EP0725374A2 - Coin acceptor with device to test the hardness - Google Patents

Coin acceptor with device to test the hardness Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0725374A2
EP0725374A2 EP95117912A EP95117912A EP0725374A2 EP 0725374 A2 EP0725374 A2 EP 0725374A2 EP 95117912 A EP95117912 A EP 95117912A EP 95117912 A EP95117912 A EP 95117912A EP 0725374 A2 EP0725374 A2 EP 0725374A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
coin
sensor
operated device
coin operated
evaluation electronics
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP95117912A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0725374A3 (en
EP0725374B1 (en
Inventor
Hans-Ulrich Dipl.-Ing. Cohrs
Wilfried Dipl.-Ing. Meyer
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Crane Payment Innovations GmbH
Original Assignee
National Rejectors Inc GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by National Rejectors Inc GmbH filed Critical National Rejectors Inc GmbH
Publication of EP0725374A2 publication Critical patent/EP0725374A2/en
Publication of EP0725374A3 publication Critical patent/EP0725374A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0725374B1 publication Critical patent/EP0725374B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • 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
    • G07D5/06—Testing the hardness or elasticity

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a coin device with a device for determining the hardness of coins according to the preamble of patent claim 1.
  • a coin testing device for hardness determination of coins in which a sensor has a relatively hard stop surface in relation to the coin material.
  • the time period is determined with the aid of evaluation electronics and compared with a predetermined value, that between the output signal of the sensor when the coin is struck and a rimpedement of the output signal is at the original value.
  • the duration of contact of the coin with the stop surface of the sensor is used as a criterion for the hardness determination.
  • the period of time that results from the time the coin strikes the sensor and the time the coin jumps off is a reliable measure of the hardness of the coin. This period essentially depends on whether elastic or very soft materials are used for the coins, such as lead.
  • the hardness of the abutment surface must be sufficiently large, at least greater than that of the material of real coins, so that the coin vibration generated and detected by the sensor depends largely on the coin hardness and to a lesser extent on other factors, such as the coin weight, the speed and the sensor geometry .
  • either a piezo crystal or a contact pin is used as the sensor.
  • the contact pin interacts with a high-frequency foil, which is arranged in the area of the coin track, so that an RF voltage generated by a high-frequency generator can be capacitively coupled to the coin via the foil.
  • the invention has for its object to improve a coin device with a device for determining hardness of the type mentioned so that falsified coins of soft material can be distinguished more clearly from real coins.
  • the senor is arranged resiliently so that further impacts follow when a coin first hits the stop surface.
  • the sensor bounces off the coin when it is first touched and strikes the coin at least once, preferably several times, after a time determined by the sensor mass and the spring constant. With each touch, energy is converted in the sensor and in the coin.
  • the improvement of the invention now consists in the fact that not only a single measured value is generated, but several, from which the actual measurement result can then be calculated, for example by averaging.
  • the evaluation electronics can, for example, determine the amplitudes of the vibration generated by the individual impacts and compare them with predetermined values within a predetermined time interval. For example, if three amplitude values are above a predetermined level, this can speak for the authenticity of a coin.
  • the duration of an output signal of the sensor can be measured, which elapses between the impact of a coin on the sensor and the approximation of the output signal to the original value. If this time period lies within a predetermined range in the case of several successive operations, this can apply to a real coin.
  • it can also be determined how many signals are above a certain amplitude within a predetermined time interval, corresponding to the number of times the coin is struck on the sensor. Hard materials generally have a lower energy conversion than soft materials, so that a large number of oscillation periods can be achieved within one time interval.
  • the spring is formed by a leaf spring, at the end of which the sensor can be arranged.
  • the spring can also serve as a conductor for connecting the sensor to the evaluation electronics.
  • the stop surface is point or line-shaped.
  • the stop surface is formed by a steel ball.
  • the sensor can be arranged on a mass block, which naturally determines the vibration behavior of the spring. It is also conceivable to omit the mass block and to leave the piezo sensor as the only mass.
  • a coin 1 is shown rolling down a coin track 2.
  • a piezoelectric element 5 is arranged below the steel ball, which is firmly connected to the steel ball and is supported on a counter block 6, preferably made of steel.
  • the steel block 6 is attached to the end of a leaf spring 10 which is fixed to the device at 12. If the coin 1 hits the steel ball 4, a voltage curve according to FIG. 3 arises at the piezoelectric element 5, which is fed to an evaluation electronics 9 via a circuit arrangement 7 according to FIG. 2 and an operational amplifier 8.
  • Fig. 3 it can be seen that within a predetermined time interval t n three recurring, decreasing in amplitude vibrations occur. Each vibration represents the striking of the steel ball 4 on the coin 1. When struck for the first time, the impact causes the sensor arrangement to rebound. Since this is suspended from the spring 10, the steel ball 4 can lift off the coin running surface. After a certain time, the Steel ball 4 of the coin again, this process being repeated. It depends on the hardness of the coin 1 and the hardness of the steel ball 4 as well as the spring behavior of the spring arrangement made of leaf spring 10 and the mass of the sensor, steel ball and steel block.
  • the period of the vibrations t 1 -t 0 , t 1 ' -t 0' or t 1 '' -t 0 '' is approximately the same, while the amplitude gradually decreases due to the inevitable vibration losses.
  • the amplitudes of all vibrations in the positive range are greater than level A.
  • Level A can be seen as a criterion for the authenticity of a coin. If the amplitudes are above level A in a predetermined time interval, authenticity is present. If they are below this, there is a false certificate.
  • a much softer material, such as lead or the like which can otherwise be geometrically and approximated by the weight of a real coin, exhibits a completely different impact behavior.
  • the number of vibrations per time interval t n can also be calculated. It is also possible to determine the number of vibrations per unit of time, which corresponds to the number of shocks per time interval. Although the amplitudes are smaller, they also last longer.
  • the time integral may like that of a real coin.
  • a plurality of measured values can be obtained in any case, which can also be averaged, for example, in order to reduce the effects of scatter values.

