A coin sorter

Description

[0001] This invention relates generally to coin handling equipment, and particularly to a high-speed coin sorter.

[0002] Prior Patents US-A-4,086,928 and US-A-4,098,280 illustrate what the applicant regards as the most pertinent prior art. In both instances, these patents disclose coin sorters which employ annular sorting heads positioned over and adjacent to a rotating disc having a resilient pad, coins being introduced through a central opening in the sorting head. The underside of the sorting head is configured to effect a single file of coins which spirals outwards to a radial position where, in accordance with Patent 4,086,928, an inner facing edge of a peripheral guide on the disc causes the outer edge of coins to be referenced at a discrete radial position. In the case of Patent 4,098,280, the peripheral guide is moved on the head. Beyond the peripheral guide, the coins are rotated to circumferentially spaced coin sorting devices. In the case of Patent 4,086,928, these devices consist of a series of wheels which are positioned to press down on the inner edges of coins, passing them into the resilient disc. When this is done, the outer edge of a coin rises, and it is flung over the edge of the peripheral guide at the circumferential point where that wheel is located. Each of the sorting wheels is located at a different radial position, each being adapted to engage the inner edge of a particular diameter coin and thus cause it to be flung outward at the particular location of that wheel. Logically, the first of the wheel depressors is positioned at the shortest radial position in order to engage the largest of the coins to be sorted. The other depressing wheels are positioned at progressively longer radial positions to thereby progressively sort smaller coins.

[0003] The system of Patent 4,098,280 employs a quite different type of sorting devices, these consisting of a series of recesses spaced around the periphery of the sorter, and wherein each has an inner edge located at a different discrete radial position and each recess functions to release a coin from radial retention. Since, as in the case of the sorter of the first patent, the coins have their outer edges indexed to a common reference, a discrete one of the recesses is positionable to free a discrete size coin enable it to be released and discharged by centrifugal force at a discrete circumferential position. Thus, sorting occurs in a reverse order to that of the system of the first patent in that the smallest coin is intercepted and sorted first. Both of the sorters have gained wide acceptance and are at this time the only two types of really high-speed (in excess of 3,500 coins per minute) coin sorters on the market.

[0004] It has been determined that there are two aspects of these prior art sorters which, if corrected or improved, would provide a materially improved coin sorter. The first one deals with the interruption or stopping of the machine while there are coins in the machine. When this is done, neither of the existing machines can accurately resume operation. A second feature of the two sorters, particularly with respect to the first of them, is that of criticality of adjustment of the proximity of the sorting head to the rotating disc.

[0005] The applicant has considered these, and it is the object of the present invention to provide a new and improved high-speed coin sorter.

[0006] In accordance with this invention, an annular guide plate is positioned closely adjacent to a rotating circular coin carrying disc having a resilient, generally flat, horizontal surface. A guide plate is configured with a complex surface or recesses and with edges which direct the movement of coins from the centre of the guide plate to circumferentially spaced coin ejection assemblies about the periphery of the guide plate. A first recess forms coins in a single file and directs the coins outward in a spiral. Thereafter, the recess of reduced depth radially captures coins, and an outer facing edge of this recess urges the inner edge of coins outward to a fixed radial, reference, position. No peripheral limit is employed, and thus the outer edge of each coin is positioned at a radial position which is a function of the diameter of that coin. The coins are then rotated at this radial position wherein the inner edge of coins of all diameters retains a fixed radial position through a series of selected coin ejection assemblies. These ejection assemblies progressively intercept the largerst to the smallest diameter of coins and remove them from the disc at discrete spaced positions around the disc. Each of these ejection assemblies includes an outwardly extending tapered slot which extends across the path of the inner diameter edge of coins. These slots are all at essentially the same radial position and are configured such that a coin lying flat on the resilient surface of the disc will pass over the slots. Sorting is effected by a series of coin depressors, one outboard of each slot, which depress the outer edge of different size coins, with the result that the resilient disc causes the inner edge of a coin to rise into a slot. When this occurs, the rotational force of the disc on that coin will force it outward as guided by the slot. Each coin depressor is spaced from a slot to intercept and depress one discrete size coin and cause it to be ejected at a discrete radial position and thereby be sorted.

Fig. 1 is a pictorial view of the basic configuration of an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a bottom view of a guide plate of the invention which controls the movement of coins;

Fig. 3 is a pictorial view of the underside of the guide plate;

Fig. 4 is a pictorial view like that of Fig. 3 except that there is added an illustration of the movement of coins with respect to the guide plate, lines of Fig. 2; and

Figs. 5-12 are sectional views taken along like numbered lines of Fig. 2.

[0007] Referring initially to Fig. 1, basically, sorter 10 employs a resilient disc in the form of pad 12 of an elastometer construction rotated on and by a turntable 14 driven by motor 16 via belt 17. A hopper 18 (partially broken away) is positioned about an opening 20 in guide plate 22, and coins to be sorted are inserted through this hopper. Guide plate 22 is supported, by means not shown, at a selected spacing with respect to pad 12, typically 0,13 to 0,25mm (0.005 to 0.010 inch). A centrally positioned hub 24 extends through an opening (not shown) in pad 12 and is conventionally secured as by a threaded connection to turntable 14. Hub 24 has a tapered surface which functions to direct coins in an off-centre direction so that there will always be some centrifugal force tending to cause coins to move outward toward guide plate 22.

[0008] Referring now additionally to Figs. 2-13, the under-side of guide plate 22 is configured to guide coins rotated by pad 12 to move in the direction of the arrow (Figs. 2,3 and 4) in a circular and then spiral path outward within an inner positioned recess 34 which overall is oval in configuration and has an inner guide, or guide edge 30, which extends around it. The coins are moved, as illustrated by coins 26, outward by centrifugal force, and, as illustrated by coins 28, are moved in a path governed by tapered inner facing edge 30 of recess 34, this recess having, in general, a depth on the order of 0,13 to 0,25mm (0.005 to 0.010 inch) deeper than the thickest coin to be sorted. Thus, the coins are free on the top surface of recess 34. The first part of their travel is generally circular from point 38 to point 40 and during it the coins are formed in a single file.

