EP1014314A1 - Money changer for coin-actuated vending machine adaptable from the national currency to the Euro - Google Patents

Abstract

The coin operated machine has a data base (12,14) in a microprocessor based system that handles national currency and Euro reference values. A comparison of values is made of coins held in a number of channels and is used in a conversion from national currency to Euro on a specific changeover day.

Description

The invention relates to a changer for coin-operated machines with a switchover facility from a national to the euro currency according to the preamble of the claim 1.

Money changers are used in many vending machines and other machines. she usually have a number of coin tubes in which the coins are stacked become. The feeding takes place with the help of a sorting device, which the by a coin acceptor into the corresponding tubes as genuine coins directs. A payout device pays coins out of the tubes according to the overpaid amount Price. The function of the changer is controlled by a microprocessor monitors, which usually also the other controls and monitoring of the Functions of the coin validator. In the microprocessor z. B. the reference values with which the coin signals of the coin validator are compared to determine whether a coin inserted is real or not. Only real ones Coins are either in one of the designated tubes or in the cash register steered and lead to a comparison with that preset in the microprocessor Price for a product or service. After reaching the given or If the price is higher, a signal can be given to the machine are used to issue goods, tickets or the like. The overpaid As already mentioned, the amount will be repaid from the tubes. This happens with With the help of a suitable payment device. The payout control block provided for this is coupled with sensors, which provide information about the state of the Coin tubes. A vacancy sensor reports when the tube is empty or only one Contains minimum number of coins. There will be no output from this tube more instead. A full sensor ensures that further refilling with coins is avoided when a coin tube is filled.

On January 1, 2002, the Euro currency became the valid currency according to the Maastricht Treaty introduced, and all vending machines must be programmed to accept the euro his. This means that prices have to be redesigned if necessary Goods are to be exchanged and the change is exchanged in the changer. After the cut-off date, a double currency period is also planned, in which B. Vending machine coins are still accepted. It is said to be after a transition period last a maximum of 6 months. However, this period is intended to be so small to design as possible, e.g. B. only for 2 months or even for a few limit a few days. After the dual currency or transition period the machines only accept euro coins.

The effort that machine operators face is considerable. It must Programming the device to accept the euro at the latest on the key date if this has not already been done on the manufacturer's side. Furthermore, mechanical adjustments for the sorting device, the tubes and the payout mechanism. The size of the euro coins in Tubes to be stored are sometimes different from the DM coins to be stored. It is therefore necessary to replace the coin tubes at least in part. Furthermore, the payout mechanism is adjusted accordingly.

The invention has for its object a money changer for coin machines with the option to switch from a national to the euro currency enables the operator to carry out all necessary renovation work in a preparation time to make so that the money changer from the reporting date its full function can perceive without the effort for the actual change from national to the euro currency is particularly high. In particular, the aim is in addition to the renovation work in the preparation time through additional conversion measures To let operators come in failure.

This object is achieved by the features of patent claim 1.

The changer according to the invention contains z. B. two currency blocks in the microprocessor, namely for the national currency and for the euro. Every block is equipped with a number of channels, sufficient national plus coins of the euro currency. In other words, e.g. B. contains the DM block not only channels for all DM coins 0.10, 0.50, 1.00, 2.00 and 5.00 DM, but for all euro coins, namely 0.05, 0.10, 0.20, 050, 2.00 E. This means that one Coin validation for all of these coins can take place because of appropriate reference values are saved. Similarly, the euro block contains channels for national and the Euro coins, in which case the euro currency is the base currency on which is expected. It is also possible to have only one block in the evaluation device Provide and set channels for the national coins and the euro coin or activate which base currency to convert the inserted coin into if it does not come from the activated base currency.

