the risers. It was assumed according to the illustrated example that five phototransistors 10e to 10i were equally distributed between the upper step 54e and the upper edge of the wall 550. However, in practice, the phototransistors 10a and 10i can be more numerous and be distributed according to the diameters of the different acceptable parts. The last phototransistor 10i is generally substantially above the highest level of the acceptable parts rolling in the staircase section in order to detect the false parts having too large a diameter for example.

Ainsi en fonction de l'occultation et de l'excitation des phototransistors, le circuit 2 de l'unité logique 6 peut en déduire le diamètre et l'épaisseur d'une pièce. L'excitation d'un phototransistor inférieur 10a à 10d par la source rayonnante 11 indique que la pièce a une épaisseur supérieure à la distance entre la paroi d'appui 550 et la contremarche correspondante. Entre le plus haut phototransistor inférieur excité 10a à 10d et le plus bas phototransistor excité, l'occultation des autres phototransistors indique le diamètre de la pièce.Thus depending on the occultation and excitation of the phototransistors, the circuit 2 of the logic unit 6 can deduce the diameter and the thickness of a part. The excitation of a lower phototransistor 10a to 10d by the radiating source 11 indicates that the part has a thickness greater than the distance between the bearing wall 550 and the corresponding riser. Between the highest excited lower phototransistor 10a to 10d and the lowest excited phototransistor, the concealment of the other phototransistors indicates the diameter of the part.

Trois exemples de pièces à détecter sont montrés dans les fig. 7 à 9. Les signaux logiques hauts a à i indiquent les excitations respectives des phototransistors 10a à 10i, tandis que les signaux logiques complémentaires a à 1 indiquent leurs occultations respectives.Three examples of parts to be detected are shown in Figs. 7 to 9. The high logic signals a to i indicate the respective excitations of the phototransistors 10a to 10i, while the complementary logic signals a to 1 indicate their respective occultations.

Selon la fig. 7, la pièce introduite Pc a une épaisseur comprise entre les distances de la paroi 550 et les contremarches des marches 54c et 54d. Elle roule donc sur la marche 54c. Son diamètre est sensiblement supérieur à la distance entre les phototransistors 10c et 10g. Il en résulte que les phototransistors 10c à 10g seront occultés et que les phototransistors 10a, 10b, 10h et 10i seront excités par la source 11. Dans ce cas, un bus 13 de fils reliés aux phototransistors transmet au circuit 2 le mot détecté a b c d e f g h h i.According to fig. 7, the insert P c has a thickness between the distances from the wall 550 and the risers of the steps 54c and 54d. She therefore rolls on step 54c. Its diameter is significantly greater than the distance between the phototransistors 10c and 10g. It follows that the phototransistors 10c to 10g will be obscured and that the phototransistors 10a, 10b, 10h and 10i will be excited by the source 11. In this case, a bus 13 of wires connected to the phototransistors transmits to the circuit 2 the detected word abcdefghh i .

Selon la fig. 8, la pièce introduite Pb roule sur la seconde marche 54b et a un diamètre sensiblement supérieur à la distance entre les phototransistors 10b et 10h. Le mot détecté et délivré sur le bus 13 est a bcdefghi.According to fig. 8, the insert P b rolls on the second step 54b and has a diameter substantially greater than the distance between the phototransistors 10b and 10h. The word detected and delivered on bus 13 is a bcdefghi.

Selon la fig. 9, le pièce R a les mêmes dimensions que celle montrée à la fig. 8, mais a été percée centralement pour former une rondelle. Son trou central laisse passer la radiation de la source 11 qui excite le phototransistor 10e, ce qui permet de distinguer le mot transmis sur le bus 13, tel que a b c d e f g h i. Ainsi, lorsque le circuit 2 reconnaît dans le signal logique reçu au moins deux ensembles séparés de signaux au niveau bas, ul en déduit que la pièce introduite est trouée et donc inacceptable et doit être refusée par escamotage de la trappe 62 commandée par l'électro-aimant d'éjection 60.According to fig. 9, the part R has the same dimensions as that shown in FIG. 8, but was drilled centrally to form a washer. Its central hole lets in the radiation from the source 11 which excites the phototransistor 10e, which makes it possible to distinguish the word transmitted on the bus 13, such as a b c d e f g h i. Thus, when the circuit 2 recognizes in the logic signal received at least two separate sets of signals at the low level, ul deduces therefrom that the inserted part is perforated and therefore unacceptable and must be refused by retracting the hatch 62 controlled by the electro - ejection magnet 60.

En cas de coincement d'une pièce voilée, il peut être prévu une éjection de pièce dans le réceptacle de remboursement par des moyens commandés manuellement ou électromécani- quement pour écarter au moins la paroi d'appui 550 du couloir.In case of jamming of a veiled part, a part may be ejected into the reimbursement receptacle by means controlled manually or electromechanically to move at least the support wall 550 from the corridor.