[0009] At approximately point 40 (Fig. 3), edge 30 of central portion 35 of recess 34 transitions, in a recess portion 44, from being circular to a spiral, and thereafter coins are moved outward, along edge 42, by the combination of circular movement of pad 12 and centrifugal force. Recess region 44 may be of the same depth or slightly shallower than other portions of recess 34, the latter being the case where the thickness of the thickest coin to be sorted is greater than the thickness of two of the thinnest coins to be sorted. In all cases, the depth would be slightly less than the thickness of the two thinnest coins to be sorted, typically 0,25 to 0,5mm (0.010 to 0.020 inch) less in depth. Where it is necessary to provide reduced depth, there would be a gradual transition or slight ramp downward between central portion 35 of recess 34 and recess region or portion 44 and downwardly between recess region 44 and region 67 (the transition being in the region between the spaced dashed lines), with reference to a counterclockwise direction of Fig. 3. This dimension in recess portion 44 is required in order to separate two thin coins, such as illustrated by coins 50 and 52 (Fig. 4), when they have assumed a position where one coin is on top of the other, as shown.

[0010] Separation is effected by a guide 54 (Figs. 6 and 7) as follows. With the depth of recess region 44 less than the thickness of the two piggyback coins 50 and 52, the bottom coin 50 would be frictionally engaged by pad 12 (Fig. 1) and moved over an upper tapered portion 60 (Figs. 2 and 6) of guide edge 58 in a circle as indicated by the path of this coin as depicted by dashed line positions of this coin, the first position being indicated by the suffix "a". Thereafter, as shown with coin position suffix "b", the coin has moved back into recess 34. Finally, as shown by coin position suffix "c", the coin is free of compression in recess 34, enabling it to be simply recirculated around on pad 12. The upper of the coins, coin 52, is restrained by an upper flat portion 63 (Fig. 6) of edge 58 of guide 54 , and this coin passes outboard of guide 54. Guide 54 fully tapers (Fig. 7) at point 61 from recess 44 to the bottom surface 65 of guide 64 such that a coin striking this point simply rides over guide 54 and is recirculated.

[0011] Recess portion 44 also forms a restricted passageway for a single file of small coins, for example, pennies and dimes of U.S. coinage. This passageway is formed between outward projection 62 of guide 54 and edge 64 of recess 44. Edge 30 and its extension 64 are both tapered as shown in Figs. 5 and 8, this taper effecting wedging action of coins to prevent bounce.

[0012] Larger coins (e.g., a nickel, quarter, Susan B. Anthony dollar, or half dollar), such as illustrated by coin 66 (Fig. 4) actually cartwheel outward into recessed area 68 and thereby move around guide edge 62 until they are moved circularly beyond recess portion 44 (Fig. 3) of recess 34 where they are free to move outwardly by centrifugal force. Recess 68 (Fig. 8) is of less depth than recess 34 (or recess portion 44). As a result, the larger coins are actually captured by pad 12 and rotated by it. The outer edge region 69 of guide 54 lies generally in a fixed radial configuration in order to enable a sufficiently large area of recess 34 to accommodate free movement of coins by centrifugal force. As a result, the larger coins, and, of course, the smaller ones also, move outward along spiralling edge 42 to a generally circular edge 72, as illustrated by coin 71.

[0013] In the event that a coin is, for some reason, on top of another coin within area 67 of recess 34, edge 78 (Fig. 9) of guide 54, having an upper straight edge region 72 and lower tapered edge 77, will effect a separation of the coins, causing the lower of the coins to be moved over guide 54 as described for the separation and movement of coins 50 and 52. Edge 78 breaks up any jams that may form between coins, as by doubling, and captures any coins moved against edge 78 and causes them to be recirculated back into recess 34 for reforming in a single file.

[0014] Freely moving coins finally form in a single file, as illustrated by coin 75, and are rotated by pad 12 to a position where they engage downwardly extending ramp 76 (Fig. 10) and illustrated by the position of coin 75. As a result, ramp 76 effects a depression of coins into pad 12. In this manner, coins are captured at their then radial position (Fig. 4). Dashed line 80 indicates a maximum diameter circular path along which coins may progress, as shown by coins 82, 84, 86 and 88. This path may be inward somewhat depending upon where the coins are captured by ramp 76.

[0015] Coins are next rotated into a tapered recess 90, the contour of which is illustrated in Fig. 11. Most significantly, recess 90 is tapered upward and inward and includes outwardly curving coin positioning edge 92. Coins 94,96, 98 and 100 are shown as being within recess 90 along the circular path of dashed line 80 until, as indicated by coin 100, this coin is rotated to a position where its inner edge engages edge 92 of recess 90. When this occures, a coin 100 is urged outward along edge 92 to point 101 where edge 92 merges into ramp 103. Ramp 103 is configured like ramp 76 shown in Fig. 10, and this function to urge a coin downward, as would be the case for coin 104. Thereafter, coins are rotated with their inner edge radially referenced to this point. Dashed line 106 illustrates this path of rotation, and coin 108 illustrates a coin following it. Significantly, this means that the outer edges of the coins traverse a circular path which is uniquely determined by their diameter. It follows that a circular path of the outer edge of a half dollar is at a larger radius of rotation than smaller diameter coins.

[0016] Next, the coins, referenced as described, are rotated through a peripheral area from point 110 to point 112 containing a plurality of coin ejection assemblies which are each distinctively configured to eject a discrete diameter of coin, the largest being ejected first. In accordance with U.S. coinage, ejection assembly 114 is adapted to eject half dollars, assembly 118 to eject quarters, assembly 120 to eject nickels, assembly 122 to eject pennies, and assembly 124 to eject dimes. Each assembly includes a bevelled slot, these being slots S1-S6, and each intersects dashed line 106, marking the rotational path of the inner edge of a coin, and which is the same for all coins. The slots extend in an outward direction and wherein the line of direction bears an angle with respect to a radial line in the approximate range of from 70^o to 90^o. Slot S1 is illustrated in Fig. 12, it having a sloping base region 110 of a slope of approximately 30^o, an inner edge indexing wall 112, and a small and downward sloped region 114, the latter having a maximum depth of approximately 0,23mm (0.009 inch) and being of a slope of approximately 5^o. All of the slots are alike to the extend of their radial position, and, in general, their angular orientations are alike with respect to dashed line 106. Slots S1-S6 do not have a selective effect on coins and, in fact, they are configured such that, unless a coin is particularly raised into a slot, as will be described, that coin will simply pass over a slot.

