WO1990006070A1 - Toy bank with novel coin discriminating mechanism - Google Patents

Toy bank with novel coin discriminating mechanism Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1990006070A1
WO1990006070A1 PCT/US1988/004404 US8804404W WO9006070A1 WO 1990006070 A1 WO1990006070 A1 WO 1990006070A1 US 8804404 W US8804404 W US 8804404W WO 9006070 A1 WO9006070 A1 WO 9006070A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
coin
slide
passageway
contact
coins
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1988/004404
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Vincent Neil Bush
Original Assignee
Playtronics Corporation
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 Playtronics Corporation filed Critical Playtronics Corporation
Priority to PCT/US1988/004404 priority Critical patent/WO1990006070A1/en
Publication of WO1990006070A1 publication Critical patent/WO1990006070A1/en

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Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07DHANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
    • G07D5/00Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of coins, e.g. for segregating coins which are unacceptable or alien to a currency
    • G07D5/02Testing the dimensions, e.g. thickness, diameter; Testing the deformation
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A45HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
    • A45CPURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
    • A45C1/00Purses; Money-bags; Wallets
    • A45C1/12Savings boxes
    • GPHYSICS
    • G07CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07FCOIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F1/00Coin inlet arrangements; Coins specially adapted to operate coin-freed mechanisms
    • G07F1/02Coin slots

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a toy electronic bank, and more particularly to a toy electronic bank having a novel coin discriminating mechanism.
  • vending machines have included rather complicated electro-mechanical devices for recognizing and discriminating coin sizes and automatically tabulating the amount deposited.
  • Such devices tend to be bulky, complicated, and relatively expensive, particularly so relative to applications for toy banks and the like. Also, such devices often consume a significant amount of electricity in their operation, particularly in comparison to a toy bank which desirably will operate on small batteries for an. extended period of time— referably a year or more.
  • the present invention relates to an electronic toy bank having a coin discriminating apparatus which has few moving parts, is simple and economical to manufacture, consumes very little power, and is accurate.
  • the coin discriminating apparatus includes a housing having coin slot means in a surface thereof for receiving therein a coin inserted into the housing.
  • the slot means includes two generally flat, spaced walls defining there between the width of a coin passageway, and two relatively narrow, spaced sides defining there between the breadth of the passageway.
  • the apparatus further includes a movable slide disposed within the passageway, the slide being normally bias ' ed toward a resting position at least partially obstructing the breadth of the passageway and being movable in response to insertion of a coin.
  • Detection means is provided, operatively connected to the slide, for detecting movement of the slide so that when a coin is inserted into the passageway between the slide and a first of said sides, the slide is displaced a distance related to the coin's size, which displacement is detected by the detection means and related to the coin's size.
  • the slide is movable in a direction not parallel to a line defined by a first point of contact between a coin and the slide, and a second point of contact between the coin and said first side of the passageway, said points of contact being identified when the slide is maximally displaced by the coin.
  • the differences in displacement of the slide upon insertion cf coins of varying diameters will be larger than the differences in the diameters of the respective coins.
  • the apparatus further includes a selectively ac ivated_ light source and a light detecting means, each on opposite spaced walls of the coin passageway for detecting the presence of an aperature in the center of a coin, such as those employed in Japanese coins.
  • the detection means includes a wiper switch mechanism comprising a contact surface and a movable wiper contact mechanically linked to the slide and in electrically conductive contact with the contact surface.
  • the contact surface includes a plurality of conductive segments, each corresponding to a particular coin size. As the slide is displaced by a coin of a given size, the wiper contact moves across the contact surface into electrically conductive contact with a segment corresponding to the size of the coin inserted.
  • the breadth of the passageway increases immediately inwardly of said first line.
  • Such an increase in breadth can be realized by a variety of configurations.
  • portion of the first side of the passageway inward of said second point recedes from a second line which contains said second point and is perpendicular to said first line.
  • Figure l is a perspective view of a toy bank of the invention
  • Figure 2 is an exploded, partially broken-away view of the a coin discriminating apparatus of the: ; invention;
  • Figure 3 is a partially broken away view of detail of a coin discriminating apparatus of the invention.