Il apparaît que chaque pièce acceptable peut être caractérisée par un mot d'identification du diamètre et de l'épaisseur. Selon le mode de réalisation illustré à la fig. 10, le circuit 2 comprend une mémoire morte (ROM) 20 qui contient à des adresses prédéterminées des mots à neuf bits identifiant respectivement les dimensions de tous les types de pièce qu'est susceptible d'accepter l'appareil distributeur. Cette mémoire est de préférence reprogrammable (REPROM) afin que l'entreprise de gestion de l'appareil puisse sélectionner les pièces acceptables en fonction du coût du service ou de l'objet à distribuer.It appears that each acceptable part can be characterized by a word identifying the diameter and the thickness. According to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, the circuit 2 comprises a read-only memory (ROM) 20 which contains at predetermined addresses nine-bit words identifying respectively the dimensions of all the types of part which the dispensing device can accept. This memory is preferably reprogrammable (REPROM) so that the device management company can select the acceptable parts according to the cost of the service or the object to be distributed.

Le circuit 2 comprend également, selon l'exemple illustré, un registre tampon à décalage 21 à au moins neuf étages, une base de temps.22, un circuit d'adressage en lecture 23 pour la mémoire morte 20 et un circuit de comparaison logique 24 dont les bus d'entrée 240, 241 sont reliés aux sorties parallèles de la mémoire 20 et du registre 21. Le bus 13 transmet les bits parallèles des mots binaires d'identification à la base de temps 22.The circuit 2 also includes, according to the example illustrated, a shift buffer register 21 with at least nine stages, a time base. 22, a read addressing circuit 23 for the read only memory 20 and a logic comparison circuit. 24, the input buses 240, 241 of which are connected to the parallel outputs of the memory 20 and of the register 21. The bus 13 transmits the parallel bits of the binary identification words to the time base 22.

La base de temps 22 lit périodiquement les mots sur le bus 13 et comprend des moyens pour comparer deux à deux successivement ces mots afin de ne retenir que le mot ayant le plus grand nombre de bits au niveau logique bas entre deux instants prédéterminés correspondant sensiblement au passage d'une pièce entre la fente 12 et les phototransistors 10a à 10i. Le mot retenu correspond au passage de la section diamétrale de la pièce. La base de temps 22 ordonne alors le cycle suivant.The time base 22 periodically reads the words on the bus 13 and includes means for comparing two by two successively these words in order to retain only the word having the greatest number of bits at the low logic level between two predetermined times corresponding substantially to the passage of a part between the slot 12 and the phototransistors 10a to 10i. The selected word corresponds to the passage of the diametrical section of the part. The time base 22 then orders the next cycle.

Le mot d'identification retenu est enregistré dans le registre tampon 21 via un bus 220. Puis, via un fil 221, la base de temps commande simultanément la lecture du registre 21 et la lecture d'un premier mot d'identification de pièce acceptable dans la mémoire 20 à travers le circuit d'adressage 23. Le circuit de comparaison 24 transmet le résultat de la comparaison via son fil de sortie 242 à la base de temps 22. Tant que le résultat de la comparaison est négatif, la base de temps commande la lecture des autres mots d'identification de pièce acceptable contenus dans la mémoire morte 20 pour les comparer au mot détecté et enregistré dans le registre 21.The retained identification word is recorded in the buffer register 21 via a bus 220. Then, via a wire 221, the time base simultaneously controls the reading of the register 21 and the reading of a first acceptable piece identification word in memory 20 through the addressing circuit 23. The comparison circuit 24 transmits the result of the comparison via its output wire 242 to the time base 22. As long as the result of the comparison is negative, the time base commands the reading of the other words of identification of acceptable part contained in the read-only memory 20 to compare them with the word detected and recorded in register 21.

Si aucune comparaison n'est positive, la base de temps 22 ordonne via le fil 61 le rejet de la pièce introduite par ouverture de la trappe 62. Si une comparaison est positive, le cycle de lecture de la mémoire 20 est arrêté, et une adresse est transmise via le bus 200 de la mémoire 20 vers une mémoire d'alliages 40 contenue dans le circuit 4. Chaque mot d'identification de pièce contenu dans la mémoire 20 est mémorisé avec un mot d'adresse de la mémoire 40 qui caractérise l'alliage de la pièce acceptable ayant les dimensions correspondant aux mots d'identification détecté et mémorisé dans le circuit 2.If no comparison is positive, the time base 22 orders via the wire 61 the rejection of the part introduced by opening the hatch 62. If a comparison is positive, the reading cycle of the memory 20 is stopped, and a address is transmitted via bus 200 from memory 20 to an alloy memory 40 contained in circuit 4. Each part identification word contained in memory 20 is memorized with a memory address m 40 which characterizes the alloy of the acceptable part having the dimensions corresponding to the identification words detected and stored in circuit 2.