[0017] Coin sorting is effected by selective lateral ejection at discrete circumferential positions around guide plate 22 and is effected by a series of ramp-shaped depressors D1-D6 which, in this embodiment, are attached within a series of recesses R1-R6 extending around guide plate 22. Wall regions W1-W5 (Fig. 3) separate recesses R1-R6, and a coin facing edge of each forms an extension of a like facing edge of like numbers of slots S1-S5 which, in effect, extend edges of the slots out to the periphery of guide plate 22. An edge 130 of recess R6 provides a like extension of the coin engaging edge of slot S6.

[0018] Each of depressors D1-D6 are basically alike, and each extends outward generally parallel with a like numbered slot. However, each is uniquely radially positioned, and its inner edge is positioned to engage the outer diameter region of one size coin as that coin moves circularly around guide plate 22 with its inner edge along dahsed line 106. When a coin is so engaged, its outer edge is pressed downward, generally outboard of pad 12, and resilient pad 12 presses the inner edge of that coin upward. When this occurs, the inner edge of the coin is captured by a slot, preventing continued circular motion, but, as a result of the circular force of the pad on the coin, the coin is forced along the direction of that slot outward and is thus ejected at a selected exit position E1-E6 (Fig. 1) around guide plate 22. As indicated above, the depressors are placed at different distances outboard of their associated slots, and thus a different distance outboard from dashed line 106, marking the travel of the inner edge of each coin. Depressor D1 has a maximum spacing from dashed line 106 and is adapted to intercept the largest diameter, coin to be sorted, a half dollar, and progressively, depressors D2-D6 are arranged to intercept, in order,progressively smaller coins to be sorted; thus, Susan B. Anthony dollars, quarters, nickels, pennies and dimes, in that order, and exist at the numbered exit positions E1-E6. The radial distance from dashed line 106 (Figs. 3 and 4) to the leading edge 140 of a depressor is approximately 0,38mm (0.015 inch) less than the diameter of the coins to be intercepted. Coins 150, 152, 154 and 156 are shown passing unaffected over various slots pending their reaching a slot where their circular motion would be arrested by being lifted into a discrete slot as described.

[0019] Slots S1-S5 have sloped or bevelled areas 114, shown in Fig. 12, and those are included to prevent the capture and premature ejection of a coin which is bent or has a ragged edge which might tend to be caught by a slot without having been forced into it by a coin depressor. This tapered region enables a generally flat coin, but one with a ragged edge, to ride over a slot until it is, in accordance with its diameter, depressed by one of the depressors into a slot. This tapered region is omitted in slot S6 as, in operation, slot 6 should eject the only coin reaching it, which would be the smallest coin being sorted regardless of its condition.

[0020] While operation has generally been described above, it will be reviewed. First, coins of different diameters to be sorted would be placed in hopper 18, and thus they would rest against pad 12. When motor 16 is started, pad 12 would rotate in the direction of the arrow, and coins would be moved by centrifugal force outward and in recess 34 where they basically form in a single file against guide edge 30. They would then be moved in the direction of the arrow outward where any doubled small coins, e.g., dimes, would be separated by the capturing of the lower one and moving it under guide 54. Smaller denomination coins, such as dimes and pennies, would pass outward of the guide within recess portion 44 and between guide 54 and guide edge 64. Larger coins would be enabled to pass by a reduced depth recessed area 68 within which the larger coins (e.g., coin 66) would effectively cartwheel outward and then be rotated back into the full depth recess of recess 67. Coins in recess 67 freely move outward by centrifugal force as in the case for coin 71. In case there exists in this recess doubled coins, one coin on top of the other, the coins would be separated by edge 78, enabling the lower of the coins to pass under edge 78.

[0021] A coin normally passing outward within recess 67 would be stopped by edge 72 and rotated under ramp 76 which would then effect a capturing of a coin, as would be the case with coin 75. Coins so captured, as in the case with preceding coins 82, 84, 86 and 88, would be rotated. Beyond point 170, the coins would pass under a recessed area 90. It is of less depth than recessed area 34, and thus coins would continue to be captured but would be readily susceptible to radial movement when engaged by edge 92 of recess 90. Outer movement would be effected by a coin, at on coins 100 and 104 by edge 92 until a coin, as shown by coin 104, is moved to an outer reference diameter, marked by dashed line 106. At this point, coins are depressed further downward by ramp 103 and fully captured by the lower surface of guide plate 22, as would be the case for coin 108. Coin 108 and coins which have preceded it would be intercepted by depressors D1-D6 as described, and whereby coins are ejected from the sorter, with the largest coin being ejected by ejector assembly 114 and the smallest by ejector assembly 124.

[0022] Coins are photoelectrically detected for discrete counting of each denomination by photosensors P1-P6 (Fig.1) positioned on the top of guide plate 22 just above an opening, indicated by openings 01-06 shown in Fig. 2. A series of lights L1-L4 (only four shown in Fig. 1), one under each opening, are supported on a frame (not shown) just outboard of pad 12, and when a coin passes across one of the openings, the light sensed by the photodetector is blocked. The condition of light or dark is provided by an output of the photosensors to coin counter 182, which is adapted to be responsive to the occurrence of a dark state for effecting a count. Counter 182 is otherwise conventional in that it would include an electrical counter responsive to each photosensor and electrically provide a count of coins passing a photocell. Counter 182 would also typically include computation means for computing the dollar (or other denimination) value coins of each denomination and the total value of all coins sorted and counted. The output of counter 182 would be fed to, and displayed on, a conventional digital display 184.

[0023] Additionally, means are provided to stop the sorting process when a selected number of coins of any denomination has been ejected or sorted, as may be the case for one of the sets of denominations of coins indicated by coins D and P as shown in Fig. 1. Further, stopping may be accomplished without error of sorting or counting of each batch of coins sorted even though the sorter is stopped between batches. Batch counting, that is, counting up to a selected number of coins in hopper 18 and stopping, is accomplished by means of a feature of coin counter 182. It would include conventional means for entering a selected count of a selected denomination of coins, and when that number has been accounted for, counter 182 would provide an electrical output, this output being fed to motor control 185. Motor control 185 would include circuit means for instantly applying a braking potential to motor 16 (an A.C. induction motor) in place of a running potential. One method of providing a braking potential is to provide a D.C. bias to motor 16. As one means of supplying a direct current stopping potential, a rectifier circuit would convert alternating current input into direct current, and this direct current would be used as a charging potential for a character. Upon a selected input to motor control 185, motor control 185 would switch the input of motor 16 from a conventional alternating current input to one where the capacitor is connected across the motor. This would enable a high inrush of direct current to motor 16 and quickly bring it to a halt. To assist this process, typically, the D.C. charging circuit would be such as to provide on the order of 1/5 the normal running A.C. current in the form of direct current to the motor for a brief interval following the switching in of the capacitor. This further assures a rapid and resistant braking of motor 16.