Abstract

A coin checking system tests on the basis of material hardness to detect if the coil is authentic. A piezo electric sensor [5] is mounted on a steel block at the end of a leaf spring supported as a cantilever [10]. A contact element [4] is formed on the tip of the sensor and this is positioned to project through an aperture in a coin guide track. Coins are rolled along the inclined track and in doing so strike the contact element. The signal from the sensor is amplified and is in the form of a transient with the amplitude being indicative of the material.

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf ein Münzgerät mit einer Vorrichtung zur Härtebestimmung von Münzen nach dem Oberbegriff des Patentanpruchs 1.The invention relates to a coin device with a device for determining the hardness of coins according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

Aus der DE 41 38 018 ist eine Münzprüfeinrichtung zur Härtebestimmung von Münzen bekanntgeworden, bei der ein Sensor eine im Verhältnis zum Münzmaterial relativ harte Anschlagfläche aufweist. Mit Hilfe einer Auswerteelektronik wird der Zeitraum bestimmt und mit einem vorgegebenen Wert verglichen, der zwischen dem Ausgangssignal des Sensors bei dem Anschlagen der Münze und einer Wiederannäherung des Ausgangssignals an den Ursprungswert liegt. Die Kontaktdauer der Münze mit der Anschlagfläche des Sensors wird als Kriterium für die Härtebestimmung herangezogen. Der Zeitraum, der sich aus dem Anschlagzeitpunkt der Münze an dem Sensor und dem Zeitpunkt des Abspringens der Münze ergibt, ist ein zuverlässiges Maß für die Münzhärte. Dieser Zeitraum hängt im wesentlichen davon ab, ob elastische oder sehr weiche Materialien für die Münzen, wie zum Beispiel Blei vorgesehen wird. Die Härte der Anschlagfläche muß genügend groß sein, zumindest größer als die des Materials echter Münzen, damit die erzeugte und vom Sensor erfaßte Münzschwingung zum überwiegenden Teil von der Münzhärte und zum geringen Teil von anderen Faktoren abhängt, wie der Münzmasse, der Geschwindigkeit und der Sensorgeometrie.From DE 41 38 018 a coin testing device for hardness determination of coins has become known, in which a sensor has a relatively hard stop surface in relation to the coin material. The time period is determined with the aid of evaluation electronics and compared with a predetermined value, that between the output signal of the sensor when the coin is struck and a rapprochement of the output signal is at the original value. The duration of contact of the coin with the stop surface of the sensor is used as a criterion for the hardness determination. The period of time that results from the time the coin strikes the sensor and the time the coin jumps off is a reliable measure of the hardness of the coin. This period essentially depends on whether elastic or very soft materials are used for the coins, such as lead. The hardness of the abutment surface must be sufficiently large, at least greater than that of the material of real coins, so that the coin vibration generated and detected by the sensor depends largely on the coin hardness and to a lesser extent on other factors, such as the coin weight, the speed and the sensor geometry .

