EP3543967B1 - Coin store - Google Patents

Coin store Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3543967B1
EP3543967B1 EP18162650.8A EP18162650A EP3543967B1 EP 3543967 B1 EP3543967 B1 EP 3543967B1 EP 18162650 A EP18162650 A EP 18162650A EP 3543967 B1 EP3543967 B1 EP 3543967B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
coin
housing
locking
coin tubes
tubes
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.)
Active
Application number
EP18162650.8A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3543967A1 (en
Inventor
Sebastian Cohrs
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 Ltd
Original Assignee
Crane Payment Innovations Ltd
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 Crane Payment Innovations Ltd filed Critical Crane Payment Innovations Ltd
Priority to EP18162650.8A priority Critical patent/EP3543967B1/en
Priority to ES18162650T priority patent/ES2856260T3/en
Priority to PL18162650T priority patent/PL3543967T3/en
Priority to TW108106746A priority patent/TWI778237B/en
Priority to US16/982,470 priority patent/US11495076B2/en
Priority to PCT/EP2019/056615 priority patent/WO2019179900A1/en
Publication of EP3543967A1 publication Critical patent/EP3543967A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3543967B1 publication Critical patent/EP3543967B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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
    • G07D1/00—Coin dispensers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
    • G07D2201/00—Coin dispensers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
    • G07D3/00—Sorting a mixed bulk of coins into denominations