[0024] The interruption of the sorting process with coins still in hopper 18 by braking of motor 16 is possible in this invention whereas in other high-speed coin sorters; it has not been previously possible to stop and then start the sorting process with accuracy. The present invention has overcome this problem, enabling any selected number of any selected denomination of coin to be dispensed, then the sorter restarted and any denomination be again accurately dispensed.

Claims

1. A method for sorting coins in terms of their diameter in a coin sorter, said method comprising the steps of:

feeding a plurality of coins of mixed diameter into a sorter at a central recess so that the coins are rotated in a plane of rotation;

arranging the coins into a single layer in single-file;

positioning the coins at a predetermined radial location by engaging an edge of the coins whereby the diametrically opposite edge of each engaged coin is positioned at a radial location determined by the diameter of the coin;

moving the positioned coins pinched at said radial location past a plurality of coin ejection means wherein the coins are ejected according to their diameter;

CHARACTERIZED BY

the steps of:

pinching the coins when they are in single file between the central recess and the coin ejection means and moving the pinched coins circumferentially when they are engaged for positioning;

ejecting each pinched coin by moving the pinched coin into a coin ejection slot and by engaging at least one edge of each coin, and guiding the pinched coin outwardly by said slot.

2. A coin sorter for sorting coins in terms of their diameter comprising:

a rotatable horizontally positioned circular coin-carrying disc (12) having a resilient top surface onto which coins may be fed;

a stationary guide plate (22) having a central opening (20) and a configured lower surface positioned over and closely adjacent to said disc (12), said configured surface including an arcuate central recess (34) being deep enough to permit coins to freely move radially, and said central recess generally extending outward from said central opening and having an outer edge (64,42), which extends outwardly in a spiral, said guide plate (22) having means to enable coins to advance along said outer edge (64,42) in a single-file, single-layer,

coin positioning means (92) for engaging the edges of the advancing coins and positioning the engaged edges at a predetermined radial location (106) which is common to all the advancing coins, whereby the diametrically opposite edge portion of each engaged coin is positioned at a radial location determined by the diameter of the coin,

a plurality of coin ejection means (114, ....124) positioned circumferentially on and around said guide plate (22) generally along a circular path traversed by coins rotated by said disc (12) from said coin positioning means (92) for ejecting coins of a selected diameter at a selected circumferential location on the guide plate (22), and wherein each said coin ejection means (114,....124) comprises: an outwardly extending slot (S1-S6) in said guide plate (22) positioned to intercept said path and to engage an edge portion of a coin of selected diameter;

CHARACTERIZED IN THAT

said coin positioning means (90,92) comprises a recess (90) of reduced depth even pinching the thinnest coin between said guide plate (22) and said disc (12), and a referencing edge (92) engaging the edge of the coins for positioning the pinched coins when they are moving circumferentially,

said guide plate (22) is configured such that the coins remain pinched at their radial locations when moving through said coin ejecting means (114,.....124), and

said slots (S1....S6) of said coin ejection means (114,...124) are configured such that a coin lying flat on the resilient surface of said disc (12) passes over the slots (S1....S6) but a pinched coin engaged in response to said radial location of at least one edge of the coin enters the slot of a corresponding coin ejection means (114...124) the pinched coin is forced outwardly as it is guided by said slot (S1...S6).

3. A coin sorter as claimed in claim 2, wherein the coin positioning means (92) engages the radially inner edge of the coins to reference the engaged inner edge at said predetermined radial location (106) and in that the respective coin ejection means (D1-D6) engage coins of respective diameters by pressing the radially outer edge of the coin downward into the resilient top surface of the disc (12) whereby the radially inner edge of the coin is risen into said slot (S1-S6).

4. A coin sorter as claimed in claim 3, wherein the coin sorter includes coin depressing means (170) disposed between the central recess (34) and the coin ejection means (114,...124), said coin depressing means being formed so that the coins are pinched between the underside of the guide plate (22) and the disc (12) and are movable radially over said recess (90) of the coin positioning means as the coins are rotated to permit the inner edge of the coins to be engaged by said referencing edge (92) of the coin positioning means.

5. A coin sorter as claimed in claim 4, wherein said coin depressing means includes a first pinching region (170) where coins are pinched with their outer edges referenced to a common radial location (80) and the coins are moved circumferentially within said first pinching region and into said recess forming a second pinching region (90).

6. A coin sorter as claimed in claim 5, wherein said central recess (34) includes a generally circular inner region (35) and a spiral region (44) extending outward from said inner region (35), and in that coins fed through said opening (20) initially are guided by said inner region (35) and then are moved outward by centrifugal force through said spiral-shaped region (44) to said coin depressing means (170,90), and in that at least a portion of said spiral-shaped region (44) is of a selected depth.

7. A coin-sorter according to any preceding claims 2 to 6, wherein said guide plate (12) includes an anti-shingling guide (54) extending radially outward from said central opening (20) in the region of said spiral-shaped region (44), reducing the width of said spiral-shaped region (44) to define a passageway (44), and said guide (54) having a leading edge (58) with a lower tapered surface, whereby:

two shingled coins, which together have a thickness of greater than said selected depth, are radially captured between said guide plate (22) and said disc (12) and are circularly rotated to and against said leading edge (58);

the lower of the two shingled coins is rotated under said leading edge (58) of said guide (54); and

the upper of said shingled coins is radially freed and is thereby moved by said disc (12) and a centrifugal force outward within said spiral-shaped region (44) of said second recess out to said coin depressing means (90,170).