mitgeführte" Währung auf die andere eingestellte Währung umgerechnet wird, d. h. ist die Basiswährung der Euro, werden DM-Münzen auf den Euro-Wert umgerechnet, ist hingegen die Basiswährung DM, werden Euro-Münzen in DM umgerechnet.Euro coins are currently not available for testing or calibration purposes. However, it is already possible to carry out preprogramming, so that only a few steps are required in the actual programming in order to store the reference values for the euro coins. This programming will be possible if the euro coins or ― tokens are issued in good time before the deadline. With the help of a switch in the coin changer, the respective block or the base currency can then be set or selected. As long as the DM coins are the only valid currency, it goes without saying that the DM currency block or the DM base currency is switched on. At the latest when the euro coin is introduced as a new currency, the euro block or euro conversion mode is switched over. However, it is also conceivable to select the euro block at the time of the renovation. It is then necessary to convert all inserted DM coins into euro currency and, if necessary, to display them on a suitable display. Corresponding conversion options are included in the program in the microprocessor such that the respective (in the block)

carried "currency is converted to the other set currency, ie if the base currency is the euro, DM coins are converted to the euro value, but if the base currency is DM, euro coins are converted to DM.

If the microprocessor is mentioned above and below, then everyone is electronic device meant for the control, monitoring, processing and storage of data in connection with money changers.

Another essential feature of the invention is a blocking function for the payment control block such that the dispensing of coins from the coin tubes is blocked even if they are filled. Usually a payout of coins locked out of coin tubes only when the coin tube is empty. The lock function mentioned is also effective when the tube is full. It is therefore using the lock function possible, the coin tubes z. B. to be filled with euro coins in the preparation time, without the changer operating when it is fed with DM and the Thrown amount exceeds the set price. Although therefore the money changer is filled with change, it becomes temporary by the lock function disabled until the lock function is overridden with the help of a lock switch is set. Switching on the lock function causes an exact price behavior or an impulse function of the money changer, which means that a commodity only is issued when the exact price is entered or in the case of overpayment, but without Repayment of the overpaid amount.

As already mentioned, there are basically two options for how to proceed after the preparation time up to the deadline. One possibility is based on DM. Before the renovation day in the DM time "is the storage and return of DM coins by means of coin tubes with corresponding display of the inserted coins and the prices. In addition, data can be read out of the microprocessor or a memory, which relate to the individual sales processes, sales and the like. During the conversion day, the tubes are emptied, tubes for the euro coins - if required - (for German coins, the coin tubes for euro coins are compatible, which is not always the case with other currencies) and the sorting device and the payment device - included The tubes are then filled with euro coins and, as mentioned, the impulse function is activated via the lock switch, ie the money exchange function is blocked. During the preparation time, DM coins are still accepted, however led directly to the cash register, displaying and reading out the D Data is the same as in the DM period. As of the reporting date, the changeover was made on a euro basis, ie the changeover to the euro block, the activation of the money exchange function and the reading of the data (audit). The channels for the DM coins, which had previously been sorted into tubes, had already been blocked. In addition to the euro coins, DM coins are still accepted, but are sent to the cash register. In addition, all saved sales data and the inserted DM coins are converted to the euro value, which means that the display and reading of the data always takes place on the basis of the euro even when inserting DM coins. Change is only given in euros, regardless of whether DM or euro coins have been deposited. After a second key date, which can be a few days after the first, the DM acceptance is blocked so that the machine can only be operated with euro coins.

Such a money changer device has the advantage that it is prepared for the deadline is, d. H. takes over the money exchange function in euros with the key date. All elaborate renovation work was done before the deadline. Disadvantageous is that a manual switch must be made on the key date and on the second due date to block the acceptance of DM coins. Disadvantageous is also that from the conversion day to the cut-off date the money changer function is excluded Strength is. It is therefore recommended for the vending machine installer to do the conversion day if possible close to the deadline.

According to an alternative procedure, a switchover takes place on the day of conversion on the euro block or the euro as the base currency with programming Euro coins. The money exchange function is also blocked here. The difference to the above procedure, the inserted DM coins are converted and their display and the setting of prices in euros. In this version the audit unit is read out during the conversion and then set to zero. During the preparation period, the machine is now operating on a euro basis with display on the display in euros and the audit in euros. The display of the DM coins can alternatively remain in DM if linked to the lock switch is provided. By activating the money exchange function, the Conversion of DM coins to euros activated. In the audit unit, the DM coins already in euros. The money changer function becomes effective on the key date activated and the acceptance of DM coins blocked on the second key date. this has the advantage that the activities on the reporting date are minimal. It just needs that Impulse generator function ended and the money exchange function to be put into effect so that the changer can continue operating on a euro basis.

