SE526494C2 - Feeder unit for separating coins - Google Patents

Abstract

Input unit for separating coins (5), which input unit (1) comprises a transport surface (9) that interacts with a feeder wheel (3) to transport the coins (5) from a coin hopper (7), arranged for more coins (5) than one, at a first position (L1), to a second position (L2) for issuing coins (5). With a direction of rotation (R1), the said feeder wheel (3) is arranged to take up one coin (5) for separation at a time from the said transport surface (9) to an upper position (OL) located above the axis of rotation (r) of the said feeder wheel (3), where the said coin (5) is caused to fall down to the said second position (L2).

Description

26 49 4 2 i -äirllÅí Another object of the present invention is to simplify existing feed units. Another purpose is to ensure the operation of a feeder unit at an automatic cash register and simplify the insertion of coins into a coin vending machine at a cash register in a store.

A purpose is also to achieve as high a speed as possible of the separated coin when it leaves the feeder unit.

For these purposes, the feed unit described in the introduction is distinguished by the characterizing part of claim 1. In this way, a feeder unit comprising a coin toss for your coins than one has been created, which feeder unit separates coins one by one at an automatic cash register and which feeder unit can be fitted in a coin machine at a cash register based on the required space at the cash register. That is, the coin-operated machine can be made less bulky than known technology. Thus, a coin sorting apparatus comprising an identification unit for detecting coins can be placed adjacent to the feed unit.

Preferably, the transport surface comprises a drop shaft, which is designed in a funnel-like manner in such a way that a coin for separation falls in towards the feed wheel with its side.

In this way it is achieved that the coins for separation can be picked up by the feed wheel without turning around or being pushed away.

Suitably, the transport surface comprises a separation shaft formed with a support wall supporting each coin for separation against the feed wheel, in order to provide a safe reception of coins.

This ensures that the coins for separation are aligned one after the other before being picked up by means of the feed wheel. Alternatively, the axis of rotation is horizontally oriented and located at a level below an upper portion formed of the separation shaft for supporting each coin.

This arrangement ensures that each coin is held at the feeder wheel so that the coin is raised to the upper position and that a minimum of space is required in height for building up the feeder unit.

Alternatively, the axis of rotation is inclined in relation to a horizontal plane.

Thus, the uptake of the coin for separation can be optimally adapted based on prevailing conditions.

Preferably, a control device is arranged to, in the opposite direction of rotation of the feed wheel, cause said drop shaft to be opened for discharging unaccepted coins and objects.

In this case, the feeder unit can be easily emptied of stuffed unwanted objects. The emptying takes place by a control unit changing the direction of rotation of the feed wheel, which simplifies the function and construction of the feed unit.

Suitably, the guide device comprises a knee joint which can be actuated by the feed wheel for opening and closing the drop shaft.

In this way, a control device is provided at a low cost, which control device is cheap and easy to maintain.

Alternatively, the feed wheel is formed with a conical surface arranged with a number of coins for receiving coins, in which each corner is adapted to receive one coin at a time and comprises a sliding surface for coins. In this case, a feeder unit is provided, which is arranged to release the coin separated from the feeder wheel from the upper position to the second position in a simple manner. Advantageously, the feed wheel can be tilted slightly, whereby further desirable effects are achieved, such as picking up coins, dropping coins, etc.

Preferably, the feed wheel comprises a number of cores, each with a depth less than the thinnest coin for separation.

In this way, separation can be effected in the separation shaft by preventing subsequent coins for separation in the separation shaft from falling into it at the same time as the support wall of the separation shaft allows a control of each coin for separation to the receiving wheel receiving shaft.

Suitably, each pocket of the feed wheel is formed with a receiving edge comprising a support surface for coins arranged at a distance from the sliding surface.

This ensures that each coin for separation is forced against the sliding surface during pick-up by subjecting each coin to a rotating torque during pick-up.

Alternatively, each corner of the feed wheel is formed with a receiving edge to an extent such that the widest coin for separation can be accommodated and that only one of the two least wide coins in a denomination for separation can be accommodated.

Hänned causes one coin at a time to separate.