Pour le mode de réalisation selon lequel le sélecteur multipièce ne comprend pas de dispositif 3 et de circuit 4, les mots d'adresse de la mémoire 40 sont inutilisés.For the embodiment according to which the multi-room selector does not include a device 3 and a circuit 4, the address words of the memory 40 are unused.

Un autre mode de réalisation fait appel, en tant que moyen de réception photosensible inclus dans le dispositif de détection de dimensions 1, à une barrette OCD à circuits à couplage de charge déjà évoquée. Ce mode de réalisation est montré aux fig. 4A et 4B. Les phototransistors 10a à 10i sont remplacés par les N cellules 141 à 14N de la barrette OCD qui sont reliées au bus 13. En pratique, le nombre N est plus grand que celui des phototransistors du fait de la structure très intégrée de la barrette. La définitaion verticale avec une barrette OCD peut atteindre au moins un dizième de millimètres. La barrette est également disposée dans la paroi d'appui 550 à la verticale du fond 53 du couloir 5 et en face de la fente 12.Another embodiment uses, as a photosensitive reception means included in the detection device of dimensions 1, an OCD strip with charge coupling circuits already mentioned. This embodiment is shown in Figs. 4A and 4B. The phototransistors 10a to 10i are replaced by the N cells 14 1 to 14 N of the OCD strip which are connected to the bus 13. In practice, the number N is greater than that of the phototransistors due to the very integrated structure of the strip . The vertical definition with an OCD bar can reach at least a tenth of a millimeter. The bar is also placed in the support wall 550 vertically from the bottom 53 of the corridor 5 and opposite the slot 12.

Comme on le voit sur les fig.4A et 4B, les marches d'escalier 54a à 54d sont remplacées par un plan incliné 58 qui fait un angle aigu pré- terminé a avec la paroi inférieure d'appui 550. Lorsqu'une pièce introduite P roule dans le couloir, l'une de ses faces plaquée contre la paroi 550 et l'arrête de sa face opposée roule sur le plan incliné 58 qui est entre le fond supérieur 53e et le fond inférieur 53a. Comme précédemment, les cellules occultées telles qu'à partir de la cellule 143 pour une pièce mince Pf ayant une épaisseur 4ef (fig. 4A) ou à partir de la cellule 14s pour une pièce plus épaisse Pg ayant une épaisseur 4eg (fig. 4B) déterminent le diamètre de la pièce. Les cellules inférieures excitées telles que 14i et 142 pour la pièce Pf ou 141 à 144 pour la pièce Pg déterminent directement l'épaisseur 4e de la pièce suivant la formule:

Figure imgb0001
où 41 est la distance entre le bas de la pièce et le sommet de l'angle α, c'est-à-dire la longueur le long de laquelle des cellules inférieures sont excitées. De préférence, ,x est choisi égal à r/4 afin de faciliter les calculs puisque dans ce cas:
Figure imgb0002
 As can be seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the stair treads 54a to 54d are replaced by an inclined plane 58 which forms a pre-finished acute angle a with the lower support wall 550. When a part introduced P rolls in the corridor, one of its faces pressed against the wall 550 and the stop of its opposite face rolls on the inclined plane 58 which is between the upper bottom 53e and the lower bottom 53a. As before, the obscured cells such as from cell 14 3 for a thin piece P f having a thickness 4e f (fig. 4A) or from cell 14 s for a thicker piece Pg having a thickness 4eg (fig. 4B) determine the diameter of the part. The excited lower cells such as 14 i and 14 2 for the part P f or 14 1 to 14 4 for the part Pg directly determine the thickness 4e of the part according to the formula:
Figure imgb0001
 where 41 is the distance between the bottom of the part and the top of the angle α, i.e. the length along which lower cells are excited. Preferably, x is chosen equal to r / 4 in order to facilitate the calculations since in this case:
Figure imgb0002

Le circuit de comparaison de dimensions selon ce mode de réalisation valide le diamètre de la pièce comme précédemment. En outre, il valide plus précisément directement l'épaisseur de la pièce selon la formule:

Figure imgb0003
par comparaison du mot formé par l'excitation des cellules CCD inférieures et de mots mémorisés identifiant les épaisseurs des pièces acceptables pour in diamètre prédéterminé.The dimension comparison circuit according to this embodiment validates the diameter of the part as before. In addition, it more precisely directly validates the thickness of the part according to the formula:
Figure imgb0003
 by comparison of the word formed by the excitation of the lower CCD cells and of stored words identifying the thicknesses of the pieces acceptable for a predetermined diameter.