Another alternative is to empty the tubes on the day of the conversion and sort them of DM coins in the tubes. The sorting of euro coins can in principle be released, as euro coins by the deadline are not available. Since the changer does not contain any exchange coins, it also lies a lock function that is automatically canceled if after the key date the tubes are filled and thus the money changer performs its normal function can take over. In this case, an operator only needs that twice Visit the money changer, namely on the conversion day and on the second key date for blocking the DM acceptance.

A considerable reduction in the effort can be achieved according to the invention if a timer is provided that provides an actuation signal for the lock switch and optionally generated for the selector switch when a predetermined time has passed or a specified calendar date has been reached. In the first version above an actuation of the selector switch is also required in order to switch from the national one Currency block on the euro block. In the microprocessor or in the changer a date block is preferably provided so that the microprocessor after reaching it This date generates a corresponding activation signal for the cancellation the blocking function for the money changer. For money changers that are already in Automats are installed and do not contain a date module, a so-called. Timers are set, which is always part of a microprocessor and which is reached a predetermined number of pulses, which corresponds to a predetermined time corresponding actuation signal for the lock switch generated. In practice this is done Preparation or switching in machines in such a way that a mechanical Switch is already operated on the day of conversion to cancel the locking function. On Time delay element prevents, however, that the signal of the lock switch is already at Cancellation of the locking function leads, rather this only after a predetermined one Time reached, which is set by the timer or which corresponds to the date of the Date block responds. It is therefore no longer necessary for an operator drives to the machine on the key date and operates a switch, rather runs this process automatically. According to a further embodiment of the invention after another time or when another date appears generates another actuation signal, can also block the acceptance channels for DM coins take place automatically without the presence of an operator is required. For all conversion measures to the euro currency only conversion work and adjustment measures required before the first deadline.

There is another option for automatic changeover on the key date or after according to the invention in that an activation block is provided in the microprocessor which generates an actuation signal when a first euro coin is a plurality of euro coins, a predetermined combination of euro coins or the like is registered. As a result, the deadline may not be met exactly, but only when one or more euro coins appear in the machine for the first time. However, since euro coins are not in circulation before the cut-off date, one can Do not start the changer early after the preparation time.

It is particularly advantageous to generate an actuation signal only when the timer generates a time signal and the activation block generates an activation signal. Thereby it is ensured that z. B. by inserting a euro coin before the deadline no changeover takes place or due to an incorrect position of the time signal. An undesired commissioning of the changer as a euro changer will prevented in this way with the greatest possible security.

There is an automatic changeover on the key date in the manner described above and The money changer works and works in the preparation time before the deadline DM basis, it is necessary that on the key date a conversion of the previously accrued Data for the audit takes place on a euro basis. This can be done in a known manner with the help of the process computer. An operator for reading the Audits are therefore also not required.

Fig. 1

zeigt ein Blockschaltbild für die Umschaltung eines Geldwechslers von DM- in den Euro-Mode.

Fig. 2

zeigt ein Blockschaltbild eines Geldwechslers mit Sperrfunktion.

Tabelle 1

gibt die Zuordnung von Kanälen des Währungsblocks zu den einzelnen DM- und Euro-Münzen an, wobei die Basiswährung DM ist.

Tabelle 2

ist eine vergleichbare Aufstellung wie Tabelle 1, wobei hier die Basiswährung der Euro ist.

Tabelle 3

gibt den Zustand eines Geldwechslers nach der Erfindung während der einzelnen Phasen an, und zwar für DM-Basis in der Vorbereitungszeit.

Tabelle 4

ist eine ähnliche Tabelle wie Tabelle 3, jedoch für den Euro als Basis-Währung während der Vorbereitungszeit.