8. A coin sorter as claimed in claim 7, including a bypass recess (68) of lesser depth than said central recess (34) and extending outward from a portion of said spiral-shaped region (44) of said central recess (34), opposite to said guide (54), whereby coins of a diameter greater than the minimum width of said spiral-shaped region (44), occurring opposite to said guide (54), may cartwheel out into said bypass recess (68) and pass around said guide (54) as they are moved outward toward said coin depressing means.

9. A coin sorter as claimed in claim 8 wherein said guide (54) includes a second tapered edge region (77) adjacent to a portion of said spiral-shaped region (44) of said central recess (34) which is between said second recess (44) and said coin depressing means (70,90), whereby the lower of any two shingled coins present is rotated under said second tapered edge (77), freeing the upper coin to move radially and circularly onto said coin depressing means.

10. A coin sorter as claimed in any preceding claims 2 to 9 wherein said coin ejection means (114,....124) comprises ramps (D1...D6) for depressing said diametrically opposite edge portion of the coins, said ramps generally positioned radially outside of said disc at the underside of said guide plate (22), (12) each ramp (D1...D6) being positioned at a discrete spacing from a said slot (S1-S6), whereby with gradually smaller spacings for slot-ramp combinations as they appear around the disc (12) in the direction of rotation, a large coin is ejected first, and smaller coins are ejected in the order of their diminishing size.

11. A coin sorter as claimed in any preceding claims 2 to 10 including counting means (182) for selectively counting coins ejected along the path of each slot (S1-S6).

12. A coin sorter as claimed in claim 11 including an electrical motor (16) coupled to apply a rotational force to said disc (12) and braking means responsive to the count of a selected number of coins from said counting means (182) for stopping said motor (16) and thereby interrupting sorting when a selected number of coins of a selected denomination have been dispensed by the sorter.

Revendications

1. Procédé pour trier des pièces de monnaie en fonction de leur diamètre, dans un dispositif de triage de pièces de monnaie, ledit procédé comprenant les étapes de:
   chargement d'une pluralité de pièces de monnaie de diamètres différents dans un dispositif de triage, par une cavité centrale, de façon que les pièces de monnaie soient entraînées en rotation dans un plan de rotation;
   disposition des pièces de monnaie en une couche unique et en une rangée unique;
   positionnement des pièces de monnaie en une position radiale prédéterminée par mise en contact du bord des pièces de monnaie, de manière que le bord diamétralement opposé de chaque pièce de monnaie mise en contact soit positionné en une position radiale, déterminée par le diamètre de la pièce;
   déplacement des pièces de monnaie positionnées, pincées en ladite position radiale, pour passer sur une pluralité de moyens d'éjection de pièces de monnaie, dans lesquels les pièces de monnaie sont éjectées en fonction de leur diamètre;
   caractérisé par les étapes de:
   pincement des pièces de monnaie lorsqu'elles sont en rangée unique, entre la cavité centrale et le moyen d'éjection des pièces de monnaie, et déplacement circonférentiel des pièces de monnaie pincées, lorsqu'elles sont mises en contact pour le positionnement;
   éjection de chaque pièce de monnaie pincée par déplacement de cette dernière dans une fente d'éjection de pièce, et par mise en contact d'au moins un bord de chaque pièce; et
   guidage de la pièce pincée vers l'extérieur par ladite fente.

2. Dispositif de triage de pièces de monnaie pour trier les pièces en fonction de leur diamètre, comprenant:
   un disque de support de pièces de monnaie (12), circulaire rotatif positionné horizontalement, présentant une surface supérieure élastique, sur laquelle les pièces de monnaie peuvent être chargées;
   une plaque de guidage stationnaire (22) présentant une ouverture centrale (20) et une surface inférieure profilée, positionnée au-dessus et adjacente de façon proche, dudit disque (12), ladite surface profilée comprenant une cavité centrale arquée (34) qui est assez profonde pour permettre aux pièces de monnaie de se déplacer librement de façon radiale, et ladite cavité centrale s'étendant généralement vers l'extérieur en partant de ladite ouverture centrale, et ayant une bordure extérieure (64, 42), qui s'étend vers l'extérieur en une spirale, ladite plaque de guidage (22) présentant un moyen pour permettre aux pièces de monnaie d'avancer suivant ladite bordure extérieure (64, 42) en une rangée unique et en une couche unique,
   un moyen de positionnement de pièces de monnaie (92) pour venir au contact des bords des pièces en train d'avancer, et positionner les bords en contact en une position radiale (106) prédéterminée commune à toutes les pièces de monnaie en train d'avancer, de manière que la partie de bord diamétralement opposée de chaque pièce de monnaie en contact soit placée en une position radiale, qui est déterminée par le diamètre de la pièce de monnaie,
   une pluralité de moyens d'éjection de pièces de monnaie (114 à 124), positionnés circonférentiellement sur et autour de ladite plaque de guidage (22), généralement suivant un chemin circulaire traversé par les pièces de monnaie entraînées en rotation par ledit disque (12) faisant partie dudit moyen de positionnement de pièces de monnaie (92), pour éjecter les pièces de monnaie de diamètre sélectionné en un emplacement circonférentiel sélectionné situé sur la plaque de guidage (22), et dans lequel chaque moyen d'éjection de pièce de monnaie (114 à 124) comprend: une fente s'étendant vers l'extérieur (S1 à S6) dans ladite plaque de guidage (22), positionnée de façon à couper ledit chemin et à venir au contact avec une partie de bord de la pièce de monnaie de diamètre sélectionné;
   caractérisé en ce que:
   ledit moyen de positionnement de pièce de monnaie (90, 92) comprend une cavité de profondeur réduite pinçant de façon régulière la pièce de monnaie la plus mince entre ladite plaque de guidage (22) et ledit disque (12), et un bord de référence (92) venant au contact du bord des pièces de monnaie pour positionner les pièces de monnaie pincées lorsqu'elles se déplacent circonférentiellement,
   ladite plaque de guidage (22) est profilée de façon que les pièces de monnaie restent pincées en leur position radiale lors du déplacement dans ledit moyen d'éjection de pièce de monnaie (114 à 124), et
   lesdites fentes (S1 à S6) desdits moyens d'éjection de pièce de monnaie (114 à 124) sont profilées de façon qu'une pièce de monnaie située à plat sur la surface élastique dudit disque (12) passe sur les fentes (S1 à S6), mais qu'une pièce de monnaie pincée mise en contact, en réponse audit positionnement radial d'au moins un bord de la pièce de monnaie, entre dans la fente d'un moyen d'éjection de pièce de monnaie (114 à 124) correspondant, la pièce de monnaie pincée étant forcée vers l'extérieur tout en étant poussée par ladite fente (S1 à S6).

