EP2009599B1 - Coin payout device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a Münzauszahlvorrichtung according to claim 1.

Coin payout devices are used in vending machines and slot machines, money changers and other machines that can pay out coins according to a given monetary value. Such coin pay-out devices usually include a supply of coins of different denominations, which are held in so-called coin tubes. Coins deposited in the machines, which are not forwarded directly to a cash register (so-called cash coins), are sorted according to their nominal value in one of the coin tubes and are thus available for payment. For the payment of individual coins from a Münztube Auszahlmodule are responsible, each of which one or more Münztuben are assigned. In a commonly used design, a payout module has a horizontally disposed, provided with an electric drive, rotatable plate, which is provided at its top with a driver which forms a projection. Such a payout module associated with two coin tubes, which are tubular and arranged vertically standing above the turntable. Depending on the selected direction of rotation of the turntable, the driver ejects the lowest coin from one of the two coin tubes. For details of the known Auszahlmodule reference is made to US Patent No. 5,595,535. The issuing of a plurality of coins is usually performed sequentially, so that several Auszahlzyklen, in each of which a single coin is issued, must succeed each other in order to pay out a composite of several coins amount of money. Usually, the coin is issued in the order of the denomination of the coins to be dispensed, starting with the most significant coin.

From the international patent application WO 95/14290 For example, a method of operating a coin payout device has become known in which particular attention is paid to the combination of individual coins for a given amount of payout. For this purpose, first all possible combinations of coins are determined, which give the predetermined amount payout. The predetermined payout amount is usually based on a residual loan, which is repayable, for example, after the sale of a commodity in the form of coins. After determining the possible coin combinations, an evaluation of each individual combination takes place. The rating takes into account which stock of coins with each denomination is still available. This ensures that the stockpiling of coins of different denominations is balanced as possible. The actual issue of the coins according to the coin combination with the highest rating is done in a conventional manner.

One of the above-described, frequent construction deviating Münzauszahlvorrichtung is from the German patent application DE 103 22 105 A1 known. In the known Münzauszahlvorrichtung a plurality of Münztuben is arranged vertically standing on a base plate. Each coin tube is associated with a horizontally movable slide, which can remove the respective lowest coin from the associated coin tube. To drive the slide a common drive plate is provided, which in turn is slidably disposed relative to the base plate and the sliders. Further, each slider is associated with a clutch mechanism which can make engagement with the drive plate. In this way, by the movement of the drive plate all "engaged" slide simultaneously pay out a coin. In this way, coins of different denominations can be dispensed simultaneously. On this basis, it is the object of the invention to provide a Münzauszahlvorrichtung that can pay off a predetermined amount of money in a shorter time with a robust and simple design Münzauszahlvorrichtung. The Münzauszahlvorrichtung should be less error prone and have a long life.

These objects are achieved with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims.

The Münzauszahlvorrichtung according to the invention has a plurality of Auszahlmodulen which are independently controllable, each having a drive and each have a Münzausgabebereich for the issue of a coin and each associated with two coin tubes for receiving coins, wherein at least one of the Münzausgabebereiche on another Height is arranged as one of the other coin dispensing areas. By their own drive the Auszahlmodule these can be controlled simultaneously, so that one of the number of Auszahlmodule corresponding number of coins can be paid out simultaneously. Each payout module outputs the coins in a defined coin dispensing area, which is embodied, for example, in the form of a slot at the lower end of an associated coin tube. By arranging these coin dispensing areas at different heights, a collision of coins from different dispensing modules is effectively prevented, even if they are ejected exactly at the same time. In general, the different Auszahlmodule promote the ejected coins in a common Münzausgabeschacht whose dimensions are limited. The invention ensures a smooth payout of coins even with closely adjacent coin payout devices.

