Coin token assembly, method and device for dispensing coin tokens

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a coin assembly.

[0002] In the organization of events and in for instance catering establishments and conference centres use is usually made of a closed payment system in which coins are used. Such coins are generally unique for the location or the event, and generally have no value outside of these. An advantage of such a system is that a plurality of payment points can be applied within the space of the event or the establishment, for instance for the purpose of providing refreshments or goods for payment, while it is possible to make do with a small number or several coin sale points where the internal coins can be purchased with regular payment means such as Euros. A significant advantage hereof is that staff can accept the coins in a simple manner by way of payment and do not have to carry out any payment transactions with normal money. The payment transaction can hereby proceed more smoothly and the hands of staff are less soiled by frequently used currency. The security and monitoring of money flows within the establishment or the event can also be guaranteed in relatively simple manner.

[0003] DE 39 41 286 discloses a payment system in which value holding payment tokens are affixed to a tape in a cassette of a customer using the payment system. When inserted into a cashier system of a trader, such tokens may be removed from the tape of the customer cassette and transferred to a tape of a trader cassette for effecting the value transfer.

[0004] US 3 209 882 discloses a strip of coins separated by notches at which the strip can be broken.

[0005] DE 933 956 discloses a voucher or coupon machine for providing persons with vouchers or coupons. specifically, this documents discloses that such vouchers are provided in sheets comprising a number of vouchers, specifically paper sheets.

[0006] In cash-point systems the coins are counted out when they are sold, or sold in predetermined quantities. This counting-out is time-consuming work and requires a high degree of accuracy of cash-point staff.

[0007] In order to obviate such drawbacks the present invention provides a coin assembly according to claim 1.

[0008] Such a coin assembly provides the advantage that it can dispense a desired number of coins in automatic manner and with a relatively simple device. A member of staff selling the coins need only carry out the financial transaction of the purchase in per se known manner, such as by means of cash or a credit card or PIN card transaction, and enter into the dispensing device the number of coins to be dispensed. The dispensing device can then issue the coins in the entered quantity, and optionally separate the issued coins from the remaining token assembly. It is possible for the sale to take place fully automatically by means of an automatic machine wherein electronic payment can for instance be made using credit card or so-called PIN card.

[0009] The assembly is arranged in the form of a roll. An advantage hereof is that a very large quantity of coins can be handled, transported and placed in a dispensing device in simple manner. A further advantage of such a roll is that a number of rolls can be placed in a magazine in the device, whereafter they can be placed successively in the functional or release position of the dispensing device, whereby the device refilling interval can be relatively long. Such a roll can for instance comprise five to thirty thousand coins.

[0010] The separable transition between adjacent coins is formed by means of a notch in the material from which the assembly is manufactured. This notch is situated on the inner side of a roll when the coin assembly has the form of a roll. Such a notch has the advantage that the assembly has a certain strength, whereby a number of coins coming from the coin assembly likewise have such a strength. One or a number of coins can further be separated in simple manner by being broken off at the position of the notch. Such a notch is produced by means of arranging an incision, for instance by means of a punch knife. A very advantageous mass production of such an assembly hereby becomes possible.

[0011] The notch is arranged on the inner side of the roll in the rolled-up position of the roll. This makes it for instance possible that, when the assembly is being rolled up or is in the rolled-up position, the remaining connection at the notch remains undamaged, whereby the strength of the assembly is maintained, and the operation of automatic dispensing can for instance take place undisturbed.

[0012] Use is made in the manufacture of the assembly of an extrusion process for manufacturing a strip or a number of parallel strips of coins. This also enables advantageous mass production of the assembly.

[0013] The making of the notch is carried out by means of a cutting operation or a punching operation through a part of the thickness of the material. This measure also contributes toward an advantageous mass production process.

[0014] The coin assembly preferably has a thickness of 0.5-4 mm, still more preferably 1-2.5 mm. An advantage of coins with some thickness in such an application is that a supply of used coins can be counted in simple manner by weighing thereof, for instance at a sales point for refreshments.

[0015] The transition between adjacent coins is preferably formed such that a perceptible or tangible indicator is provided for the separation between these adjacent coins. A person with a determined quantity of coins which are still coupled together can hereby find a break-off position in simple manner by touch. This indicator can further be used to count out a number of coins in the dispensing device. Use can herein be made of mechanical or optical means for determining the presence of such an indicator.

