Patent Grant
8322506
The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of Japanese Application No. 2010-025951 filed on Feb. 8, 2010, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a reeding detection apparatus detecting existence of reeding provided to a peripheral surface. Specifically, the present invention relates to a coin sorting apparatus sorting a coin into a true coin or a false coin, based on existence of reeding provided to a peripheral surface, and more specifically, to a coin sorting apparatus sorting out a coin having reeding on a peripheral surface and having non-magnetic and strong conductive properties. Specifically, the present invention relates to a coin sorting apparatus sorting out a U.S. 25 cent coin. In the present specification, the term “coin” includes hard currencies, tokens, medals, and the like, and includes circular and polygonal shapes.
2. Description of Related Art
A U.S. 25 cent coin has a diameter of 24.26 mm and reeding on a peripheral surface. The coin has a commonly-called clad structure, in which a flat circular copper plate is coated with brass. Thus, the U.S. 25 cent coin has physically non-magnetic and strong conductive properties. An optical method is employed in conventional art in an apparatus detecting reeding on the peripheral surface (refer to Related Art 1).
The conventional art employs an optical method, which requires a light projector/receiver, a comparison circuit, a computation circuit, and the like, thus leading to a high cost. Meanwhile, a credit card reading apparatus is widely used as a billing apparatus in the U.S., and a payment is generally made with a credit card. In case in which a user owns no credit card, a billing apparatus in an automated machine needs to be equipped with a billing apparatus for coins. In this case, the billing apparatus for coins is an ancillary billing apparatus, and thus the apparatus needs to be provided at a low cost, and yet at the same time, the apparatus should not accept a false coin. A coin sorting apparatus having an electric sensor is required to sort out a plurality of denominations, thus increasing cost and being unable to meet the low cost requirement. A mechanical coin sorting apparatus is preferable as a low cost billing apparatus, but the apparatus is able to sort out a single denomination alone. It is thus preferable that a mechanical coin sorting apparatus for 25 cent coins be selected in the U.S., as a mechanical coin sorting apparatus. A conventional mechanical coin sorting apparatus generally identifies mainly a diameter of coins at a high accuracy, and identifies a material and thickness at a low accuracy. The conventional mechanical coin sorting apparatus thus has a problem of accepting false coins formed of a low cost material and having the same diameter. It is then considered to detect reeding on peripheral surfaces of 25 cent coins. An photoelectric reeding detection apparatus is expensive, however, as described above, and thus the apparatus cannot be employed.
A first feature of the present invention is to provide a coin reeding detection apparatus at a low cost, the reeding being provided on a peripheral surface of a coin. A second feature of the present invention is to provide a coin sorting apparatus having a coin reeding detection apparatus at a low cost. A third feature of the present invention is to provide a coin sorting apparatus having a coin reeding detection apparatus at a low cost, the coin having non-magnetic and strong conductive properties. A fourth feature of the present invention is to provide a coin sorting apparatus surely capable of sorting out a coin having non-magnetic and strong conductive properties, even when the apparatus is tilted.
In view of the features above, a first aspect of the present invention provides a reeding detection apparatus configured as described below. Specifically, the first aspect provides a reeding detection apparatus detecting reeding of a coin having the reeding on a periphery thereof, the reeding detection apparatus including a detection body provided above a guide rail on which a coin rolls, and a detection sensor detecting a movement of the detection body, the detection body being movable in an extension direction of the guide rail and in a direction away from the guide rail, the detection body being provided with an end contactable with an upper end portion of a peripheral surface of the coin rolling on the guide rail, and retractable to an apex portion of the coin as being guided by the coin.
A second aspect of the invention provides the reeding detection apparatus according to the first aspect, in which the detection body is supported by guides provided above and below having a predetermined distance in between, and is supported retractably upward as being guided by an upper side peripheral surface of the coin rolling on the guide rail.