Ce mode de réalisation a l'avantage de conférer au sélecteur de pièce une adaptation à tous les types de pièces acceptables sans aucune modification mécanique - contrairement à la réalisation avec un couloir en escalier où à chaque marche correspond une épaisseur de pièce -. Cette adaptation est obtenue uniquement en programmant la table des épaisseurs et diamètres des pièces mémorisées dans la mémoire reprogrammable (REPROM) du circuit 2.This embodiment has the advantage of giving the room selector an adaptation to all types of acceptable rooms without any mechanical modification - unlike the realization with a staircase corridor where each step corresponds to a room thickness -. This adaptation is obtained only by programming the table of thicknesses and diameters of the parts stored in the reprogrammable memory (REPROM) of circuit 2.

Un autre avantage de la barrette CCD consiste en ce que l'excitation des cellules est sensible au relief de la pièce ce qui permet de »photographier« une tranche de la pièce et ainsi de détecter les fausses pièces ayant pourtant des dimensions acceptables.Another advantage of the CCD strip is that the excitation of the cells is sensitive to the relief of the part which makes it possible to "photograph" a slice of the part and thus to detect the false parts having however acceptable dimensions.

En se référant maintenant à la fig. 11, on décrit les moyens de raconnaissance d'alliages 3-4.Referring now to FIG. 11, the means for recognizing alloys 3-4 are described.

Le dispositif de détection 3 comprend, comme il est connu, deux bobines face à face 30 et 31 qui sont respectivement insérées dans les parois longitudinales 550 et 551 du couloir de roulement 5 au dessus du plan inférieur 53a. Les bobines 30 et 31 sont couplées électromagnétiquement. Leur axe acommun est perpendiculaire aux parois 550 et 551 et est de préférence au niveau du centre moyen des pièces roulant sur le plan 53a, par exemple égal à celui du plan supérieure 53e.The detection device 3 comprises, as is known, two face-to-face coils 30 and 31 which are respectively inserted in the longitudinal walls 550 and 551 of the runway 5 above the lower plane 53a. The coils 30 and 31 are electromagnetically coupled. Their common axis is perpendicular to the walls 550 and 551 and is preferably at the level of the mean center of the parts rolling on the plane 53a, for example equal to that of the upper plane 53e.

Le circuit 4 comprend, outre la mémoire de mots d'identification d'alliages déjà citée 40, un pont de wheatstone 41, un circuit d'amplification 42, un circuit intégrateur 43 et un circuit comparateur de seuil 44.The circuit 4 comprises, in addition to the memory of alloy identification words already mentioned 40, a wheatstone bridge 41, an amplification circuit 42, an integrator circuit 43 and a threshold comparator circuit 44.

La borne commune 410 de deux branches contigües du pont d'impédance 41 est reliée à l'entrée directe 420+ d'un amplificateur 420 qui est contenu dans le circuit d'amplification 42, à travers une résistance d'entrée 421. Chacune de ces deux branches comprend en parallèle une pluralité de circuits parallèles 451-461 à 454-464, 455-465 à 458-468, ici au nombre de quatre par exemple. Chacun de ces circuits comprend une impédance complexe 451 à 458 - qui peut être ajustable - et un commutateur analogique 461 à 468 du genre contact commandé par un relais, ou du genre transistor, ou du genre »switch analogique« CD 4066 de RCA par exemple. La première des branches précédentes - en haut dans la fig. 11 - comprend, en série avec les quatre circuits parallèles 451 -461 à 454-464, les deux bobines 30 et 31 reliées en série, ainsi qu'une impédance complexe 411 pouvant comprendre une thermistance. La seconde branche précédente - en bas dans la fig. 11 - comprend deux impédance 413 et 414 qui sont respectivement de préférence résistive et capacitive et qui sont en série avec les quatre autres circuits paral- ées 455-465 à 458-468.The common terminal 410 of two contiguous branches of the impedance bridge 41 is connected to the direct input 420 + of an amplifier 420 which is contained in the amplification circuit 42, through an input resistor 421. Each of these two branches comprises in parallel a plurality of parallel circuits 451-461 to 454-464, 455-465 to 458-468, here four in number for example. Each of these circuits comprises a complex impedance 451 to 458 - which can be adjustable - and an analog switch 461 to 468 of the contact-controlled type by a relay, or of the transistor type, or of the "analog switch" CD 4066 type of RCA for example. . The first of the previous branches - above in fig. 11 - includes, in series with the four parallel circuits 451 -461 to 454-464, the two coils 30 and 31 connected in series, as well as a complex impedance 411 which may include a thermistor. The second previous branch - below in fig. 11 - comprises two impedance 413 and 414 which are preferably resistive and capacitive respectively and which are in series with the other four parallel circuits 455-465 to 458-468.