Bei der bekannten Vorrichtung wird als Sensor entweder ein Piezokristall oder ein Kontaktstift verwendet. Der Kontaktstift wirkt mit einer Hochfrequenzfolie zusammen, die im Bereich der Münzlaufbahn angeordnet ist, so daß eine von einem Hochfrequenzgenerator erzeugte HF-Spannung über die Folie kapazitiv auf die Münze aufgekoppelt werden kann.In the known device, either a piezo crystal or a contact pin is used as the sensor. The contact pin interacts with a high-frequency foil, which is arranged in the area of the coin track, so that an RF voltage generated by a high-frequency generator can be capacitively coupled to the coin via the foil.

Bedingt durch die vorzugsweise punktförmige Berührungsfläche und die sehr kurze Berührungszeit zwischen Münze und Anschlagfläche erzeugt das bekannte Verfahren eine relativ große Streuung der Meßwerte.Due to the preferably punctiform contact surface and the very short contact time between the coins and the stop surface generates the known method a relatively large spread of the measured values.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein Münzgerät mit einer Vorrichtung zur Härtebestimmung der eingangs genannten Art so zu verbessern, daß Falsifikate von Münzen aus weichem Material noch klarer von den echten Münzen unterschieden werden können.The invention has for its object to improve a coin device with a device for determining hardness of the type mentioned so that falsified coins of soft material can be distinguished more clearly from real coins.

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

Bei der Erfindung ist der Sensor federnd so angeordnet, daß bei einem ersten Auftreffen einer Münze auf die Anschlagfläche weitere Stöße nachfolgen. Bei einer entsprechenden Auslegung des Federverhaltens der Feder, auf die sich der Sensor abstützt, prallt der Sensor bei einer ersten Berührung von der Münze ab und schlägt nach einer von der Sensormasse und der Federkonstanten bestimmten Zeit mindestens einmal, vorzugsweise mehrfach an die Münze an. Bei jeder Berührung wird im Sensor und in der Münze Energie umgesetzt, wobei die Feder-Sensorkombination nach einiger Zeit ausgeschwungen ist. Die Verbesserung der Erfindung besteht nun darin, daß nicht nur ein einziger Meßwert erzeugt wird, sondern mehrere, aus denen dann das eigentliche Meßergebnis, zum Beispiel durch Mittelung, errechnet werden kann.In the invention, the sensor is arranged resiliently so that further impacts follow when a coin first hits the stop surface. With a corresponding design of the spring behavior of the spring on which the sensor is supported, the sensor bounces off the coin when it is first touched and strikes the coin at least once, preferably several times, after a time determined by the sensor mass and the spring constant. With each touch, energy is converted in the sensor and in the coin. The improvement of the invention now consists in the fact that not only a single measured value is generated, but several, from which the actual measurement result can then be calculated, for example by averaging.

Die Auswerteelektronik kann zum Beispiel die Amplituden der durch die einzelnen Stöße erzeugten Schwingung ermitteln und mit vorgegebenen Werten innerhalb eines vorgegebenen Zeitintervalls vergleichen. Liegen zum Beispiel drei Amplitudenwerte über einem vorgegebenen Niveau, kann dies für die Echtheit einer Münze sprechen. Alternativ oder zusätzlich kann die Dauer eines Ausgangssignals des Sensors gemessen werden, die zwischen dem Auftreffen einer Münze auf den Sensor und der Wiederannäherung des Ausgangssignals an den Ursprungswert verstreicht. Liegt diese Zeitdauer bei mehreren aufeinanderfolgenden Vorgängen innerhalb eines vorgegebenen Bereichs, kann dies für eine echte Münze gelten. Alternativ kann auch festgestellt werden, wieviel Signale innerhalb eines vorgegebenen Zeitintervalls oberhalb einer bestimmten Amplitude liegen entsprechend der Anzahl der Anschläge der Münze an dem Sensor. Bei harten Materialien ist im allgemeinen der Energieumsatz geringer als bei weichen, so daß eine große Anzahl von Schwingungsperioden innerhalb eines Zeitintervalls erreicht wird.The evaluation electronics can, for example, determine the amplitudes of the vibration generated by the individual impacts and compare them with predetermined values within a predetermined time interval. For example, if three amplitude values are above a predetermined level, this can speak for the authenticity of a coin. Alternatively or additionally, the duration of an output signal of the sensor can be measured, which elapses between the impact of a coin on the sensor and the approximation of the output signal to the original value. If this time period lies within a predetermined range in the case of several successive operations, this can apply to a real coin. Alternatively, it can also be determined how many signals are above a certain amplitude within a predetermined time interval, corresponding to the number of times the coin is struck on the sensor. Hard materials generally have a lower energy conversion than soft materials, so that a large number of oscillation periods can be achieved within one time interval.