At least two coin tubes are set up to receive coins of the same denomination. These at least two coin tubes are preferably assigned to different payment modules. The device of the coin tubes for receiving coins of a specific denomination exists in particular in a matched to the diameter of the coins inner diameter of the coin tubes.
In the Münzauszahlvorrichtung according to the invention, this therefore has a plurality of Auszahlmodulen, each of which is assigned at least one Münztube for receiving coins of a specific denomination and pay out in a pay cycle to a control signal out in each case a coin from an associated Münztube, at least two coin tubes, which are assigned to different Auszahlmodulen contain coins of the same denomination and in a pay cycle several Auszahlmodule be controlled. Each payout module can pay out exactly one coin in a pay cycle. A payout cycle may begin with the receipt of a control signal and may continue until the end of the coin payout process or until receipt of a subsequent control signal. Typical payout cycles have a duration of, for example, 0.5 seconds. The control signals may be generated by a controller which controls the payout of a particular amount of money by determining the combination of coins to be dispensed and driving the payout modules in a series of consecutive payout cycles to pay out the determined coin combination. In the invention, several Auszahlmodule can be controlled simultaneously. This allows a number of coins corresponding to the number of payout modules to be dispensed simultaneously in a single payout cycle. By equipping at least two coin tubes associated with different payout modules with coins of the same denomination, multiple coins of the same denomination can be paid out within a pay cycle. In particular, if a plurality of coins of a given denomination is to be paid out for a given payout amount, the simultaneous payout of multiple coins of that denomination may effect the Number of required payout cycles can be significantly reduced. The entire payout process is thereby shortened considerably. Due to the modular design with several Auszahlmodulen that can be identical except for the assignment to possibly different Münztuben, the production of Münzauszahlvorrichtung can be streamlined. Possibly. can be used on proven components for the Auszahlmodule and Münztuben.

The Münzauszahlvorrichtung according to the invention comprises, as mentioned a plurality of Auszahlmodulen, each having its own drive, each of which two Münztuben are assigned for receiving coins and pay out in a pay cycle to a control signal out each a coin from an associated Münztube, wherein in a pay cycle several Auszahlmodule be controlled. Thus, the use of proven Münzauszahlmodule, for example, from the U.S. Patent No. 5,595,535 are known provided.

For the payment of a certain amount of money, a combination of coins can be chosen so that the payout is made in as few number of payout cycles as possible. For example, an evaluation of all possible coin combinations for the payment of the predetermined amount of money, which is based on the number of required payout cycles. As a result, a particularly short payout time can be realized. By taking into account further evaluation criteria, such as the total number of coins to be paid out for the particular amount of money, the selected coin combination can be adapted to further specifications.

The level of coin tubes having coins of the same denomination is kept approximately the same. This will ensure a uniform load on the coin tubes containing coins of the same denomination, and the reached associated payout modules. This can have a positive effect on the service life. Possibly. In the control of the Auszahlmodule the level of the Münztuben is considered.

Basically, the level of the individual coin tubes can be monitored in any way. In the simplest case, a defined filling of the coin tubes by a service technician takes place from time to time. The fill level of each individual coin tube by registering the deposit and payout processes can be recorded continuously. Such a method is for example from the German patent application DE 103 22 384 A1 known. To achieve a lower error rate of the level information, the use of level sensors is provided. Each coin tube is assigned a level sensor. Different level sensors for the purpose in question are, for example, from the European patent EP 0 680 021 B1 known. Simple level sensors can therefore be realized as a switch. Also possible are pressure-sensitive sensors that measure the weight of a coin column, or inductive sensors. Furthermore, optical sensors are known, for example from the German patent application DE 10 2004 034 149 A1 , The application of level sensors is further from the US patent application US 2004/0226802 A1 known.

Each payout module has a coin payout area and the payout modules are arranged so that the coin payout areas of at least two payout modules are at different heights. The coin dispensing areas may be located at the lower end of the associated coin tubes where, in the simplest case, the coin is ejected from a corresponding slot. Due to the arrangement of at least two Auszahlmodulen at different heights, a conflict-free payment of the coins is ensured in the invention provided simultaneous control of multiple Auszahlmodule. In particular, it is effectively prevented in a simple manner that two coins different Auszahlmodule when ejecting from the Auszahlmodulen collide and jam in the Münzauszahlvorrichtung.

The Auszahlmodule are independently controlled and in case of malfunction of Auszahlmoduls the Münzauszahlvorrichtung is operated with the remaining Auszahlmodulen according to an embodiment of the invention. By providing inventively provided coins of the same denomination in different Auszahlmodulen the method can then be carried out without substantial restriction, if individual Auszahlmodule not work. This significantly increases the reliability of the operation of the device. In particular, it is provided that in the detection of a malfunction of a payout module during a payout process, the payment is made from a corresponding Münztube another payoff module. Thereby, even if a malfunction is detected during a payout operation, the intended payout amount can be executed with coins of the denomination originally intended for the payout.