  • Figure 4 is another broken away view of a coin discriminating apparatus of the invention.
  • Figure 5 is a schematic view of a coin discriminating apparatus of the invention.
  • Figure 6 is a broken away view of an alternative embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 7 is yet another broken away view of a coin discriminating apparatus of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • the diameters of some foreign coins of different denomination are very close making it difficult to accurately differentiate the coins by mechanical means alone.
  • the approximate diameters of Japanese coins are as follows:
  • the Japanese 5 yen and 50 yen coins have a central opening which is used by the device cf the present invention to differentiate them from the 100 yen and 1 yen coins, respectively.
  • the openings in the 5 yen and 50 yen coins are approximately 5 and 4 mm in diameter, respectively.
  • the device includes a light source and a light detector for detecting the presence of an opening in a coin to aid the device in determining the denomination of coins of closely sized diameter.
  • a toy bank has a housing 10 with a slot 11 therein for receiving coins.
  • An electronic display 12 is provided for displaying information such as the denomination of a coin which has been inserted, the cumulative total of coins inserted, or other matters such as the time of day, month and day, etc.
  • Figure 2 shows in exploded fashion the details of a preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • the slot 11 includes two generally flat, spaced walls 21 and 22 defining the width of a coin passageway (the width being the distance separating said walls 21 and 22) .
  • the breadth of the slot passageway is defined by relatively narrow, spaced sides 23 and 24.
  • the walls and sides defining the passageway may be of any suitable configuration which maintains proper orientation of the coin as it passes through the discriminating mechanism 20.
  • a movable slide 25 is disposed at least partially within the passageway, and is normally biased toward a resting position by a spring 26 or similar means-. As a coin 40 is inserted into the slot 11, the slide 25 is displaced from its resting position. Detection means operatively connected to the slide 25 is provided for detecting such displacement and relating it to coin diameter. Although a variety of detection means would adequately perform this function, a preferred means includes a wiper switch mechanism which includes a contact surface and a wiper contact 27 which is carried by the slide 25. Although the contact surface might comprise a surface of continuously variable electrical resistance to provide an analog signal corresponding to slide displacement, preferably the contact surface comprises a series of discreet segments 28 providing a digital signal. The embodiment of Figure 2 shows two contact strips.
  • One such strip includes a plurality of contact segments 28, each corresponding to a coin size.
  • the other strip 29 is a common strip.
  • a suitable resilient wiper contact 27 engages both strips, completing the electrical circuit from the common strip 29 to the various segments 28 as the contact 27 moves over them.
  • Figure 2 illustrates the light source 50 and light detector 52 for detecting the presence of a central opening through a coin to aid the device in differentiating between coins of different denomination having similar diameters.
  • the light source 50 and light detector 52 are positioned directly opposite one another on opposing walls of the coin slot so that when a coin is inserted into the coin slot, the light source may be selectively actuated in response to partial displacement of the slide 25. Desirably, the positioning arrangement of the light source and light detector is such that the light source will not be actuated until the coin is fully obstructing the light source. If the coin includes a central opening, the light source will be detected by the light detector through the ccin opening and a signal indicating the presence of the opening will be sent to the logic circuitry. The light source may then be obstructed by the ether half of the coin as it passes through, and subsequently deactivated before the coin completely passes the detector. Thus, the detector only detects the light source when an apertured coin is present .
  • the light source 50 may comprise a light-emitting ' diode (LED) or other suitable light producing apparatus.
  • a photoelectric sensor may comprise the light detector 52 but other light detecting means also may be used.
  • the light source and light detector would be used, for example, when a 50 yen Japanese coin is inserted into the mechanism.
  • the wiper switch would be deflected to a position corresponding to the diameter of the 50 yen coin which is closely similar to the diameter of the 1 yen coin.
  • the logic circuitry is signalled as to the presence of the opening, thereby distinguishing the Coin from the 1 yen coin. It will be understood that the device of the invention may be adapted to detect openings in any coins, and shall not be limited to Japanese coins as used in this example.
  • Figures 3-5 depict in greater detail the passage of a coin through the " slot passageway.