A third aspect of the invention provides the reeding detection apparatus according to the first aspect, in which the detection body has an elongated plate shape and is inclined approximately 30 degrees relative to an extension line of the guide rail.
A fourth aspect of the invention provides the reeding detection apparatus according to the third aspect, in which the detection body is provided with a plurality of elongated plate-shaped bodies having ends disposed displacing in the extension direction of the guide rail.
A fifth aspect of the invention provides a coin sorting apparatus having a reeding detection apparatus that detects reeding of a coin having the reeding on a periphery thereof and separates the coin as a true coin, the coin sorting apparatus including a detection body provided above a guide rail on which the coin inserted to an inlet rolls, and a sorting body positioned at a coin path provided downstream of the guide rail, the detection body being movable in an extension direction of the guide rail, the detection body being provided with an end contactable with an upper end portion of a peripheral surface of the coin rolling on the guide rail, the sorting body being moved to a sorting position of a true coin in conjunction with a movement of the detection body.
A sixth aspect of the invention provides the coin sorting apparatus having the reeding detection apparatus according to the fifth aspect. The detection body has an elongated plate shape, and is provided movably upward within a predetermined range in the extension direction of the guide rail and relative to the guide rail, by guides provided above and below in an intermediate portion. A rear end of the detection body is engaged with a receiving portion rotatably provided to a support axis. The receiving portion is connected so as to be moved in a predetermined direction when the end of the detection body is pressed by the reeding of the coin. The sorting body is provided, such that the sorting body is normally positioned at the coin path provided downstream of the end of the detection body so as to stop the coin from moving, and is moved to a position that does not stop the coin from moving in conjunction with a movement of the receiving portion. A release body is provided, such that the release body is normally positioned external to the coin path provided downstream of the sorting body, and is moved to the coin path in conjunction with a movement of the sorting body to the position that does not stop the coin from moving.
A seventh aspect of the invention provides the coin sorting apparatus having the reeding detection apparatus according to the sixth aspect, in which the receiving portion, the sorting body, and the release body are integrally provided projecting in a circumferential direction from a ring-shaped axis receiver rotatably supported to the support axis.
An eighth aspect of the invention provides a coin sorting apparatus having a reeding detection apparatus in which, of coins having non-magnetism and strong conductivity inserted to an inlet, a coin having authentic diameter and weight alone is turned laterally by a cradle and is guided to a moving path provided downstream of the cradle and provided with a pair of vertical standing guide surfaces; subsequently, the coin is guided and alternatively not guided in a predetermined direction by a moving guide slidable between the vertical standing guide surfaces; and thereby, the coin is sorted into a true coin and a false coin. The coin sorting apparatus includes a magnetic body provided downstream of the cradle and movable to a side of the moving path provided upstream of and opposite to the moving guide, from the cradle side toward the moving guide side along the moving path; and an interlocking mechanism interlocking the magnetic body and the moving guide. The moving guide advances to the moving path via the interlocking mechanism in association with a movement of the magnetic body from the cradle side toward the moving guide side along the moving path, and thereby guides the inserted coin to a coin path provided downstream. A plate-shaped detection body is provided movable above the moving guide in an extension direction of the moving guide; an end of the detection body is provided contactable with an upper end portion of a peripheral surface of the coin rolling on the guide rail; and a sorting body positioned at the coin path provided downstream of the moving guide is moved to a sorting position for the true coin in conjunction with a movement of the detection body.
A ninth aspect of the invention provides the coin sorting apparatus having the reeding detection apparatus according to the fifth to eighth aspects, in which the detection body is provided with a plurality of elongated plate-shaped bodies having ends disposed displacing in the extension direction of the guide rail.
