The invention relates to a mechanical coin tester according to the preamble of the main claim.
Mechanical coin testers are generally known and they comprise a coin insert slot which is connected to a coin runner path. Usually a window is incorporated in the wall of the coin runner channel, through which for example coins which have a smaller diameter than the height of the window may fall out of the coin runner channel and are led into the return channel. A receiver and acknowledgement region is arranged at the end of the coin runner channel, by way of which the coin is registered and led further.
A plurality of test sensors and test elements are provided in the region of the coin runner channel, which test an inserted coin with regard to thickness, weight, material properties and likewise. Such a testing means is a so-called scales which comprises an ejector articulated at a fulcrum, wherein a weight is fastened to the ejector in a manner such that the ejector in its rest condition projects into the coin running path. The ejector and weight are matched to one another in a manner dependent on the articulation scales such that a coin which falls short of a defined weight is pressed by the ejector out of the window in the wall of the coin runner channel, whilst with a greater weight of the coin, the ejector is pressed away from the coin.
Coin testers are installed into laundromats and a credit is produced by coins via the coin tester. The coin tester is blocked as soon as the credit has been reached. The coin tester is likewise blocked during a wash procedure since it may not function in an error-free manner on movement of the washing machine. The coin tester is also blocked if power cuts occur. This blocking is usually realized by way of providing slot-blocking means which close the insert slot. However, it has been shown that despite the blocking, the user attempts to push the coin past the slot barrier. Such coins however although being within the coin tester, are not counted as being correct since the credit receiver is likewise blocked. This as a rule leads to annoyance on the part of the user.
It is the object of the invention to provide an additional coin barrier, by way of which, independently of a control signal, the coins even when they are basically valid do not get through the coin runner channel, but are ejected into the return.
According to the invention, this object is achieved by the characterizing features of the main claim in combination with the features of the preamble.
By way of the fact that the coin scales may be fixed (secured) in its ejection position by way of a fixing (securing) element which may be actuated by way of an electromagnet, one provides a further measure with a mechanical coin tester which prevents any manipulation or provides for a further possibility of return. One does not need to provide a new element but the existing scales may be provided with a second function.
Advantageous further designs and improvements are possible by way of those measures specified in the dependent claims.
Embodiment examples of the invention are represented in the drawing and are explained in more detail in the subsequent description. There are shown in:
A coin channel of a mechanical coin tester is represented in
As may be recognized from
The fixed position of the coin scales 4 or the locking position is shown in
The activated position of the electromagnet 11 is to be seen in
The electromagnet 11 is activated by a control signal which is usually supplied by the control system of the automatic machine in which the coin tester is installed.
Of course the manner of functioning may also be different, i.e., the fixing element 12 in its idle position may be arranged distanced from the shoulder 14 and with the activation of the electromagnet, may engage with the shoulder of the ejector in order to fix this and to produce an effective blocking of the coin runner channel.
A further possibility of the fixing by the electromagnet is represented in
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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DE-10-2004-041-67 | Aug 2004 | DE | national |