To explain the invention reference is made to some drawings and tables.

Fig. 1

shows a block diagram for switching a money changer from DM to Euro mode.

Fig. 2

shows a block diagram of a changer with lock function.

Table 1

specifies the allocation of channels of the currency block to the individual DM and Euro coins, whereby the base currency is DM.

Table 2

is a table similar to Table 1, with the base currency being the euro.

Table 3

indicates the state of a money changer according to the invention during the individual phases, specifically for the DM basis in the preparation time.

Table 4

is a table similar to Table 3, but for the euro as the base currency during the preparation period.

The microprocessor of a changer (not shown) with a coin validator for a vending machine contains a data block 10, which is highlighted separately in FIG. 1 is. The data block contains the stored reference values for the testing coins. The measured signals from the Coins are generated in the coin validator, compared with the reference values for the purpose Determining the authenticity of the coins. This is the case with all electronic coin validators common. In the present case, the data block 10 is divided into two blocks 12, 14. Each block 12, 14 contains twelve channels for all occurring DM and euro currencies. Table 1 shows the assignment of the coins to the channels. Channels 1 to 5 correspond to German coins. Correspond to channels 6 to 8 Euro coins, as well as channels 10 to 12. The 1.00 DM coin is the channel 9 assigned. In the next column is the conversion of the values of the euro coins in DM and the reverse conversion in the next but one column. In the Column on it shows the value of the coins. Under the short name DIL eight switches S1 to S8 are specified. The switches S1 to S3 and S5 to S7 are assigned to the euro channels. Their operation states that euro coins are inserted cannot be accepted (single lock switch). The switch S8 is shown in Fig. 1 indicated and enables the optional activation of the DM / Euro block 12 or of the Euro / DM block 14.

In Table 2 the channels are again assigned to the Euro and DM coins, with priority given to the euro coins. In block 12 and block 14 are therefore all reference values for DM and Euro coins filed or programmed, and it depends on the position of switch S8, which block comes into play. Is the If block 12 is activated, the euro coins are converted into DM, which is practical does not come into play because in the preparation period before the deadline, euro coins are not in traffic. When block 14 is activated, however, during the transition period both euro and DM coins in circulation. Here is one automatic conversion when inserting DM coins to the euro value.

In Fig. 2 a tube arrangement 16 can be seen with the tubes L, M, R, into the a sorting device 18 coins can be sorted. The payment from the tubes 16 takes place with the aid of a payment device 20, which is controlled by the microprocessor is like the sorting device 18. The payout device 20 is a lock switch 22 assigned to the payment of coins from the Tubes locks as long as the lock switch is activated. A date block 24 or one Timer operates the lock switch 22 and enables z. B. the lifting of the blocking function for the payout device 20. However, it is also possible to use the lock switch 22 on the microprocessor and to release the lock function, when a given time has passed or a given date has been achieved.

Table 3 shows the condition of the changer at the different times for the individual functions. The DIL switch is in the time before the conversion day (DM time) 1 (identical to S8 from Tables I and II) switched to block 12 and DIL switch 2 on changer, and the changer is working properly and returns change. If the Euro / DM block 14 already has reference values for the Euro coins contains what at most very shortly before the cut-off date or the conversion date euro coins can already be accepted. It is also theoretically possible to make a corresponding conversion and one Price comparison to deliver a product or service can be. In the tubes, however, coins are entered, the prices are up DM set, as well as the advertisement and the audit. On the day of renovation, the Conversion to euros and filling the tubes with euro coins and activation the lock switch 22 so that the changer works as a pulse generator, d. H. his Alternating function interrupts and only outputs goods if the price has reached exactly is or an overpayment is made without return. After the renovation the changer works as in the DM period, but forwards all DM coins Cashbox. However, he is able to accept euro coins. However, since none in the Traffic, this doesn't matter. The blocking function of the Money changer canceled and he works in his intended function, whereby both euro and DM coins are accepted. Since the tubes on the day of renovation have been filled with euros, the changer can immediately repay euro coins. This regardless of whether euro or DM coins were inserted. The DM coins are converted accordingly to the euro value. A repayment is made with euro coins. Prices, display and audit are now set to euros. If, as described above, an automatic changeover took place on the key date a corresponding conversion is also required for the audit, since the operator does not have to appear on the cut-off date. A blocking will then take place on the second key date of all DM channels, i.e. according to Table 2 of channels 7, 8 and 10 until 12.