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a coin store comprising a housing and a plurality of coin tubes which are exchangeably arranged in the housing.
  • Such coin tubes which are regularly designed as hollow cylinders, each receive coins of a certain diameter, stacked one on top of the other.
  • Known coin stores have, for example, six coin tubes arranged along a U-shape or otherwise in a housing of the coin store.
  • the coin stores are used, for example, in money changers, which in turn can be used, for example, in vending machines such as ticket or gaming machines or the like. They have a payout module with which coins can be paid out from the coin tubes. They also have a coin slot, a coin validator and a coin sorting device with which the inserted coins can be assigned to the respective coin tubes.
  • a coin return channel for returning false coins and a cash register channel for accepting coins outside the coin tubes, e.g. provided with full coin tubes.
  • Coin storage with exchangeable coin tubes are known from, for example U.S. 5,400,891 A or U.S. 5,944,601 A .
  • the in U.S. 5,400,891 A described coin storage the coin tubes are held by a press fit in the housing. This can make the assembly complex.
  • the in U.S. 5,944,601 A described coin storage lock the tubes together and are used as a whole in a housing of a money changer.
  • This coin storage is complex to assemble and does not offer a safe and reliably controllable locking.
  • the flexibility in terms of The arrangement of different coin tubes is limited.
  • Further coin stores are known from, for example U.S. 4,221,227 A , U.S. 4,250,905 A , U.S. 5,011,456 A , U.S. 8,262,441 A , US 2017/345242 A1 , EP0924660A2 .
  • Coin stores described in the prior art often only allow coin tubes to be exchanged with the aid of a tool. This requires specially trained personnel and makes the exchange of coin tubes complex. Furthermore, there is often a lack of reliable monitoring of the correct positioning and locking of the coin tubes. Finally, the flexibility with regard to the arrangement of large-diameter coin tubes in particular is limited in the prior art.
  • the dimensions of the outer housing of money changers are standardized and accordingly cannot be changed without massive restriction of their usability in commercially available vending machines. This consequently also restricts the housing dimensions of coin stores accordingly. For example, in the case of an arrangement of six coin tubes positioned along a U-shape, coin tubes of large diameter bear against one another and against inner surfaces of the housing.
  • the locking methods for the coin tubes described in the prior art cannot regularly be used with such large coin tubes.
  • the invention is based on the object of providing a coin store of the type mentioned above, with which a simple and reliably controllable proper assembly of the coin tubes is ensured with the greatest possible flexibility with regard to the size and arrangement of the coin tubes.
  • the invention solves the problem in that locking means are provided for the coin tubes, which can be actuated between a locking position that locks the coin tubes against removal from the housing and an unlocking position that enables the coin tubes to be removed from the housing, wherein the locking means are each arranged between two adjacent coin tubes in the housing and in the locking position lock the adjacent coin tubes against removal from the housing, and that the locking means can only assume the locking position when the adjacent coin tubes are completely inserted into the housing.
  • the locking means can be provided on the housing.
  • the coin store forms a storage cassette. It can be used, for example, in money changers of vending machines, such as ticket machines, slot machines or the like.
  • the money changer has a main housing, the dimensions of which are standardized.
  • the coin storage unit forms a module which, pre-assembled as a whole, can be inserted into and removed from the main housing of a money changer.
  • the space available for the coin storage is thus derived from the dimensions of the main housing minus the space required by other modules of the changer, such as the payout module or the coin sorting unit.
  • the coin store can, for example, have six coin tubes arranged in the housing along a U-shape.
  • the coin tubes are each designed as a hollow cylinder with open end faces and hold coins of a certain diameter stacked on top of one another in the form of coin columns. Depending on A different inner tube diameter is provided for the coin diameter.
  • the outside diameter of the coin tubes is usually about 3 mm larger than the inside diameter.
  • the housing may have a frame portion and a base portion. These can be connected to one another in one piece or be separate and, for example, releasably connectable sections.
  • the detachable connection can be made, for example, by screwing or locking.
  • the frame section can have the locking means according to the invention for locking the coin tubes.
  • the frame section can have a bottom section and a wall section for holding the coin tubes.
  • the base section can be used for radial positioning of the coin tubes and as a support surface for the coin columns held in the coin tubes that are open at the bottom.
  • a handle (latch) for holding the coin storage device can be provided on the housing. The coin store can be inserted into and removed from the main housing of a money changer via this handle.
  • the housing can have a front cover that can cover a coin return channel, for example.
  • the front cover can, for example, also cover the locking means of two adjacent coin tubes, for example the coin tubes arranged on the base of a U-shape.
  • the front cover can be releasably connectable to the remaining housing part or the remaining housing parts, for example by latching.
  • the coin tubes are inserted into the housing from above in the desired position. They can take their final mounting position by gravity.
  • locking means are provided which can be actuated between a locking position and an unlocking position, in particular are movable. In the locked position, the coin tubes are secured against being pulled out of the housing axially. In the unlocked position, however, the coin tubes can be removed from the housing in the axial direction, for example to exchange for other coin tubes.
  • the locking position of the locking means the axial position of the coin tubes inserted completely into the housing is reliably defined and can be checked in a simple manner. This is achieved in that the locking means can only assume their locking position when the coin tubes are completely inserted into the housing.
  • This essentially play-free axial arrangement of the coin tubes is of crucial importance for a reliable dispensing of coins by a payout module.
  • the manual actuation of the locking means which is possible according to the invention, enables the coin tubes arranged in the housing to be exchanged simply and quickly and without tools.
  • the locking means are each arranged (in particular in the middle) between two adjacent coin tubes.
  • the free space formed between the adjacent tubes in the case of cylindrical coin tubes is thus used for the locking.
  • This free space is delimited between the cylindrical outer surfaces of the coin tubes and, for example, a housing wall which delimits the arrangement of the coin tubes from the outside, when the adjacent coin tubes essentially abut one another.
  • adjacent coin tubes can on the one hand be arranged essentially adjacent to one another.
  • the outer diameter of the coin tubes can extend to the inner surface of a housing wall delimiting the housing.
  • the coin storage according to the invention thus allows the combination of the large coin capacity of a six-chamber coin storage with the greatest possible combinability of the tube diameter, which ensures optimal coverage of the market-relevant coin diameter spectrum, and at the same time easy exchange of the coin tubes with secure and controllable locking in the properly mounted position.
  • the locking means can each be arranged and designed symmetrically with respect to adjacent coin tubes. This further simplifies the exchangeability of the coin tubes.
  • a geometry of the coin tubes that interacts with the locking means, for example guide projections or the like, can be correspondingly symmetrical.
  • the locking means can comprise at least one locking lever pivotable on the housing between the locking position and the unlocking position.
  • several locking levers can be provided.
  • a locking lever locks two adjacent coin tubes.
  • So n / 2 locking levers can be provided, where n is the number of coin tubes in the housing. For example, with six coin tubes there can be three on the housing Locking lever may be provided.
  • the at least one locking lever is held captive on the housing. It can have a T-shaped locking section. The roof section of the T-shape can then rest on corresponding locking projections of two adjacent coin tubes and thus secure the coin tubes against being axially pulled out of the housing.
  • the at least one locking lever can lock in the locking position on locking surfaces of the housing, for example a frame section of the housing, and thus lock the adjacent coin tubes against being removed from the housing. This results in a particularly secure locking.
  • the at least one locking lever for exchanging coin tubes can be released in a simple manner and without tools.
  • the coin tubes can each comprise at least one locking projection on their outer circumference, the at least one locking lever resting on locking projections of adjacent coin tubes in the locking position. As a result of this resting on the locking projections, the at least one locking lever secures adjacent coin tubes against axial loosening from the housing. In particular, when a plurality of locking levers are provided, these rest on the locking projections of adjacent coin tubes.
  • the at least one locking lever can be pivotably mounted on the housing by means of a latching connection. In this way, a particularly simple initial assembly of the at least one locking lever on the housing is achieved. After the initial assembly, it can remain permanently arranged on the housing.
  • the at least one locking lever can terminate flush with a surface of the housing surrounding the locking lever only in the locking position.
  • the locking lever does not (only) protrude beyond the housing in the locked position.
  • lateral outer walls of the housing in the case of a U-shaped arrangement of the coin tubes, that is, lateral outer walls arranged on the legs of the U-shape, are usually flush with the inner walls of a main housing, e.g. The aforementioned configuration ensures that the coin store can only be installed in the changer when the coin tubes are properly locked.
  • a housing surface on a base side of a U-shaped arrangement of coin tubes provided that a front cover of the housing is also mounted on this base side.
  • This can be designed in such a way that it in turn rests flush against the underlying housing surface surrounding the locking lever, so that the front cover can again only be attached when the coin tubes are properly locked. A particularly high level of installation security is thus achieved.
  • guide means can be provided for guiding the coin tubes in the radial direction.
  • the guide means provide lateral guidance for the coin tubes when they are inserted into the housing.
  • they secure the coin tubes in the radial direction in their inserted position in the housing. It is thus sufficient if the locking means only provide a safeguard for the coin tubes against being pulled out in the axial direction. Lateral loosening from their respective position can be prevented by the guide means.
  • a particularly simplified assembly and positioning is achieved by the guide means.
  • the guide means can comprise guide projections on the coin tubes and guide webs corresponding to the guide projections on the housing.
  • the guide projections slide in the guide webs so that particularly reliable guidance is guaranteed during assembly. In the interlocking state of the guide projections and guide webs, in particular a safeguard against radial movement of the coin tubes is achieved.
  • at least some guide projections can have guide grooves that interact with the guide webs.
  • the guide projections can have stop surfaces with which they stop in the position completely inserted into the housing on corresponding contact surfaces of the housing. As a result, the end position of the coin tubes fully inserted into the housing is reliably defined.
  • the coin tubes can each have an upper guide projection in the area of their upper end and a lower guide projection in the area of their lower end.
  • Corresponding upper and lower guide webs can be formed on the housing. This results in a further improved guidance and thereby a further simplified assembly.
  • the side securing of the coin tubes in the assembled state is further improved.
  • the lower guide projections of the coin tubes first engage in the upper and / or lower guide webs of the housing.
  • the upper guide projections then engage in the upper guide webs.
  • the upper guide projection can simultaneously form the locking projection.
  • the insertion of the coin tubes into the housing can be further facilitated if at least the lower guide webs have insertion bevels for the lower guide projections.
  • the guide means can further comprise centering pins and centering receptacles formed on the underside of the coin tubes and on an associated bottom side of the housing, the centering pins and the centering receptacles interlocking when the coin tubes are fully inserted into the housing.
  • centering pins or two centering receptacles can be formed on the underside of the coin tubes.
  • Two centering receptacles or two centering pins are then correspondingly formed on the facing bottom side of the housing.
  • the centering pins and the centering mounts ensure the correct rotational position of the coin tubes and their fine centering in the housing.
  • Centering pins and centering receptacles have corresponding geometries, for example they are each cylindrical.
  • the coin tubes which can be used in the coin store according to the invention can have different inside diameters, preferably in the range from 17 mm to 33 mm, and the coin tubes can be arranged in different positions in the housing.
  • the diameter range from 17 mm to 33 mm covers the common, market-relevant currencies. Since the coin tubes can be arranged flexibly in different positions and thus interchangeably in the housing, the greatest possible flexibility is achieved for the user. This can be ensured in particular by the fact that the radial distance between the guide projections and the tube central axis is the same for each coin tube. This relates in particular to the radial distance between the sections of the guide projections that participate in the guidance and locking. For example, a portion with which the guide protrusions on the outer surface of the Coin tubes are tied up and have different lengths depending on the coin tube diameter. This configuration enables reliable guidance and locking to be ensured for every coin diameter in every position in the housing.
  • the invention also relates to a money changer, comprising a main housing and a coin store according to the invention inserted into the main housing.
  • the money changer can be used, for example, in vending machines such as ticket machines or slot machines or the like. As already explained, it has a payout module with which coins can be paid out from the respective coin tubes.
  • the money changer has, in a manner known per se, a coin slot with subsequent coin checking and coin sorting, which sorts the inserted coins into the respective coin tubes depending on their size.
  • the money changer can also have a return channel for returning rejected coins.
  • the money changer can have a cash register channel which is used to feed accepted coins into a cash register. This cash register as part of the vending machine is used for the (unsorted) storage of coins, e.g. when the coin tubes are completely full.
  • FIG 1 shows a money changer with a main housing 10, which can be used, for example, in vending machines such as ticket machines, gaming machines or the like.
  • the changer has a coin slot 12 and an in Figure 1 Essentially concealed coin checking device with subsequent coin sorting device, which depending on their nominal value or diameter, the inserted coins into the coin tubes 14 of the in Figure 1 at the reference numeral 16 shown coin store sorted.
  • An in Figure 1 The payout module, not shown in detail, serves to pay out coins from the coin tubes 14 via a coin dispenser.
  • the changer has a coin return channel through which rejected coins can be ejected, and a cash register channel through which coins can be fed to a cash register. This structure and this function of a money changer are known per se.
  • the coin store 16 has a housing 18 in which, in the example shown, six coin tubes 14 arranged along a U-shape are arranged. Coins are held stacked on top of one another in the hollow cylindrical coin tubes 14.
  • the housing 18 is inserted into the main housing 10 of the money changer and can be held in this, for example, by locking. Depending on the diameter, the coin tubes 14 can lie against one another and on inner surfaces of the housing 18 be arranged adjacent.
  • the housing 18 has a frame section 20 and a base section 22, which can be connected to one another, for example, by screwing.
  • the housing 18 has a front cover 24 which can be fastened to the frame section 20, for example, by latching.
  • levers 26 are provided in the example shown, each of which is pivotably mounted in a lever mount 28 of the housing 18 by means of a latching connection, as will be explained in more detail below.
  • the lever receptacle 28 provided on the base side of the U-shape of the coin tubes 14 and with it the corresponding locking lever 26 held therein are covered by the front cover 24 in the assembled state.
  • the inside of the front cover 24 is flush with the housing surface 30 surrounding this lever receptacle 28.
  • the lateral outer walls 32 of the housing 18, which have the two further lever receptacles 28, lie flush against the facing inner sides 34 of the main housing 10 in the assembled state in the main housing 10.
  • the reference numeral 36 shows a handle (latch) for carrying the coin store and for locking the coin store in its lower end position.
  • the coin tubes 14 each have an upper guide projection 38 and a lower guide projection 40.
  • the upper guide projection 38 has a tube-side guide groove 42 on both sides.
  • the lower guide projection 40 has a tube-side guide web 44 on both sides.
  • Upper housing-side guide webs 46 corresponding to the tube-side guide grooves 42 of the upper guide projections 38 are provided on the housing 18.
  • housing-side guide webs 48 that correspond to the tube-side guide webs 44 of the lower guide projections 40 are also formed on the base section 22 of the housing 18. The lower tube-side guide webs 44 are guided between these housing-side guide webs 48 and the respective adjoining inner surface of the outer wall 32.
  • the lower housing-side guide webs 48 on the base section 22 of the housing 18 also have insertion bevels 50, which introduce the tube-side guide webs 44 of the lower guide projections 40 facilitate.
  • two cylindrical centering pins 52 are also formed on the underside of the coin tubes 14, which are received in corresponding cylindrical centering receptacles when completely inserted into the housing.
  • the undersides of the upper guide projections 38 form stop surfaces with which the coin tubes 14, when fully inserted into the housing, stop on assigned contact surfaces 54. As a result, the position of the coin tubes 14 inserted completely into the housing 18 is reliably defined.
  • Locking surfaces 58 are also formed on both sides of the upper guide projections 38, the function of which will be explained in more detail below.
  • all coin tubes 14 have the explained guide projections 38, 40 which, in the assembled state, interact with assigned guide webs 46, 48 on the housing on the housing.
  • the guide projections 38, 40 of the coin tubes 14 differ only with different diameter of the coin tubes.
  • the radial distance between the respective tube center axis and the guide projections 38, 40, in particular the sections participating in the guide, is the same for each coin tube 14.
  • a section 56 connecting the guide projections 38, 40 to the outer surface of the respective coin tube 14 is of different length for this purpose (see, for example Figures 6 , 7th as well as 9 and 10). This configuration ensures that the coin tubes 14 can be arranged flexibly and interchangeably at the predetermined positions in the housing.
  • the locking lever 26 has a mounting section 60 and a locking section 62 which is T-shaped in the example shown. Latching surfaces 64 are provided on the locking section 62.
  • the locking lever 26 is as in Figure 13 shown from above into the keyhole-shaped lever receptacle 28 with a press fit of the mounting section 60 into the in Figure 14 Unlocking position shown mounted. In this position, the locking lever 26 is held captive in the lever receptacle 28 in a captive manner, and between the in Figure 14 unlocking position shown and the in Figure 15 Locking position shown pivotably mounted.
  • the coin tubes 14 can be pulled out of the housing 18 axially upwards or inserted axially downwards into the housing 18. If the adjacent coin tubes 14 have reached their fully inserted position in the housing 18, the locking lever 26 can be removed from the position shown in FIG Figure 14 unlocking position shown by 90 ° into the in Figure 15 Locking position shown are pivoted. On the frame section 20 of the housing 18, latching surfaces 66 corresponding to the latching surfaces 64 of the locking levers are provided. In the locking position, the latching surfaces 64 of the locking lever 26 engage with the associated latching surfaces 66 of the frame section 20 Figure 15 locking position shown are the Coin tubes 14 are thus secured against axial withdrawal from the housing 18 by the locking lever 26 and the locking surfaces 58.
  • the locking lever 26 is flush with the surrounding outer surface of the housing in the locking position. This flush is only available in the locked position. It should be noted that the function of the locking described for a locking lever 26 and an adjacent pair of coin tubes is identical for all pairs of coin tubes of the coin store.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft einen Münzspeicher umfassend ein Gehäuse und mehrere in dem Gehäuse auswechselbar angeordnete Münztuben. Derartige, regelmäßig hohlzylindrisch ausgebildete Münztuben nehmen jeweils Münzen eines bestimmten Durchmessers übereinander gestapelt auf. Bekannte Münzspeicher besitzen beispielsweise sechs entlang einer U-Form oder anderweitig in einem Gehäuse des Münzspeichers angeordnete Münztuben. Die Münzspeicher werden beispielsweise in Geldwechslern eingesetzt, die wiederum beispielsweise in Verkaufsautomaten, wie Fahrkarten- oder Spielautomaten oder dergleichen, zum Einsatz kommen können. Sie besitzen ein Auszahlmodul, mit dem Münzen aus den Münztuben ausgezahlt werden können. Außerdem besitzen sie einen Münzeinwurf, einen Münzprüfer und eine Münzsortiervorrichtung, mit der eingeworfene Münzen den jeweiligen Münztuben zugeordnet werden können. Darüber hinaus ist regelmäßig ein Münzrückgabekanal für die Rückgabe falscher Münzen sowie ein Kassenkanal zur Annahme von Münzen außerhalb der Münztuben, z.B. bei vollen Münztuben, vorgesehen.The invention relates to a coin store comprising a housing and a plurality of coin tubes which are exchangeably arranged in the housing. Such coin tubes, which are regularly designed as hollow cylinders, each receive coins of a certain diameter, stacked one on top of the other. Known coin stores have, for example, six coin tubes arranged along a U-shape or otherwise in a housing of the coin store. The coin stores are used, for example, in money changers, which in turn can be used, for example, in vending machines such as ticket or gaming machines or the like. They have a payout module with which coins can be paid out from the coin tubes. They also have a coin slot, a coin validator and a coin sorting device with which the inserted coins can be assigned to the respective coin tubes. In addition, a coin return channel for returning false coins and a cash register channel for accepting coins outside the coin tubes, e.g. provided with full coin tubes.