In the first aspect of the invention, the end of the detection body collides with the upward arcuate peripheral surface on the upper side of the coin rolling on the guide rail at a predetermined angle. When there is reeding on the peripheral surface of the coin, the end of the detection body hooks into the reeding, and then the detection body is pressed in the rolling direction of the coin. The press moves the detection body in the rolling direction of the coin (extension direction of the guide rail) and the direction away from the guide rail. The end of the detection body is thus retracted from an area in which the coin rolls. Thereby, a true coin having reeding rolls on the guide rail, and is received as a true coin. When there is no reeding on the peripheral surface of the coin, the end of the detection body does not hook into the peripheral surface of the coin, even when the end of the detection body contacts with the peripheral surface of the coin. The end of the detection body slides along the peripheral surface and climbs over the apex portion of the coin. In other words, the detection body is moved only in the direction away from the guide rail, and is not moved in the rolling direction of the coin (extension direction of the guide rail). Specifically, the movement of the detection body is not detected by the detection sensor. Thus, when the movement of the detection body in the extension direction of the guide rail is detected by the detection sensor, it can be detected whether the coin has reeding on the peripheral surface. The reeding detection apparatus has a simple structure having the detection body and the detection sensor, and thus production cost is low.
In the second aspect of the invention, the detection body is movable by the guides provided above and below the detection body, in the extension direction of the guide rail and the direction away from the guide rail in an orthogonal direction thereto. Since the structure of the guides is simple, production cost is low.
In the third aspect of the invention, the detection body, which has an elongated plate-shaped body, is easy to be produced at a low cost. In addition, providing the detection body inclined at 30 degrees relative to the extension line of the guide rail of the coin achieves both a hook into reeding and a sliding contact, and thus production cost is low.
In the fourth aspect of the invention, the detection body is provided with a plurality of elongated plate-shaped bodies having ends disposed displacing in the extension direction of the guide rail. Thus, even when the end of the first detection body does not hook into the reeding, the end of the next detection body hooks, thus improving an accuracy of reeding detection.
In the fifth aspect of the invention, the sorting body is normally positioned at the coin path provided downstream of the detection body, and stops the coin from moving. In other words, unless the detection body is moved in the rolling direction of the coin, the coin is stopped from rolling by the sorting body, and is not received as a true coin. When the detection body is moved by the reeding of the coin in the rolling direction of the coin, the sorting body is retracted from the coin path in conjunction with the movement. Thus, the coin can roll more downstream than the sorting body. As described above, a false coin having no reeding is stopped from rolling by the sorting body, and a true coin having reeding can roll without being stopped by the sorting boy. Thereby, the true coin and the false coin can be sorted out based on the existence of reeding. Further, the reeding detection apparatus has a simple structure having the detection body and the detection sensor, and thus the coin sorting apparatus can be produced at a low cost.
In the sixth aspect of the present invention, the rear end of the detection body is engaged with the receiving portion. In other words, when the detection body is moved as it hooks into the reeding of the coin, the receiving portion is also moved. The sorting body is normally positioned at the coin path provided downstream of the end of the detection body, and stops the coin from moving. The sorting body is retracted from the coin path in conjunction with the movement of the receiving portion. In other words, when the detection body is moved as it hooks into the reeding of the coin, the sorting body is retracted from the coin path, and thus the true coin having reeding can pass through the sorting body and move. The release body provided on the coin path downstream of the sorting body slides to and from the coin path with an opposite phase of the sorting body. Specifically, the release body is normally retracted from the coin path. When the sorting body is retracted from the coin path, the release body is advanced to the coin path. In other words, when the detection body hooks into the reeding of the coin and is moved, the release body is advanced to the coin path. Then, the release body is pressed as the coin moves, and thus is retreated from the coin path. Specifically, the detection body and the sorting body are returned to the normal positions and enter standby mode. Thereby, the detection body and the sorting body can be returned to the standby positions with no electric actuator used, and thus the coin sorting apparatus can be produced at a low cost.
In the seventh aspect of the invention, the receiving portion, the sorting body, and the release body are integrally provided to the same ring-shaped axis receiver. With the simple structure, the coin sorting apparatus can be produced at a low cost.