Preferably, a support edge is arranged between the coin receiving position and the upper position.

In this way, the coins are kept for separation to a desired position for dropping above the axis of rotation of the feed wheel. 10 20 5 2 6 4 9 4- s Suitably, a means is arranged as a fixed protruding part at the feed wheel, which means when rotating the feed wheel passes the area for receiving coins for adjusting any stuck coins.

This ensures that coins "in the bridge" or any coins or other unwanted objects that are otherwise stuck are affected to be released.

Alternatively, the feed wheel is detachably attached and replaceable to a feed wheel with a different size, respectively not for coin separation.

Thus, a coin machine at a cash register can easily be adapted to the currency of the prevailing country / region.

For the above-mentioned purposes, the coin-operated machine described in the introduction is also distinguished by the characterizing part of claim 14. This simplifies the operation of the coin-operated machine.

SUMMARY OF THE FIGURE The present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure I schematically shows components inside a feed unit according to a first embodiment in a view obliquely from the side; Figure 2 schematically shows a portion of the feed wheel in Figure 1; Figure 3 schematically shows components of a feed unit according to a second embodiment; Figure 4 schematically shows a front view I-I of the feed wheel in Figure 3; Figure 5 schematically shows a portion of a feed unit according to a third embodiment; Figure 6 schematically shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention; 10 20 25 526 494 6 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the figures.

Details which are not relevant to the invention are not included for the sake of clarity.

Figure 1 schematically shows a feed unit 1, according to a first embodiment, with a housing 2. Inside the housing an inclined feed wheel 3 is rotatably arranged about a rotation axis r for receiving coins 5. Rotation of the feed wheel 3 is effected by means of an electric motor (not shown) .

The feed unit 1 is arranged for separating the coins 5 one by one, which are simultaneously placed in the coin toss 7. The coin toss 7 is designed in a cup-shaped manner for receiving one of the coins 5 more than one. The feeder unit 1 further comprises a transport surface 9 for co-operation with the feeder wheel 3 for transporting the coins 5 from the coin caster 7, arranged for more coins 5 than one, at a first position L1, to a second position L2 at a level below the lowest level of the feeder wheel 3 , for discharging the coins 5. The second position L2 is thus located below the first position L1. The feed wheel 3 is arranged for a direction of rotation R1 to receive from the transport surface 9 one coin 5 at a time for separation to an upper position OL located above the axis of rotation r of the feed wheel 3 according to the arrow p for dropping to the second position L2 via a guide path 6. The axis of rotation r is oriented sloping in relation to a horizontal plane hp. The coin 5 for separation is illuminated with a height s above the axis of rotation r of the feed wheel 3 where the coin 5 is caused to fall down to the second position L2. The separated coin 5 falls due to gravity from the upper part of the inclined feed wheel 3 and past the feed wheel 3 via the guide path 6 and down to an identification unit 11, a so-called coin reader or validation unit, of a coin sorting apparatus 13, which is thin. arranged to sort the separated coins 5 into leaf storage boxes (not shown), while the speed of the separated coin 5 is achieved sufficiently large via the guide path 6 for further transport to the coin sorting apparatus 13. An example of such a coin sorting apparatus is shown in international application no. PCG / SE02 / OO604 of the CashGuard type (registered trademark).

A store customer (not shown) can choose to put one coin at a time in an additional roll 15, if he or she only intends to pay with one or a few coins 5. These coins fall past the feed wheel 3 and are fed via a chute 17 directly to the identification unit ll.

Figure 2 schematically shows catching lugs 23 and a guide rail 25 for receiving coins 5. The transport surface 9 comprises a drop shaft 19 designed in such a way that each coin 5 for separation falls towards the feed wheel 3 with its side 21. That is, the wall 27 of the drop link slopes so much so that a tipping of the coins 5 is effected.

Figure 3 schematically shows components of a feed unit 1 according to a second preferred embodiment. The feed wheel 3 is designed as a conical wheel, i.e. is formed with a conical surface 29 (see also 4 figure 4), arranged with a plurality of 31 31 for receiving coin 5, each fi 31 comprising a sliding surface 33 for coin 5. The sliding surface 33 is arranged to cause the coin 5 for separation of its own force to slide off the feed wheel 3.