[0016] In a further preferred embodiment the coins can be ordered in a number of parallel arrays within the assembly. A number of coins can hereby be issued simultaneously adjacently of each other. A further advantage hereof is that issuing can take place more rapidly. The capacity of a coin assembly can also be increased, even when it is in roll form.

[0017] The coin assembly preferably comprises a somewhat flexible material such as a plastic, such as a thermoplastic elastomer. A polystyrene can be envisaged here. Other plastics may also be suitable. Such materials are suitable for the stated roll shape and can be formed in simple manner. A further preferred material is a biopolymer for an environmentally-friendly result.

[0018] In a further preferred embodiment the separation between distinguishable parallel arrays can be discerned differently from the separation between coins within a parallel array. An advantage hereof is for instance that the individual arrays can be broken off more readily than the coins within an array.

[0019] In a further preferred embodiment some of the coins are divisible for the purpose of providing for instance half-coins. It hereby becomes possible to apply a greater price differentiation in the closed payment system. The coin assembly is preferably provided with a surface embellishment such as by means of a foil, colour printing and/or relief design. The coins can hereby each be provided with the same appearance. It is further possible to provide a larger quantity of coins together with a pattern, design or image. The event or the establishment can hereby distinguish itself in a unique manner.

[0020] In a further preferred embodiment the coins comprise an identifier such as an RF-ID chip, a metal mass, a coil or a combination thereof. An advantage hereof is that the detection of a single coin, for instance for counting thereof, can be performed by means of inductive means. Coins can hereby be counted during dispensing thereof by the dispensing device and after use as payment. An advantage of such an identifier is that the coins can be counted in larger quantity during the payment transaction.

[0021] If someone wishes to make a payment of for instance more than ten coins, thereof during busy moments is inconvenient and time-consuming, wherein there is a risk of the member of staff making a mistake. By means of the identifier the quantity of coins can now be counted by machine and the quantity shown by the counting device. A quantity of coins with an RF-ID can for instance be placed in a holder of a counting device, after or during which operation the counting device indicates the number. The RF-ID can for instance be arranged in or on the coin.

[0022] The coin assembly is preferably provided with a start indicator of the assembly. During transport and placing of the coin assembly in the device it is hereby possible to check whether the correct number is still present on the coin assembly.

[0023] At least some of the coins are preferably provided with an indicator for indicating a quantity of tokens remaining in the assembly. An advantage hereof is that it is possible to recognize, either in automatic manner or in manual manner, when the coin assembly will be used up and has to be replaced.

[0024] A further aspect relates to a method for dispensing a variable number of coins from a coin assembly according to one or more of the foregoing claims, comprising steps for:

• determining the quantity of coins or coin arrays which have to be dispensed;
• feeding through the coin assembly in accordance with the determined number;
• separating the coins from the coin assembly. An advantage of such a method is that a variable number of coins can be dispensed automatically using a dispensing device on the basis of a number determined ad hoc. Such a method can likewise be performed using an automated vending device comprising the dispensing device and a payment system. The step for separating the coins to be dispensed herein comprises steps for breaking off the coins along a notch by exerting a force against the side remote from the notch, this step enabling a simple separating operation. The coins for separating will break off with a simple 'snap'.

[0025] In a practical embodiment the coins, are first bent upward on one side, thereby creating a weak seam in the assembly. The coins are then bent upward on the other side, whereby a weakness is created or the coins to be dispensed break off.

[0026] The method preferably comprises steps for detecting transitions between successive coins or arrays, or steps for measuring an unrolling distance of the coin assembly.

[0027] A further aspect relates to a dispensing device for dispensing a variable number of coins, or coin arrays of coins in mutually adjacent order, from a coin assembly, comprising:

• a holder for the coin assembly;
• a drive unit for driving the coin assembly in order to issue a number of coins from the device;
• a processing unit for controlling the drive unit;
• input means for inputting into the processing unit the number of coins to be issued. Advantages of such a dispensing device have been described in the foregoing with reference to the coin assembly.

[0028] The device preferably comprises means for causing a separation between the coins to be dispensed and the rest of the assembly. The separating member herein comprises means for breaking off the coins along a notch by exerting a force against the side remote from the notch.