Manchmal ist es erwünscht, dass Anwender die Münztuben selbst aus dem Gehäuse entnehmen und durch andere Münztuben ersetzen können, beispielsweise zur Anpassung an die Häufigkeit bestimmter Münztypen. Münzspeicher mit auswechselbaren Münztuben sind beispielsweise bekannt aus US 5 400 891 A oder US 5 944 601 A . Bei dem in US 5 400 891 A beschriebenen Münzspeicher werden die Münztuben durch Presssitz in dem Gehäuse gehalten. Dies kann die Montage aufwendig machen. Außerdem besteht der Wunsch nach einer zuverlässigen Verriegelung der Münztuben in der montierten Position und einer Kontrolle der Verriegelung. Bei dem in US 5 944 601 A beschriebenen Münzspeicher verrasten die Tuben miteinander und werden als Ganzes in ein Gehäuse eines Geldwechslers eingesetzt. Dieser Münzspeicher ist aufwendig zu montieren und bietet keine sichere und zuverlässig kontrollierbare Verriegelung. Die Flexibilität hinsichtlich der Anordnung unterschiedlicher Münztuben ist beschränkt. Weitere Münzspeicher sind beispielsweise bekannt aus US 4 221 227 A , US 4 250 905 A , US 5 011 456 A , US 8 262 441 A , US 2017/345242 A1 , EP0924660A2 .Sometimes it is desirable that users can remove the coin tubes from the housing themselves and replace them with other coin tubes, for example to adapt to the frequency of certain types of coins. Coin storage with exchangeable coin tubes are known from, for example U.S. 5,400,891 A or U.S. 5,944,601 A . The in U.S. 5,400,891 A described coin storage, the coin tubes are held by a press fit in the housing. This can make the assembly complex. In addition, there is a desire for reliable locking of the coin tubes in the mounted position and control of the locking. The in U.S. 5,944,601 A described coin storage lock the tubes together and are used as a whole in a housing of a money changer. This coin storage is complex to assemble and does not offer a safe and reliably controllable locking. The flexibility in terms of The arrangement of different coin tubes is limited. Further coin stores are known from, for example U.S. 4,221,227 A , U.S. 4,250,905 A , U.S. 5,011,456 A , U.S. 8,262,441 A , US 2017/345242 A1 , EP0924660A2 .

Im Stand der Technik beschriebene Münzspeicher erlauben häufig einen Austausch von Münztuben nur mithilfe von Werkzeug. Dies erfordert besonders geschultes Personal und macht den Münztubenaustausch aufwendig. Weiterhin fehlt es oftmals an einer zuverlässigen Überwachung der ordnungsgemäßen Positionierung und Verriegelung der Münztuben. Schließlich ist die Flexibilität hinsichtlich der Anordnung insbesondere von Münztuben großen Durchmessers im Stand der Technik eingeschränkt. So sind die Abmessungen der Außengehäuse von Geldwechslern normiert und entsprechend ohne massive Einschränkung der Verwendbarkeit in marktüblichen Verkaufsautomaten nicht veränderbar. Dies schränkt folglich auch die Gehäuseabmessungen von Münzspeichern entsprechend ein. Beispielsweise bei einer Anordnung von sechs entlang einer U-Form positionierten Münztuben liegen Münztuben großen Durchmessers aneinander und an Innenflächen des Gehäuses an. Im Stand der Technik beschriebene Verriegelungsmethoden für die Münztuben lassen sich bei solchen großen Münztuben regelmäßig nicht verwenden.Coin stores described in the prior art often only allow coin tubes to be exchanged with the aid of a tool. This requires specially trained personnel and makes the exchange of coin tubes complex. Furthermore, there is often a lack of reliable monitoring of the correct positioning and locking of the coin tubes. Finally, the flexibility with regard to the arrangement of large-diameter coin tubes in particular is limited in the prior art. The dimensions of the outer housing of money changers are standardized and accordingly cannot be changed without massive restriction of their usability in commercially available vending machines. This consequently also restricts the housing dimensions of coin stores accordingly. For example, in the case of an arrangement of six coin tubes positioned along a U-shape, coin tubes of large diameter bear against one another and against inner surfaces of the housing. The locking methods for the coin tubes described in the prior art cannot regularly be used with such large coin tubes.

Ausgehend von dem erläuterten Stand der Technik liegt der Erfindung die Aufgabe zugrunde, einen Münzspeicher der eingangs genannten Art bereitzustellen, mit dem bei größtmöglicher Flexibilität hinsichtlich der Größe und Anordnung der Münztuben eine einfache und zuverlässig kontrollierbare ordnungsgemäße Montage der Münztuben gewährleistet ist.Starting from the explained prior art, the invention is based on the object of providing a coin store of the type mentioned above, with which a simple and reliably controllable proper assembly of the coin tubes is ensured with the greatest possible flexibility with regard to the size and arrangement of the coin tubes.

Die Erfindung löst die Aufgabe durch den Gegenstand von Anspruch 1. Vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen finden sich in den abhängigen Ansprüchen, der Beschreibung und den Figuren.The invention solves the problem by the subject matter of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims, the description and the figures.

Für einen Münzspeicher der eingangs genannten Art löst die Erfindung die Aufgabe dadurch, dass Verriegelungsmittel für die Münztuben vorgesehen sind, die zwischen einer die Münztuben gegen eine Entnahme aus dem Gehäuse verriegelnden Verriegelungsstellung und einer die Münztuben für eine Entnahme aus dem Gehäuse freigebenden Entriegelungsstellung betätigbar sind, wobei die Verriegelungsmittel jeweils zwischen zwei in dem Gehäuse benachbarten Münztuben angeordnet sind und in der Verriegelungsstellung die benachbarten Münztuben gegen eine Entnahme aus dem Gehäuse verriegeln, und dass die Verriegelungsmittel die Verriegelungsstellung nur im vollständig in das Gehäuse eingesetzten Zustand der benachbarten Münztuben einnehmen können.For a coin store of the type mentioned at the outset, the invention solves the problem in that locking means are provided for the coin tubes, which can be actuated between a locking position that locks the coin tubes against removal from the housing and an unlocking position that enables the coin tubes to be removed from the housing, wherein the locking means are each arranged between two adjacent coin tubes in the housing and in the locking position lock the adjacent coin tubes against removal from the housing, and that the locking means can only assume the locking position when the adjacent coin tubes are completely inserted into the housing.

Gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausgestaltung können die Verriegelungsmittel an dem Gehäuse vorgesehen sein. Der Münzspeicher bildet eine Speicherkassette. Er kann zum Beispiel in Geldwechslern von Verkaufsautomaten, wie Fahrkartenautomaten, Spielautomaten oder dergleichen, zum Einsatz kommen. Der Geldwechsler besitzt ein Hauptgehäuse, dessen Abmessungen genormt sind. Der Münzspeicher bildet ein Modul, das als Ganzes vormontiert in das Hauptgehäuse eines Geldwechslers eingesetzt und aus diesem entnommen werden kann. Der verfügbare Bauraum für den Münzspeicher ergibt sich somit aus den Abmessungen des Hauptgehäuses abzüglich des Raumbedarfs anderer Module des Geldwechslers, wie beispielsweise dem Auszahlmodul oder der Münzsortierung. Im Sinne einer großen Kapazität des Münzspeichers, wird die Bauhöhe der übrigen Module daher möglichst klein gehalten sowie der Bauraum des Münzspeichers bestmöglich ausgenutzt, z.B. durch eine geschickte Anordnung und Durchmesserauswahl der Münztuben. Der Münzspeicher kann zum Beispiel sechs, in dem Gehäuse entlang einer U-Form angeordneter Münztuben aufweisen. Die Münztuben sind jeweils hohlzylindrisch mit offenen Stirnseiten ausgebildet und nehmen Münzen eines bestimmten Durchmessers übereinander gestapelt in Form von Münzsäulen auf. Je nach Münzdurchmesser ist ein unterschiedlicher Tubeninnendurchmesser vorgesehen. Der Außendurchmesser der Münztuben ist in der Regel etwa 3 mm größer als der Innendurchmesser.According to a preferred embodiment, the locking means can be provided on the housing. The coin store forms a storage cassette. It can be used, for example, in money changers of vending machines, such as ticket machines, slot machines or the like. The money changer has a main housing, the dimensions of which are standardized. The coin storage unit forms a module which, pre-assembled as a whole, can be inserted into and removed from the main housing of a money changer. The space available for the coin storage is thus derived from the dimensions of the main housing minus the space required by other modules of the changer, such as the payout module or the coin sorting unit. In terms of a large capacity of the coin store, the overall height of the remaining modules is kept as small as possible and the space of the coin store is used to the best possible extent, for example through a clever arrangement and selection of the diameter of the coin tubes. The coin store can, for example, have six coin tubes arranged in the housing along a U-shape. The coin tubes are each designed as a hollow cylinder with open end faces and hold coins of a certain diameter stacked on top of one another in the form of coin columns. Depending on A different inner tube diameter is provided for the coin diameter. The outside diameter of the coin tubes is usually about 3 mm larger than the inside diameter.

Das Gehäuse kann einen Rahmenabschnitt und einen Basisabschnitt besitzen. Diese können einstückig miteinander verbunden sein oder voneinander getrennte und zum Beispiel lösbar miteinander verbindbare Abschnitte sein. Die lösbare Verbindung kann zum Beispiel durch Verschrauben oder Verrasten erfolgen. Beispielsweise der Rahmenabschnitt kann die erfindungsgemäßen Verriegelungsmittel zum Verriegeln der Münztuben aufweisen. Beispielsweise der Rahmenabschnitt kann einen Boden- und einem Wandabschnitt zum Halten der Münztuben besitzen. Zum Beispiel der Basisabschnitt kann zur radialen Positionierung der Münztuben sowie als Auflagefläche für die in den unten offenen Münztuben gehaltenen Münzsäulen dienen. Außerdem kann ein Griff (Latch) zum Halten des Münzspeichers an dem Gehäuse vorgesehen sein. Über diesen Griff kann der Münzspeicher in das Hauptgehäuse eines Geldwechslers eingesetzt und aus diesem entnommen werden. Weiterhin kann der insbesondere federbelastete Griff der Arretierung des eingesetzten Münzspeichers in seiner unteren Endlage dienen. Das Gehäuse kann eine Frontabdeckung besitzen, die zum Beispiel einen Münzrückgabekanal abdecken kann. Die Frontabdeckung kann beispielsweise auch die Verriegelungsmittel zweier benachbarter Münztuben abdecken, zum Beispiel der an der Grundseite einer U-Form angeordneten Münztuben. Die Frontabdeckung kann lösbar mit dem übrigen Gehäuseteil bzw. den übrigen Gehäuseteilen verbindbar sein, zum Beispiel über Verrasten.The housing may have a frame portion and a base portion. These can be connected to one another in one piece or be separate and, for example, releasably connectable sections. The detachable connection can be made, for example, by screwing or locking. For example, the frame section can have the locking means according to the invention for locking the coin tubes. For example, the frame section can have a bottom section and a wall section for holding the coin tubes. For example, the base section can be used for radial positioning of the coin tubes and as a support surface for the coin columns held in the coin tubes that are open at the bottom. In addition, a handle (latch) for holding the coin storage device can be provided on the housing. The coin store can be inserted into and removed from the main housing of a money changer via this handle. Furthermore, the particular spring-loaded handle can be used to lock the inserted coin store in its lower end position. The housing can have a front cover that can cover a coin return channel, for example. The front cover can, for example, also cover the locking means of two adjacent coin tubes, for example the coin tubes arranged on the base of a U-shape. The front cover can be releasably connectable to the remaining housing part or the remaining housing parts, for example by latching.