Nach einer weiteren Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist die Feder von einer Blattfeder gebildet, an deren Ende der Sensor angeordnet sein kann. Die Feder kann nach einer weiteren Ausgestaltung der Erfindung zugleich als Leiter dienen für eine Verbindung des Sensors mit der Auswerteelektronik.According to a further embodiment of the invention, the spring is formed by a leaf spring, at the end of which the sensor can be arranged. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the spring can also serve as a conductor for connecting the sensor to the evaluation electronics.

Eine andere Ausgestaltung der Erfindung sieht vor, daß die Anschlagfläche punkt- oder linienförmig ist. Dies ist jedoch aus der bereits oben genannten Druckschrift bekannt, ebenso wie die Ausgestaltung, daß die Anschlagfläche von einer Stahlkugel gebildet ist. Der Sensor kann auf einem Masseblock angeordnet sein, der naturgemäß das Schwingungsverhalten der Feder mitbestimmt. Es ist auch denkbar, den Masseblock fortzulassen und als einzige Masse den Piezosensor zu belassen.Another embodiment of the invention provides that the stop surface is point or line-shaped. However, this is known from the publication already mentioned above, as is the configuration that the stop surface is formed by a steel ball. The sensor can be arranged on a mass block, which naturally determines the vibration behavior of the spring. It is also conceivable to omit the mass block and to leave the piezo sensor as the only mass.

Die Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand von Zeichnungen näher erläutert.

Fig. 1
zeigt eine schematische Darstellung einer Vorrichtung nach der Erfindung.
Fig. 2
zeigt ein Schaltungsbild der Vorrichtung nach Fig. 1.
Fig. 3
zeigt ein Ausgangssignal des Sensors nach Fig. 1.
The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.
Fig. 1
shows a schematic representation of a device according to the invention.
Fig. 2
shows a circuit diagram of the device of FIG. 1st
Fig. 3
shows an output signal of the sensor of FIG. 1st

In Fig. 1 ist eine Münze 1 dargestellt, die eine Münzlaufbahn 2 hinunterrollt. In die Münzlaufbahn ragt ein Sensor 3 mit einer Anschlagfläche 4 hinein, die eine Stahlkugel darstellt. Unterhalb der Stahlkugel ist ein piezoelektrisches Element 5 angeordnet, das mit der Stahlkugel fest verbunden ist und sich auf einem Gegenblock 6 vorzugsweise aus Stahl abstützt. Der Stahlblock 6 ist am Ende einer Blattfeder 10 angebracht, die bei 12 gerätefest befestigt ist. Trifft die Münze 1 auf die Stahlkugel 4, entsteht am piezoelektrischen Element 5 ein Spannungsverlauf gemäß Fig. 3, der über eine Schaltungsanordnung 7 nach Fig. 2 und einem Operationsverstärker 8 einer Auswerteelektronik 9 zugeführt wird.In Fig. 1, a coin 1 is shown rolling down a coin track 2. A sensor 3 with a stop surface 4, which represents a steel ball, projects into the coin track. A piezoelectric element 5 is arranged below the steel ball, which is firmly connected to the steel ball and is supported on a counter block 6, preferably made of steel. The steel block 6 is attached to the end of a leaf spring 10 which is fixed to the device at 12. If the coin 1 hits the steel ball 4, a voltage curve according to FIG. 3 arises at the piezoelectric element 5, which is fed to an evaluation electronics 9 via a circuit arrangement 7 according to FIG. 2 and an operational amplifier 8.