Aux autres bornes 415-416 des deux branches précécentes du pont 41 est appliquée la tension d'un générateur 417 à fréquence prédéterminée, convenable pour la discrimination des alliages des pièces. Entre les bornes 415 et 416, les troisième et quatrième branches du pont de Wheatstone 41 comprennent respectivement des impédances 418 et 419 qui sont respectivement de préférence résistive et capacitive et qui sont reliées à la masse.At the other terminals 415-416 of the two preceding branches of the bridge 41 is applied the voltage of a generator 417 at a predetermined frequency, suitable for the discrimination of the alloys of the parts. Between terminals 415 and 416, the third and fourth branches of the Wheatstone bridge 41 respectively include impedances 418 and 419 which are preferably resistive and capacitive respectively and which are connected to ground.

Dans le circuit d'amplification analogique 42, la borne inverse 420- de l'amplificateur 420 est reliée à une résistance 422 portée à la masse et à une résistance de contre-réaction 423 reliée à la sortie 424 de l'amplificateur 420.In the analog amplification circuit 42, the reverse terminal 420- of the amplifier 420 is connected to a resistor 422 brought to ground and to a feedback resistance 423 connected to the output 424 of the amplifier 420.

Le circuit intégrateur 43 comprend deux résistances 430 et 431 dont la borne commune est reliée à un condensateur 432 porté à la masse. L'autre borne de la résistance 430 est reliée à la sortie 424 de l'amplificateur 420. L'autre borne de la résistance 431 est reliée à l'une des entrées 440 du comparateur de tensions 441 que contient le circuit 44.The integrator circuit 43 includes two resistors 430 and 431, the common terminal of which is connected to a capacitor 432 brought to ground. The other terminal of the resistor 430 is connected to the output 424 of the amplifier 420. The other terminal of the resistor 431 is connected to one of the inputs 440 of the voltage comparator 441 contained in the circuit 44.

Le circuit comparateur de seuil 44 inclut également entre la borne d'alimentation positive et la masse une résistance 442 et un potentiomètre 443 dont la borne commune est reliée à une résistance 444. L'autre borne de la résistance 444 est reliée à un condensateur 445 porté à la masse et à l'autre entrée 446 du comparateur 441. La sortie du comparateur 441 est reliée au fil 61 de commande de l'électro-aimant 60 déjection des pièces refusées. Le potentiomètre 443 est réglé de sorte que la tension à la borne 446 du comparateur soit égale à la tension d'équilibre du pont 41 appliqué à l'autre borne 440 à travers les circuits 42 et 43.The threshold comparator circuit 44 also includes between the positive supply terminal and the ground a resistor 442 and a potentiometer 443 whose common terminal is connected to a resistor 444. The other terminal of the resistor 444 is connected to a capacitor 445 brought to ground and to the other input 446 of comparator 441. The output of comparator 441 is connected to the wire 61 for controlling the electromagnet 60 for rejecting rejected parts. The potentiometer 443 is adjusted so that the voltage at terminal 446 of the comparator is equal to the equilibrium voltage of bridge 41 applied to the other terminal 440 through circuits 42 and 43.

Chaque groupe de commutateurs analogiques 461 à 464,465 à 468 est commandé par un bus de sortie à quatre fils 401, 402 de la mémoire de mots d'identification d'alliage 40. Préalablement à toute utilisation, les impédances ajustables 451 à 458 sont réglées de sorte que, pour certaines combinaisons de fermetures et d'ouvertures des commutateurs 461 à 468, c'est-à-dire de combinaisons prédéterminées d'impédance 451 à 458, chacun des alliages ou matériaux caractérisant toutes les pièces acceptables, introduit entre les bobines 30 et 31 indique l'équilibre du pont, par exemple par un signal de sortie au niveau haut sur le fil 61. Ainsi à une combinaison de fermetures et d'ouvertures des commutateurs ou d'impédance correspond un alliage prédéterminé et un mot d'identification d'alliage dans la mémoire morte reprogrammable 40 (REPROM).Each group of analog switches 461 to 464, 465 to 468 is controlled by a four-wire output bus 401, 402 from the alloy identification word memory 40. Before any use, the adjustable impedances 451 to 458 are adjusted from so that, for certain combinations of closings and openings of switches 461 to 468, that is to say of predetermined combinations of impedance 451 to 458, each of the alloys or materials characterizing all the acceptable parts, introduced between the coils 30 and 31 indicate the balance of the bridge, for example by an output signal at the high level on the wire 61. Thus to a combination of closings and openings of the switches or impedance corresponds a predetermined alloy and a word of alloy identification in reprogrammable read-only memory 40 (REPROM).