If, according to Table 4, the data block is converted to the Euro / DM block on the day of conversion, finds a conversion of the inserted DM coins in the preparation time in the euro value instead of showing the prices, the display and the Execution of the audit in euros. Here, a readout takes place during or during the conversion of the data instead. An automatic conversion for the audit, as for Table 3 is not necessary. During the preparation time, i.e. H. after this Remodeling, the money changer works as a pulse generator, d. H. he has exact price behavior and doesn't give change back. With the key date on which the blocking function is released the money changer acts as a euro money changer. On the second deadline the DM channels are blocked as described above.

The explained changeover processes for the first and second cut-off dates can be as already mentioned several times, take place automatically, either over time sequences or that Occurrence of an event, causing work on the machine by operating personnel only need to take place during the conversion.

It is understood that the precautions and features described above are independent which of the national currencies are converted to the euro becomes. The reference to DM is only an example.

The above explanations relate to functions and limit the type of their Trigger not a. So z. B. mechanical operations, e.g. B. mechanical Switches to be provided or electronic means with the same or equivalent Effect.

Claims (7)

Money changer for coin-operated machines with the option of changing from a national to the euro currency a sorting device (20) arranged downstream of a coin validator, a plurality of coin tubes (16), at least one microprocessor, the one Has evaluation device for the coin signals coming from the coin validator and corresponding to the coins, a sorting control block for controlling the sorting device (20), which directs coins of a currency of a predetermined value into predetermined tubes (L, R, M) and other coins into a cash register, if applicable, a price block in which the value of the inserted coins is compared with a preset price, a payout control block that pays out coins from the coin tubes (16) when the value of the inserted coins exceeds the preset price, and optionally a display control block for controlling a display for the amount of coins inserted, characterized by the other features: the evaluation device either contains, in addition to the block (12) for the national currency, a euro block (14) which is programmed or programmable for evaluating the euro coin signals, each block having as many channels (1 to 12) as for the acceptance of all coins is necessary in such a way that the value of the coins of the inactive base currency (12, 14) is converted or valued into the other currency and, if necessary, converted can be displayed via the display control block or a controllable area for a single channel block with channels for the national and euro coins for converting or evaluating a currency into the activated base currency a selector switch (S8) for optional activation of the national currency or euro block (12, 14) or the controllable area for the purpose of converting or evaluating the non-activated currency into the activated base currency, a blocking function for the payment control block in such a way that the dispensing of coins from the coin tubes (16) is blocked regardless of their filling level and a lock switch (22) for optional activation of the lock and money exchange function. Money changer according to claim 1, characterized in that a mechanical Locking and selector switch (S8, 22) is provided. Money changer according to claim 1, characterized in that a timer (24) is provided which is an actuation signal for the lock switch (22) or Selector switch (S8) generated when a predetermined time elapsed or a predetermined one Calendar date has been reached. Money changer according to claim 3, characterized in that the actuation signal is generated by the microprocessor when a set timer is a predetermined one Number of pulses generated. Money changer according to claim 1, characterized in that an activation block is provided in the microprocessor which generates an actuation signal when a first euro coin, a plurality of first euro coins, a predetermined one Combination of first euro coins or the like is registered. Money changer according to one of claims 3 and 5, characterized in that an actuation signal is generated in the microprocessor when the timer is on Time signal and the activation block generates an activation signal. Money changer according to claim 1, 3 or 4, characterized in that the blocking switch contains a mechanical lock switch and one in the microprocessor Time delay stage is provided, which blocks the signal of the lock switch, until a preset time delay in the time delay stage has expired is.

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