WO1991017842A1

WO1991017842A1 - Sorting machine

Info

Publication number: WO1991017842A1
Application number: PCT/SE1990/000343
Authority: WO
Inventors: Erik SJÖSTRÖM
Original assignee: Sjoestroem Erik
Priority date: 1988-11-23
Filing date: 1990-05-22
Publication date: 1991-11-28
Also published as: SE8804233L; SE463700B; SE8804233D0

Abstract

This invention relates to a sorting machine for counters and the like intended to be used in for instance gambling tables, comprising a space where unsorted counters are intended to be let down, a device for taking the counters to a sorting device, an identification device and a device for transferring sorted counters to a place where they are picked up. According to the invention the device for taking the counters (31) to the sorting device comprises a rotatable, circular plate (4), which is driven by a motor (5) and the peripheral areas of which having compartments (19) for reception of counters (31).

Description

This invention relates to a sorting machine for counte and the like intended to be used in for instance gambling tables, comprising a space where unsorted counters are inten to be let down, a device for taking the counters to a sortin device, an identification device and a device for transferri sorted counters to a place where they are picked up.

There are today sorting machines in the market which h a very complicated construction. This means that they become very expensive.to manufacture and that the service expenses them become high. Moreover, the sorting of counters does not become satisfactory.

This invention intends to remove the problems with kno technique and offer a sorting machine that have an uncomplic ted construction, relatively spoken. Moreover, it makes poss ible a very reliable sorting of the counters which can requi a division into 10-15 groups. This has been made possible* by sorting machine of the kind mentioned by way of introduction which have the characterizing features mentioned in the clai The invention shall be described more closely with reference to the accompanying drawings, where Fig, l shows a principle sketch over a possible embodiment of the sorting machine, Fig. 2 shows a schematical picture of a device for transferring the counters from the infeed area to a device f further transportation of the same, Fig. 3 shows a device in the form a wheel for further transportation of counters, Fig. shows a section through a portion of the wheel, taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 3, Fig. 5 shows a section through a porti of the wheel, taken along the line V-V in Fig. 3, Fig. 6a-d show a picture sequence of a device for outfeed of counters from the wheel, Fig. 7a-c show components being integral par of the outfeed device and Fig. 8a-d show a picture sequence a device for transferring sorted counters to a place where t are picked up.

Referring to Fig. 1 is shown there an embodiment of th sorting machine. This one is intended to be placed under a gamling table and comprises a space 1, the cross-section measure of which is diminishing downwards and where preferabl round counters of different colours are let down. The counte land onto a conveyer belt 2 which takes the counters to a tubular space 3, from which the counters are intended to be taken down into compartments made in the peripheral area of a rotatable wheel 4. This one is rotated by means of a motor 5 with a peripheral velocity that is somewhat less than the velocity of the conveyer belt 2. The wheel is intended to take the counters to different outfeed devices 6, positioned at a curvature outside the periphery of the wheel at a distance fro the infeed area. The number of outfeed devices is preferably the same as the number of colours of the counters. In Fig. 1 i shown only one outfeed device 6. This one comprises a solenoid 7 by means of which parts of the device 6 can be brought up an down. As the outfeed device 6 works, counters of a certain colour are collected in a tubular space 8. When a certain number of counters, for instance twenty pieces, are collected in the form of a pile in the space 8, a signal is given to. a means 9 which can be driven by an electric motor and which takes the whole pile to the top side of the frame 10. In this position the pile with counters are taken aside, where the counters can be picked up by a croupier, by the means 11 whic can be driven for instance by an electric motor 12. In the meantime the means 9 has taken its lower resting position, whereby a new pile with counters can begin to be built up. The sorting machine also comprises a colour sensor 13 which is suitably positioned just above the wheel at its periphery and just beyond the tubular space 3, seen in the rotation direction of the wheel. This colour sensor can be a photoelectric cell device or a laser device and is intended t give information about the colour of the current counter to a computer 14 which is positioned at a suitable place in the machine. On basis of this information the computer gives an impulse to the right outfeed device, whereby this one can fee out the current counter.

The computer 14, which suitably comprises a keyboard fo programming in suitable measures, is intended to control the motor 5 , the means 9, the motor 12 and the motor driving the belt 2. This belt, however, is not necessary for the function of the machine but can suitably be utilized for prolonging th distance between the spaces 1 and 3. The component 15 consti- tuting portions which limit the two spaces l and 3 can be simply taken loose, whereby counters which have fastened in these areas easily can be taken loose. In Fig. 2 is shown a device for transferring counters from the tubular space 3 to the wheel 4, the space 3 preferab having a circular cross-section with a radius which is somewh larger than that of the counter. This device comprises a phot electric cell 16 on a certain level and another photoelectric cell 17 on a lower level. The device also comprises a shutter

18 which is displaceable between an open and a closed positio regarding the passage between the space 3 and the compartment

19 of the wheel 4. The shutter is controlled by a solenoid 20 which on impulses from the computer 14 retracts or projects t rod 21. The device functions so that when the number of coun¬ ters in the space 3 is so large that they reach the photo¬ electric cell 16, this one gives an impulse to the computer 14 which in its turn gives an impulse to the solenoid 20, whereb the shutter 18 is opened and counters fall down into the com- partments 19 of the wheel 4. In that connection each compart¬ ment shall only contain one counter. When the number of coun¬ ters has been reduced so that the passage of the light beam from the photoelectric cell 17 is free, an impulse is given to the solenoid 20 via the computer, whereby the shutter 18 is closed. Via the keyboard of the computer the device according to Fig. 2 can be given such a command that the shutter 18 re¬ mains open until the tubular space 3 is entirely emptied from counters.