3. Dispositif de triage selon la revendication 2, dans lequel le moyen de positionnement de piècesde monnaie (92) vient au contact du bord intérieur radiol des pièces pour positionner le bord intérieur en contact audit emplacement radial (106) prédéterminé, et en ce que les différents moyens d'éjection de pièces de monnaie (D1 à D6) viennent au contact des pièces de monnaie de diamètres différents en pressant le bord extérieur radial de la pièce de monnaie vers le bas dans la surface supérieure élastique du disque (12), de manière que le bord intérieur radial de la pièce de monnaie monte dans ladite fente (S1 à S6).

4. Dispositif de triage selon la revendication 3, dans lequel le dispositif de pièces de monnaie comprend un moyen. d'abaissement de pièces de monnaie (170) disposé entre la cavité centrale (34) et le moyen d'éjection de pièces de monnaie (114 à 124), ledit moyen d'abaissement de pièces de monnaie étant formé de façon que les pièces de monnaie soient pincées entre le dessous de la plaque de guidage (22) et le disque (12), et qu'elles soient mobiles radialement sur ladite cavité (90) du moyen de positionnement de pièces de monnaie, lorsque les pièces de monnaie sont entraînées en rotation pour permettre au bord intérieur des pièces de monnaie d'être mis en contact avec ledit bord de référence (92) du moyen de positionnement de pièces de monnaie.

5. Dispositif de triage de pièces de monnaie selon la revendication 4, dans lequel ledit moyen d'abaissement de pièces de monnaie comprend une première zone de pincement (170), dans laquelle les pièces de monnaie sont pincées par leur bord extérieur positionné dans une position radiale commune (80), et les pièces de monnaie étant déplacées circonférentiellement dans ladite première zone de pincement et dans ladite cavité qui forme la seconde zone de pincement (90).

6. Dispositif de triage de pièces de monnaie selon la revendication 5, dans lequel ladite cavité centrale (34) comprend une zone intérieure (35) généralement circulaire, et une zone en spirale (44), s'étendant vers l'extérieur de ladite zone intérieure (35), et dans lequel les pièces de monnaie chargées à travers ladite ouverture (20) sont initialement guidées par ladite zone intérieure (35), et sont ensuite déplacées vers l'extérieur par la force centrifuge dans ladite zone en spirale (44) vers ledit moyen d'abaissement de pièces de monnaie (170, 90), et dans lequel au moins une partie de ladite zone en spirale (44) présente une profondeur sélectionnée.

7. Dispositif de triage de pièces de monnaie selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes de 2 à 6, dans lequel ladite plaque de guidage (12) comprend un guide anti-empilement (54), s'étendant radialement vers l'extérieur de ladite ouverture centrale (20) située dans la zone de ladite zone en spirale (44), en réduisant la largeur de cette dernière pour définir une voie de passage (44), et ledit guide (54) ayant une arête avant (58) avec une surface en pente descendante, de manière que:
   deux pièces de monnaie empilées, qui présentent conjointement une épaisseur supérieure à ladite profondeur sélectionnée, soient capturées radialement entre ladite plaque de guidage (22) et ledit disque (12), et soient entraînées en rotation vers et contre ladite arête avant (58);
   la pièce de dessous des deux pièces de monnaie empilées, est tournée par ladite arête avant (58) dudit guide (54); et
   la pièce de dessus des deux pièces de monnaie empilées est libérée radialement et est de ce fait déplacée par ledit disque (12) et la force centrifuge, vers l'extérieur, dans ladite zone en spirale (44) de ladite seconde cavité hors dudit moyen d'abaissement de pièces de monnaie (90, 170).

8. Dispositif de triage de pièces de monnaie selon la revendication 7, comprenant une cavité de dérivation (68) de moindre profondeur que ladite cavité centrale (34) et s'étendant vers l'extérieur à partir d'une partie de ladite zone en spirale (44) de ladite cavité centrale (34), opposée audit guide (54), de manière que les pièces de monnaie ayant un diamètre supérieur à la largeur minimale de ladite zone en spirale (44), se présentant à l'opposé dudit guide (54), puissent s'échapper en roulant de ladite cavité de dérivation (68) et passer autour dudit guide (54) tout en se déplaçant vers l'extérieur vers ledit moyen d'abaissement de pièces de monnaie.

9. Dispositif de triage de pièces de monnaie selon la revendication 8, dans lequel ledit guide (54) comprend une seconde zone de bordure effilée (77), adjacente à une partie de ladite zone en spirale (44) de ladite cavité centrale (34), qui est située entre ladite seconde cavité centrale (44) et ledit moyen d'abaissement de pièce de monnaie (70, 90), de manière que la pièce de dessous de tout couple de pièces empilées présent soit tournée par ladite seconde bordure effilée (77), en libérant la pièce de monnaie de dessus pour qu'elle se déplace de façon radiale et circulaire sur ledit moyen d'abaissement de pièce de monnaie.

10. Dispositif de triage de pièces de monnaie selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes de 2 à 9, dans lequel ledit moyen d'éjection de pièce de monnaie (114 à 124) comprend des rampes (D1 à D6) pour abaisser ladite partie de bord diamétralement opposée des pièces de monnaie, lesdites rampes étant généralement positionnées radialement vers l'extérieur dudit disque sur la surface de dessous de ladite plaque de guidage (22), (12), chaque rampe (D1 à D6) étant positionnée à un espacement discret par rapport à ladite fente (S1 à S6), de manière qu'avec des espacements diminuant graduellement, pour les combinaisons de fente et de rampe autour du disque (12) dans le sens de rotation, ce soit la plus grande pièce qui soit éjectée en premier, et les pièces plus petites étant éjectées suivant leur ordre de taille décroissante.

11. Dispositif de triage de pièces de monnaie selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes de 2 à 10, comprenant un moyen de comptage (182) pour compter de façon sélective les pièces de monnaie éjectées en suivant le chemin de chaque fente (S1 à S6).