[0029] An advantage of the initial break is that it makes separation of the coins along this initial break easier for the user of the coins. It provides for instance the option of forming strips of coins still attached to each other for further separation thereof later. A user of the coins hereby has at his/her disposal a number of strips of coins attached to each other, whereby he/she can manage or count his/her coins in simple manner.

[0030] Further advantages, features and details of the present invention are described in greater detail hereinbelow on the basis of embodiments and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

• Fig. 1 shows a first preferred embodiment of a coin assembly according to the present invention;
• Fig. 2 shows a further preferred embodiment of a coins assembly according to the present invention;
• Fig. 3 shows a method;
• Fig. 4 shows a further method ;
• Fig. 5 shows a preferred embodiment of a device;
• Fig. 6 shows a preferred embodiment in a first perspective of a separating member;
• Fig. 7 shows a second perspective of the separating member of Fig. 6;
• Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the separating member of Fig. 6.

[0031] A preferred embodiment according to the present invention (fig. 1) relates to a coin strip 1 which can be brought into the form of a roll (fig. 5) for placing thereof in a dispensing device. Coin 2,3,4... are cut or punched out of a strip of plastic suitable for this purpose such as polypropylene. In fig. 1 the coins are octagonal through cutting away of corners of the coins so as to create the inclining surfaces 9 and 10. It is also possible to leave the coins in quadrangular form, wherein cutting away of the corners is omitted. It is possible in alternative manner to opt for another form of cutting, such as a curved cut. The front surface of the first coin is designated by the reference 11.

[0032] It is important that successive coins are connected to each other in a breakable manner. An incision 12 can be provided for this purpose (see detail I) which can for instance be arranged by means of a knife suitable for the purpose during the cutting operation for manufacturing surfaces 9,10. It is equally possible to create a channel 12 during manufacture of the strip of plastic for instance by means of an extrusion process.

[0033] As stated, the strip of plastic is manufactured by means of an extrusion process. It can likewise be manufactured by cutting one or more strips from a wide strip of plastic.

[0034] When rolling up the assembly, the notches or channels 12 are kept on the inside so that the tensile forces on the material produce stresses on the other side of the assembly relative to channels 12. In the other case there is a risk of the breaking-off process of individual coins already starting while the coins are located on the roll. This is however greatly dependent on the choice of material and the manner of arranging the channels.

[0035] Detail I shows the cross-section of the first coin 2 and a part of the second coin 3 of the assembly. The material is bounded on the top side of the coins by surface 7 and on the bottom side by surface 8. Shown is that channel 12 extends along a part of the height of the material. A desired strength is created by selecting this height subject to the material, and for instance the width of the coins at the position of the transition between the coins. This strength determines how easily coins can be broken off.

[0036] Fig. 2 shows an assembly with a plurality of coins adjacent to each other. Five tokens are here situated adjacently of each other assembly. A suitable assembly length of for instance 2-10 can be chosen depending on the desired dispensing width. Cross-section II is situated, just as cross-section I, in the longitudinal direction or dispensing direction of the coin assembly. The cross-section shows successive coins 21,22,23,24 which are partially separated from each other by means of incisions 12.

[0037] Cross-section III is situated in transverse direction relative to the dispensing direction. In this section coins 21,25,26,27,28 are shown adjacently of each other. These coins are separated from each other by means of the partial incisions 12. During issue these five coins are issued parallel to each other from the dispensing device. As indicated in the foregoing, it is likewise possible to make the width of this coin assembly 2-4 or 6 and more coins wide.

[0038] Fig. 5 shows a device for dispensing coins. The device comprises a control panel on which it is possible to enter the number of coins which must be dispensed. In an alternative this panel can be provided as separate unit, or the device can be coupled to an external payment system or cash-point system from which a signal is fed to the device. The device further comprises a processing unit for processing the number of coins to be dispensed. This processing unit controls a drive unit 72 for driving the coin assembly 1 or 20. The drive unit is provided with schematically designated drive means such as rollers 73 for transmitting the movement to the assembly of coins. It is equally possible to envisage the coin assembly being driven from the coin assembly suspension shaft 74 which can be given a drivable form.