In Fig. 3 the wheel 4 is shown more closely. This wheel which is intended to rotate in the direction of the arrow P comprises a platelike disc and is accordingly circular. At the periphery of the wheel round the same there are arranged a great number of compartments 19. These compartments, the numbe of which can be 14 to 20, are suitably milled out from the wheel plate. A small distance inside the periphery of the whee plate 4 but somewhat outside the innermost limitation line of the compartments there are two circular, parallel grooves 22, 23 running, which are intended to cooperate with means in the outfeed devices 6 for feeding out the counters. Of course it i possible to have only one groove in which a means of the out¬ feed device is intended -to engage. The outfeed of counters, however, becomes more effective if there are two grooves, in each of which one means of the outfeed device 6 is intended to engage.

The form of the compartments 19 are especially designed as is apparent from Fig. 5. In that connection the depth a of the compartment is somewhat larger than the thickness of the counter. Due to that fact the risk is reduced that another counter shall strike against the edge of the counter being in compartment. Furthermore, the distance b is less than a third of the diameter of the counter. Due to that fact the counter falls quickly down into the compartment. The distance c is larger than the distance b and shall be at least the half of the diameter of the counter. Due to that fact the chance is increased that a counter which has come on top of another one in a compartment shall be able to slide further to the next empty compartment. In Figs. 6 a-d is shown a picture sequence of an outfeed device in function. In that connection each picture shows a cross-section through the outfeed device 6 and an outer porti of the wheel 4.

The outfeed device 6 as also appears from Fig. 7 com- prises a lower plate 24 which has an extension up to the oute edge 25 of the wheel. This lower plate is put together with a larger, upper plate 26 which has such an extension that its inner edge 27 extends in over the wheel beyond the inner limitation line of the compartment in the wheel. This plate i provided with two pins 28, 29, directed downwards, which are intended in a certain position just before a certain counter passes to be put down into respective groove 22, 23 in order feed out this counter from the compartment of the wheel and into the tubular space 8 where a pile with counters of a cer- tain colour is created. The control of the plates 24 and 26, put together, is made by means of the solenoid 7 which gets impulses from the computer 14.

This is made so that the colour sensor informs the computer that a counter of a certain colour has been fed into one of the compartments of the wheel. Thus, the computer gets information about the position of exactly this counter and '■^' knows that when the wheel with this counter has rotated a ■^'.^' certain distance, the counter shall be fed out to a certain space 8 by means of the outfeed device 6. When the compartmen of the wheel with the current counter approaches the outfeed device for counters with exactly that colour, the solenoid 7 i given an impulse from the computer. In that connection the ro 30 is retracted into the solenoid house 7, whereby the pins 28 29 go down into the groove 22, 23. The counter 31 is fed out from the compartment of the wheel during the continued rotatio of the wheel and is brought in under the remaining counters 32 in the space 8 where there has been created a space for this outfed counter 31 under the remaining counters 32. This outfed counter rests on the top of the lower plate 24 at the area 33. In this area are made three holes 34a, b, c in which hooks 35, which are fastened on the outside of the tube 36 limiting the space 8, which suitably has a circular cross-section, are intended to be fitted in at a certain position of the plate 24 in relation to the tube 36 (see Fig. 6 d) . These hooks 35 are intended to engage under the lowermost counter, i.e. the last counter fed into the space 8 when the solenoid 7 brings the plate 24, 26 to the resting position of these ones (see Fig. 6 d) . In that connection the pile with counters is held station¬ ary in relation to the tube 36 even if the solenoid should pul down the plates 24, 26 in order again to create a space 37 (se Fig. 6 b) under the lowermost counter and make possible an out feed of a further counter from the compartment of the wheel an into this space. In order that the pile with counters shall be able to be built up, a hole 38 having a diameter larger than the diameter of the counter is made in the upper plate 26. Whe feeding out counters from the compartments of the wheel, the rear limitation line 39 of the compartment (see Fig. 3) contri butes to a soft outfeed.