In the eighth aspect of the invention, when a coin having non-magnetism and strong conductivity is inserted to the inlet, the coin is sorted out by the cradle based on the diameter and weight. Specifically, a false coin having a small diameter drops below since the coin is not supported by the cradle. A false coin not having a predetermined weight is separated as a false coin since the coin cannot rotate the cradle. A true coin is supported by the cradle and exerts a predetermined moment on the cradle. Thus, the cradle is turned in the lateral direction, and the true coin supported by the cradle is moved to the moving path provided downstream of the cradle, the moving path having a pair of vertical standing guide surfaces standing in parallel having a distance slightly wider than the thickness of the coin so as to guide the side surface of the coin. The true coin rolls on the fixed guide rail, which is inclined front downward, in the moving path. An internal electromotive force is generated in a strong conductive material portion of the true coin rolling on the fixed guide rail, by the magnetic force from the magnetic body provided on the side, and thus an eddy current is caused. The eddy current generates an electromagnetic force around the true coin. The electromagnetic force and the magnetic force of the magnetic body repel each other. As a result, the magnetic body receives repulsion from the true coin generating the electromagnetic force, and is pressed away as the true coin moves. In other words, the magnetic body is moved slightly ahead of the true coin in the same moving direction as the true coin. The movement of the magnetic body in the same moving direction as the true coin moves the moving guide rail to downstream of the fixed guide rail via the interlocking mechanism. Thus, the true coin rolls on the moving guide rail subsequent to the fixed guide rail, and is received as a true coin. A false coin having the same diameter and weight as the true coin and having magnetism, is attracted by the magnetic body and held on the moving path. Since the false coin is unable to move to the moving guide rail, the false coin is separated. A false coin having the same diameter and weight as the true coin and having a weak/medium conductivity, has a small internal electromotive force, hence a small magnetic force generated. Thus, the magnetic body is not moved by the rolling false coin for more than a predetermined amount. Accordingly, the moving guide rail is not moved to the guide position of the moving path via the interlocking mechanism. In this case, the coin drops at a position to which the moving guide rail is supposed to be advanced, and is thus separated as a false coin. In addition, the sorting body is normally positioned at the coin path provided downstream of the moving guide rail, and stops the coin from moving. In other words, when the detection body is not moved in the rolling direction of the coin, the coin is stopped from rolling by the sorting body, and is not received as a true coin. When the detection body is moved in the rolling direction of the coin by the reeding of the coin, the sorting body is retracted from the coin path in conjunction with the movement. In other words, the coin can roll more downstream than the sorting body. Thereby, the false coin having the same diameter and material but having no reeding, is stopped from rolling by the sorting body, while the true coin having reeding can roll without being stopped by the sorting body. Thus, the true coin and the false coin can be sorted out based on the existence of reeding. Further, the reeding detection apparatus has a simple structure having the detection body and the detection sensor, and thus the coin sorting apparatus can be produced at a low cost.
In the ninth aspect of the invention, the detection body is provided in plurality. Thus, chances of the ends of the detection bodies hook into the reeding are increased a plurality of times, thus improving an accuracy of reeding detection.
The present invention is further described in the detailed description which follows, in reference to the noted plurality of drawings by way of non-limiting examples of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in which like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings, and wherein:
The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the present invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the present invention in more detail than is necessary for the fundamental understanding of the present invention, the description is taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the forms of the present invention may be embodied in practice.
First Embodiment
A present first embodiment targets U.S. 25 cent coins as coins having reeding on peripheral surfaces. In the present embodiment, a coin sorting apparatus 100 is mounted with a reeding detection apparatus 120 of the present invention, the coin sorting apparatus 100 sorting 25 cent coins into true coins and false coins. Since U.S. 25 cent coins have a structure in which copper is cladded by brass, the coins are non-magnetic and strongly conductive. The target coins are, however, not limited to coins C, and may include substitute coins having a similar structure, such as tokens and the like. In the present specification, “coins” thus also refer to tokens, medals, and the like, in addition to hard currencies.