Zur Montage werden die Münztuben an der gewünschten Position von oben in das Gehäuse eingesetzt. Sie können ihre endgültige Montageposition durch Schwerkraft einnehmen. Es sind erfindungsgemäß Verriegelungsmittel vorgesehen, die zwischen einer Verriegelungsstellung und einer Entriegelungsstellung betätigbar, insbesondere bewegbar, sind. In der Verriegelungsstellung werden die Münztuben gegen ein axiales Herausziehen aus dem Gehäuse gesichert. In der Entriegelungsstellung können die Münztuben dagegen in axialer Richtung aus dem Gehäuse entnommen werden, beispielsweise zum Austausch gegen andere Münztuben. Durch die Verriegelungsstellung der Verriegelungsmittel wird die vollständig in das Gehäuse eingesetzte Axialposition der Münztuben zuverlässig definiert und ist in einfacher Weise kontrollierbar. Erreicht wird dies, indem die Verriegelungsmittel ihre Verriegelungsstellung nur bei vollständig in das Gehäuse eingesetzten Münztuben einnehmen können. Diese im Wesentlichen spielfreie axiale Anordnung der Münztuben ist für ein zuverlässiges Ausgeben von Münzen durch ein Auszahlmodul von entscheidender Bedeutung. Durch die erfindungsgemäß mögliche manuelle Betätigung der Verriegelungsmittel ist ein einfacher und schneller sowie werkzeugfreier Austausch der in dem Gehäuse angeordneten Münztuben möglich.For assembly, the coin tubes are inserted into the housing from above in the desired position. They can take their final mounting position by gravity. According to the invention, locking means are provided which can be actuated between a locking position and an unlocking position, in particular are movable. In the locked position, the coin tubes are secured against being pulled out of the housing axially. In the unlocked position, however, the coin tubes can be removed from the housing in the axial direction, for example to exchange for other coin tubes. As a result of the locking position of the locking means, the axial position of the coin tubes inserted completely into the housing is reliably defined and can be checked in a simple manner. This is achieved in that the locking means can only assume their locking position when the coin tubes are completely inserted into the housing. This essentially play-free axial arrangement of the coin tubes is of crucial importance for a reliable dispensing of coins by a payout module. The manual actuation of the locking means, which is possible according to the invention, enables the coin tubes arranged in the housing to be exchanged simply and quickly and without tools.

Außerdem sind die Verriegelungsmittel erfindungsgemäß jeweils (insbesondere mittig) zwischen zwei benachbarten Münztuben angeordnet. Damit wird der bei zylindrischen Münztuben zwischen den benachbarten Tuben gebildete Freiraum für die Verriegelung genutzt. Dieser Freiraum wird bei im Wesentlichen aneinander anliegenden benachbarten Münztuben zwischen den zylindrischen Außenflächen der Münztuben und beispielsweise einer die Anordnung der Münztuben von außen begrenzenden Gehäusewand begrenzt. Indem für die Verriegelung dieser Zwischenraum genutzt wird, können benachbarte Münztuben einerseits im Wesentlichen aneinander anliegend angeordnet werden. Gleichzeitig können die Münztuben mit ihrem Außendurchmesser bis an die Innenfläche einer das Gehäuse begrenzenden Gehäusewand reichen. Dadurch können bei gleichen Außenabmessungen des Gehäuses wie im Stand der Technik größere Münztuben bei gleichzeitig sicherer und definierter Verriegelung untergebracht werden. Dies wiederum gibt dem erfindungsgemäßen Münzspeicher eine größtmögliche Flexibilität. Beispielsweise ist es erfindungsgemäß möglich, Münztuben mit Innendurchmessern von bis zu 33 mm (Außendurchmessern von bis zu 36 mm) in dem Gehäuse anzuordnen. Im Stand der Technik steht bei solchen Münztuben und bei den durch die genormten Abmessungen des Geldwechslers beschränkten Abmessungen des Gehäuses zwischen der Innenfläche des Gehäuses und dem Münztubenbereich des größten Durchmessers nicht ausreichend Platz für eine Verriegelung zur Verfügung. Erfindungsgemäß kann in einfach zu montierender Weise eine sichere Verriegelung zweier benachbarter Münztuben mit nur einem Verriegelungsmittel erfolgen, das zudem einen schnellen Tubentausch ohne Werkzeuge ermöglicht. Der erfindungsgemäße Münzspeicher erlaubt somit die Kombination der großen Münzkapazität eines Sechstuben-Münzspeichers bei größtmöglicher Kombinierbarkeit der Tubendurchmesser, was eine optimale Abdeckung des marktrelevanten Münzdurchmesserspektrums gewährleistet, und gleichzeitig einfachem Austausch der Münztuben bei sicherer und kontrollierbarer Verriegelung in der ordnungsgemäß montierten Position.In addition, according to the invention, the locking means are each arranged (in particular in the middle) between two adjacent coin tubes. The free space formed between the adjacent tubes in the case of cylindrical coin tubes is thus used for the locking. This free space is delimited between the cylindrical outer surfaces of the coin tubes and, for example, a housing wall which delimits the arrangement of the coin tubes from the outside, when the adjacent coin tubes essentially abut one another. By using this intermediate space for locking, adjacent coin tubes can on the one hand be arranged essentially adjacent to one another. At the same time, the outer diameter of the coin tubes can extend to the inner surface of a housing wall delimiting the housing. As a result, larger coin tubes can be accommodated with the same external dimensions of the housing as in the prior art with a secure and defined locking at the same time. This in turn gives the coin store according to the invention the greatest possible flexibility. For example, it is possible according to the invention to use coin tubes Inside diameters of up to 33 mm (outside diameters of up to 36 mm) to be arranged in the housing. In the prior art, with such coin tubes and with the dimensions of the housing limited by the standardized dimensions of the money changer, there is insufficient space for a lock between the inner surface of the housing and the coin tube area of the largest diameter. According to the invention, two adjacent coin tubes can be securely locked in a manner that is easy to assemble with only one locking means, which also enables the tubes to be exchanged quickly without tools. The coin storage according to the invention thus allows the combination of the large coin capacity of a six-chamber coin storage with the greatest possible combinability of the tube diameter, which ensures optimal coverage of the market-relevant coin diameter spectrum, and at the same time easy exchange of the coin tubes with secure and controllable locking in the properly mounted position.

Gemäß einer Ausgestaltung können die Verriegelungsmittel jeweils in Bezug auf benachbarte Münztuben symmetrisch angeordnet und ausgebildet sein. Dadurch wird die Austauschbarkeit der Münztuben weiter vereinfacht. Eine mit den Verriegelungsmitteln zusammenwirkende Geometrie der Münztuben, zum Beispiel Führungsvorsprünge oder dergleichen, kann entsprechend symmetrisch ausgebildet sein.According to one embodiment, the locking means can each be arranged and designed symmetrically with respect to adjacent coin tubes. This further simplifies the exchangeability of the coin tubes. A geometry of the coin tubes that interacts with the locking means, for example guide projections or the like, can be correspondingly symmetrical.

Gemäß einer Ausgestaltung können die Verriegelungsmittel mindestens einen an dem Gehäuse schwenkbar zwischen der Verriegelungsstellung und der Entriegelungsstellung schwenkbaren Verriegelungshebel umfassen. Es können insbesondere mehrere Verriegelungshebel vorgesehen sein. Ein Verriegelungshebel verriegelt dabei jeweils zwei benachbarte Münztuben. Es können also n/2 Verriegelungshebel vorgesehen sein, wobei n die Anzahl der Münztuben in dem Gehäuse ist. Beispielsweise bei sechs Münztuben können an dem Gehäuse also drei Verriegelungshebel vorgesehen sein. Der mindestens eine Verriegelungshebel ist verliersicher an dem Gehäuse gehalten. Er kann einen T-förmigen Verriegelungsabschnitt besitzen. Der Dachabschnitt der T-Form kann sich dann auf entsprechende Verriegelungsvorsprünge zweier benachbarter Münztuben legen und die Münztuben so gegen ein axiales Herausziehen aus dem Gehäuse sichern.According to one embodiment, the locking means can comprise at least one locking lever pivotable on the housing between the locking position and the unlocking position. In particular, several locking levers can be provided. A locking lever locks two adjacent coin tubes. So n / 2 locking levers can be provided, where n is the number of coin tubes in the housing. For example, with six coin tubes there can be three on the housing Locking lever may be provided. The at least one locking lever is held captive on the housing. It can have a T-shaped locking section. The roof section of the T-shape can then rest on corresponding locking projections of two adjacent coin tubes and thus secure the coin tubes against being axially pulled out of the housing.

Der mindestens eine Verriegelungshebel kann nach einer weiteren Ausgestaltung in der Verriegelungsstellung an Rastflächen des Gehäuses, beispielsweise eines Rahmenabschnitts des Gehäuses, verrasten und so die benachbarten Münztuben gegen eine Entnahme aus dem Gehäuse verriegeln. Dadurch erfolgt eine besonders sichere Verriegelung. Gleichzeitig ist in einfacher Weise und ohne Werkzeug der mindestens eine Verriegelungshebel für ein Auswechseln von Münztuben lösbar.According to a further embodiment, the at least one locking lever can lock in the locking position on locking surfaces of the housing, for example a frame section of the housing, and thus lock the adjacent coin tubes against being removed from the housing. This results in a particularly secure locking. At the same time, the at least one locking lever for exchanging coin tubes can be released in a simple manner and without tools.

Nach einer weiteren Ausgestaltung können die Münztuben an ihrem Außenumfang jeweils mindestens einen Verriegelungsvorsprung umfassen, wobei der mindestens eine Verriegelungshebel in der Verriegelungsstellung auf Verriegelungsvorsprüngen benachbarter Münztuben aufliegt. Durch dieses Aufliegen auf den Verriegelungsvorsprüngen sichert der mindestens eine Verriegelungshebel benachbarte Münztuben gegen ein axiales Lösen aus dem Gehäuse. Insbesondere wenn mehrere Verriegelungshebel vorgesehen sind, liegen diese entsprechend jeweils auf den Verriegelungsvorsprüngen benachbarter Münztuben auf.According to a further embodiment, the coin tubes can each comprise at least one locking projection on their outer circumference, the at least one locking lever resting on locking projections of adjacent coin tubes in the locking position. As a result of this resting on the locking projections, the at least one locking lever secures adjacent coin tubes against axial loosening from the housing. In particular, when a plurality of locking levers are provided, these rest on the locking projections of adjacent coin tubes.

Der mindestens eine Verriegelungshebel kann mittels einer Rastverbindung schwenkbar an dem Gehäuse gelagert sein. Hierdurch wird eine besonders einfache Erstmontage des mindestens einen Verriegelungshebels an dem Gehäuse erreicht. Nach der Erstmontage kann dieser dauerhaft an dem Gehäuse angeordnet verbleiben.The at least one locking lever can be pivotably mounted on the housing by means of a latching connection. In this way, a particularly simple initial assembly of the at least one locking lever on the housing is achieved. After the initial assembly, it can remain permanently arranged on the housing.