  • the breadth of the passageway, measured from a first side 23 to the movable slide 25 must be narrower than the diameter of the smallest coin 40 to be discriminated.
  • Figure 3 depicts the slide 25 at maximum displacement. In this position, the coin 40 is in point contact cn one side with the slide 25, the point designated as 43, and also with the opposing side 23 of the passageway, said, point being designated 44.
  • the distance between points 43 and 44 is equal to the diameter of the coin 40.
  • the points define a first: - line 42 which is perpendicular to the direction of : travel of the coin 40.
  • the slide 25 begins to return to its at-rest position, exerting a "snap-action" force on the coin 40 to thrust it inwardly.
  • the breadth of the passageway must increase- immediately inwardly of the first line 42.
  • that portion of the first side 23 of the passageway inward of the point 44 recedes from a second line 45.
  • the second line 45 is defined as containing said point 44 and being perpendicular to the first line 42, i.e., parallel to the direction of travel of the coin 40 when the slide 25 is maximally displaced.
  • the side 23 of the passageway comprises a narrow shoulder which rapidly recedes from the second 1ine 45.
  • the portion of the slide 25 inward of said first point 43 recedes from a third line 46.
  • the third line is defined as containing the first point 43 and being perpendicular to said first line 42.
  • the coin-contacting portion of slide 25 preferably is generally curved convexly. Such a configuration facilitates the snap-action and is not subject to excessive wear. Desirably the radius of curvature of said portion is less than about 0.75 inches (about 20 mm), and preferably about 0.40 inches (about 10 mm) .
  • the direction of displacement cf the slide 25, as indicated by arrows 41, is not parallel to the first line 42. So long as this condition is met, the differences in the distance of displacement of the slide 25 will be larger than the differences in respective coin diameters .
  • Figure 5 demonstrates schematically the geometrical relationship.
  • the side of the passageway 23' across from the slide 25 is shown as a flat surface parallel to the direction of travel of the coin 40. If the slide 25' is oriented such that its direction of displacement 41' is parallel to the diameter 42 defined by the two points of contact 43 and 44, then the distance of displacement of the slide will be equal to the diameter of the coin 40 (assuming that in the at-rest position the slide is in contact with the opposing side 23) . When the direction of displacement of the slide is not parallel to line 42, however, then the distance of displacement corresponds to the hypotenuse D, which must be greater than the diameter d of the coin 40.
  • Figure 7 depicts graphically the mechanical amplification; d, the difference in diameters of two coins, is visibly smaller than D, the difference in displacement of the slide 25.
  • the slide 25 is displaced linearly.
  • the slide can be configured so as to move in other directions, however.
  • the slide 25" comprises a pivoting arm loaded by a torsion spring 26".
  • the various parts of the coin discriminating apparatus may be manufactured from any suitable materials; with the exception of electronic parts and the spring, the mechanism may be economically manufactured from suitable plastics. It is, of course, important that the surfaces of the slide 25 and the passageway side 23 contacted by coins be relatively smooth and reasonably resistant to wear, as undue wear may cause changes in the physical dimensions of the device which would affect its accuracy.
  • the slide 25 In operation, as a coin is deposited into the slot 11, the slide 25 will be displaced an amount related to the diameter (and therefore the denomination) of the coin 40. As the coin 40 passes the point of maximum slide 25 displacement, the spring pressure on the slide will urge the coin inwardly with a snap-action. Simultaneously with the displacement of the slide, the wiper contacts 27 move along the contact surface 28, which movement is detected electronically and converted to a signal sent to the display to indicate the denomination of the coin inserted.
  • the light source and light detection apparatus is activated when coins of predetermined diameter are deposited to detect the presence of a central opening to aid in coin discrimination.
  • the display may indicate such other information as is desired, including the total amount deposited.