At least two coin tubes associated with different payout modules contain coins of the highest denomination intended for payout. This is particularly advantageous when relatively large sums of money have to be paid out because at least two coins of the highest denomination can be paid out at the same time. The required payout time is thereby shortened.

In one embodiment, each payout module has a coin tube containing highest denomination coins intended for payout. Thus, the predetermined by the number of Auszahlmodule maximum number can simultaneously be made entirely of coins of the highest denomination. It can thus be paid very quickly even large sums of money.

In a further embodiment, a total of three Auszahlmodule exist. Thus, in a pay cycle, three coins can be paid out simultaneously. In combination with payout modules, which are each assigned two coin tubes, the payout device has a total of six coin tubes. This dimensioning has proven to be particularly useful in practice.

In one embodiment, three Auszahlmodule are provided which are arranged around a Münzausgabeschacht around, wherein the Münzausgabebereich a middle Auszahlmoduls is arranged differently from the height of the other two Münzausgabebereiche. In this embodiment, especially the average payout module is higher or lower than the other two Auszahlmodule. Between two adjacent Auszahlmodulen thus always a height difference is achieved.

In case of a failure detected in a payout control, for example, a coin lock, a malfunction of the payoff drive, and the like, the controller ensures that the payout is made through the remaining remaining payout modules. Other errors include incorrect coin return, incorrect movement of a payout element, inhibition in the payout area, blockade of the payout. Suitable sensors can be used to monitor for malfunctions, eg for monitoring the motor current in the pay-out drive with position sensor, monitoring the movement sequence of the pay-out element, etc.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment shown in two figures.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Münzauszahlvorrichtung,

Fig. 2

eine vereinfachte, perspektivische Ansicht einer Münzauszahlvorrichtung mit drei Auszahlmodulen.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of a Münzauszahlvorrichtung invention,

Fig. 2

a simplified, perspective view of a Müntsauszahlvorrichtung with three Auszahlmodulen.

An inventive method is based on the Fig. 1 be explained. In the figure, three Auszahlmodule 10, 20, 30 are shown schematically. Each of these Auszahlmodule two coin tubes 12 and 14, 22 and 24 or 32 and 34 are assigned. Each coin tube contains a certain number of coins, which are indicated by the hatched columns. The three coin tubes 12, 22 and 32 are loaded with coins of denomination $ 0.25 and each associated with one of the three Auszahlmodule. Thus, each of the three payout modules 10, 20, 30 can issue coins of this highest denomination intended for payment. The second coin tube 14 of the Auszahlmoduls 10 and the second coin tube 34 of the Auszahlmoduls 30 are equipped with coins of denomination $ 0.05. Coins of denomination $ 0.10 are in the second coin tube 24 of the payout module 20. Each of the six coin tubes is associated with a level sensor 42. As indicated by the three arrows, the three dispensing modules 10, 20, 30 convey dispensed coins into a common coin dispensing slot 44.

A controller 40 is connected to the six level sensors 42 and the three Auszahlmodulen 10, 20, 30. The compounds are each indicated by a dashed line. Thus, the controller 40 can monitor the fill levels of the coin tubes by means of the level sensors 42. It is also possible to assign each coin tube several level sensors to obtain a more accurate mapping of the respective levels. Through the connections between the controller 40 and the coin payout modules 10, 20, 30, the controller 40 outputs control signals for the payout modules 10, 20, 30.

To pay out a certain amount of money, the controller 40 first determines the desired combination of coins to be disbursed. The selection of the combination is made so that the payout in the smallest possible number of payout cycles is possible.

In the three pay-out module arrangement shown, three coins can be dispensed in each pay cycle.

Upon determination of the desired coin combination, the controller 40 outputs the appropriate control signals in the required number of consecutive payout cycles, whereupon the payout modules 10, 20, 30 pay out the respective coins from the coin tubes 12, 14, 22, 24, 32 and 34.

In the Fig. 1 It can be seen that coin tubes, which are equipped with coins of the same denomination, each have approximately the same levels. For example, the coin tubes 12, 22, 32 equipped with the 25 cent coins are all filled to approximately two-thirds. The two coin tubes 14 and 34, which are equipped with 5 cent coins, are both filled to about a quarter. By this uniform levels, which is achieved by the control 40 caused by uniform payment of coins or by a uniform coin supply of coins to the respective coin tubes, contributes to a uniform load on the different Auszahlmodule and can thus promote a long life of Münzauszahlvorrichtung.

