EP0762345A1 - Coin apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The coin sorting system has a guide channel for coins formed between plates Ä12,14Ü . Located in the channel are pivot mounted plates Ä18,20,22,24,28Ü and these are operated by electromagnets Ä27Ü that are spring return Ä29Ü. The top plate acts as a deflector to a return guide track Ä44Ü and also traps any coin supporting filament against an edge Ä30Ü. This is used to suspend a coin Ä76Ü in an attempt to obtain repeated triggering of the mechanism. Built into the channel are pair of opto electrical sensors ÄA,BÜ that measure the time for a coin to pass. If a set time is exceeded a warning signal sounds.

Description

The invention relates to a coin device according to the preamble of claim 1.

One of the more common ways to manipulate coin machines is to roll a real coin through a relatively thin thread through the coin validator. Since a real coin is used and the chronological sequence corresponds to that of the real coins, the coin is recognized as genuine by the sensors carrying out the authenticity check and is automatically fed to the acceptance area. This is controlled by a so-called acceptance switch, which causes real coins to go to an acceptance channel and spurious be directed into a return channel. Usually, a presence sensor is provided in the direction of travel behind the acceptance gate, which generates a credit signal so that the desired goods or services are granted. However, since the coin hangs on a thread, it does not get into the cash register. Rather, an attempt is made to pull it back through the thread, either to the insertion slot or up to the acceptance gate, in order to then let it get into the return channel. A variant of this manipulation consists in attaching a counterfeit coin or disc to the second thread end and inserting it after accepting the real coin. The second coin naturally goes into the return channel. An attempt is then made to recover the real coin in this way with the second coin.

It has become known to use the thread holding a coin to operate a lever or the like which is prevented from returning to an original position. This position is optically monitored for the purpose of sending a signal to a control and evaluation circuit. Such methods are described in DE 39 29 749, EP 0 358 956 or DE 41 17 096. However, to trigger the signal they require a relatively straight thread, on which a certain one Traction is applied to operate the lever or the like.

From WO 87/00663 it has become known to place a slot at the end of a coin track behind the test sensors between the track and the channel wall, into which the thread holding a coin runs, in particular when an attempt is made to withdraw the coin. The coin track prevents the retraction, so that either the thread breaks or the thread is released. In both cases, the coin goes to the cash register. This enables a credit signal to be generated and goods or services to be issued. However, since a real coin has been inserted, this process is harmless. It has also become known in the same publication to monitor the coin or the direction of the coin in order to determine whether a coin hanging on the thread is running through or is even being withdrawn or whether a conventional coin is moving along in the coin device.

Similar devices that describe the withdrawal of a coin on a thread have become known from DE 22 13 375, DE 25 55 213 or DE 23 26 343.

From EP 0 628 930 it has also become known between the counterfeit money track below the real money track and the wall a slot for retention purposes and provide a sensor that is provided in addition to the presence sensor for generating a credit signal to monitor the direction of a coin. If a coin is withdrawn, the order of the presence signals is reversed. This can generate a warning signal.

If the withdrawals are made sufficiently stable, as is the case with EP 0 628 930, then it is avoided with some certainty that a so-called service case occurs. Wherever possible, the operator of coin-operated machines must have a minimum number of service cases per period, otherwise the effort for the operation will be too great. The prevention of withdrawal must not lead to the machine being subsequently blocked.

In addition to preventing withdrawal, it is desirable to receive a corresponding indicating signal when the thread is manipulated, which indicates to the operator of the machine that a manipulation has been carried out. It can also be used to stop the delivery of goods, even if the authenticity sensors have verified the authenticity of the coin.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a coin device in which the presence of a thread can be determined with almost certainty, even if it is relatively thin and loose.

This object is solved by the features of claims 1 and 6.

The solution according to claim 1 takes advantage of the fact that usually an acceptance switch is provided in the form of a flap that either directs an incoming coin into a return or an acceptance channel. It is normally biased into the blocking position by a spring and is pivoted into the acceptance position by means of an electromagnet when a real signal is received from the test unit. As soon as the coin has passed the acceptance gate, it is returned to the locked position. This can be done using a presence sensor below the acceptance gate, which is also common for generating a credit signal. In the device according to the invention, a thread with a coin attached automatically leads to a more or less strong jamming of the thread between the acceptance gate and the associated coin wall in the turnout blocking position, so that the falling coin is more or less slowed down. For this purpose, the contact surface of the acceptance flap and the channel wall can be designed to be adhesive, for example by appropriate roughening or by selecting a suitable material with high static friction. According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the acceptance flap can have at least one lateral projection which engages in a recess in the wall. The acceptance flap can also be provided with a toothing in the contact area, which interacts with a corresponding toothing of the wall. As a result, the thread is deflected and clamped and either held or braked so far that the coin moves much more slowly than in the normal case. If two spaced presence sensors are now used below the acceptance gate, these sensors can be used to determine the time in which the coin passes the distance between the sensors. With a usual speed and a usual distance between the presence sensors, a time window of approximately 60 to 80 ms results. With relatively light coins, as mentioned, the thread can be stopped so that the coin passes a presence sensor, but gets caught between the two or initiates the second one continuously. In the case of heavier coins, the described delay occurs and times of> 100 ms result.