Abstract

A toy bank having a coin discriminating mechanism for discriminating between coins of varying diameters. The mechanism includes a housing having a coin slot, the slot having two generally flat, spaced walls and two relatively narrow spaced sides, the sides defining the breadth of a coin passageway. A movable slide is disposed within the passageway and normally biased toward a resting position at least partially obstructing the breadth of the passageway. The slide is movable in response to insertion of a coin. Electronic circuitry is provided to detect movement of the slide and translate that movement into information relating to the denomination of the coin. Preferably the slide is movable in a direction not parallel to a line defined by a first point of contact between a coin and the slide, and a second point of contact between the coin and the first side of the passageway, said points of contact being identified when the slide is maximally displaced by the coin. In this configuration, the differences in displacement of the slide upon insertion of coins of varying diameters will be larger than the differences in the diameters of the respective coins. A light source and light detector are included in the device to detect the presence of a central opening in a coin to aid in discriminating between coins of like diameter.

Description

- J -
TOY BANK WITH NOVEL COIN DISCRIMINATING MECHANISM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a toy electronic bank, and more particularly to a toy electronic bank having a novel coin discriminating mechanism. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Conventional toy coin banks have typically included only a container in some aesthetically pleasing shape having a slot therein to receive coins of various diameters. Unless one keeps a written record of coins deposited, however, it is often difficult or impossible to know at any given time the total amount contained by the bank. Recent attempts to solve this problem have involved the combination of conventional calculator electronics with a traditional toy bank. In such products, the operator places a coin in the bank and then enters the amount deposited through a conventional ten button key pad, the amount being stored by conventional calculator electronics. Such products do not automatically recognize coin denomination.
Various types of vending machines have included rather complicated electro-mechanical devices for recognizing and discriminating coin sizes and automatically tabulating the amount deposited. Such devices tend to be bulky, complicated, and relatively expensive, particularly so relative to applications for toy banks and the like. Also, such devices often consume a significant amount of electricity in their operation, particularly in comparison to a toy bank which desirably will operate on small batteries for an. extended period of time— referably a year or more. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electronic toy bank having a coin discriminating apparatus which has few moving parts, is simple and economical to manufacture, consumes very little power, and is accurate. The coin discriminating apparatus includes a housing having coin slot means in a surface thereof for receiving therein a coin inserted into the housing. The slot means includes two generally flat, spaced walls defining there between the width of a coin passageway, and two relatively narrow, spaced sides defining there between the breadth of the passageway. The apparatus further includes a movable slide disposed within the passageway, the slide being normally bias'ed toward a resting position at least partially obstructing the breadth of the passageway and being movable in response to insertion of a coin. Detection means is provided, operatively connected to the slide, for detecting movement of the slide so that when a coin is inserted into the passageway between the slide and a first of said sides, the slide is displaced a distance related to the coin's size, which displacement is detected by the detection means and related to the coin's size.
Preferably, the slide is movable in a direction not parallel to a line defined by a first point of contact between a coin and the slide, and a second point of contact between the coin and said first side of the passageway, said points of contact being identified when the slide is maximally displaced by the coin. In this configuration the differences in displacement of the slide upon insertion cf coins of varying diameters will be larger than the differences in the diameters of the respective coins.
The apparatus further includes a selectively ac ivated_ light source and a light detecting means, each on opposite spaced walls of the coin passageway for detecting the presence of an aperature in the center of a coin, such as those employed in Japanese coins.
In a preferred embodiment, the detection means includes a wiper switch mechanism comprising a contact surface and a movable wiper contact mechanically linked to the slide and in electrically conductive contact with the contact surface. The contact surface includes a plurality of conductive segments, each corresponding to a particular coin size. As the slide is displaced by a coin of a given size, the wiper contact moves across the contact surface into electrically conductive contact with a segment corresponding to the size of the coin inserted.