Aus Fig. 3 erkennt man, daß innerhalb eines vorgegebenen Zeitintervalls tn drei wiederkehrende, in der Amplitude abnehmende Schwingungen auftreten. Jede Schwingung repräsentiert das Anschlagen der Stahlkugel 4 an der Münze 1. Bei einem ersten Anschlagen führt der Aufprall zu einem Rückprallen der Sensoranordnung. Da diese an der Feder 10 aufgehängt ist, kann die Stahlkugel 4 von der Münzlauffläche abheben. Nach einer gewissen Zeit nähert sich die Stahlkugel 4 der Münze wieder an, wobei sich dieser Vorgang wiederholt. Er ist abhängig von der Härte der Münze 1 und der Härte der Stahlkugel 4 sowie dem Federverhalten der Federanordnung aus Blattfeder 10 und der Masse aus Sensor, Stahlkugel und Stahlblock. Die Periodendauer der Schwingungen t1 -t0, t1' -t0' oder t1'' -t0'' ist in etwa gleich, während die Amplitude aufgrund der zwangsläufig auftretenden Schwingungsverluste allmählich abnimmt. Es ist jedoch erkennbar, daß die Amplituden aller Schwingungen im positiven Bereich größer als das Niveau A sind. Das Niveau A kann als Kriterium für die Echtheit einer Münze angesehen werden. Liegen die Amplituden in einem vorgegebenen Zeitintervall oberhalb des Niveaus A, liegt Echtheit vor. Liegen sie darunter, liegt ein Falsifikat vor. Bekanntlich legt ein viel weicheres Material, wie Blei oder dergleichen, das ansonsten geomtrisch und vom Gewicht einer echten Münze angenähert werden kann, ein völlig anderes Stoßverhalten an den Tag.From Fig. 3 it can be seen that within a predetermined time interval t n three recurring, decreasing in amplitude vibrations occur. Each vibration represents the striking of the steel ball 4 on the coin 1. When struck for the first time, the impact causes the sensor arrangement to rebound. Since this is suspended from the spring 10, the steel ball 4 can lift off the coin running surface. After a certain time, the Steel ball 4 of the coin again, this process being repeated. It depends on the hardness of the coin 1 and the hardness of the steel ball 4 as well as the spring behavior of the spring arrangement made of leaf spring 10 and the mass of the sensor, steel ball and steel block. The period of the vibrations t 1 -t 0 , t 1 ' -t 0' or t 1 '' -t 0 '' is approximately the same, while the amplitude gradually decreases due to the inevitable vibration losses. However, it can be seen that the amplitudes of all vibrations in the positive range are greater than level A. Level A can be seen as a criterion for the authenticity of a coin. If the amplitudes are above level A in a predetermined time interval, authenticity is present. If they are below this, there is a false certificate. As is well known, a much softer material, such as lead or the like, which can otherwise be geometrically and approximated by the weight of a real coin, exhibits a completely different impact behavior.

Alternativ kann auch die Anzahl der Schwingungen pro Zeitintervall tn berechnet werden. Es ist ferner möglich, die Anzahl der Schwingungen pro Zeiteinheit zu ermitteln, was der Anzahl der Stöße pro Zeitintervall entspricht. Die Amplituden sind zwar kleiner, dauern aber auch länger.Alternatively, the number of vibrations per time interval t n can also be calculated. It is also possible to determine the number of vibrations per unit of time, which corresponds to the number of shocks per time interval. Although the amplitudes are smaller, they also last longer.

Dadurch ist das Zeitintegral u.U. gleich dem einer echten Münze.As a result, the time integral may like that of a real coin.

Durch das federnde Verhalten des Sensors 3 kann in jedem Fall eine Mehrzahl von Meßwerten erhalten werden, die zum Beispiel auch gemittelt werden können, um die Auswirkungen von Streuwerten zu verringern.Due to the resilient behavior of the sensor 3, a plurality of measured values can be obtained in any case, which can also be averaged, for example, in order to reduce the effects of scatter values.