An additional sensor can be assigned to the flap, which detects a misaligned valve. If the thread is thicker, the flap will not return fully to its original position. This sensor detects the damper misalignment and emits a corresponding signal, which further increases safety.

The arrangement of two presence sensors located one behind the other is known from EP 0 622 763 already mentioned. However, your signals are used to check the order of occurrence, not to measure speed or time.

In the embodiment according to the invention described above, the presence of a thread is determined indirectly in which a transit time measurement is carried out. In the solution according to claim 7, a thread is directly sensed optically. A thread is negligible in relation to the width of a coin channel with regard to its shading effect in an optical measuring section. It is also not possible to restrict the light barrier to a narrow area of the coin channel, since the thread can also be loose and its position is therefore unknown. For this reason, the invention provides an optical channel through interacting recesses is formed by a flap and the associated wall against which the flap rests in one position, namely in its locked position. In the open position, it allows the coin to pass freely. When the flap moves into the blocking position, which is initiated by a presence sensor or by a time delay element, which automatically moves the flap out of the passage and blocking positions after a predetermined time, a thread is placed against the associated wall. As a result, it automatically reaches the area of the optical channel. The cross section of the optical channel can be kept relatively small, so that the difference in the signal of the optical path with and without thread is> 15%. This difference can be easily evaluated. If there is significant shadowing of the opto-route, a corresponding warning signal can be triggered.

It is conceivable to arrange the flap described as a separate part in the coin device. The flap can, for example, be arranged in the coin spout's slot. It is then operated directly by the coin, for example. The advantage is that a coin is recognized early on by the thread and falls directly into the return without reaching the acceptance area. After an arrangement According to the invention, the flap is formed by the acceptance switch which is necessary per se.

If very rigid threads, such as wire, are used, the flap may not be able to close completely. As a result, the amount of light is even greater than without a thread. In order to avoid an incorrect measurement, one embodiment of the invention therefore provides that an attachment is attached to the flap, which engages in an opening or a recess in the channel wall when the flap lies against the channel wall or is at a slight distance therefrom and Approach is provided with an opening that is aligned with the optical channel. The approach covers the receiver of the optical path even with the flap slightly open, so that the amount of light received is reduced.

Fig. 1

zeigt schematisch eine Sortiervorrichtung für ein Münzgerät mit einer Vorrichtung nach der Erfindung.

Fig. 2

zeigt eine erste Ausführungsform zur Fadenhemmung für eine Vorrichtung nach Fig. 1.

Fig. 3

zeigt eine zweite Ausführungsform für eine Fadenhemmung der Vorrichtung nach Fig. 1.

Fig. 4

zeigt in Seitenansicht einen Teil eines Münzgeräts einer zweiten Ausführungsform nach der Erfindung.

Fig. 5

zeigt die Ansicht der Vorrichtung nach Fig. 4 in Richtung Pfeil 5.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

Fig. 1

shows schematically a sorting device for a coin device with a device according to the invention.

Fig. 2

shows a first embodiment for thread inhibition for a device according to FIG. 1st

Fig. 3

shows a second embodiment for thread inhibition of the device of FIG. 1st

Fig. 4

shows in side view a part of a coin operated device of a second embodiment according to the invention.

Fig. 5

shows the view of the device of FIG. 4 in the direction of arrow 5.

1 shows a sorting device 10 which has two parallel plates 12, 14 and a third plate 16 adjoining the plate 14, between which plates flaps 18, 20, 22, 24, 28 are pivotally mounted. It can be swiveled around an axis perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. The flaps 18 to 28 are actuated by electromagnets, only one of which is shown at 27, for actuating the class 18. The magnetic tappet is biased by a spring 29. The flaps 24 and 28 are adjustable by a single magnet. The flaps 18 to 28 are shown in the rest position or in a position in which the electromagnets are de-energized, and therefore do not absorb any current. The flap 18, which serves as an acceptance gate, rests with its upper end against a stop 30 of the plate 14. The flap 20 bears against a stop member 32 on the plate 12, while the Flap 22 abuts a stop member 34 between the plates 14, 16. The flap 24 bears against a stop component 36 and the flap 28 against a stop component 40. The electromagnets or the flaps therefore expediently have a spring which bias the flaps 18 to 28 into the rest position shown.