To provide a "snap action" to mechanically thrust the coin inwardly, preferably the breadth of the passageway increases immediately inwardly of said first line. Such an increase in breadth can be realized by a variety of configurations. Preferably that portion of the first side of the passageway inward of said second point recedes from a second line which contains said second point and is perpendicular to said first line. Alternately or in combination therewith, desirably that portion of the slide inward of said first point recedes from a third line which contains said first point and is perpendicular to said first line. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure l is a perspective view of a toy bank of the invention; Figure 2 is an exploded, partially broken-away view of the a coin discriminating apparatus of the: ; invention;
Figure 3 is a partially broken away view of detail of a coin discriminating apparatus of the invention;
Figure 4 is another broken away view of a coin discriminating apparatus of the invention;
Figure 5 is a schematic view of a coin discriminating apparatus of the invention;
Figure 6 is a broken away view of an alternative embodiment of the invention; and
Figure 7 is yet another broken away view of a coin discriminating apparatus of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The diameters of some foreign coins of different denomination are very close making it difficult to accurately differentiate the coins by mechanical means alone. For example, the approximate diameters of Japanese coins are as follows:
Denomination Diameter
1 yen
5
10
50
100
500
Figure imgf000006_0001
The above chart indicates that the 1 yen coin and the 50 yen coin are only 1 mm different in diameter. Also, the 5 yen. coin and the 100 yen coin have very similar diameters. The smallness of these differences in coi diameters necessitates the need for a supplemental means for differentiating among the coins,
The Japanese 5 yen and 50 yen coins have a central opening which is used by the device cf the present invention to differentiate them from the 100 yen and 1 yen coins, respectively. The openings in the 5 yen and 50 yen coins are approximately 5 and 4 mm in diameter, respectively. The device includes a light source and a light detector for detecting the presence of an opening in a coin to aid the device in determining the denomination of coins of closely sized diameter.
In Figure 1, a toy bank according to the invention has a housing 10 with a slot 11 therein for receiving coins. An electronic display 12 is provided for displaying information such as the denomination of a coin which has been inserted, the cumulative total of coins inserted, or other matters such as the time of day, month and day, etc. Figure 2 shows in exploded fashion the details of a preferred embodiment of the invention. The slot 11 includes two generally flat, spaced walls 21 and 22 defining the width of a coin passageway (the width being the distance separating said walls 21 and 22) . The breadth of the slot passageway is defined by relatively narrow, spaced sides 23 and 24. Subject to the requirements described below, the walls and sides defining the passageway may be of any suitable configuration which maintains proper orientation of the coin as it passes through the discriminating mechanism 20.
A movable slide 25 is disposed at least partially within the passageway, and is normally biased toward a resting position by a spring 26 or similar means-. As a coin 40 is inserted into the slot 11, the slide 25 is displaced from its resting position. Detection means operatively connected to the slide 25 is provided for detecting such displacement and relating it to coin diameter. Although a variety of detection means would adequately perform this function, a preferred means includes a wiper switch mechanism which includes a contact surface and a wiper contact 27 which is carried by the slide 25. Although the contact surface might comprise a surface of continuously variable electrical resistance to provide an analog signal corresponding to slide displacement, preferably the contact surface comprises a series of discreet segments 28 providing a digital signal. The embodiment of Figure 2 shows two contact strips. One such strip includes a plurality of contact segments 28, each corresponding to a coin size. The other strip 29 is a common strip. A suitable resilient wiper contact 27 engages both strips, completing the electrical circuit from the common strip 29 to the various segments 28 as the contact 27 moves over them.
Conventional electronic logic circuitry is provided to interpret the signals generated by the wiper switch, relating such signals tc coin size, and generating a corresponding signal to be displayed on the display 12. Such circuitry is well known and need not be described in detail.
Figure 2 illustrates the light source 50 and light detector 52 for detecting the presence of a central opening through a coin to aid the device in differentiating between coins of different denomination having similar diameters. The light source 50 and light detector 52 are positioned directly opposite one another on opposing walls of the coin slot so that when a coin is inserted into the coin slot, the light source may be selectively actuated in response to partial displacement of the slide 25. Desirably, the positioning arrangement of the light source and light detector is such that the light source will not be actuated until the coin is fully obstructing the light source. If the coin includes a central opening, the light source will be detected by the light detector through the ccin opening and a signal indicating the presence of the opening will be sent to the logic circuitry. The light source may then be obstructed by the ether half of the coin as it passes through, and subsequently deactivated before the coin completely passes the detector. Thus, the detector only detects the light source when an apertured coin is present .
The light source 50 may comprise a light-emitting' diode (LED) or other suitable light producing apparatus. A photoelectric sensor may comprise the light detector 52 but other light detecting means also may be used.