[0039] In order to determine the number of coin positions the drive unit has advanced the assembly a counter 75 is arranged which counts this number and which is coupled to the processing unit for controlling stopping of the drive unit. An alternative hereto is that the drive can be controlled, for instance by means of a stepping motor, such that the throughput is known on the basis of the control. In such a case a measurement can however also be envisaged for checking purposes.

[0040] Fig. 3 shows a method for dispensing coins. The method is started in step 40. In step 41 the number of coins to be dispensed is fed to the processing unit from control panel 76. The associated amount is then calculated in step 42 and shown on a display of the control panel. If acceptance of this amount is entered by the purchaser of the coins, the method continues in step 44. If this amount is unacceptable to the coin purchaser, the method returns to step 40 by means of step 43. In order to avoid this route it is for instance possible to display a table of a number of coins for a determined price, so that the purchaser gains better insight beforehand into the cost. This display of such a table can be carried out on a price-list or on a screen.

[0041] In step 44 the processing unit receives a confirmation of the issue of the number of coins, for instance via an input button <OK>, from a seller or via a payment unit coupled to the dispensing unit. In step 45 the number of coins is issued from the device by providing the drive unit with a corresponding instruction, on the basis of which the drive unit advances the coins by means of the drive rollers.

[0042] In step 46 the processing unit checks by means of counter 75 that the determined number of coins is issued from the device. A check is further made by means of the measurement of the counter whether the coin assembly is situated in the correct position for separation from the supply strip of the coins to be dispensed. If this is the case, the part to be dispensed is severed from the roll in step 47 by means of a cutting member. The method ends in step 48.

[0043] Fig. 4 shows an alternative method for dispensing a number of coins. The method begins in step 50. In step 51 a number of coins is chosen by a customer and this is communicated to a cashier. This cashier enters the number in a control panel coupled to the dispensing device, for instance control panel 75. In step 53 the amount associated with the number of coins is calculated by the processing unit. This amount is shown in a display of the control panel in step 64. In step 55 is determined whether this amount is acceptable and, if this is not the case, the cashier is informed of this in step 56, whereafter the latter presses a correction key, and the method restarts in step 50.

[0044] If it is determined in step 58 that the amount is acceptable, payment is made in step 58 and in step 59 an <OK> key is pressed in, on the basis of which the dispensing device issues the number of coins, which are given together with possible change to the customer by the cashier. The method then stops in step 62.

[0045] A further example (Fig. 6) relates to a dispensing member 18 in which a number of functions for issuing the coin assembly are integrated. The dispensing member comprises means for arranging an initial bend and for performing the subsequent breaking-off operation. This will be explained in detail hereinbelow.

[0046] Broadly stated, the dispensing member comprises a frame comprising bottom plate 103 and two vertical walls 101 on either side thereof. Between vertical walls 101 and 102 are arranged three rollers 81,82,83 which are each rotatable along a central shaft. Roller 81 has a stationary position relative to vertical walls 101, 102. Roller 82 is horizontally slidable relative to vertical walls 101 and 102 by means of a slot 97 in each of these two plates. Roller 83 is movable relative to vertical walls 101 and 102 by means of curved slot 93 in these two plates.

[0047] The coin assembly 20 is fed through between the three rollers 81, 82, 83 (Fig. 8). Roller 81 is drivable by means of motor 84. Roller 82 is slidable horizontally as seen in the figure through slot 97 by means of shaft 91 thereof.

[0048] Roller 82 is used as pressure roller which can be pressed in horizontal direction against roller 81 along slot 97. Pressing of roller 82 against roller 81 is carried out by means of pressure number 88 which is fixed to the outside of the respective walls 101 and 102. A pressing plate 90 is driven on either side of the roller by means of two slidable rods 89. This pressing plate 90 connects the two rods 89 to central shaft 91 of roller 82. Driving of the drive rods 89 in pressure members 88 can be effected in per se known manner. Spring force, hydraulics or an electric coil with a magnet can be envisaged here.