A support edge 35 is arranged between the position U for receiving coin 5 and the upper position OL. When the coin 5 for separation reaches the upper position OL, it slides down to the opening 36 of the guide track 6 and falls by means of the weight crane and the lack of support edge down to the second position L2. From the second position L2, the coin 5 then falls into a coin sorter ms via a coin validator etc. set up at the coin sorter ms.

The fall shaft 19 comprises a separation shaft 37 formed with a support wall 39 supporting each coin 5 for separation against the feed wheel 3 to provide a secure 20 5 2 5 4 9 4 8 = __ š - a. '= :. coin receiving 5. The axis of rotation r is horizontally oriented and located at a level below an upper portion 41 formed of the separation shaft 37 for supporting each coin. The upper part 41 is designed as an extension of the support wall 39 of the separation shaft 37. In this way the coin 5 does not fall out of the neck 31 upon receiving.

Different coin sizes in combination with each other collapse, build on each other and behave in different ways. Angles and dimensions of the transport surface 9, the drop shaft 19 and the separation shaft 37 are shown in Figure 3. These differ depending on the currency used.

The designation A is the smallest angle of inclination that the transport surface has for complete transport of coins. This depends on the coefficient of friction between the coin 5 and the material of the transport surface.

The designation B is the smallest angle for the coin 5 to tip towards the sliding surface 33 of the axle 31 at the feed wheel 3. The designation C is the smallest angle that the upper portion 41 of the separation shaft 37 has over the position of the axis of rotation r, for the coin to follow the feed wheel 3 and to ensure that the coin rests against the sliding surface 33 of the 31 ck 31. The designation D indicates the length of the drop shaft 19 and corresponds to the smallest distance for the coins 5 to separate. The designation E shows the width of the drop shaft 19 and corresponds to the smallest distance so that the coins 5 do not create a bridge.

The name F shows the opening of the drop shaft 19 and corresponds to the smallest distance for coins 5 to be able to fall down.

Figure 4 schematically shows a view I-I shown in Figure 3. Herein the extent of the support edge 35 is shown, which support edge 35 holds the coin 5 from the position U for receiving coins until it reaches the upper position OL. There, the coin 5 slides off the sliding surface 33 and falls down through the guide path 6 to the second position L2.

Figure 5 schematically shows a portion of a feed wheel 3 at a feed unit 1 according to a third embodiment, which feed wheel 3 comprises a number of pockets 31 with a depth d less than the thinnest coin 5 for separation. In this way a separation of 526 494 is obtained. 9 r -ášilšï coins 5 and only one coin 5 at a time is received by a pocket 31. Each 31 cka 31 of the feed wheel 3 is formed with a receiving edge 43 comprising a support surface 45 for coins 5 arranged at a distance from the sliding surface 33 in the direction of the axis of rotation r. In this way a rotating moment M of each coin 5 for pick-up is provided. A means 46 is arranged as a projecting fixed part at the feed wheel 3, such as a stick, which means 46 upon rotation of the feed wheel 3 passes the area for receiving coins 5 for adjusting the drop shaft 19, if any stuck coins 5.

Figure 6 schematically shows a feed wheel 3 of a feed unit 1 comprising a guide device 47 arranged to cause the drop shaft 19 to be opened for discharging unaccepted coins and objects (not shown) at the opposite direction of rotation R2 of the feed wheel 3. The feed unit 1 comprises a first position L1 located below the second position L2. The guide device 47 comprises a knee joint 49 which can be actuated by the feed wheel 3 for opening and closing the drop shaft 19. An arm 51 provided with two hooks 53 ', 53 "facing each other abuts against the feed wheel 3 by means of a spring 55.