Claims (9)

Münzgerät mit einer Vorrichtung zur Härtebestimmung von Münzen, mit einem ein piezoelektrisches Element enthaltenden Sensor, der eine im Verhältnis zum Münzmaterial relativ harte Anschlagfläche aufweist, an der die Münzen anschlagen, und einer Auswerteelektronik, die das Schwingungsverhalten des Piezoelements aufgrund des Stoßes mit den Münzen auswertet und mit vorgegebenen Werten vergleicht, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Sensor (3) federnd so angeordnet ist, daß bei einem ersten Auftreffen einer Münze auf die Anschlagfläche (4) weitere Stöße nachfolgen und die Auswerteelektronik (9) die durch den Mehrfachstoß verursachten Schwingungen auswertet.Coin operated device with a device for determining the hardness of coins, with a sensor containing a piezoelectric element, which has a relatively hard stop surface in relation to the coin material, against which the coins strike, and evaluation electronics, which evaluate the vibration behavior of the piezo element due to the impact with the coins and compares it with predetermined values, characterized in that the sensor (3) is resiliently arranged in such a way that when a coin hits the stop surface (4) for the first time, further impacts follow and the evaluation electronics (9) evaluate the vibrations caused by the multiple impacts. Münzgerät nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Auswerteelektronik (9) die Anzahl der Stöße pro Zeiteinheit zählt und mit einem vorgegebenen Wert vergleicht.Coin operated device according to claim 1, characterized in that the evaluation electronics (9) counts the number of shocks per unit of time and compares them with a predetermined value. Münzgerät nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Auswerteelektronik (9) eine vorgegebene Anzahl von Amplituden der einzelnen Schwingungen mit einem vorgegebenen Wert vergleicht.Coin operated device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the evaluation electronics (9) compares a predetermined number of amplitudes of the individual vibrations with a predetermined value. Münzgerät nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Auswerteelektronik (9) für ein vorgegebenes Zeitintervall die Zeiträume, die zwischen dem Auftreffen einer Münze und einer Wiederannäherung des Ausgangssignals des Sensors (3) an dem Ursprungswert mißt und mit einem vorgegebenen Wert vergleicht.Coin operated device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the evaluation electronics (9) for a predetermined time interval measure the periods of time between the occurrence of a coin and a re-approximation of the output signal of the sensor (3) to the original value and with a predetermined value compares. Münzgerät nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Feder (10) eine Blattfeder ist.Coin operated device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the spring (10) is a leaf spring. Münzgerät nach Anspruch 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Blattfeder als Leiterplatte ausgebildet ist zur elektrischen Verbindung zwischen Sensor und Auswerteelektronik.Coin operated device according to claim 5, characterized in that the leaf spring is designed as a printed circuit board for the electrical connection between the sensor and the evaluation electronics. Münzgerät nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Anschlagfläche (4) punkt- oder linienförmig ist.Coin operated device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the stop surface (4) is point-shaped or linear. Münzgerät nach Anspruch 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Anschlagfläche (4) von einer Stahlkugel gebildet ist.Coin operated device according to claim 7, characterized in that the stop surface (4) is formed by a steel ball. Münzgerät nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Sensor (5) auf einem Masseblock (6) angeordnet ist.Coin operated device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the sensor (5) is arranged on a ground block (6).
EP95117912A 1995-02-04 1995-11-14 Coin acceptor with device to test the hardness Expired - Lifetime EP0725374B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19503765A DE19503765C1 (en) 1995-02-04 1995-02-04 Coin checking system with test for coin hardness
DE19503765 1995-02-04

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0725374A2 true EP0725374A2 (en) 1996-08-07
EP0725374A3 EP0725374A3 (en) 1998-05-20
EP0725374B1 EP0725374B1 (en) 2002-11-27

Family

ID=7753237

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP95117912A Expired - Lifetime EP0725374B1 (en) 1995-02-04 1995-11-14 Coin acceptor with device to test the hardness

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0725374B1 (en)
DE (2) DE19503765C1 (en)
ES (1) ES2184781T3 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6138813A (en) * 1999-06-03 2000-10-31 Mars, Incorporated Coin mechanism with a piezoelectric film sensor
US7025190B2 (en) 2002-07-19 2006-04-11 Mars, Incorporated Coin validation by signal processing

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1378866A3 (en) * 2002-07-02 2004-04-21 Azkoyen Medios de Pago, S.A. Device and procedure for verification of coins
EP1378867A1 (en) * 2002-07-02 2004-01-07 Azkoyen Medios de Pago, S.A. Device and method for coin verification
ES2420204B1 (en) * 2002-10-07 2015-03-17 Azkoyen, S.A. CURRENCY VERIFICATION DEVICE AND CURRENCY SELECTOR
ES2344874B1 (en) * 2007-11-07 2011-06-28 Azkoyen Medios De Pago, S.A. DEVICE AND CURRENCY VERIFICATION METHOD.