[0049] In the positioning in the figure the coin assembly 20 is supplied from the underside between the two rollers 81,82 and pushed upward therebetween. The third roller 83 then has the function of arranging a first bend in the coin assembly 20. This achieves on the one hand that a coin array can be broken off in simple manner along the created bend and on the other that the coin array is urged in the direction of arrow B* through slot 87 of throughfeed channel 86. This channel is likewise arranged between the two plates 101 and 102 of the frame. Fixed to channel 86 is a motor 94, which motor drives a breaking cam 95. Once the desired number of coins has been fed through channel 86, the coin assembly 20 is stopped. Cam 95 is then set into rotation in order to break off, in opposite direction to the initial bend, the coins fed through the channel. For this purpose cam 95 is provided with rotatable disc 96 which can rotate relative to cam 95.

[0050] In the operation described in the foregoing practical use is made of the mechanical properties of the coin assembly. The incisions 12 are enlarged by the initial bend, whereby the coins are still only connected to each other on either side of the enlarged bend by a thin layer of coin material. This thin layer, which despite the initial bend continues to form a connection, can be easily broken off by a relatively small force by cam 95 in the other direction, whereby the whole array of five coins, or a plurality thereof, will break off. This action will of course also function with an assembly width of a different number of coins.

[0051] In this embodiment driving of the drive roller is controlled such that the issue through the channel is stopped in suitable manner after the end of the channel slightly beyond a separation between successive coins. The initial bend which has to be broken is preferably situated between the outer end of the channel and the rotatable disc 96 of cam 95.

Claims

1. Coins assembly (20), for use in an automated vending device for vending coins (2,3,4..., 21,25,26...) by dispensing the coins from a roll by breaking off coins from the roll, comprising coins for use as value-representing coins in a closed payment environment, comprising a number of mutually distinguishable coins (2,3,4..., 21,25,26...), wherein mutually adjacent coins are connected to each other in a manner such that they are ordered in mutually separable manner relative to each other, characterised in that the material of the coins (2,3,4..., 21,25,26...) forms the assembly, the assembly being formed by means of an extrusion process and the assembly is suitable for placing in the automated vending device for dispensing a variable number of coins input into the automated vending device, wherein the coins are formed from a plastic material and have a thickness usual for coins of for instance 0.5-4 millimetres, the assembly is arranged in the form of a roll, a separable transition between adjacent coins is formed by a notch (12) in the material from which the assembly is manufactured, and in that the notch (12) is made by means of a cutting operation or a punching operation through a part of the thickness of the material, and in that the coins are connected to each other in a breakable manner for urging out of the vending machine and breaking off a coin array from the urged out end of the roll by a breaking off operation, and in that the notch (12) is arranged on the inner side of the roll in the rolled-up position of the roll.

2. Coins assembly as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the coins can be ordered in a number of parallel arrays within the assembly.

3. Coins assembly as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein a transition between adjacent coins is formed in order to provide a perceptible or tangible indicator for the separation between these adjacent coins.

4. Coins assembly as claimed in one or more of the claims 2-3, wherein a separation between distinguishable parallel arrays can be discerned differently from the separation between coins within a parallel array.

5. Coins assembly as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, comprising a somewhat flexible material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer or a biopolymer.

6. Coins assembly as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the coins are manufactured from a material with a thickness usual for coins, such as 0.5-4 millimetres, more preferably 1-2.5 millimetres, preferably wherein each coin has a length, width or diameter of 0.5-6 cm, preferably 1-4 cm, more preferably 1.5-3 cm.

7. Coins assembly as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, comprising a surface embellishment in the form of a holographic representation, or an imprint by means of a foil printing, heat transfer process and/or relief design.

8. Coins assembly as claimed in one or more of the claims 2-6, wherein the separation between successive coins is definable by means of a channel to be moulded in the material.

9. Coins assembly as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein at least some of the coins are divisible for the purpose of providing for instance half-coins.

10. Coins assembly as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the coins comprise an identifier such as an RF-ID chip, a metal mass, a coil or a combination thereof.

11. Coins assembly as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, comprising a start indicator of the assembly.

12. Coins assembly as claimed in one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein at least one of the coins is provided with an indicator for indicating a quantity of coins remaining in the assembly.