The wall 27 of the drop shaft 19 is articulated over a hinge 57 and is articulated between a closed (solid line) and an open position. At the direction of rotation R1 for separating coin 5, the hook 53 'slides over the receiving edge 43 of each 31 yoke 31, whereby the knee joint 49 remains in its folded position (solid line) by means of a re-suspension mechanism (not shown) at the hinge 57. In case for example debris ends up in the fall shaft 19, the feed unit 1 is controlled to change the direction of rotation of the feed wheel 3. The direction of rotation changes when a sensor (not shown) gives a signal to a control unit (not shown) that undesirable objects have ended up in the drop shaft 19. The opposite direction of rotation R2 causes the hook: 53 ' hooks into an edge 59 opposite the receiving edge 43, whereby the arm 51: 25 acts on the knee joint 49 to a locked position for opening the wall 27 (dashed line) of the drop shaft 19. The hook 53 '' now slides over the pockets 31 because the arm 51 has been displaced in the direction of the arrow 61. When the drop shaft 19 is emptied of undesirable objects and these have slid down into a return bowl 63, the feed unit 1 is controlled to switch to normal operation, i.e. to drive the feed wheel 3 in the direction of rotation R1, whereby the hook 53 ° "hooks into the receiving edge 43 and the arm 51 actuate the knee joint 49 to its folded position _. (solid line) and the wall 27 of the downcomer 19 regains its original position in a closed position in a closed position. 206 o o ø n n Q I Q o Q II o o n 526 494 10. According to this embodiment, the feed unit 1 does not comprise a guide path 6.

The separated coin 5 falls off the sliding surface (corresponding reference 33, see figure 4) and leaves the feed wheel 3 at the second position L2. The separated coin 5 falls directly from the second position L2 down into the coin validator etc.

Figure 7 schematically shows the width of a receiving edge 43 of a box 31, in relation to the different widths of coins 5. Each 31 of 31 of the feed wheel 3 is formed with a receiving edge 43 to an extent such that the widest coin 5 'for separation within a denomination can be accommodated, and that only one of the two least wide coins 5' for separation within the same denomination can be occupied. In this way, only one coin at a time is taken up by the feed wheel.

The feed wheel 3 is detachably attached and replaceable to a feed wheel (not shown) with a different size of each coin for separating coins. The above-mentioned receiving edge 43 can thus be included in another wheel have a different extent and the depth d can be different for different feed wheels. At the same time, this replaceable feed wheel otherwise has the same dimensions and diameter as the original. In this way, automatic cash registers, including the feeder unit 1, can be cost-effectively adapted to the country / region's currency and to changes in the size of coins.

Figure 8 schematically shows a coin machine 67 at an automatic cash register 65.

The coin dispenser 67 is specially arranged for the automatic cash register 65, which coin dispenser 67 comprises a coin insertion 69 5, a coin feeding device 71, such as a feeding unit 1, a sorting unit 73, a storage unit 75 and a dispensing unit 77 comprising an opening 79 for dispensing. of coin 5. The insert 69 is set up for receiving fl your coins 5 at the same time. The deposit 69 is designed as a bowl, with which a store customer does not have to place coins one by one in the automatic cash register 65, but can place a handful of coins in the deposit box 69 and get change back automatically from the opening 79 based on the automatic cash register 65 calculations. . 10 20 o »I U IÜIO II oc h) Un 11 ::.: °: ..

The automatic cash register 65 can be connected to a cash register 81 and also comprises a control unit 83 for discharging coins from the coin machine and banknotes from an opening 85 arranged at a banknote machine 87.

The automatic cash register is såsom nieres as a so-called self-contained banknote and coin handling equipment in a store, whose task is to handle, ie receive and assess banknotes and coins so that the correct change is delivered to the store customer (not shown).

The function of the feeding unit described above is according to the second preferred embodiment the following: When the coins 5 are laid down in the coin casing 7, they collapse and are partly distributed on a first part of the transport surface 9, such as a coin channel. The coins fall further over the transport surface 9 and further down into the fall shaft 19, where they stand upright on their edge in the separation shaft 37 and are then taken up by the feed wheels 3 31 ckor 31 one by one.

The present invention is not to be construed as limited by the embodiments described above, but combinations of the embodiments described above and similar solutions are found within the scope of the invention.