As can be seen, three levels of flaps are formed, the first level representing the acceptance level, in which the flap 18 in the rest position directs coins falling in the direction of arrow 42 to a coin track 44, on which they roll into a return. The flaps 20, 22 form the second level, their axes being at the same height and thus the same timing control can be used. The same applies to the axes of the flaps 24, 28, which represent the third level.

Light barriers A and B are assigned to the second and third levels. The light barrier A consists of an optical transmitter element 44 and a receiving element 46. The light barrier B is constructed analogously.

As can be seen, the flap 20 has a recess 50 at the upper end and the longer flap 22 has an opening 52, so that light from the transmitter element 44 is unhindered Receiving element 46 can arrive. It can therefore detect the position of a coin in the area of the flaps 20, 22.

Similarly, the flaps 24, 28 have openings 54, 56, the stop members 36, 40 also being provided with corresponding openings 58. The position of a coin in the area of the flaps 24, 28 can therefore also be detected in the third level. At the end of the sorting device 10, five outlets 62, 64, 68, 70 and 72 are provided, which are aligned with acceptance shafts, not shown. A coin entering in the direction of arrow 42 can therefore be directed to one of the outlet openings 62 to 72 depending on its value and the position of the flaps 20 to 28.

The flaps 20, 22 are only activated alternatively, depending on the value signal for the coin tested. This value signal is generated in a coin validator which is arranged above the sorting device 10 (not shown). As can be seen, the flaps 18 to 28 are switched on in a staggered manner. (If the staggered switching on of the flaps also has advantages for the energy balance in battery operation and also increases the sorting speed, staggered actuation is not absolutely necessary. As soon as the coin value has been determined, the complete coin path can also be freely designed A period of, for example, 10 ms elapses from the actuation of the flap 18 to the actuation of the flap 22 or 20. A total of 50 ms elapses before the flaps 24, 28 are actuated. The insertion or removal of a coin into and out of the light barriers A and B therefore leads to a corresponding actuation of pulses for the actuation of the magnets for the flaps above. The magnet for the flap 18 is de-energized by the light barrier A. The magnet for the flap 20 or 22 is de-energized when the coin is immersed in the light barrier B. The flaps 18, 20, 22 therefore remain in the operating position for as long and their magnets are only energized as long as is absolutely necessary for the operation of the sorting device. The return of the flap to the rest position can therefore already begin when the coin is still partially in the area of the associated flap. The pulse of light barrier B can also be used to generate a credit signal. Finally, the order of the pulses of light barriers A and B can be registered. If the sequence is not as intended, this is an indication that a coin should be retrieved using a thread. A correspondingly generated delete signal then serves to eliminate the credit signal so that a sales transaction or the like does not take place.

1 indicates how a coin 74 hangs on a thread in a position below the light barrier B. A coin 68 'also hangs on a thread in the region of the light barrier A. FIGS. 1 and 2 now indicate how the Thread in the area of the flap 18 is affected. 2, the flap 18a is provided at the upper end with a contact surface 80 which is formed with an opposite contact surface 82 at the stop 30, with the aid of a thin plate 84 which is roughened relatively strongly. If there is now a thread 86 between the surfaces 80, 82, the thread is pressed under a predetermined force which corresponds to the restoring force for the flap 18. As a result, the thread 86 is inhibited. Braking takes place with relatively heavy coins, but the coin is moved further down. In the case of lighter coins, this may also be stopped in positions as shown in FIG. 1.

The evaluation and control device, not shown, also measures the time it takes for a coin to pass light barriers A and B. An inhibited coin will naturally take a longer time. Therefore, if a predetermined time is exceeded, the mentioned will again Signal triggered to initiate the presence of a coin on a thread.

In FIG. 3, the flap 18b has two teeth 88, 89 corresponding to the flap 18 according to FIG. 1, which engage in corresponding recesses 90, 91 of the stop 30. A thread 86 is therefore deflected several times. The result is a similar effect to that of the embodiment according to FIG. 2. The thread is again inhibited when the coin comes to a standstill or moves more slowly.