The advantages of the method according to the invention achieved over the prior art will be shown on the basis of a number of examples. The example refers to the use of the coin payout device in a vending machine in which a customer has deposited a credit of $ 5.00. Subsequently, the customer purchases a drink for $ 1.25. His $ 3.75 balance must be paid back by the coin payout device. The face value of the highest-value coins to be paid out is 25 cents. Of these coins must therefore be paid 15 pieces.

When using a conventional coin payout device that pays out these coins one after the other, i. only one coin per pay cycle, fifteen payout cycles are required to return the change.

In the method according to the invention with the in Fig. 1 The coin payout device shown can be used to pay out fifteen 25 cent coins in five payout cycles in which three coins are dispensed simultaneously. Thus, assuming a duration of one pay cycle of 0.5 seconds, the payout time using a conventional coin payout device is 15 x 0.5 seconds = 7.5 seconds. In contrast, the payout with the inventive method succeeds in 5 x 0.5 seconds = 2.5 seconds. The waiting time, which is extremely annoying for the customer, until the full refund of his change is thus shortened by a factor of 3.

In the perspective view of Fig. 2 a Münzauszahlvorrichtung invention is shown in simplified form. It will be the same reference numerals as in the Fig. 1 used. The Münzauszahlvorrichtung has a plastic housing 50, which can be installed as a compact unit in a vending machine. Within the housing 50 three Auszahlmodule 10, 20, 30 are arranged, of which in each case a turntable is visible. The average payout module 20 is offset in height from the two outer Auszahlmodulen 10, 30 arranged. The Auszahlmodule 10, 20, 30 are each combined with two coin tubes, not shown in the figure, which are arranged above the turntable of the Auszahlmodule. Each of the Auszahlmodule has its own drive, which can cause a rotational movement of the turntable. The ejected by the rotational movement of the turntable from the respective associated coin tubes coins fall into a centrally disposed coin dispensing slot 44th

The coin payout device may be associated with monitoring means (not shown) that detect when there is a fault. For example, a jamming of the coins in a coin tube of a module can take place, the drive of the payment device of a module can fail or the like. This is determined by the controller 40. In the event of a failure, the controller 40 ensures that another module is changed over. This increases the number of payout cycles, but a proper money return is nevertheless ensured.

Claims (6)

1. A coin payout device with a plurality of payout modules, which in each case have at least two coin tubes for accommodating coins of a particular nominal value and each of which has an own drive for a payout element, which dispenses coins from the coin tube over a coin payout region of the coin tubes in question into a common coin dispensing shaft, furthermore with a control connected with the drives, wherein, during a payout process, the drives, in a payout cycle, in response to a control signal of the control, in each case pay out one coin from an associated coin tube, characterized in that a filling level sensor (42), which is connected with the control (40), is assigned to each coin tube (12, 14, 22, 24, 32, 34), the coin-dispensing region of the coin tubes (22, 24) of at least two payout modules are disposed at different heights and the control (40) is designed so that for the simultaneous payment of coins of the same nominal value from the coin tubes in a payout cycle, several payout modules (10, 20, 30) are driven simultaneously, at least two coin tubes of different payout modules (10, 20, 30) being designed for accommodating coins of the same nominal value.
2. The coin payout device of claim 1, characterized in that, in the event of a malfunction of one payout module, the control (30) of the coin payout device drives the remaining payout modules.
3. The coin payout device of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that each payout module (10, 20, 30) has a coin tube (12, 22, 32), which is designed for taking up payable coins of the highest nominal value.
4. The coin payout device of one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a total of three payout modules (10, 20, 30) is provided.
5. The coin payout device of one of the claims 1 and 4, characterized in that three payout modules (10, 20, 30) are provided, which are disposed around the coin dispensing shaft (44), wherein the coin dispensing region of the coin tubes (22, 24) of the central payout module (20) is arranged to differ in height from the coin dispensing region of the coin tubes of the other payout modules (10, 30).
6. The coin payout device of one of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a coin tube (12, 22, 32), which is designed to take up the coins of the highest nominal value for payout, is assigned to each payout module (10, 20, 30).

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