Lorsque la base de temps 22 (fig. 10) a validé les dimensions - diamètre et épaisseur - d'une pièce introduite en réponse à la reconnaissance d'un mot d'identification de dimensionnement transmis sur le bus 13 et contenu dans la mémoire 20, cette mémoire 20 délivre sur le bus 200, après un laps de temps correspondant sensiblement au temps de parcours de la pièce entre les dispositifs 1 et 3, l'adresse du mot d'identification d'alliage qui est contenue dans la mémoire 40 et qui correspond à l'alliage d'une pièce acceptable ayant les dimensions détectées. Puis les commutateurs 461 à 468 sont commandés via les bus 401 et 402 et positionnés pour détecteur l'alliage correspondant. Si la pièce introduite provoque l'équilibre du pont 41 lors de son passage entre les bobines 30 et 31, le comparateur 441 actionne l'électro-aimant d'éjection 60 (fig. 1) pour fermer la trappe 62 sur laquelle roule la pièce vers la sortie 51 et le réceptacle d'encaissement. Dans le cas contraire, bien que la pièce introduite ait des dimensions convenables, l'équilibre du pont 41 ne sera pas assuré car le matériau de la pièce ne correspond pas à l'alliage requis pour de telles dimensions; le signal au niveau bas sur le fil 61 maintient la trappe 62 escamotée afin que la pièce soit restituée à l'utilisateur.When the time base 22 (fig. 10) has validated the dimensions - diameter and thickness - of a part introduced in response to the recognition of a dimensioning identification word transmitted on the bus 13 and contained in the memory 20 , this memory 20 delivers on the bus 200, after a period of time corresponding substantially to the travel time of the part between the devices 1 and 3, the address of the alloy identification word which is contained in the memory 40 and which corresponds to the alloy of an acceptable part having the dimensions detected. Then the switches 461 to 468 are controlled via the buses 401 and 402 and positioned to detect the corresponding alloy. If the inserted part causes the bridge 41 to balance when it passes between the coils 30 and 31, the comparator 441 actuates the ejection electromagnet 60 (FIG. 1) to close the hatch 62 on which the part rolls. towards exit 51 and the collection receptacle. Otherwise, although the part introduced has suitable dimensions, the balance of the bridge 41 will not be ensured because the material of the part does not correspond to the alloy required for such dimensions; the signal at low level on the wire 61 keeps the hatch 62 retracted so that the part is returned to the user.

Dans le mode de réalisation selon lequel le sélecteur multipièce ne comprend que des moyens de reconnaissance d'alliages 3-4, le circuit 4 remplit les fonctions analogues au circuit 2. Dans ce cas, le circuit 4 comprend une base de temps telle que 22 qui adresse en lecture successivement les mots d'identifications d'alliage dans la mémoire 40, jusqu'à ce que la base de temps détecte un signal au niveau bas en sortie du comparateur 441, ce qui valide la pièce introduite. Dans le cas contraire, pour toutes les combinaisons de fermetures et ouvertures des commutateurs analogiques 461 à 468 mémorisées dans la mémoire 40, aucun équilibre du pont 41 n'a été signalée et la base de temps ou le comparateur441 maintient l'escamotage de la trappe 62 pour rejeter le pièce inacceptable.In the embodiment according to which the multi-room selector only comprises means for recognizing alloys 3-4, the circuit 4 fulfills the functions analogous to the circuit 2. In this case, the circuit 4 comprises a time base such as 22 which addresses in reading successively the alloy identification words in the memory 40, until the time base detects a signal at the low level at the output of the comparator 441, which validates the inserted part. Otherwise, for all combinations of closings and openings of analog switches 461 to 468 stored in memory 40, no balance of bridge 41 has been reported and the time base or comparator441 maintains the retraction of the hatch 62 to reject the unacceptable exhibit.

Selon un autre mode de réalisation, le dispositif de détection d'alliages 3 peut précéder le dispositif de détection de dimensions 1 le long du cheminement des pièces dans le couloir 5. Dans ce cas les fonctions relatives de commande des circuits 2 et 4 sont inversées. Le circuit 4 comprend une base de temps telle que 22 qui lit cycliquement la mémoire 40 jusqu'à ce qu'un équilibre du pont 41 soit réalisé. En réponse à cet équilibre, la mémoire 40 adresse la mémoire 20 afin qu'un comparateur tel que 24 compare le mot reçu sur le bus 13 avec celui adressé dans la mémoire 20. Comme précédemment, si le pont est équilibré et si, pour cet équilibre, le résultat de la comparaison dans le comparateur 24 est positif, la trappe 62 est actionnée pour fermer le fond du couloir.According to another embodiment, the alloy detection device 3 can precede the dimension detection device 1 along the path of the parts in the corridor 5. In this case the relative control functions of circuits 2 and 4 are reversed . The circuit 4 comprises a time base such as 22 which cyclically reads the memory 40 until a balance of the bridge 41 is achieved. In response to this balance, the memory 40 addresses the memory 20 so that a comparator such as 24 compares the word received on the bus 13 with that addressed in the memory 20. As before, if the bridge is balanced and if, for this balance, the result of the comparison in the comparator 24 is positive, the hatch 62 is actuated to close the end of the corridor.