Ansprüche

1. Münzanordnung (20) zur Verwendung in einer automatisierten Verkaufsvorrichtung zum Verkaufen von Münzen (2, 3, 4..., 21, 25, 26...) durch das Ausgeben der Münzen von einer Rolle durch Wegbrechen von Münzen von der Rolle, beinhaltend Münzen zur Verwendung als einen Wert repräsentierende Münzen in einer geschlossenen Zahlungsumgebung, beinhaltend eine Anzahl von voneinander unterscheidbaren Münzen (2, 3, 4..., 21, 25, 26...), wobei die wechselseitig benachbarten Münzen auf eine Weise so miteinander verbunden sind, dass sie auf eine wechselseitig trennbare Weise relativ zueinander geordnet sind, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Material der Münzen (2, 3, 4..., 21, 25, 26...) die Anordnung bildet, wobei die Anordnung mittels eines Extrusionsverfahrens gebildet ist und die Anordnung zum Platzieren in der automatisierten Verkaufsvorrichtung zum Abgeben einer variablen Anzahl von in die automatisierte Verkaufsvorrichtung eingegebenen Münzen geeignet ist, wobei die Münzen aus einem Kunststoffmaterial gebildet sind und eine für Münzen übliche Dicke von zum Beispiel 0,5-4 Millimeter aufweisen, wobei die Anordnung in Form einer Rolle angeordnet ist, wobei zwischen benachbarten Münzen durch eine Kerbe (12) in dem Material, aus dem die Anordnung gefertigt ist, ein trennbarer Übergang gebildet ist, und dass die Kerbe (12) mittels eines Schneidvorgangs oder eines Stanzvorgangs durch einen Teil der Dicke des Materials hergestellt wird und dass die Münzen zum Aus-der-Verkaufsvorrichtung-Herausführen und Wegbrechen einer Münzgruppe von dem herausgeführten Ende der Rolle durch einen Wegbrechvorgang auf eine brechbare Weise miteinander verbunden sind.

2. Münzanordnung gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei die Kerbe (12) in der aufgerollten Position der Rolle an der Innenseite der Rolle angeordnet ist

3. Münzanordnung gemäß einem oder mehreren der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Münzen innerhalb der Anordnung in einer Anzahl von parallelen Gruppen geordnet sein können.

4. Münzanordnung gemäß einem oder mehreren der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei zwischen benachbarten Münzen ein Übergang gebildet ist, um für die Trennung zwischen diesen benachbarten Münzen einen erkennbaren oder fühlbaren Indikator bereitzustellen.

5. Münzanordnung gemäß einem oder mehreren der Ansprüche 2-4, wobei eine Trennung zwischen unterscheidbaren parallelen Gruppen von der Trennung zwischen Münzen innerhalb einer parallelen Gruppe unterschieden werden kann.

6. Münzanordnung gemäß einem oder mehreren der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, beinhaltend ein etwas flexibles Material, wie etwa ein thermoplastisches Elastomer oder ein Biopolymer.

7. Münzanordnung gemäß einem oder mehreren der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Münzen aus einem Material mit einer für Münzen üblichen Dicke wie etwa 0,5-4 Millimeter, noch bevorzugter 1-2,5 Millimeter, gefertigt sind, wobei vorzugsweise jede Münze eine Länge, Breite oder einen Durchmesser von 0,5-6 cm, vorzugsweise 1-4 cm, noch bevorzugter 1,5-3 cm, aufweist.

8. Münzanordnung gemäß einem oder mehreren der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, beinhaltend eine Oberflächenverzierung in Form einer holographischen Darstellung oder eines Aufdrucks mittels eines Foliendrucks, eines Wärmeübertragungsverfahrens und/oder einer Reliefgestaltung.

9. Münzanordnung gemäß einem oder mehreren der Ansprüche 2-7, wobei die Trennung zwischen aufeinanderfolgenden Münzen mittels eines in das Material zu formenden Kanals definierbar ist.

10. Münzanordnung gemäß einem oder mehreren der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei zumindest einige der Münzen zum Zwecke des Bereitstellens von zum Beispiel Halbmünzen teilbar sind.

11. Münzanordnung gemäß einem oder mehreren der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Münzen eine Kennung wie etwa einen RFID-Chip, eine Metallmasse, eine Spule oder eine Kombination davon beinhalten.

12. Münzanordnung gemäß einem oder mehreren der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, beinhaltend einen Startindikator der Anordnung.

13. Münzanordnung gemäß einem oder mehreren der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei zumindest eine der Münzen mit einem Indikator zum Indizieren einer Menge von in der Anordnung verbleibenden Münzen versehen ist.