12. Dispositif de triage de pièces de monnaie selon la revendication 11, comprenant un moteur électrique (16) couplé pour appliquer un couple de rotation sur ledit disque (12) et un moyen de freinage, agissant en réponse au comptage d'un nombre sélectionné de pièces de monnaie par ledit moyen de comptage (182), pour arrêter ledit moteur (16) et de ce fait interrompre le triage lorsqu'un nombre sélectionné de pièces de monnaie d'une sorte sélectionnée a été distribué par le dispositif de triage.

Ansprüche

1. Verfahren zum Sortieren von Münzen nach Maßgabe ihrer Durchmesser in einem Münzsortierer mit den Schritten:

Zuführen einer Vielzahl von Münzen unterschiedlichen Durchmessers in einen Sortierer an einem Mittenausschnitt, sodaß die Münzen in einer Drehebene gedreht werden;

Anordnen der Münzen in einer einzigen einschichtigen Schicht;

Positionieren der Münzen an einem bestimmten radialen Ort durch Beaufschlagen einer Kante der Münzen, wodurch die diametral gegenüberliegende Kante einer jeden beaufschlagten Münze an einem radialen Ort positioniert wird, der durch den Durchmesser der Münze bestimmt ist;

Bewegen der positionierten Münzen, die an dem radialen Ort festgeklemmt sind, an einer Vielzahl von Ausstoßeinrichtungen vorbei, wobei die Münzen nach Maßgabe ihrer Durchmesser ausgestoßen werden;

gekennzeichnet durch die Schritte:

Festklemmen der Münzen, wenn sie sich einschichtig zwischen dem Mittenausschnitt und den Münzen-Ausstoßeinrichtungen befinden, und Bewegen der festgeklemmten Münzen in Umfangsrichtung, wenn sie zum Positionieren beaufschlagt werden;

Ausstoßen jeder festgeklemmten Münze durch Bewegen der festgeklemmten Münze in einen Münzenausstoßschlitz und durch Beaufschlagen mindestens einer Kante einer jeden Münze, und Führen der festgeklemmten Münze nach außen durch den Schlitz.

2. Münzsortierer zum Sortieren von Münzen nach Maßgabe ihrer Durchmesser mit:

einer drehbaren, horizontal angeordneten, kreisförmigen, Münzen tragenden Scheibe (12), die eine elastische Oberfläche hat, auf die die Münzen förderbar sind;

einer stationären Führungsplatte (22) mit einer Mittenöffnung (20) und einer in bestimmter Weise geformten unteren Oberfläche, die über der und dicht benachbart zu der Scheibe (12) angeordnet ist, wobei die geformte Oberfläche einen gebogenen Mittenausschnitt (34) umfaßt, der tief genug ist, damit sich die Münzen in diesem frei radial bewegen können, und wobei der Mittenausschnitt sich von der Mittenöffnung im wesentlichen nach außen erstreckt und eine Außenkante (64, 42) hat, die sich spiralförmig nach außen erstreckt, und wobei die Führungsplatte (22) eine Einrichtung hat, die es den Münzen ermöglicht, längs der Außenkante (64, 42) in einer einzigen einschichtigen Schicht sich vorzubewegen;

einer Münzen-Positioniereinrichtung (92) zum Beaufschlagen der Kanten der sich vorbewegenden Münzen und zum Positionieren der beaufschlagten Kanten an einem bestimmten radialen Ort (106), der allen sich vorbewegenden Münzen gemeinsam ist, wodurch der diametral gegenüberliegende Kantenteil einer jeden beaufschlagten Münze an einem radialen Ort positioniert wird, der durch den Durchmesser der Münze bestimmt ist;

einer Vielzahl von Münzen-Ausstoßeinrichtungen (114, ... 124), die in Umfangsrichtung auf und um die Führungsplatte (22) herum im wesentlichen längs eines kreisförmigen Pfades angeordnet sind, der von den von der Scheibe (12) gedrehten Münzen von der Münzen-Positioniereinrichtung (92) aus zum Ausstoßen der Münzen eines ausgewählten Durchmessers an einem ausgewählten Umfangsort auf der Führungsplatte (22) überquert wird, und wobei jede der Münzen-Ausstoßeinrichtungen (114, ... 124) aufweist: einen sich nach außen erstreckenden Schlitz (S1-S6) in der Führungsplatte (22), der so angeordnet ist, daß er den Pfad schneidet und einen Kantenteil einer Münze ausgewählten Durchmessers beaufschlagt;

dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß

die Münzen-Positioniereinrichtung (90, 92) einen Ausschnitt (90) verminderter Tiefe aufweist, der selbst die dünnste Münze zwischen der Führungsplatte (22) und der Scheibe (12) festklemmt, sowie eine Ausrichtkante (92), die die Kante der Münzen zum Positionieren der festgeklemmten Münzen beaufschlagt, wenn sie sich in Umfangsrichtung bewegen,

die Führungsplatte (22) derart geformt ist, daß die Münzen an ihren radialen Orten festgeklemmt bleiben, wenn sie durch die Münzen-Ausstoßeinrichtungen (114, ... 124) bewegt werden, und

die Schlitze (S1 ... S6) der Münzen-Ausstoßeinrichtungen (114, ... 124) derart geformt sind, daß eine flach auf der elastischen Oberfläche der Scheibe (12) aufliegende Münze sich über die Schlitze (S1 ... S6) hinwegbewegt, eine festgeklemmte Münze jedoch, die im Ansprechen auf den radialen Ort von mindestens einer Kante der Münze beaufschlagt ist, in den Schlitz einer zugehörigen Münzen-Ausstoßeinrichtung (114 ... 124) eintritt, und die festgeklemmte Münze nach außen gezwungen wird, wenn sie von diesem Schlitz (S1 ... S6) geführt wird.

3. Münzsortierer nach Anspruch 2, wobei die Münzen-Positioniereinrichtung (92) die radial innere Kante der Münzen beaufschlagt, um die beaufschlagte innere Kante an dem bestimmten radialen Ort (106) auszurichten, und daß die jeweilige Münzen-Ausstoßeinrichtung (D1-D6) Münzen jeweiliger Durchmesser durch Drücken der radial äußeren Kante der Münze nach unten in die elastische Oberfläche der Scheibe (12) beaufschlagt, wodurch die radial innere Kante der Münze in den Schlitz (S1-S6) hinein angehoben wird.