Der mindestens eine Verriegelungshebel kann nach einer weiteren Ausgestaltung nur in der Verriegelungsstellung bündig mit einer den Verriegelungshebel umgebenden Oberfläche des Gehäuses abschließen. Der Verriegelungshebel steht also (nur) in der Verriegelungsstellung nicht über das Gehäuse vor. Dadurch ist einerseits eine besonders zuverlässige optische und haptische Kontrolle der ordnungsgemäßen Verriegelung möglich. Außerdem liegen zum Beispiel seitliche Außenwände des Gehäuses, bei einer U-förmigen Anordnung der Münztuben also an den Schenkeln der U-Form angeordnete seitliche Außenwände, in der Regel flächenbündig an den Innenwänden eines den Münzspeicher aufnehmenden Hauptgehäuses zum Beispiel eines Geldwechslers an. Durch die vorgenannte Ausgestaltung wird sichergestellt, dass eine Montage des Münzspeichers in dem Geldwechsler nur bei ordnungsgemäß verriegelten Münztuben möglich ist. Gleiches gilt zum Beispiel für eine Gehäuseoberfläche einer Grundseite einer U-förmigen Anordnung von Münztuben, sofern an dieser Grundseite noch eine Frontabdeckung des Gehäuses montiert wird. Diese kann derart gestaltet sein, dass sie wiederum flächenbündig an der darunterliegenden, den Verriegelungshebel umgebenden Gehäuseoberfläche anliegt, so dass eine Anbringung der Frontabdeckung wiederum nur bei ordnungsgemäß verriegelten Münztuben möglich ist. Es wird somit eine besonders hohe Montagesicherheit erreicht.According to a further embodiment, the at least one locking lever can terminate flush with a surface of the housing surrounding the locking lever only in the locking position. The locking lever does not (only) protrude beyond the housing in the locked position. As a result, on the one hand, a particularly reliable visual and haptic control of the proper locking is possible. In addition, for example, lateral outer walls of the housing, in the case of a U-shaped arrangement of the coin tubes, that is, lateral outer walls arranged on the legs of the U-shape, are usually flush with the inner walls of a main housing, e.g. The aforementioned configuration ensures that the coin store can only be installed in the changer when the coin tubes are properly locked. The same applies, for example, to a housing surface on a base side of a U-shaped arrangement of coin tubes, provided that a front cover of the housing is also mounted on this base side. This can be designed in such a way that it in turn rests flush against the underlying housing surface surrounding the locking lever, so that the front cover can again only be attached when the coin tubes are properly locked. A particularly high level of installation security is thus achieved.

Nach einer weiteren Ausgestaltung können Führungsmittel zum Führen der Münztuben in radialer Richtung vorgesehen sein. Die Führungsmittel stellen eine seitliche Führung der Münztuben beim Einsetzen in das Gehäuse bereit. Außerdem sichern sie die Münztuben in radialer Richtung in ihrer in das Gehäuse eingesetzten Position. Es ist damit ausreichend, wenn die Verriegelungsmittel nur eine Sicherung der Münztuben gegen ein Herausziehen in axialer Richtung bereitstellen. Ein seitliches Lösen aus ihrer jeweiligen Position kann durch die Führungsmittel verhindert werden. Es wird durch die Führungsmittel eine besonders vereinfachte Montage und Positionierung erreicht.According to a further embodiment, guide means can be provided for guiding the coin tubes in the radial direction. The guide means provide lateral guidance for the coin tubes when they are inserted into the housing. In addition, they secure the coin tubes in the radial direction in their inserted position in the housing. It is thus sufficient if the locking means only provide a safeguard for the coin tubes against being pulled out in the axial direction. Lateral loosening from their respective position can be prevented by the guide means. A particularly simplified assembly and positioning is achieved by the guide means.

Die Führungsmittel können Führungsvorsprünge an den Münztuben und zu den Führungsvorsprüngen korrespondierende Führungsstege an dem Gehäuse umfassen. Die Führungsvorsprünge gleiten in den Führungsstegen, so dass eine besonders zuverlässige Führung bei der Montage gewährleistet ist. Im ineinander eingreifenden Zustand von Führungsvorsprüngen und Führungsstegen ist insbesondere eine Sicherung gegen eine radiale Bewegung der Münztuben erreicht. Dazu können zumindest einige Führungsvorsprünge mit den Führungsstegen zusammenwirkende Führungsnuten aufweisen. Die Führungsvorsprünge können Anschlagflächen besitzen, mit denen sie in der vollständig in das Gehäuse eingesetzten Position an korrespondierenden Auflageflächen des Gehäuses anschlagen. Dadurch ist die vollständig in das Gehäuse eingesetzte Endposition der Münztuben zuverlässig definiert.The guide means can comprise guide projections on the coin tubes and guide webs corresponding to the guide projections on the housing. The guide projections slide in the guide webs so that particularly reliable guidance is guaranteed during assembly. In the interlocking state of the guide projections and guide webs, in particular a safeguard against radial movement of the coin tubes is achieved. For this purpose, at least some guide projections can have guide grooves that interact with the guide webs. The guide projections can have stop surfaces with which they stop in the position completely inserted into the housing on corresponding contact surfaces of the housing. As a result, the end position of the coin tubes fully inserted into the housing is reliably defined.

Gemäß einer weiteren Ausgestaltung können die Münztuben jeweils einen oberen Führungsvorsprung im Bereich ihres oberen Endes und einen unteren Führungsvorsprung im Bereich ihres unteren Endes besitzen. An dem Gehäuse können korrespondierende obere und untere Führungsstege ausgebildet sein. Hierdurch wird eine weiter verbesserte Führung und dadurch eine weiter vereinfachte Montage realisiert. Gleichzeitig wird die seitliche Sicherung der Münztuben im montierten Zustand weiter verbessert. Beim Einsetzen greifen zuerst die unteren Führungsvorsprünge der Münztuben in die oberen und/oder unteren Führungsstege des Gehäuses ein. Anschließend greifen die oberen Führungsvorsprünge in die oberen Führungsstege ein.According to a further embodiment, the coin tubes can each have an upper guide projection in the area of their upper end and a lower guide projection in the area of their lower end. Corresponding upper and lower guide webs can be formed on the housing. This results in a further improved guidance and thereby a further simplified assembly. At the same time, the side securing of the coin tubes in the assembled state is further improved. When inserting, the lower guide projections of the coin tubes first engage in the upper and / or lower guide webs of the housing. The upper guide projections then engage in the upper guide webs.

Gemäß einer besonders praxisgemäßen und einfach herzustellenden Ausgestaltung kann der obere Führungsvorsprung gleichzeitig den Verriegelungsvorsprung bilden.According to a particularly practical and easy to manufacture embodiment, the upper guide projection can simultaneously form the locking projection.

Das Einsetzen der Münztuben in das Gehäuse kann weiter erleichtert werden, wenn zumindest die unteren Führungsstege Einführschrägen für die unteren Führungsvorsprünge aufweisen.The insertion of the coin tubes into the housing can be further facilitated if at least the lower guide webs have insertion bevels for the lower guide projections.

Nach einer weiteren Ausgestaltung können die Führungsmittel weiterhin an der Unterseite der Münztuben und an einer zugeordneten Bodenseite des Gehäuses ausgebildete Zentrierstifte und Zentrieraufnahmen umfassen, wobei die Zentrierstifte und die Zentrieraufnahmen im vollständig in das Gehäuse eingesetzten Zustand der Münztuben ineinandergreifen. Zum Beispiel können an der Unterseite der Münztuben zwei Zentrierstifte oder zwei Zentrieraufnahmen ausgebildet sein. An der zugewandten Bodenseite des Gehäuses sind dann entsprechend zwei Zentrieraufnahmen bzw. zwei Zentrierstifte ausgebildet. Die Zentrierstifte und die Zentrieraufnahmen stellen die korrekte Drehposition der Münztuben sowie ihre Feinzentrierung in dem Gehäuse sicher. Zentrierstifte und Zentrieraufnahmen besitzen korrespondierende Geometrien, beispielsweise sind sie jeweils zylindrisch ausgebildet.According to a further embodiment, the guide means can further comprise centering pins and centering receptacles formed on the underside of the coin tubes and on an associated bottom side of the housing, the centering pins and the centering receptacles interlocking when the coin tubes are fully inserted into the housing. For example, two centering pins or two centering receptacles can be formed on the underside of the coin tubes. Two centering receptacles or two centering pins are then correspondingly formed on the facing bottom side of the housing. The centering pins and the centering mounts ensure the correct rotational position of the coin tubes and their fine centering in the housing. Centering pins and centering receptacles have corresponding geometries, for example they are each cylindrical.

Die in den erfindungsgemäßen Münzspeicher einsetzbaren Münztuben können unterschiedliche Innendurchmesser besitzen, vorzugsweise im Bereich von 17 mm bis 33 mm, wobei die Münztuben an unterschiedlichen Positionen in dem Gehäuse angeordnet werden können. Der Durchmesserbereich von 17 mm bis 33 mm deckt die gängigen, marktrelevanten Währungen ab. Indem die Münztuben flexibel an unterschiedlichen Positionen und damit austauschbar in dem Gehäuse angeordnet werden können, wird für den Anwender eine größtmögliche Flexibilität erreicht. Sichergestellt werden kann dies insbesondere dadurch, dass der radiale Abstand zwischen den Führungsvorsprüngen und der Tubenmittelachse für jede Münztube gleich ist. Dies betrifft insbesondere den radialen Abstand der an der Führung und Verriegelung teilnehmenden Abschnitte der Führungsvorsprünge. Zum Beispiel kann ein Abschnitt, mit dem die Führungsvorsprünge an der Außenfläche der Münztuben angebunden sind, je nach Münztubendurchmesser unterschiedlich lang ausgebildet sein. Durch diese Ausgestaltung kann für jeden Münzdurchmesser in jeder Position in dem Gehäuse eine zuverlässige Führung und Verriegelung sichergestellt werden.The coin tubes which can be used in the coin store according to the invention can have different inside diameters, preferably in the range from 17 mm to 33 mm, and the coin tubes can be arranged in different positions in the housing. The diameter range from 17 mm to 33 mm covers the common, market-relevant currencies. Since the coin tubes can be arranged flexibly in different positions and thus interchangeably in the housing, the greatest possible flexibility is achieved for the user. This can be ensured in particular by the fact that the radial distance between the guide projections and the tube central axis is the same for each coin tube. This relates in particular to the radial distance between the sections of the guide projections that participate in the guidance and locking. For example, a portion with which the guide protrusions on the outer surface of the Coin tubes are tied up and have different lengths depending on the coin tube diameter. This configuration enables reliable guidance and locking to be ensured for every coin diameter in every position in the housing.