FIG. 4 shows a coin channel 100 which is delimited by side walls 102 and 104 and by a further wall 106 and a wall which cannot be seen in FIG. 4 and runs parallel to wall 106. A flap 108 is rotatably supported at 110 through wall 100 and the opposite wall. It extends to the wall 102 in the position shown in FIG. 4 and, with a lateral extension 112, projects into a recess or a slot 114 in the wall 102. The remaining part of the flap 108 ends in the center of a circular hole 116 in the shoulder 112. It is provided with a recess which is semicircular in cross section and extends across the width of the flap 108. The recess which is circular in cross section interacts with a recess which is semicircular in cross section Recess of the wall 102 so that an optical channel 120 with a circular cross section is formed (see also FIG. 5). It goes without saying that the cross section of the optical channel can also be designed differently, for example can have a rectangular shape. The optical channel 120 forms a passage for the light from a light source 122. A photoelectric receiver 124 is arranged at the other end. If a coin is now hung on a thread 126 and the coin, which is indicated at 128 in FIG. 4, has passed through the flap 108, the flap 108 is returned to the position shown in FIG. 4 by a control system which is not to be explained further . The flap 108 can act as a so-called acceptance gate, which pivots to the right in the event of a good signal in order to clear the passage for a coin. In Fig. 4 the switch 108 is in the blocking position and directs incoming coins into a return channel. If the switch 108 returns to the position shown in FIG. 4 after passage of a real coin, a thread 126, which hangs more or less loosely in the channel 108, is pressed against the wall 102. As a result, the thread enters the optical channel, extending through its center. The thread 126 therefore leads to a corresponding shading of the light path, which can be easily detected in order to emit a thread signal.

If there is no contact with the wall 102 because the thread is too stiff and firm, rather the upper edge of the flap 108 is at a certain distance from the wall 102, the attachment 112 or the flag ensures that nevertheless not too much light falls on the receiver 124 hits. In this case too, the presence of a thread can be signaled.

In order to prevent malfunctions due to water penetrating into the optical channel, appropriate drainage means, for example a fleece, can be fitted in the flap and on the stop, as a result of which the liquid is kept away from the optical channel.

Claims (11)

Coin device with a test unit for the authenticity test, an electromagnetically operated acceptance flap arranged downstream of the test unit, which is pivotably mounted about a horizontal axis and directs coins to a return or acceptance channel in accordance with the signals of the test unit, the acceptance flap being in the return position by means of a spring is biased, a first presence sensor in the direction of movement of the coins behind the acceptance flap and a second presence sensor behind the first presence sensor and an evaluation device for the signals of the test unit and the presence sensors, characterized in that the acceptance flap (18, 18a, 18b) with an upper area , with which it comes into contact with the wall (30) of the coin channel in the return position, cooperates such that a thread (86) holding a coin (74, 76) is inhibited or held and the evaluation device from the time interval between the sensor signals the presence sensors (A, B) calculate the lead time of the coin and generate a warning signal if the lead time exceeds a predetermined value. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the contact surface (80, 82) of the acceptance flap (18a) and / or channel wall (14) is designed to be adhesive. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the acceptance flap (18b) has at least one lateral projection (88, 89) which engages in a recess (90, 91) in the wall (14b). Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the acceptance flap and the channel wall interact via a toothing. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the presence sensors are formed by optical measuring sections (A, B). Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the flap (18a, 18b) is assigned an additional sensor which emits a signal when the flap (18a, 18b) is at a certain distance from the end position. Coin device, with a test unit for authenticity testing, one electromagnetic or one Coin operated flap (108), which opens a passage for the coins (128) and is biased by a spring into a blocking position in which it bears against a wall (102) of the coin channel (106), an optical channel (120), which is formed by cooperating recesses of the flap (108) and wall (102) when the flap (108) is in the blocking position, an optical path having a light source (122) and a light-sensitive receiver (124), the axis of which extends through the optical channel (120) and an evaluation device for the signals of the test unit and the optical path, which emits a warning signal when the amount of light occurring at the receiver (124) falls below a predetermined value. Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the flap (108) forms the acceptance gate controlled by the test unit, which optionally directs incoming coins into an acceptance or return channel. Apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the flap (108) has a projection (112) which engages in an opening or a recess (114) in the channel wall (102) when the flap (108) abuts the channel wall (102) or is at a short distance from it. Device according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the recess in the channel wall (102) and the flap (108) for forming the optical channel are semicircular in cross section. Device according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that means for removing water, for example in the form of a fleece or the like, are provided on the stop for the flap (108) or on the optical channel (120).

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