The light source and light detector would be used, for example, when a 50 yen Japanese coin is inserted into the mechanism. The wiper switch would be deflected to a position corresponding to the diameter of the 50 yen coin which is closely similar to the diameter of the 1 yen coin. When the light source is detected, -the logic circuitry is signalled as to the presence of the opening, thereby distinguishing the Coin from the 1 yen coin. It will be understood that the device of the invention may be adapted to detect openings in any coins, and shall not be limited to Japanese coins as used in this example.
Figures 3-5 depict in greater detail the passage of a coin through the "slot passageway. The breadth of the passageway, measured from a first side 23 to the movable slide 25 must be narrower than the diameter of the smallest coin 40 to be discriminated. As shown in Figure 3, as the coin 40 is inserted the slide 25 is displaced from it at rest position until it reaches maximum displacement shown in fantom lines in Figure 3. Figure 4 depicts the slide 25 at maximum displacement. In this position, the coin 40 is in point contact cn one side with the slide 25, the point designated as 43, and also with the opposing side 23 of the passageway, said, point being designated 44. The distance between points 43 and 44 is equal to the diameter of the coin 40. The points define a first: - line 42 which is perpendicular to the direction of : travel of the coin 40.
As the coin 40 moves inward from the position shown in Figure 4, the slide 25 begins to return to its at-rest position, exerting a "snap-action" force on the coin 40 to thrust it inwardly. To enhance this snap-action, the breadth of the passageway must increase- immediately inwardly of the first line 42. Desirably, that portion of the first side 23 of the passageway inward of the point 44 recedes from a second line 45. The second line 45 is defined as containing said point 44 and being perpendicular to the first line 42, i.e., parallel to the direction of travel of the coin 40 when the slide 25 is maximally displaced. In the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 4, the side 23 of the passageway comprises a narrow shoulder which rapidly recedes from the second 1ine 45.
Similarly, desirably the portion of the slide 25 inward of said first point 43 recedes from a third line 46. The third line is defined as containing the first point 43 and being perpendicular to said first line 42. The coin-contacting portion of slide 25 preferably is generally curved convexly. Such a configuration facilitates the snap-action and is not subject to excessive wear. Desirably the radius of curvature of said portion is less than about 0.75 inches (about 20 mm), and preferably about 0.40 inches (about 10 mm) .
To enhance discrimination between coins whose diameters vary only slightly, desirably the direction of displacement cf the slide 25, as indicated by arrows 41, is not parallel to the first line 42. So long as this condition is met, the differences in the distance of displacement of the slide 25 will be larger than the differences in respective coin diameters .
Figure 5 demonstrates schematically the geometrical relationship. For ease of explanation, the side of the passageway 23' across from the slide 25 is shown as a flat surface parallel to the direction of travel of the coin 40. If the slide 25' is oriented such that its direction of displacement 41' is parallel to the diameter 42 defined by the two points of contact 43 and 44, then the distance of displacement of the slide will be equal to the diameter of the coin 40 (assuming that in the at-rest position the slide is in contact with the opposing side 23) . When the direction of displacement of the slide is not parallel to line 42, however, then the distance of displacement corresponds to the hypotenuse D, which must be greater than the diameter d of the coin 40. Stated another way, considering the triangle shown in Figure 5, as long as x has a value, D will be larger than d; x = 0 only when the direction of displacement of the slide 25' is parallel to the first line 42. Thus, the orientation of the slide 25 provides mechanical amplification of differences between coin diameters.
Figure 7 depicts graphically the mechanical amplification; d, the difference in diameters of two coins, is visibly smaller than D, the difference in displacement of the slide 25.
In the preferred embodiment depicted in Figures 2-4, the slide 25 is displaced linearly. The slide can be configured so as to move in other directions, however. As shown in Figure 6, the slide 25" comprises a pivoting arm loaded by a torsion spring 26". As stated above, the only restriction on direction of movement of the slide is that it not move parallel, to the line 42 defined by the two contact . points of the coin 40 at maximum slide displacement. Referring again to Figure 5, as long as x = 0, D will be greater than d.