Die Erfindung betrifft auch einen Geldwechsler, umfassend ein Hauptgehäuse, und einen in das Hauptgehäuse eingesetzten erfindungsgemäßen Münzspeicher. Wie bereits erläutert, kann der Geldwechsler zum Beispiel in Verkaufsautomaten, wie Fahrkartenautomaten oder Spielautomaten oder dergleichen, eingesetzt werden. Wie ebenfalls bereits erläutert, besitzt er ein Auszahlmodul, mit dem Münzen aus den jeweiligen Münztuben ausgezahlt werden können. Außerdem besitzt der Geldwechsler in an sich bekannter Weise einen Münzeinwurf mit nachfolgender Münzprüfung und Münzsortierung, die eingeworfene Münzen je nach ihrer Größe in die jeweiligen Münztuben einsortiert. Der Geldwechsler kann außerdem einen Rückgabekanal zur Rückgabe abgewiesener Münzen aufweisen. Weiterhin kann der Geldwechsler einen Kassenkanal aufweisen, der der Zuführung angenommener Münzen in eine Kasse dient. Diese Kasse als Teil des Verkaufsautomaten dient der (unsortierten) Speicherung von Münzen, z.B. bei vollständig gefüllten Münztuben.The invention also relates to a money changer, comprising a main housing and a coin store according to the invention inserted into the main housing. As already explained, the money changer can be used, for example, in vending machines such as ticket machines or slot machines or the like. As already explained, it has a payout module with which coins can be paid out from the respective coin tubes. In addition, the money changer has, in a manner known per se, a coin slot with subsequent coin checking and coin sorting, which sorts the inserted coins into the respective coin tubes depending on their size. The money changer can also have a return channel for returning rejected coins. Furthermore, the money changer can have a cash register channel which is used to feed accepted coins into a cash register. This cash register as part of the vending machine is used for the (unsorted) storage of coins, e.g. when the coin tubes are completely full.

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand von Figuren näher erläutert. Es zeigen schematisch:

Figur 1
einen erfindungsgemäßen Geldwechsler mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Münzspeicher in teilweise demontiertem Zustand in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,
Figur 2
den in Figur 1 gezeigten Münzspeicher in einer weiteren perspektivischen Ansicht,
Figur 3
den Münzspeicher aus Figur 2 in einer Draufsicht,
Figur 4
den in Figur 2 gezeigten Münzspeicher in einer perspektivischen teilweisen Explosionsdarstellung,
Figur 5
einen Teil des in Figur 2 gezeigten Münzspeichers in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,
Figur 6
ein vergrößertes Detail der Darstellung aus Figur 5,
Figur 7
ein weiteres vergrößertes Detail der Darstellung aus Figur 5 ohne eine Gehäusewand,
Figur 8
eine Münztube des in Figur 2 gezeigten Münzspeichers in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,
Figur 9
das Detail A aus Figur 8 in vergrößerter Darstellung,
Figur 10
das Detail B aus Figur 8 in vergrößerter Darstellung,
Figur 11
einen Verriegelungshebel des in Figur 2 gezeigten Münzspeichers in einer ersten perspektivischen Ansicht,
Figur 12
den Verriegelungshebel aus Figur 11 in einer zweiten perspektivischen Ansicht,
Figur 13
ein weiteres vergrößertes Detail des in Figur 2 gezeigten Münzspeichers in einer Vormontageposition des Verriegelungshebels,
Figur 14
das Detail aus Figur 13 bei in seiner Entriegelungsstellung befindlichem Verriegelungshebel, und
Figur 15
das Detail aus Figur 13 bei in seiner Verriegelungsstellung befindlichem Verriegelungshebel.
An exemplary embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to figures. They show schematically:
Figure 1
a money changer according to the invention with a coin store according to the invention in a partially dismantled state in a perspective view,
Figure 2
the in Figure 1 shown coin store in a further perspective view,
Figure 3
the coin store Figure 2 in a plan view,
Figure 4
the in Figure 2 shown coin store in a perspective partial exploded view,
Figure 5
part of the in Figure 2 shown coin store in a perspective view,
Figure 6
an enlarged detail of the illustration Figure 5 ,
Figure 7
a further enlarged detail of the illustration Figure 5 without a housing wall,
Figure 8
a coin tube of the in Figure 2 shown coin store in a perspective view,
Figure 9
detail A. Figure 8 in an enlarged view,
Figure 10
the detail B. Figure 8 in an enlarged view,
Figure 11
a locking lever of the in Figure 2 shown coin store in a first perspective view,
Figure 12
the locking lever Figure 11 in a second perspective view,
Figure 13
another enlarged detail of the in Figure 2 shown coin store in a pre-assembly position of the locking lever,
Figure 14
the detail Figure 13 when the locking lever is in its unlocked position, and
Figure 15
the detail Figure 13 with the locking lever in its locked position.

Soweit nichts anderes angegeben ist, bezeichnen in den Figuren gleiche Bezugszeichen gleiche Gegenstände.Unless stated otherwise, the same reference symbols in the figures denote the same items.

In Figur 1 ist ein Geldwechsler mit einem Hauptgehäuse 10 gezeigt, der beispielsweise in Verkaufsautomaten, wie Fahrkartenautomaten, Spielautomaten oder dergleichen, zum Einsatz kommen kann. Der Geldwechsler besitzt einen Münzeinwurf 12 und eine in Figur 1 im Wesentlichen verdeckte Münzprüfeinrichtung mit nachfolgender Münzsortiereinrichtung, die eingeworfene Münzen abhängig von ihrem Nennwert bzw. Durchmesser in die Münztuben 14 des in Figur 1 bei dem Bezugszeichen 16 gezeigten Münzspeichers einsortiert. Ein in Figur 1 nicht näher dargestelltes Auszahlmodul dient dazu, Münzen aus den Münztuben 14 über eine Münzausgabe auszuzahlen. Außerdem besitzt der Geldwechsler einen Münzrückgabekanal, über den abgewiesene Münzen ausgeworfen werden können, und einen Kassenkanal, über den Münzen einer Kasse zugeführt werden können. Dieser Aufbau und diese Funktion eines Geldwechslers sind an sich bekannt.In Figure 1 shows a money changer with a main housing 10, which can be used, for example, in vending machines such as ticket machines, gaming machines or the like. The changer has a coin slot 12 and an in Figure 1 Essentially concealed coin checking device with subsequent coin sorting device, which depending on their nominal value or diameter, the inserted coins into the coin tubes 14 of the in Figure 1 at the reference numeral 16 shown coin store sorted. An in Figure 1 The payout module, not shown in detail, serves to pay out coins from the coin tubes 14 via a coin dispenser. In addition, the changer has a coin return channel through which rejected coins can be ejected, and a cash register channel through which coins can be fed to a cash register. This structure and this function of a money changer are known per se.

Der Münzspeicher 16 besitzt ein Gehäuse 18, in dem in dem gezeigten Beispiel sechs entlang einer U-Form angeordnete Münztuben 14 angeordnet sind. In den hohlzylindrischen Münztuben 14 werden Münzen übereinander gestapelt gehalten. Das Gehäuse 18 wird in das Hauptgehäuse 10 des Geldwechslers eingesetzt und kann in diesem beispielsweise durch Verrasten gehalten werden. Je nach Durchmesser können die Münztuben 14 aneinander anliegend und an Innenflächen des Gehäuses 18 anliegend angeordnet sein. Das Gehäuse 18 besitzt in dem dargestellten Beispiel einen Rahmenabschnitt 20 und einen Basisabschnitt 22, die beispielsweise durch Verschrauben miteinander verbunden sein können. Weiterhin besitzt das Gehäuse 18 eine Frontabdeckung 24, die beispielsweise durch Verrasten an dem Rahmenabschnitt 20 befestigt werden kann.The coin store 16 has a housing 18 in which, in the example shown, six coin tubes 14 arranged along a U-shape are arranged. Coins are held stacked on top of one another in the hollow cylindrical coin tubes 14. The housing 18 is inserted into the main housing 10 of the money changer and can be held in this, for example, by locking. Depending on the diameter, the coin tubes 14 can lie against one another and on inner surfaces of the housing 18 be arranged adjacent. In the example shown, the housing 18 has a frame section 20 and a base section 22, which can be connected to one another, for example, by screwing. Furthermore, the housing 18 has a front cover 24 which can be fastened to the frame section 20, for example, by latching.

Darüber hinaus sind in dem gezeigten Beispiel drei Verriegelungshebel 26 vorgesehen, die jeweils in einer Hebelaufnahme 28 des Gehäuses 18 mittels einer Rastverbindung schwenkbar gelagert sind, wie unten noch näher erläutert werden wird. Insbesondere in Figur 4 ist zu erkennen, dass die an der Grundseite der U-Form der Münztuben 14 vorgesehene Hebelaufnahme 28 und mit ihr der entsprechende darin gehaltene Verriegelungshebel 26 im montierten Zustand von der Frontabdeckung 24 verdeckt sind. Die Innenseite der Frontabdeckung 24 liegt dabei flächenbündig an der diese Hebelaufnahme 28 umgebenden Gehäuseoberfläche 30 an. Außerdem liegen die die beiden weiteren Hebelaufnahmen 28 aufweisenden seitlichen Außenwände 32 des Gehäuses 18 im in dem Hauptgehäuse 10 montierten Zustand flächenbündig an den zugewandten Innenseiten 34 des Hauptgehäuses 10 an. Bei dem Bezugszeichen 36 ist ein Griff (Latch) zum Tragen des Münzspeichers und zum Arretieren des Münzspeichers in seiner unteren Endlage zu erkennen.In addition, three locking levers 26 are provided in the example shown, each of which is pivotably mounted in a lever mount 28 of the housing 18 by means of a latching connection, as will be explained in more detail below. Especially in Figure 4 it can be seen that the lever receptacle 28 provided on the base side of the U-shape of the coin tubes 14 and with it the corresponding locking lever 26 held therein are covered by the front cover 24 in the assembled state. The inside of the front cover 24 is flush with the housing surface 30 surrounding this lever receptacle 28. In addition, the lateral outer walls 32 of the housing 18, which have the two further lever receptacles 28, lie flush against the facing inner sides 34 of the main housing 10 in the assembled state in the main housing 10. The reference numeral 36 shows a handle (latch) for carrying the coin store and for locking the coin store in its lower end position.

In Figur 5 ist zur Veranschaulichung nur ein Teil des Münzspeichers dargestellt, insbesondere die auch in Figur 4 zu erkennende Außenwand 32. Die in Figur 5 linke der beiden Münztuben 14 befindet sich in der Darstellung der Figur 5 bereits in ihrer vollständig in das Gehäuse 18 eingesetzten Position. Die in Figur 5 rechte Münztube 14 befindet sich dagegen noch nicht in ihrer vollständig in das Gehäuse 18 eingesetzten Position. In den Figuren 6 und 7 sind vergrößerte Details der Darstellung aus Figur 5 gezeigt, wobei in Figur 7 auch die die Außenwand 32 in Figur 5 bildende Gehäusewand aus Veranschaulichungsgründen nicht dargestellt ist.In Figure 5 only part of the coin store is shown for the sake of illustration, in particular the one in FIG Figure 4 outer wall to be recognized 32. The in Figure 5 the left of the two coin tubes 14 is shown in FIG Figure 5 already in its fully inserted position in the housing 18. In the Figure 5 On the other hand, the right coin tube 14 is not yet in its fully inserted position in the housing 18. In the Figures 6 and 7th are enlarged details of the illustration Figure 5 shown, where in Figure 7 also the outer wall 32 in Figure 5 forming the housing wall is not shown for reasons of illustration.