The coin sorting apparatus 100 has at least an inlet 102 for the coins C, a cradle 104, a moving path 106 for the coins C, a fixed guide rail 108, a moving guide rail 110, a magnetic body 112, an interlocking mechanism 114, a true coin slot 116, a true coin sensor 118, and a reeding detection apparatus 120. Further, it is preferable to have a sorting body 121 of the coins C and a release body 277.
The reeding detection apparatus 120 is first explained mainly with reference to
The detection body 256 in the first embodiment has an elongated plate shape formed of a thin metal plate. A rear end portion 258 thereof is engaged with a receiving portion 264 projecting in a circumferential direction from an axis receiver 262. As shown in
The detection sensor 257 has the receiving portion 264 and the axis receiver 262. The detection sensor 257 detects a movement of the detection body 256 along the moving guide rail 110. To provide functions to detect the movement of the detection body 256 and to activate other component elements, a mechanical sensor, an electric sensor, or an optical sensor may be employed. In the present first embodiment, a mechanical sensor is employed that converts a linear movement of the detection body 256 into a rotation movement of the axis receiver 262 through the receiving portion 264, and thus detects the movement of the detection body 256 and relays the rotation of the axis receiver 262 to a movement of the sorting body 121 hereinafter described. When an electric sensor is employed, it is thus necessary to electrically detect the movement of the detection body 256 and to move the sorting body 121 to a predetermined position. The axis receiver 262 has a round ring shape and is rotatably supported by a third fixing axis 266 laterally projecting from a main body plate 132 hereinafter described. The axis receiver 262 is integrally provided with the sorting body 121 and a release apparatus 275.
An intermediate portion of the detection body 256 is placed on an upper surface of a first projection 236 laterally projecting from the main body plate 132. An upper surface of the detection body 256 is supported by a second projection 238 and a third projection 242. The detection body 256 is thus provided movable in an extension direction thereof within a predetermined range. In other words, the detection body 256 is movable in a rolling direction of the coin C on the moving guide rail 110, and in a direction away from the moving guide rail 110. An end 272 of the detection body 256 is disposed, such that the end 272 contacts with the peripheral surface of the coin C on the moving guide rail 110 at a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle refers to an angle at which the end 272 of the detection body 256 hooks into a groove GC of the reeding G of the true coin TC; the detection body 256 is moved in the extension direction thereof by a movement of the true coin TC; and the axis receiver 262 is rotated counterclockwise in
The sorting body 121 is explained below mainly with reference to
The coin sorting body 121 has a stick-shaped body projecting from the axis receiver 262 in the circumferential direction. An end 260 of the sorting body 121 is normally positioned orthogonal to a tangent of the true coin TC on the second fixed guide rail 200. Specifically, an extension line EL3 of the end 260 of the sorting body 121 is directed to the center of the coin C which is guided by the second guide rail 200 (refer to
A holding apparatus 288 of the sorting body 121 is explained below with reference to
The holding apparatus 288 has the release apparatus 275. The release apparatus 275 returns the sorting body 121 from the pass position PP to the second stop position SP2. The release apparatus 275 is the stick-shaped release body 277 projecting in the circumferential direction of the axis receiver 262 which is provided between the receiving portion 264 and the sorting body 121. When the sorting body 121 is positioned at the second stop position SP2, the release body 277 is disengaged from the coin path 106d, more specifically retracted above the coin path 106d. When the sorting body 121 is positioned at the pass position PP, the release body 277 is positioned to the coin path 106d. With the structure above, when the sorting body 121 is positioned at the pass position PP, the true coin TC, which rolls on the second fixed guide rail 200 and passes therebelow, presses the release body 277. The axis receiver 262 is thus rotated clockwise in
Operations of the reeding detection apparatus 120 of the first embodiment are explained below with reference to
When the end 272 hooks into the groove GC, the detection body 256 is moved in the extension direction of the moving guide rail 110 (rolling direction of the coin C), as being guided by the first projection 236, the second projection 238, and the third projection 242. Then, the detection body 256 rotates the axis receiver 262 counterclockwise in
When the coin C has no reeding G, the end 272 does not hook into the groove GC, and thus the detection body 256 merely slips up to the apex of the coin C along the peripheral surface thereof (refer to
Second Embodiment
A reeding detection apparatus 120 according to a second embodiment is explained below with reference to
Operations of the reeding detection apparatus 120 of the second embodiment are explained below. When the true coin TC having the reeding G rolls on the moving guide rail 110, one or the plurality of ends 272a, 272b, and 272c of the detection bodies 256a, 256b, and 256c simultaneously hook into the reeding G (
Third Embodiment
A coin sorting apparatus 100 having the reeding detection apparatus 120 of the first embodiment is explained below with reference to
The coin sorting apparatus 100 mainly has the front plate 122, the cancel button 124, the main body plate 132, and the cancel door 134.