Enfin selon un mode de réalisation plus intégré, le circuit 2 pour la reconnaissance des dimensions peut être organisé autour d'un microprocesseur 25, comme montré à la fig. 12. Le microprocesseur comprend une mémoire à accès aléatoire RAM qui est utilisée pour les comparaisons deux à deux successives des mots détectés sur le bus 13 lors du passage de la pièce. Le circuit 2 comprend également une mémoire reprogrammable 26 et une interface d'en- trée/sortie. Dans la mémoire 26 sont-pré-enregistrés les mots d'identification des dimensions de pièces acceptables et les instructions correspondant au cycle des comparaisons, telles que décrites précédemment en référence à la fig. 10. Les circuits 25, 26 et 27 sont classiquement reliés entre eux par un bus unidirectionnel 28 pour les adresses issues du microprocesseur 25 et par un bus bidirectionnel 29 pour les instructions et les données.Finally according to a more integrated embodiment, the circuit 2 for recognizing the dimensions can be organized around a microprocessor 25, as shown in FIG. 12. The The microprocessor includes a random access memory RAM which is used for two by two successive comparisons of the words detected on the bus 13 during the passage of the part. Circuit 2 also includes a reprogrammable memory 26 and an input / output interface. In the memory 26 are pre-recorded the words identifying the dimensions of acceptable parts and the instructions corresponding to the cycle of comparisons, as described previously with reference to FIG. 10. The circuits 25, 26 and 27 are conventionally linked together by a unidirectional bus 28 for the addresses originating from the microprocessor 25 and by a bidirectional bus 29 for the instructions and the data.

L'interface 27 est reliée au bus 13 connecté aux moyens photoréceptifs 10a à 10i (fig. 5) ou 14i à 14N (fig. 4A et 4B), au bus 200 desservant la mémoire de mots d'identification d'alliage 40 (fig. 11), au fil de commande 61 de l'électro-aimant 60 de la trappe escamotable 62 (fig. 1) et directement, dans ce cas, à la sortie du comparateur de tensions 44 (fig. 11). L'interface 27 peut desservir par un bus 270 d'autres dispositifs, tels que des afficheurs par exemple. Selon cette réalisation à microprocesseur, la mémoire 40 (fig. 11) peut être également réalisée sous la forme d'un microprocesseur.The interface 27 is connected to the bus 13 connected to the photoreceptive means 10a to 10i (fig. 5) or 14 i to 14 N (fig. 4A and 4B), to the bus 200 serving the memory of alloy identification words 40 (fig. 11), to the control wire 61 of the electromagnet 60 of the retractable flap 62 (fig. 1) and directly, in this case, at the output of the voltage comparator 44 (fig. 11). The interface 27 can serve by a bus 270 other devices, such as displays for example. According to this microprocessor embodiment, the memory 40 (FIG. 11) can also be produced in the form of a microprocessor.

Claims (18)