4. Münzsortierer nach Anspruch 3, wobei der Münzsortierer eine Münzen-Eindrückeinrichtung (170) umfaßt, die zwischen dem Mittenausschnitt (34) und Münzen-Ausstoßeinrichtungen (114, ... 124) angeordnet ist, wobei die Münzen-Eindruckeinrichtung derart ausgebildet ist, daß die Münzen zwischen der Unterseite der Führungsplatte (22) und der Scheibe (12) festgeklemmt werden und radial über den Ausschnitt (90) der Münzen-Positioniereinrichtung hinwegbewegbar sind, wenn die Münzen gedreht werden, damit die innere Kante der Münzen von der Ausrichtkante (92) der Münzen-Positioniereinrichtung beaufschlagt werden kann.

5. Münzsortierer nach Anspruch 4, wobei die MÜnzen-Eindrückeinrichtung einen ersten Festklemmbereich (170) umfaßt, an dem Münzen mit ihren äußeren Kanten ausgerichtet an einem gemeinsamen radialen Ort (80) festgeklemmt werden und die Münzen in Umfangsrichtung innerhalb des ersten Festklemmbereiches und in den Ausschnitt bewegt werden, der einen zweiten Festklemmbereich (90) bildet.

6. Münzsortierer nach Anspruch 5, wobei der Mittenausschnitt (34) einen im wesentlichen kreisförmigen inneren Bereich (35) und einen spiralförmigen Bereich (44) umfaßt, der von dem inneren Bereich (35) sich nach außen erstreckt, und daß durch die Öffnung (20) hindurch zugeführte Münzen anfangs von dem inneren Bereich (35) geführt werden und dann durch Zentrifugalkraft nach außen durch den spiralförmigen Bereich (44) hindurch zu der Münzen-Eindrückeinrichtung (170, 90) bewegt werden, und daß mindestens ein Teil des spiralförmigen Bereiches (44) eine ausgewählte Tiefe hat.

7. Münzsortierer nach einem der Ansprüche 2 bis 6, wobei die Führungsplatte (12) eine Überlappungen der Münzen verhindernde Führung (54) umfaßt, die sich radial nach außen von der Mittenöffnung (20) in den Bereich des spiralförmigen Bereichs (44) erstreckt, die Breite des spiralförmigen Bereiches (44) vermindert ist, um einen Durchlaß (44) zu begrenzen, und die Führung (54) eine Anfangskante (58) mit einer niedriger ansteigenden Oberfläche hat, wodurch:

zwei sich überlappende Münzen, die zusammen eine Dicke haben, die größer als die ausgewählte Tiefe ist, radial zwischen der Führungsplatte (22) und der Scheibe (12) eingefangen werden und kreisförmig zu der und gegen die Anfangskante (58) gedreht werden;

die untere der zwei sich überlappenden Münzen unter der Anfangskante (58) der Führung (54) hindurchgedreht wird, und

die obere der sich überlappenden Münzen radial befreit und dadurch von der Scheibe (12) und einer Zentrifugalkraft nach außen innerhalb des spiralförmigen Bereiches (44) des Ausschnittes aus der Münzen-Eindrückeinrichtung (90, 170) herausbewegt wird.

8. Münzsortierer nach Anspruch 7, der einen Vorbeiführungsausschnitt (68) geringerer Tiefe als der Mittenausschnitt (34) umfaßt, der sich von einem Teil des spiralförmigen Bereiches (44) des Mittenausschnittes (34) nach außen und gegenüberliegend zu der Führung (54) erstreckt, wodurch Münzen eines Durchmessers größer als die minimale Breite des spiralförmigen Bereiches (44), die gegenüberliegend zu der Führung (54) auftreten, sich nach außen in den Vorbeiführungsausschnitt (68) hinein abrollend bewegen und um die Führung (54) herum gelangen, wenn sie nach außen zu der Münzen-Eindrückeinrichtung hin bewegt werden.

9. Münzsortierer nach Anspruch 8, wobei die Führung (54) einen zweiten ansteigenden Kantenbereich (77) neben einem Teil des spiralförmigen Bereiches (44) des Mittenausschnittes (34) umfaßt, der zwischen dem zweiten Ausschnitt (44) und der Münzen-Eindrückeinrichtung (70, 90) liegt, wodurch die untere von allen überlappend auftretenden Münzen unter der zweiten angeschrägten Kante (77) hinweg gedreht wird, wodurch die obere Münze befreit wird, damit sie sich radial und kreisförmig auf die Münzen-Eindrückeinrichtung bewegen kann.

10. Münzsortierer nach einem der Ansprüche 2 bis 9, wobei die Münzen-Ausstoßeinrichtungen (114, ... 124) Rampen (D1 ... D6) zum Herabdrücken der diametral gegenüberliegenden Kantenteile der Münzen aufweist, wobei diese Rampen im wesentlichen radial außerhalb der Scheibe (12) an der Unterseite der Führungsplatte (22) angeordnet sind, und wobei jede Rampe (D1 ... D6) mit einem bestimmten Abstand von einem der Schlitze (S1-S6) angeordnet ist, wodurch bei allmählich kleiner werdenden Abständen für die Schlitz-Rampen-Kombinationen, wie sie um die Scheibe (12) in Drehrichtung auftreten, eine große Münze zuerst ausgestoßen und kleinere Münzen in der Reihenfolge ihrer sich verringernden Größe ausgestoßen werden.

11. Münzsortierer nach einem der Ansprüche 2 bis 10, der eine Zähleinrichtung (182) zum selektiven Zählen von Münzen aufweist, die längs des Pfades von jedem Schlitz (S1-S6) ausgestoßen werden.

12. Münzsortierer nach Anspruch 11, der einen elektrischen Motor (16), der zum Erteilen einer Drehkraft mit der Scheibe (12) gekoppelt ist, und eine Bremseinrichtung umfaßt, die auf den Zählerstand einer ausgewählten Anzahl von Münzen von der Zähleinrichtung (182) anspricht, um den Motor (16) stillzusetzen und damit den Sortiervorgang zu unterbrechen, wenn eine ausgewählte Anzahl von Münzen einer ausgewählten Wertigkeit von dem Sortierer abgegeben wurde.

Drawing