The main body plate 132 is first explained. The main body plate 132 is mounted with components of the coin sorting apparatus 100. The main body plate 132 demarcates the moving path 106. The main body plate 132 is formed of a non-magnetic material, such as resin, and has an L shape from a plan view. The main body plate 132 has a short side portion 136 and a long side portion 138 having substantially a pentagonal shape from a side view. The short side portion 136 is fixed to a rear surface of the front plate 122. The long side portion 138 is provided substantially standing vertically. A surface opposed to the cancel door 134 forms a first vertical guide surface 140 (refer to
The cradle 104 is explained below mainly with reference to
The fixed axis 142 is provided projecting laterally to a rear surface of the cancel door 134 provided proximate to the inlet 102. The cradle body 144 has a support piece 154 formed by bending an end portion of a lever 152 orthogonally to the main body plate 132 side. The cradle body 144 is rotatably supported to the fixed axis 142 through a bush 156 in an intermediate portion. An end portion of the support piece 154 penetrates arcuate openings 156 and 157 provided to the cancel door 134 and the main body plate 132. As shown in
The weight 148 is fixed to a side surface of the cradle body 144 provided on an opposite side to the support piece 154, having the fixed axis 142 in between. When the coin C is not supported by the support piece 154 and the diameter regulating body 146, the weight 148 provides the cradle body 144 with a clockwise rotation force in
The moving path 106 of the coin C is explained below mainly with reference to
The cancel door 134 is explained below mainly with reference to
The insertion guide rail 161 projects laterally from the main body plate 132 by a screw 173. The insertion guide rail 161 has a front downward inclined upper surface, and guides the coin C inserted to the inlet 102 to the cradle 104. In other words, the coin C inserted to the inlet 102 rolls on the insertion guide rail 161, and then reaches the cradle 104.
The fixed guide rail 108 is explained below mainly with reference to
The moving guide rail 110 is explained below mainly with reference to
Axis portions 178 of the moving guide rail 110 are rotatably supported by a pair of axis receivers 176a and 176b, the axis portions 178 projecting from a lower end portion of the moving guide rail 110 to left and right sides in parallel with the main body plate 132, the axis receivers 176a and 176b being provided to the main body plate 132 on the opposite side of the moving path 106. The moving guide rail 110 has a lateral channel-shaped cross section. On an upper end portion on an upper side, a moving and rolling surface 182 is provided on which the true coin TC rolls. The moving guide rail 110 is provided such that a counterclockwise moment in
When the moving and rolling surface 182 is positioned at the guide position GP proceeding to the moving path 106, the moving and rolling surface 182 is provided to a down facing surface, which is positioned lower as being away from the main body plate 132. A portion of the moving guide rail 110 is cut out on the inlet 102 side on the opposite side to the moving path 106, and thereby a moved edge 180 is provided. The moved edge 180 is provided extending for a predetermined length toward the inlet 102 substantially in parallel with the main body plate 132, on the opposite side to the moving path 106 of the main body plate 132. Thereby, the moved edge 180 can be pressed by the interlocking mechanism 114, even when the position of the interlocking mechanism 114 is changed.