Die Münztuben 14 besitzen jeweils einen oberen Führungsvorsprung 38 und einen unteren Führungsvorsprung 40. Der obere Führungsvorsprung 38 weist jeweils beidseitig eine tubenseitige Führungsnut 42 auf. Der untere Führungsvorsprung 40 weist jeweils beidseitig einen tubenseitigen Führungssteg 44 auf. An dem Gehäuse 18 sind zu den tubenseitigen Führungsnuten 42 der oberen Führungsvorsprünge 38 korrespondierende obere gehäuseseitige Führungsstege 46 vorgesehen. Außerdem sind zu den tubenseitigen Führungsstegen 44 der unteren Führungsvorsprünge 40 ebenfalls korrespondierende gehäuseseitige Führungsstege 48 an dem Basisabschnitt 22 des Gehäuses 18 ausgebildet. Die Führung der unteren tubenseitigen Führungsstege 44 erfolgt zwischen diesen gehäuseseitigen Führungsstegen 48 und der jeweiligen angrenzenden Innenfläche der Außenwand 32. Die unteren gehäuseseitigen Führungsstege 48 an dem Basisabschnitt 22 des Gehäuses 18 besitzen außerdem Einführschrägen 50, die ein Einführen der tubenseitigen Führungsstege 44 der unteren Führungsvorsprünge 40 erleichtern. An der Unterseite der Münztuben 14 sind in dem gezeigten Beispiel weiterhin zwei zylindrische Zentrierstifte 52 ausgebildet, die im vollständig in das Gehäuse eingesetzten Zustand in korrespondierenden zylindrischen Zentrieraufnahmen aufgenommen sind. Die Unterseiten der oberen Führungsvorsprünge 38 bilden Anschlagflächen, mit denen die Münztuben 14 im vollständig in das Gehäuse eingesetzten Zustand auf zugeordneten Auflageflächen 54 anschlagen. Dadurch ist die vollständig in das Gehäuse 18 eingesetzte Position der Münztuben 14 zuverlässig definiert. An den oberen Führungsvorsprüngen 38 sind außerdem jeweils beidseitig Verriegelungsflächen 58 ausgebildet, deren Funktion nachfolgend noch näher erläutert werden wird.The coin tubes 14 each have an upper guide projection 38 and a lower guide projection 40. The upper guide projection 38 has a tube-side guide groove 42 on both sides. The lower guide projection 40 has a tube-side guide web 44 on both sides. Upper housing-side guide webs 46 corresponding to the tube-side guide grooves 42 of the upper guide projections 38 are provided on the housing 18. In addition, housing-side guide webs 48 that correspond to the tube-side guide webs 44 of the lower guide projections 40 are also formed on the base section 22 of the housing 18. The lower tube-side guide webs 44 are guided between these housing-side guide webs 48 and the respective adjoining inner surface of the outer wall 32. The lower housing-side guide webs 48 on the base section 22 of the housing 18 also have insertion bevels 50, which introduce the tube-side guide webs 44 of the lower guide projections 40 facilitate. In the example shown, two cylindrical centering pins 52 are also formed on the underside of the coin tubes 14, which are received in corresponding cylindrical centering receptacles when completely inserted into the housing. The undersides of the upper guide projections 38 form stop surfaces with which the coin tubes 14, when fully inserted into the housing, stop on assigned contact surfaces 54. As a result, the position of the coin tubes 14 inserted completely into the housing 18 is reliably defined. Locking surfaces 58 are also formed on both sides of the upper guide projections 38, the function of which will be explained in more detail below.

Es versteht sich, dass in dem gezeigten Beispiel sämtliche Münztuben 14 die erläuterten Führungsvorsprünge 38, 40 aufweisen, die im montierten Zustand mit zugeordneten gehäuseseitigen Führungsstegen 46, 48 an dem Gehäuse zusammenwirken. Die Führungsvorsprünge 38, 40 der Münztuben 14 unterscheiden sich lediglich bei unterschiedlichem Durchmesser der Münztuben. So ist der radiale Abstand zwischen der jeweiligen Tubenmittelachse und den Führungsvorsprüngen 38, 40, insbesondere den an der Führung teilnehmenden Abschnitten, bei jeder Münztube 14 gleich. Ein die Führungsvorsprünge 38, 40 mit der Außenfläche der jeweiligen Münztube 14 verbindender Abschnitt 56 ist dazu unterschiedlich lang (siehe beispielsweise Figuren 6, 7 sowie 9 und 10). Durch diese Ausgestaltung ist sichergestellt, dass die Münztuben 14 flexibel austauschbar an den vorgegebenen Positionen in dem Gehäuse angeordnet werden können.It goes without saying that in the example shown, all coin tubes 14 have the explained guide projections 38, 40 which, in the assembled state, interact with assigned guide webs 46, 48 on the housing on the housing. The guide projections 38, 40 of the coin tubes 14 differ only with different diameter of the coin tubes. The radial distance between the respective tube center axis and the guide projections 38, 40, in particular the sections participating in the guide, is the same for each coin tube 14. A section 56 connecting the guide projections 38, 40 to the outer surface of the respective coin tube 14 is of different length for this purpose (see, for example Figures 6 , 7th as well as 9 and 10). This configuration ensures that the coin tubes 14 can be arranged flexibly and interchangeably at the predetermined positions in the housing.

In den Figuren 11 und 12 ist einer der in Figur 4 gezeigten Verriegelungshebel 26 in vergrößerter Darstellung gezeigt. Der Verriegelungshebel 26 besitzt einen Montageabschnitt 60 und einen in dem gezeigten Beispiel T-förmigen Verriegelungsabschnitt 62. An dem Verriegelungsabschnitt 62 sind Rastflächen 64 vorgesehen. Der Verriegelungshebel 26 wird wie in Figur 13 gezeigt von oben in die schlüssellochförmige Hebelaufnahme 28 unter Presspassung des Montageabschnitts 60 in die in Figur 14 gezeigte Entriegelungsstellung montiert. In dieser Stellung ist der Verriegelungshebel 26 verliersicher rastend in der Hebelaufnahme 28 aufgenommen und zwischen der in Figur 14 gezeigten Entriegelungsstellung und der in Figur 15 gezeigten Verriegelungsstellung schwenkbar gelagert. In der in Figur 14 gezeigten Entriegelungsstellung können die Münztuben 14 aus dem Gehäuse 18 axial nach oben herausgezogen bzw. axial nach unten in das Gehäuse 18 eingesetzt werden. Sofern die benachbarten Münztuben 14 ihre vollständig in das Gehäuse 18 eingesetzte Position erreicht haben, kann der Verriegelungshebel 26 aus der in Figur 14 gezeigten Entriegelungsstellung um 90° in die in Figur 15 gezeigte Verriegelungsstellung verschwenkt werden. An dem Rahmenabschnitt 20 des Gehäuses 18 sind zu den Rastflächen 64 der Verriegelungshebel korrespondierende Rastflächen 66 vorgesehen. In der Verriegelungsstellung verrasten die Rastflächen 64 des Verriegelungshebels 26 mit den zugeordneten Rastflächen 66 des Rahmenabschnitts 20. In der in Figur 15 gezeigten Verriegelungsstellung sind die Münztuben 14 somit durch den Verriegelungshebel 26 und die Verriegelungsflächen 58 gegen ein axiales Herausziehen aus dem Gehäuse 18 gesichert. Außerdem ist erkennbar, dass der Verriegelungshebel 26 in der Verriegelungsstellung flächenbündig mit der ihn umgebenden Außenfläche des Gehäuses abschließt. Diese Flächenbündigkeit liegt nur in der Verriegelungsstellung vor. Es sei darauf hingewiesen, dass die für einen Verriegelungshebel 26 und ein benachbartes Münztubenpaar beschriebene Funktion der Verriegelung für alle Münztubenpaare des Münzspeichers identisch ist.In the Figures 11 and 12 is one of the in Figure 4 Locking lever 26 shown in an enlarged view. The locking lever 26 has a mounting section 60 and a locking section 62 which is T-shaped in the example shown. Latching surfaces 64 are provided on the locking section 62. The locking lever 26 is as in Figure 13 shown from above into the keyhole-shaped lever receptacle 28 with a press fit of the mounting section 60 into the in Figure 14 Unlocking position shown mounted. In this position, the locking lever 26 is held captive in the lever receptacle 28 in a captive manner, and between the in Figure 14 unlocking position shown and the in Figure 15 Locking position shown pivotably mounted. In the in Figure 14 The unlocking position shown, the coin tubes 14 can be pulled out of the housing 18 axially upwards or inserted axially downwards into the housing 18. If the adjacent coin tubes 14 have reached their fully inserted position in the housing 18, the locking lever 26 can be removed from the position shown in FIG Figure 14 unlocking position shown by 90 ° into the in Figure 15 Locking position shown are pivoted. On the frame section 20 of the housing 18, latching surfaces 66 corresponding to the latching surfaces 64 of the locking levers are provided. In the locking position, the latching surfaces 64 of the locking lever 26 engage with the associated latching surfaces 66 of the frame section 20 Figure 15 locking position shown are the Coin tubes 14 are thus secured against axial withdrawal from the housing 18 by the locking lever 26 and the locking surfaces 58. It can also be seen that the locking lever 26 is flush with the surrounding outer surface of the housing in the locking position. This flush is only available in the locked position. It should be noted that the function of the locking described for a locking lever 26 and an adjacent pair of coin tubes is identical for all pairs of coin tubes of the coin store.

Aufgrund der Ausgestaltung des Verriegelungshebels 26 und der Verriegelungsfunktion ist einerseits eine zuverlässige und optisch sowie haptisch einfach zu kontrollierende Verriegelung der Münztuben 14 im Gehäuse 18 realisiert. Andererseits ist in dem gezeigten Beispiel eine Montage der Frontabdeckung 24 und eine Montage des Münzspeichers in dem Hauptgehäuse 10 des Geldwechslers nur bei in der Verriegelungsstellung befindlichem Verriegelungshebel 26 und damit bei ordnungsgemäß eingesetzten Münztuben 14 möglich. Darüber hinaus wird, indem für die Verriegelung der Zwischenraum zwischen jeweils zwei benachbarten Münztuben 14 genutzt wird, eine Anordnung auch von Münztuben 14 mit besonders großem Durchmesser, die mit ihrer Außenfläche im Wesentlichen direkt an der jeweiligen Innenfläche des Gehäuses 18 bzw. an einer benachbarten Münztube 14 anliegen, ermöglicht. Aufgrund der symmetrischen Anordnung der Verriegelung und Ausgestaltung der Münztuben 14 können die Münztuben 14 in einfacher Weise gegeneinander ausgetauscht werden.Due to the design of the locking lever 26 and the locking function, a reliable locking of the coin tubes 14 in the housing 18 that is easy to control visually and haptically is realized on the one hand. On the other hand, in the example shown, assembly of the front cover 24 and assembly of the coin store in the main housing 10 of the money changer is only possible when the locking lever 26 is in the locked position and thus when the coin tubes 14 are properly inserted. In addition, by using the space between two adjacent coin tubes 14 for locking, an arrangement of coin tubes 14 with a particularly large diameter, the outer surface of which is essentially directly on the respective inner surface of the housing 18 or on an adjacent coin tube 14 are present. Due to the symmetrical arrangement of the locking and configuration of the coin tubes 14, the coin tubes 14 can be exchanged for one another in a simple manner.