Of course, the opening function of the drop shaft can also be achieved by means of a release coupled to the shaft of the feed wheel, so that in the opposite direction of rotation, an opening mechanism engages and opens the drop shaft. The control of opening and closing of the drop shaft can be achieved automatically and / or manually.

Alternatively, the axis of rotation r may be inclined with respect to a horizontal plane for all embodiments.

Of course, other angles and dimensions can also be tested within the framework of the present invention with regard to coins of different countries / regions. The choice of material for the transport surface can be stainless steel, plastic, te fl on, etc. The choice of material naturally also affects the above-mentioned angles and dimensions. a o Q u no 526 494 12 Furthermore, the second position where the separated coin is discharged from the feeder unit may be at the height of the axis of rotation or close to the upper position or somewhere in between. The guideway 6 shown in certain embodiments is alternative.

Advantageously, the separated coin can be caused to fall from the second position L2 directly into, for example, a coin sorter. In this way, the feed unit can be made less bulky in height. 00: a Q ø o no

Claims (13)

526 494 13 PATENT REQUIREMENTS A feed unit for separating coins (5), which feed unit (1) comprises a transport surface (9) cooperating with a feed wheel (3) rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis of rotation (r) for transporting the coins (5) from a coin toss (7), arranged for your coin (5) than one, at a first position (L1) located above said transport surface (9), to a second position (L2) for dispensing coins (5), characterized in that said feed wheel (3) is formed with a conical surface (29) comprising slides (31) comprising sliding surface (33), said feed wheel (3) for a direction of rotation (R1) is arranged to move from said transport surface (9) at a position (U ) for receiving coins, receiving one coin (5) at a time for separation to an upper position (OL) located above said axis of rotation (3) of said feed wheel (3) and said position (U) for receiving, respectively, at which upper position (OL) the coin (5) slides off the sliding surface (33) by its own force and is affected by gravity to fall to the second position (L2) located down indicate the upper position (OL). . Feeder unit according to claim 1, characterized in that said transport surface (9) comprises a drop shaft (19), which is designed funnel-like in such a way that each coin (5) for separation falls against said feeder wheel (3) with its fl side (21) ). . Feeder unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said transport surface (9) comprises a separation shaft (37) formed with a support wall (39) supporting each coin (5) for separation against said feeder wheel (3) to provide a safe receiving of coins (5). . Feed unit according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that said axis of rotation (s) is horizontally oriented and located on a level below an upper portion (41) formed of said separation shaft (37) for supporting each coin (s). 20 25 30 526 494 14. Feeder unit according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that a control device (47) is arranged to cause said drop shaft (19) to be opened for discharging unaccepted coins and objects in the opposite direction of rotation (R2) of said feed wheel (3). . . Feed unit according to claim 5, characterized in that said guide device (47) comprises a knee joint (49) which can be actuated by said feed wheel (3) for opening and closing said drop shaft (19). . Feeder unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said feeder wheel (3) is formed with a conical surface (29) arranged with a number of pockets (31) for receiving coins (5), wherein each (cka (31) is adapted to receive one coin (5) at a time and includes a sliding surface (33) for coins. . Feeder unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said feeder wheel (3) comprises a number of cores (31), each with a depth (d) less than the thinnest coin (5) for separation. . Feeding unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each pocket (31) of said feeding wheel (3) is formed with a receiving edge (43) comprising a support surface (45) for coins (5) arranged at a distance from said sliding surface ( 33). Feed unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each (cka (31) of said feed wheel (3) is formed with a receiving edge (43) with an extent such that the widest coin (5 ') for separation can be accommodated and that only one of the two smallest coins (5 ”) in a denomination for separation can be accepted. A feeder unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a support edge (35) is arranged between the position for receiving coins (U) and said upper position (OL). 526 494 is Feeder unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a means (46) is arranged as a fixed protruding part at said feed wheels (3), which means (46) passes the area for receiving coins when rotating said feed wheels (3). (5) for adjusting any stuck coins (5). Feeder unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said feeder wheel (3) is releasably attached and replaceable to a feeder wheel with a different size of respective 31 cka (31) for separating coins (5).