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4138018C1 (en) 1991-11-19 1992-11-05 National Rejectors Inc. Gmbh, 2150 Buxtehude, De

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1001230A (en) * 1946-03-29 1952-02-21 Improvements made to rebound measuring devices, in particular those for determining the hardness of a part
US3425263A (en) * 1967-03-06 1969-02-04 Gen Electric Apparatus for measuring some mechanical properties of a material
DK327581A (en) * 1981-07-23 1983-01-24 Gnt Automatic As PROCEDURE FOR CLASSIFYING MOUNTS ACCORDING TO THEIR MECHANICAL ELASTICITY

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4138018C1 (en) 1991-11-19 1992-11-05 National Rejectors Inc. Gmbh, 2150 Buxtehude, De

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6138813A (en) * 1999-06-03 2000-10-31 Mars, Incorporated Coin mechanism with a piezoelectric film sensor
US7025190B2 (en) 2002-07-19 2006-04-11 Mars, Incorporated Coin validation by signal processing

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE19503765C1 (en) 1996-05-02
DE59510476D1 (en) 2003-01-09
EP0725374A3 (en) 1998-05-20
EP0725374B1 (en) 2002-11-27
ES2184781T3 (en) 2003-04-16

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0059745B1 (en) Method and device for the localisation and analysis of sound emissions
DE2630228A1 (en) MEASURING DEVICE FOR MEASURING THICKNESS DIFFERENCES IN RECORDING MEDIA, SUCH AS BANKNOTES AND THE LIKE
DE2935539A1 (en) SENSING DEVICE FOR METAL OBJECTS
DE10034524B4 (en) Method and device for detecting an accidental deformation of at least one component of a motor vehicle
EP0431395A2 (en) Apparatus for measuring the surface hardness of construction materials
EP3191875A1 (en) Precipitation sensor, in particular hail sensor, and method for detecting a particle of precipitation
DE10144416B4 (en) Method and device for measuring viscoelastic parameters
DE19503765C1 (en) Coin checking system with test for coin hardness
DE3334570C2 (en) Device for detecting the start of a crack in a fracture mechanics sample
DE2147641A1 (en) Method and device for determining cracks in bodies
EP3329473B1 (en) Aparatus and method for inspecting value documents and/or the transport of value documents using ultrasound
CH422383A (en) Impact testing device
EP2040227B1 (en) Method for inspecting coins
DE2825094A1 (en) Detector for coins with knurled edge - has vibratory detector excited by knurled edges as well as detector stage for type of material
DE4138018C1 (en)
EP0038911B1 (en) Coin validating method and apparatus
DE3526378A1 (en) DEVICE WITH A SENSOR FOR DETECTING COINS
DE10016468C2 (en) Method and device for measuring the transit time of sound pulses in a magnetoelastic workpiece
DE69922205T2 (en) METHOD AND DEVICE FOR SURFACE TESTING
DE19964592B4 (en) A vibration
CH675787A5 (en)
CH624500A5 (en) Coin-testing device for coin-operated machines, especially coin-operated telephones
EP1124125A2 (en) Process and device for acoustic detection of microparticles
DE3203815A1 (en) Method and arrangement for determining the tension in a rope
DE2835201C3 (en) Arrangement for measuring the time course of the force exerted on a specimen by a hammer in impact or drop weight testing of materials

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): CH DE ES FR GB LI

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): CH DE ES FR GB LI

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19980924

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19991012

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Free format text: 7G 07D 5/06 A, 7G 01N 3/52 B

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): CH DE ES FR GB LI

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 59510476

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20030109

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2184781

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)

Effective date: 20030327

ET Fr: translation filed
PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20030828

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20031130

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20031130

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20070927

Year of fee payment: 13

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20090731

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20091123

Year of fee payment: 15

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20101123

Year of fee payment: 16

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20081130

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20120110

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20101115

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20111114

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20111114

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20130104

Year of fee payment: 18

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 59510476

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20140603

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20140603