Revendications

1. Ensemble de pièces de monnaie (20), destiné à être utilisé dans un distributeur automatique distribuant des pièces de monnaie (2, 3, 4, ..., 21, 25, 26) en distribuant les pièces à partir d'un rouleau en détachant les pièces du rouleau, comprenant des pièces destinées à être utilisées comme pièces représentant une valeur dans un environnement de paiement fermé, comprenant un nombre de pièces pouvant être distinguées mutuellement (2, 3, 4, ..., 21, 25, 26), les pièces mutuellement adjacentes étant connectées les unes aux autres de telle manière qu'elles sont ordonnées de façon mutuellement séparable les unes par rapport aux autres, caractérisé en ce que le matériau des pièces (2, 3, 4, ..., 21, 25, 26) forme l'ensemble, l'ensemble étant formé au moyen d'un processus d'extrusion et l'ensemble est approprié pour être placé dans le distributeur automatique pour distribuer un nombre variable de pièces introduites dans le distributeur automatique, dans lequel les pièces sont formées d'une matière plastique et ont une épaisseur habituelle pour des pièces de monnaie ou qui vaut par exemple de 0,5 à 4 millimètres, l'ensemble est agencé sous la forme d'un rouleau, une transition séparable entre pièces adjacentes est formée par une encoche (12) formée dans le matériau dont est fait l'ensemble, et en ce que l'encoche (12) est réalisée au moyen d'une opération de découpe ou d'une opération de poinçonnage dans une partie de l'épaisseur du matériau, et en ce que les pièces sont connectées entre elles de manière cassable pour sortir du distributeur et détacher un groupe de pièces de l'extrémité sortie du rouleau par une opération de séparation.

2. Ensemble de pièces de monnaie selon revendication 1 dans lequel l'encoche (12) est placée sur le côté intérieur du rouleau dans la position enroulée du rouleau

3. Ensemble de pièces de monnaie selon l'une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les pièces peuvent être ordonnées en un nombre de groupes parallèles à l'intérieur de l'ensemble.

4. Ensemble de pièces de monnaie selon l'une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, dans lequel une transition entre pièces adjacentes est formée afin de fournir un indicateur perceptible ou matériel pour la séparation entre ces pièces adjacentes.

5. Ensemble de pièces de monnaie selon l'une ou plusieurs des revendications 2 à 4, dans lequel une séparation entre groupes parallèles pouvant être distingués peut être discernée différemment de la séparation entre pièces à l'intérieur d'un groupe parallèle.

6. Ensemble de pièces de monnaie selon l'une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, comprenant un matériau plus ou moins flexible, comme un élastomère thermoplastique ou un biopolymère.

7. Ensemble de pièces de monnaie selon l'une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les pièces de monnaie sont fabriquées à partir d'un matériau ayant une épaisseur habituelle pour des pièces de monnaie, qui vaut par exemple de 0,5 à 4 millimètres, de préférence de 1 à 2,5 millimètres, dans lequel de préférence chaque pièce a une longueur, largeur ou diamètre de 0,5 à 6 cm, de préférence de 1 à 4 cm, et mieux encore de 1,5 à 3 cm.

8. Ensemble de pièces de monnaie selon l'une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, comprenant un ornement de surface sous la forme d'une représentation holographique, ou d'une impression à l'aide d'un processus d'impression en aluminium mince, de transfert de chaleur et/ou d'un dessin en relief.

9. Ensemble de pièces de monnaie selon l'une ou plusieurs des revendications 2 à 7, dans lequel la séparation entre pièces successives peut être définie au moyen d'un canal à mouler dans la matière.

10. Ensemble de pièces de monnaie selon l'une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, dans lequel au moins une partie des pièces sont divisibles dans le but de fournir par exemple des demi pièces.

11. Ensemble de pièces de monnaie selon l'une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les pièces de monnaie comprennent un identifiant comme une puce de radio-identifiant, une masse métallique, une bobine ou une combinaison de celles-ci.

12. Ensemble de pièces de monnaie selon l'une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, comprenant un indicateur de début de l'ensemble.

13. Ensemble de pièces de monnaie selon l'une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, dans lequel au moins l'une des pièces de monnaie est pourvue d'un indicateur pour indiquer une quantité de pièces restantes dans l'ensemble.

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