BezugszeichenlisteList of reference symbols

1010
HauptgehäuseMain body
1212th
MünzeinwurfCoin slot
1414th
MünztubenCoin tubes
1616
MünzspeicherCoin storage
1818th
Gehäusecasing
2020th
RahmenabschnittFrame section
2222nd
BasisabschnittBase section
2424
FrontabdeckungFront cover
2626th
VerriegelungshebelLocking lever
2828
HebelaufnahmeLever mount
3030th
GehäuseoberflächeHousing surface
3232
AußenwändeExterior walls
3434
InnenseitenInsides
3636
GriffHandle
3838
Obere FührungsvorsprüngeUpper leadership ledges
4040
Untere FührungsvorsprüngeLower guide protrusions
4242
Tubenseitige FührungsnutenGuide grooves on the tube side
4444
Tubenseitige FührungsstegeTube-side guide bars
4646
Obere gehäuseseitige FührungsstegeUpper guide bars on the housing side
4848
Untere gehäuseseitige FührungsstegeLower housing-side guide bars
5050
EinführschrägenLead-in chamfers
5252
ZentrierstifteCentering pins
5454
AuflageflächenSupport surfaces
5656
Verbindender AbschnittConnecting section
5858
VerriegelungsflächenLocking surfaces
6060
MontageabschnittMounting section
6262
VerriegelungsabschnittLocking section
6464
Rastflächen der VerriegelungshebelLatching surfaces of the locking lever
6666
Rastflächen des RahmenabschnittsLocking surfaces of the frame section

Claims (17)

  1. Coin store comprising a housing (18) and a plurality of coin tubes (14) that are arranged in the housing (18) so as to be exchangeable independently of one another and to be removable in an axial direction, wherein locking means for the coin tubes (14) are provided, which are actuable between a locked position locking the coin tubes (14) in order to prevent them from being removed from the housing (18) and an unlocked position releasing the coin tubes (14) for removal from the housing (18), wherein the locking means are each arranged between two adjacent coin tubes (14) in the housing (18) and in the locked position lock the adjacent coin tubes (14) in order to prevent them from being removed from the housing (18), and wherein the locking means can take up the locked position only in the state of the adjacent coin tubes (14) in which they have been inserted fully in the housing (18).
  2. Coin store according to Claim 1, characterized in that the locking means are provided on the housing (18).
  3. Coin store according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking means are each arranged and formed symmetrically with respect to adjacent coin tubes.
  4. Coin store according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking means comprise at least one locking lever (26) that is pivotable on the housing (18) in a pivotable manner between the locked position and the unlocked position.
  5. Coin store according to Claim 4, characterized in that the at least one locking lever (26) latches together with latching faces (66) of the housing (18) in the locked position.
  6. Coin store according to either of Claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the coin tubes (14) each comprise, on their outer circumference, at least one locking protrusion, wherein the at least one locking lever (26) rests on locking protrusions of adjacent coin tubes (14) in the locked position.
  7. Coin store according to one of Claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the at least one locking lever (26) is mounted on the housing (18) in a pivotable manner by means of a latching connection.
  8. Coin store according to one of Claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the at least one locking lever (26) terminates flush with a surface, surrounding the locking lever (26), of the housing (18) only in the locked position.
  9. Coin store according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that guide means for guiding the coin tubes (14) in a radial direction are provided.
  10. Coin store according to Claim 9, characterized in that the guide means comprise guide protrusions (38, 40) on the coin tubes (14) and guide webs (46, 48), corresponding to the guide protrusions (38, 40), on the housing (18).
  11. Coin store according to Claim 10, characterized in that the coin tubes (14) each have an upper guide protrusion (38) in the region of their upper end and a lower guide protrusion (40) in the region of their lower end, and in that corresponding upper and lower guide webs (46, 48) are formed on the housing (18).
  12. Coin store according to Claims 6 and 11, characterized in that the upper guide protrusion (38) simultaneously forms the locking protrusion.
  13. Coin store according to either of Claims 11 and 12, characterized in that at least the lower guide webs (48) have introduction chamfers (50) for the lower guide protrusions (40).
  14. Coin store according to one of Claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the guide means furthermore comprise centring pins (52) and centring receptacles formed on the underside of the coin tubes (14) and on an associated bottom side of the housing (18), wherein the centring pins (52) and the centring receptacles engage one in the other in the state of the coin tubes (14) in which they have been inserted fully into the housing (18).
  15. Coin store according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coin tubes (14) have different inside diameters, preferably in the range from 17 mm to 33 mm, and in that the coin tubes (14) can be arranged at different positions in the housing (18).
  16. Coin store according to Claim 15 and one of Claims 10 to 14, characterized in that the radial distance between the guide protrusions and the tube central axis is the same for each coin tube (14).
  17. Change machine comprising a main housing (10) and a coin store (16) according to one of the preceding claims inserted into the main housing (10).
EP18162650.8A 2018-03-19 2018-03-19 Coin store Active EP3543967B1 (en)

Priority Applications (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP18162650.8A EP3543967B1 (en) 2018-03-19 2018-03-19 Coin store
ES18162650T ES2856260T3 (en) 2018-03-19 2018-03-19 Coin collector
PL18162650T PL3543967T3 (en) 2018-03-19 2018-03-19 Coin store
TW108106746A TWI778237B (en) 2018-03-19 2019-02-27 Muenzspeicher
US16/982,470 US11495076B2 (en) 2018-03-19 2019-03-15 Coin storage unit
PCT/EP2019/056615 WO2019179900A1 (en) 2018-03-19 2019-03-15 Coin storage unit

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP18162650.8A EP3543967B1 (en) 2018-03-19 2018-03-19 Coin store

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3543967A1 EP3543967A1 (en) 2019-09-25
EP3543967B1 true EP3543967B1 (en) 2020-12-30

Family

ID=61692200

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP18162650.8A Active EP3543967B1 (en) 2018-03-19 2018-03-19 Coin store

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US11495076B2 (en)
EP (1) EP3543967B1 (en)
ES (1) ES2856260T3 (en)
PL (1) PL3543967T3 (en)
TW (1) TWI778237B (en)
WO (1) WO2019179900A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NL2018089B1 (en) * 2016-12-28 2018-07-06 Suzo Int Nederland B V Coin dispenser

Family Cites Families (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS586054Y2 (en) 1977-10-21 1983-02-02 株式会社日本コインコ Coin dispensing device
US4221227A (en) 1978-08-09 1980-09-09 Mars, Incorporated Separable coin storage tube assembly
GB2043317B (en) * 1979-03-01 1983-03-23 Mars Inc Coin dispenser
US5011456A (en) 1988-06-22 1991-04-30 Kabushiki Kaisha Nippon Conlux Coin receiving and discharging apparatus
GB2246897B (en) 1990-08-10 1994-04-13 Mars Inc Coin testing mechanism
KR100300642B1 (en) 1997-08-29 2001-09-06 오까다 마사하루 Coin processing apparatus
GB2332552B (en) * 1997-12-18 2002-01-30 Mars Inc Coin mechanism
US6966827B2 (en) * 2001-06-12 2005-11-22 Mag-Nif Incorporated Coin bank
DE602006018138D1 (en) * 2005-06-02 2010-12-23 Coin Acceptors Inc SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ISSUING COINS FROM MULTIPLE COIN STORAGE UNITS
TWM370786U (en) * 2009-07-16 2009-12-11 Int Currency Tech Coin dispensing and storage device
US8262441B2 (en) 2009-09-30 2012-09-11 International Currency Technologies Corp. Coin dispensing and storing device
TW201537522A (en) * 2014-03-24 2015-10-01 Int Currency Tech Device for detecting coin in conduit
JP6437256B2 (en) 2014-09-18 2018-12-12 株式会社日本コンラックス Coin storage cassette

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US11495076B2 (en) 2022-11-08
TWI778237B (en) 2022-09-21
ES2856260T3 (en) 2021-09-27
WO2019179900A1 (en) 2019-09-26
EP3543967A1 (en) 2019-09-25
US20210082223A1 (en) 2021-03-18
PL3543967T3 (en) 2021-07-19
TW201939449A (en) 2019-10-01

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
AT409019B (en) FLAT KEY AND CYLINDLE LOCK
DE2815380A1 (en) CYLINDER LOCK WITH PLATE LOCKERS
DE3037403A1 (en) COIN ISSUING DEVICE
DE2311764A1 (en) SAFETY DEVICE FOR COIN DEVICES
EP0377135B1 (en) Key for a cylinder lock
EP3543967B1 (en) Coin store
AT392508B (en) Flat key and associated cylinder lock
WO1993018490A1 (en) Till
AT404857B (en) CYLINDLE LOCK WITH CYLINDER CORE AND CYLINDER CASE AND FLAT KEY
EP1272720B1 (en) Cylinder lock with a cylinder housing and flange key for a cylinder lock
DE102006020289B4 (en) Deposit lock, deposit system, procedures and use
DE3022066A1 (en) DEVICE FOR STOCKING MONEY
DE102019111950A1 (en) Stackable storage unit and stack of storage units
DE3526173C2 (en)
EP4229257A1 (en) Sliding door
WO1995030974A1 (en) Coin-operated lock
EP1711922A1 (en) Token-operated lock
CH658736A5 (en) BANKNOTE CASSETTE.
DE3542015C2 (en)
EP3428371A1 (en) Lock core, lock cylinder, key, locking device and cylinder lock and method for same
AT412797B (en) DOUBLE CYLINDER LOCK
DE4222157A1 (en) Lock with coin used to release mechanism e.g for changing room locker - uses presence of coin on moving part to displace latch to allow rotation to take place
DE10138314C1 (en) Coin-operated lock
EP3394840B1 (en) Automated teller machine
EP0128475A2 (en) Device for a cylinder lock

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

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

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: CRANE PAYMENT INNOVATIONS LTD.

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

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20200228

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

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

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20200804

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

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

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

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: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1350687

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20210115

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 502018003426

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: GERMAN

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

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201230

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201230

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210330

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210331

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

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210330

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201230

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201230

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20201230

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

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201230

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG9D

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

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201230

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201230

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210430

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201230

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201230

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201230

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2856260

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

Effective date: 20210927

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

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210430

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 502018003426

Country of ref document: DE

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

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201230

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201230

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

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

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

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201230

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20211001

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20210331

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: 20210331

Ref country code: CH

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

Effective date: 20210331

Ref country code: IE

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

Effective date: 20210319

Ref country code: LU

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

Effective date: 20210319

Ref country code: LI

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

Effective date: 20210331

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

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201230

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

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20210430

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

Ref country code: BE

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

Effective date: 20210331

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

Ref country code: PL

Payment date: 20230102

Year of fee payment: 6

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20230213

Year of fee payment: 6

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20230126

Year of fee payment: 6

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20230125

Year of fee payment: 6

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230420

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

Ref country code: NL

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

Effective date: 20201230

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201230

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

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20201230

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20180319

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

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20230406

Year of fee payment: 6

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R082

Ref document number: 502018003426

Country of ref document: DE

Representative=s name: VENNER SHIPLEY GERMANY LLP, DE