The various parts of the coin discriminating apparatus may be manufactured from any suitable materials; with the exception of electronic parts and the spring, the mechanism may be economically manufactured from suitable plastics. It is, of course, important that the surfaces of the slide 25 and the passageway side 23 contacted by coins be relatively smooth and reasonably resistant to wear, as undue wear may cause changes in the physical dimensions of the device which would affect its accuracy.
In operation, as a coin is deposited into the slot 11, the slide 25 will be displaced an amount related to the diameter (and therefore the denomination) of the coin 40. As the coin 40 passes the point of maximum slide 25 displacement, the spring pressure on the slide will urge the coin inwardly with a snap-action. Simultaneously with the displacement of the slide, the wiper contacts 27 move along the contact surface 28, which movement is detected electronically and converted to a signal sent to the display to indicate the denomination of the coin inserted. The light source and light detection apparatus is activated when coins of predetermined diameter are deposited to detect the presence of a central opening to aid in coin discrimination. The display may indicate such other information as is desired, including the total amount deposited.
While a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described, it should be understood that various changes, adaptations, and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A coin discriminating apparatus for discriminating between coins of varying diameters, and coins having central openings comprising: a. a housing having coin slot means in a surface thereof for receiving therein a coin inserted into the housing, said slot means including two generally flat, spaced walls defining there between the width of a coin passageway, and two relatively narrow, spaced sides defining there between the breadth of the - passageway; b. a movable slide disposed within the passageway, and being normally biased toward a resting position at least partially obstructing the breadth of the passageway and being movable
• in response to insertion of a coin; and c. first detection means operatively connected to said slide for detecting movement of the slide and relating said movement to coin diameter whereby when a coin is inserted through the passageway between the slide and a first of said sides, the slide is displaced a distance related to the coin diameter, which displacement is detected by the first detection means and related to the coin size; and d. second light detection means for detecting a central opening extending through a coin for discriminating between coins of similar diameter.
2. The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein the slide is movable in a direction not parallel to a first line defined by a first point of contact between a coin and the slide and a second point of contact between the coin and said first side cf the passageway, said points of contact being identified when the slide is maximally displaced by the coin, whereby the differences in displacement of the slide upon insertion of coins of varying diameters will be larger than the differences in the respective coin diameters.
3. The apparatus of Claim 1 wherein the detection means includes a wiper switch mechanism comprising a contact surface and a movable wiper contact mechanically linked to the slide and in electrically conductive contact with the contact surface.
4. The apparatus of Claim 3 wherein the contact surface includes a plurality of conductive segments, each corresponding to a particular coin size.
5. The apparatus of Claim 1 further including display means associated with the housing and interconnected with the detection means for displaying the value of the coin being inserted.
6. The apparatus of Claim 2 wherein the breadth of the passageway increases immediately inwardly of said first line, providing a snap-action to thrust the coin inwardly.
7. The apparatus of Claim 6 wherein that portion of the first side of the passageway inward of said second point recedes from a second line which contains said second point and is perpendicular to said first line.
8. The apparatus of Claim 6 wherein that portion of the slide inward of said first point recedes from a third line which contains said first point and is perpendicular to said first line.
9. The apparatus of Claim 6 wherein the surface of the slide contacted by the coins is curved convexly.
10. The apparatus of Claim 9 wherein said curvature is defined by a radius of less than about 0.75 inches (about 20 mm).
11. The apparatus of Claim 6 wherein that portion of the first side of the passageway containing said second point is curved convexly.
12. The apparatus of Claim 6 wherein that portion of the first side of the passageway which 'is contacted by the coin when the slide is maximally displaced comprises generally a narrow shoulder.