1. Multicoin discriminator comprising a chute (5) having a down inclined track (53) on which coins (P) roll and an inclined side wall (550) against which one face of said coins rests, means (1, 2) including photoreceptive means (10) and photoemissive means (11) on either side of the chute for recognizing the diameter of the coins, and means (3-4) including two coils (30, 31) on either side of the chute for recognizing the alloys of the coins, characterized in that the track (53) of the chute (5) in front of the diameter recognizing means (1-2) has a step-shaped transversal cross-section (54e-54a), whose lowest step (54a) is adjacent to the inclined side wall (550) of the chute so that said diameter recognizing means are able to recognize the thickness of the coins.
2. Discriminator according to claim 1, characterized in that the photoreceptive means comprise photosensitive receivers (10a-10e) respectively opposite the risers of the step-shaped transversal cross-section (54e-54a) and excitable by the photoemissive means (11).
3. Discriminator according to claim 2, characterized in that the photoreceptive means comprise photosensitive receivers (10e-10i) above the step-shaped transversal cross-section (54e-54a) and excitable by the photoemissive means (11
4. Discriminator according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the ends of the steps (54e-54a) of the step-shaped transversal cross-section are interlinked through longitudinal inclined planes (56d-56a, 57d-57a) to the chute (5).
5. Discriminator according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the photosensitive receivers are charge transfer devices (CTD) (141-14N).
6. Discriminator according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the step-shaped transversal cross-section (54e-54a) is replaced by an inclined plane (58) making an acute angle a with the resting side wall (550).
7. Discriminator according to claim 6, characterized in that the acute angle (a) is equal to π/4.
8. Discriminator according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a slit (12) is made in one (551) of the chute walls and in front of said photoemissive means (11) and in that the photoreceptive means comprise photosensitive receivers (10a-10i; 141 to 14N) parallely aligned to the slit (12) in the other chute wall (550).
9. Discriminator according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that holes (12) are aligned in one (551) of the chute walls and in front of the photoemissive means (11) and in that the photoreceptive means comprise photosensitive receivers (10a―10i; 14ito 14N) respectively aligned opposite to the holes in the other chute wall (550).
10. Discriminator according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the photoemissive means (11) emit in the infrared.
11. Discriminator according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that diameter and thickness recognizing means (1-2) comprise means (22) connected to the photoreceiving means (10a-10i; 141 to 14N) for detecting a word inden- tifying the diameter and the thickness of each coin infed into the chute, a memory (20) for memorizing words identifying the dimensions of acceptable coins respectively and means (24) for comparing each detected word with the memorized words with a view to accepting or refusing the infed coin.
12. Discriminator according to claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the alloy recognizing means (3-4) comprise an impedance bridge (41) whose two adjacent arms each comprise parallel impedances (451-454; 455-458) and whose one of these two arms includes said two coils (30, 31) series-connected, means (42, 43, 44) for detecting the balance of the bridge (41) with a view to accepting or refusing a coin running between the two coils (30, 31), a memory (40) for memorizing words identifying the alloys of acceptable coins respectively and switching means (461-464; 465-468) receiving the alloy identifying words for selecting the impedance combination (451 -458) in the bridge (41) corresponding to its balance for all the types of acceptable coins.
13. Multicoin discriminator according to claim 12, characterized in that the bridge balance detecting means further comprise an integrating circuit (43) and a threshold comparing circuit (44).
14. Multicoin discriminator according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the bridge arm comprising the two coils (30, 31 ) comprises a thermistor (411).
15. Discriminator according to claim 11 and one of claims 12 to 14 in which the diameter and thickness recognizing means (1-2) precede the alloy recognizing means (3-4) in the coin run direction in the chute (5), characterized in that the memory (20) in the diameter and thickness recognizing means (1-2) contains alloy identifying word addresses one word of which is supplied to the memory (40) in the alloy recognizing means (3-4) in response to an acceptable coin diameter and thickness identifying word being detected with a view to selecting the impedance combination (451-458) identifying the coin alloy corresponding to said acceptable diameter and thickness.
16. Discriminator according to claim 11 and one of claims 12 to 14 in which the alloy recognizing means (3-4) precede the diameter and thickness recognizing means (1-2) in the coin run direction in the chute (5), characterized in that the memory (40) in the alloy recognizing means contains diameter and thickness identifying word addresses one word of which is supplied to the memory (20) in the diameter and thickness recognizing means (1-2) in response to the balance of the impedance bridge (41) being detected for an impedance combination (451-458) identifying an acceptable coin alloy with a view to comparing the memorized word identifying the coin diameter and thickness corresponding to said acceptable alloy with the detected word identifying the diameter and thickness of the infed coin.
17. Multicoin discriminator according to one of claims 1 to 11 not comprising any alloy recognizing means (3-4).
18. Multicoin discriminator according to one of claims 1 and 12 to 14 not comprising any diameter and thickness recognizing means (1-2).
EP82401954A 1981-10-27 1982-10-22 Testing arrangement for a multitude of different coins Expired EP0078214B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8120170 1981-10-27
FR8120170A FR2515395B1 (en) 1981-10-27 1981-10-27 MULTIPIECE CURRENCY SELECTOR

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EP0078214A1 EP0078214A1 (en) 1983-05-04
EP0078214B1 true EP0078214B1 (en) 1984-08-08

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US (1) US4577744A (en)
EP (1) EP0078214B1 (en)
JP (1) JPS5882383A (en)
DE (1) DE3260545D1 (en)
DK (1) DK159691C (en)
FI (1) FI71847C (en)
FR (1) FR2515395B1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2515395B1 (en) 1985-05-31
FI71847C (en) 1987-02-09
FI823547A0 (en) 1982-10-18
DK159691B (en) 1990-11-19
FR2515395A1 (en) 1983-04-29
EP0078214A1 (en) 1983-05-04
DK472382A (en) 1983-04-28
DE3260545D1 (en) 1984-09-13
JPS5882383A (en) 1983-05-17
US4577744A (en) 1986-03-25
FI71847B (en) 1986-10-31
DK159691C (en) 1991-04-15
FI823547L (en) 1983-04-28

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