During the continued outfeed of counters from the wheel and into the space 8 there is created there a pile with for instance twenty counters. When this predetermined number has been achieved, the bringning of counters into this space 8 is terminated. In this position the means 9 that may comprise a solenoid or an electric motor, is given an impulse so that the rod 40 (see Fig. 8) begins to move upwards. In that connection the rod 40 goes through the plates 24, 26 via holes 41, 37 in these ones and takes the pile with counters to the top side of the frame 10. In this position the means 11 gets an impulse from the computer and pushes away the pile by means of the rod 42 to the outer area of the machine. Since a great number of outfeed devices are positioned beside each other at an area of the machine just outside the periphery of the wheel, there are created on the top side of the frame during the sorting piles of counters beside each other with different colours. The invention is of course not limited to the described embodiment but can be modified within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A sorting machine for counters and the like, intende to be used in for instance gambling tables and comprising a computer for controlling different functions, c h a r a c - t e r i z e d in that it comprises following features:

- A first space (1) where unsorted counters (31) are intended to be let down, wherefrom the counters are intended be taken to a second space (3) which has connection with a device (4) for..further transportation of the counters to an outfeed device (6), an infeed device (16, 17, 18) being arranged for transferring the counters from the second space (3) to the device (4);

- the device (4) for further transportation of the counters (31) comprises a wheel (4) which is rotatable by mea of a motor (5) and which at its periphery has a plurality of compartments (19) , each of which is intended to receive a counter from the infeed device;

- a device (13) for identification of the counter in eac compartment (19) which is so arranged that it gives informati to the computer (14) that a counter (31) of a certain colour has been fed into a certain compartment, whereby the computer exactly knows where the current counter is so that the right counter can be fed out at the right place;

- the device (6) for outfeed of the counters (31) has at least one means (28, 29) which is intended to cooperate with a least one groove (22, 23) in the wheel (4), which groove extends round the peripheral area of the wheel and goes throug each compartment (19) , in that way that the device (6) feeds out counters of a certain colour to a certain pile; - a device for transferring the counters (31) sorted in piles to a place where they are picked up, which device com¬ prises means (9, 40) which can take the pile with counters up through a tube-like space (8) to the top side of the sorting machine.

2. A machine according to claim 1, c h a r a c t e r ¬ i z e d in that the infeed device at least comprises a photo¬ electric cell (16, 17) and a shutter (18) which is displaceabl between an open and a closed position for the passage of the counter (31) to the compartment (19) of the wheel (4) .

3. A machine according to claim 2, c h a r a c t e r ¬ i z e d in that the infeed device further comprises a conveyer belt (2) which is driven by an electric motor with a velocity which is larger than the peripheral velocity of the wheel (4) and that the counters (31) are intended to be taken from the conveyer belt (2) via a tubular space (3) to the shutter (18) and from there -to respective compartment (19) of the wheel (4).

4. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the number of com¬ partments (19) preferably is 14 to 20 pieces, each compartment (19) having a depth (a) which is larger than the thickness of . the counter (31), and that each compartment (19) has bevels with a length (b, c) at the infeed area and the outfeed area, respectively, (b) being considerably larger than (a) .

5. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims, counters (31) of different colours being to be sorted, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the identification device comprises a colour sensor (13) which is positioned in a suit- able place in the machine just above the wheel (4) at its periphery and that it comprises a photoelectric cell means or a laser means.

6. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims, the wheel (4) comprising a circular plate, c h a r - a c t e r i z e d in that the plate (4) has at least one circular groove (22, 23) running round the plate (4) and a small distance inside its periphery but somewhat outside the innermost limitation line of the compartments (19) , and that this groove is intended to cooperate with at least one pin means (28, 29) arranged in an outfeed device for the counters (31).

7. A machine according to claim 6, c h a r a c t e r ¬ i z e d in that the pin means (28, 29) are directed downwards and arranged in a plate (26) which has an extension in over th wheel plate (4) and which is arranged on the top of another plate (24) which has an extension up to the outer edge (25) of the wheel plate (4) and that these ones (24, 26) can be brough in vertical direction by means of a solenoid (7) and/or a spring, a motion of the plates (24, 26) going downwards mean that counters (31) are fed out from the wheel plate (4) and into a tubular space (8) placed in connection to the plates (24, 26), and a motion of the plates (24, 26) going upwards meaning that the counters (31) are taken upwards by the plat (24) in relation to the tube (36) , whereby hooks (35) applie on the tube (36) can catch hold of the edge on the underside the lowermost counter (31) .

8. A machine according to claim 7, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the hooks (35) are spring-loaded, that the plate (26) has a central hole (38) which is somewhat larger than the diameter of the counter (31) and which is positione essentially at the middle of the tube (8) , and that the plat (24) is provided with holes (34a, b, c) for cooperation with the hooks (35) when the plates (24, 26) have taken the resti position (see Fig. d) .

9. A machine according to any one of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the device for transferring sorted counters in the space (8) to a place whe they are picked up comprises a means (9) which is a solenoid an electric motor and which has a vertical rod (40) which ta the counters (32)through the tube (36) to the top side of th machine frame (10) where the pile of counters are taken asid by means of the rod (42) which is movable there and back by means of a suitable means (12) , for instance an electric mot

10. A machine according to claim 9, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the computer (14) controls the motors (5, 1 and the motor for the conveyer belt (2) , and that the comput is arranged for giving impulses to the means (7, 9) and the shutter (18) and is arranged also to receive information for instance from the colour sensor (13) and the photoelectric ce (16, 17).