13. An electronic toy bank having a coin discriminating apparatus for discriminating between coins of varying diameters, said mechanism including: a. a housing having coin slot means in a surface thereof for receiving therein a coin inserted into the housing, said slot means including two generally flat, spaced walls defining there between the width of a coin passageway, and two relatively narrow spaced sides defining there between the breadth of the passageway; b. a movable slide disposed within the passageway and being normally biased toward a resting position at least partially obstructing the breadth of the passageway and being movable in response to insertion of a coin, said movement being in a direction not parallel to a first line defined by a first point of contact between a coin and the sϊide and a second point of contact between the coin and said first side of the passageway, said points of contact being identified when the slide is maximally displaced, by the coin; the breadth of the passageway increasing immediately inwardly of said first line, providing a snap-action to thrust the coin inwardly; c. first detection means operatively connected to said slide and detecting movement of the slide and relating said movement to coin diameter so that when a coin is inserted through the passageway between the slide and a first of said sides, the slide is displaced a distance: related to the coin diameter, which displacement is detected by the detection means and related to the coin size; d. the first detection means including a wiper switch mechanism comprising a contact surface and a movable wiper contact mechanically linked to the slide and in electrically conductive contact with the contact surface, said surface including a plurality of conductive segments each corresponding to a particular coin size; e. second detection means comprising a selectively switchable light source and a light detector disposed within the passageway for detecting a central opening extending through a coin for discriminating between coins of similar diameter; and f. display means associated with the housing and interconnected with the detection means for displaying the value of the coin being inserted.
PCT/US1988/004404 1988-12-08 1988-12-08 Toy bank with novel coin discriminating mechanism WO1990006070A1 (en)

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PCT/US1988/004404 WO1990006070A1 (en) 1988-12-08 1988-12-08 Toy bank with novel coin discriminating mechanism

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Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2312070A (en) * 1996-04-12 1997-10-15 Asahi Seiko Co Ltd Apparatus for monitoring the diameter of a disk-shaped body
WO1999005653A1 (en) * 1997-07-22 1999-02-04 Gerhard Brendel Apparatus for detecting the value of coins
US6435930B1 (en) 2001-11-05 2002-08-20 David W. Higgins Basketball coin bank
FR3076648A1 (en) * 2018-01-05 2019-07-12 La Poste INTERNATIONAL MONNAYER WITH SELF-CENTERING INSERTION OF PARTS

Citations (5)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2973074A (en) * 1957-09-09 1961-02-28 Nat Rejectors Gmbh Coin separators
US3237631A (en) * 1963-02-18 1966-03-01 Tateisi Denki Kabushikikaisha Apparatus for selecting coins
US3313477A (en) * 1965-02-05 1967-04-11 Harold B Spector Transparent bank construction having coin sorting means
US3680566A (en) * 1969-09-22 1972-08-01 Micro Magnetic Ind Inc Bulk coin dispenser
US3939954A (en) * 1974-03-18 1976-02-24 Qonaar Corporation Check receiving and testing apparatus

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2973074A (en) * 1957-09-09 1961-02-28 Nat Rejectors Gmbh Coin separators
US3237631A (en) * 1963-02-18 1966-03-01 Tateisi Denki Kabushikikaisha Apparatus for selecting coins
US3313477A (en) * 1965-02-05 1967-04-11 Harold B Spector Transparent bank construction having coin sorting means
US3680566A (en) * 1969-09-22 1972-08-01 Micro Magnetic Ind Inc Bulk coin dispenser
US3939954A (en) * 1974-03-18 1976-02-24 Qonaar Corporation Check receiving and testing apparatus

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2312070A (en) * 1996-04-12 1997-10-15 Asahi Seiko Co Ltd Apparatus for monitoring the diameter of a disk-shaped body
US5950796A (en) * 1996-04-12 1999-09-14 Asahi Seiko Kabushiki Kaisha Apparatus for measuring a diameter of a disk body
GB2312070B (en) * 1996-04-12 1999-10-13 Asahi Seiko Co Ltd Disc ejection apparatus for monitoring the diameter of a disk-shaped body
WO1999005653A1 (en) * 1997-07-22 1999-02-04 Gerhard Brendel Apparatus for detecting the value of coins
US6435930B1 (en) 2001-11-05 2002-08-20 David W. Higgins Basketball coin bank
FR3076648A1 (en) * 2018-01-05 2019-07-12 La Poste INTERNATIONAL MONNAYER WITH SELF-CENTERING INSERTION OF PARTS

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