The magnetic body 112 is explained below mainly with reference to
The permanent magnetic body 192 is provided opposite to the moving path 106 above the fixed guide rail 108, having the main body plate 132 in between. When the true coin TC rolls on the fixed guide rail 108, the magnetic field B of the permanent magnet body 192 affects a strong conductive body SB of the true coin TC. The magnetic field B generates an internal electromotive force in the strong conductive body SB, and an eddy current flows, which generates a magnetic field CB around the true coin TC. The magnetic field CB, which is generated by the permanent magnetic body 192, has a magnetism in an opposite direction to that of the permanent magnetic body 192. In other words, the true coin TC has the magnetism opposite to the magnetism of the magnetic body 112, and thus the magnetic body 112 receives a pressing force from the true coin TC. Thereby, the magnetic body 192 is moved in the same direction as the rolling true coin TC. In other words, the swing lever 188 is rotated for a predetermined amount in the same direction, in accordance with the movement of the true coin TC. When the self moment exerted on the swing lever 188 exceeds the pressing force by the true coin TC, the swing lever 188 swings in an opposite direction in order to maintain the drooping position, and then eventually stands still at the drooping position.
The interlocking mechanism 114 is explained below mainly with reference to
The interlocking moved piece 196 and the interlocking pressing piece 198 are explained below. The interlocking moved piece 196 and the interlocking pressing piece 198 are provided projecting upward from a crank-shaped interlocking body 204 rotatably supported by a support axis 202. When the swing lever 188 is rotated more than the predetermined amount by the true coin TC, the interlocking moved piece 196 is moved by the pressing piece 194, and the interlocking body 204 is rotated. Thus, the interlocking pressing piece 198 approaches the moved edge 180. Accordingly, when the interlocking pressing piece 198 is rotated more than the predetermined amount, the moved edge 180 is pressed, and thus the moving guide rail 110 is moved to the guide position GP. When the interlocking pressing piece 198 is retracted, the moving guide rail 110 returns to the standby position SP by the self moment. In the present third embodiment, the interlocking mechanism 114 is corrected its position by an inclination correction mechanism 206.
The inclination correction mechanism 206 is explained below mainly with reference to
With the structure above, the second swing lever 208 droops by the self moment due to gravity, and the interlocking mechanism 114 is held such that the interlocking pressing piece 198 and the moved edge 180 are held in a predetermined positional relationship. In other words, when the main body plate 132 is tilted within a flat surface on which the main body plate 132 exits, the second swing lever 208 rotates by the self moment, and the pressing piece 194 attempts to approach the interlocking moved piece 196 while maintaining the drooping status. However, the second swing lever 208 also rotates in the same direction by the self moment, and a positional relationship remains the same of the interlocking pressing piece 198 and the interlocking moved piece 196. Further, a relative position of the interlocking pressing piece 198 to the moved edge 180 changes, but the positional relationship does not substantially change since the moved edge 180 is provided long. In other words, even when the coin sorting apparatus 100 is intentionally tilted, the moving guide rail 110 is not moved to the guide position GP unless the magnetic body 112 is moved for a predetermined amount by the true coin TC.
The true coin slot 116 is explained below mainly with reference to
The true coin sensor 118 is explained below mainly with reference to
A cancel unit 214 is explained below mainly with reference to
The cancel path 222 is explained below mainly with reference to
An attraction apparatus 232 of the false coin FC having a strong magnetism is explained below mainly with reference to
A pullback prevention apparatus 246 is explained below mainly with reference to
A disengagement apparatus 274 of the magnetic body 112 is explained below mainly with reference to
The disengaging and moving support apparatus 278 has the axis 166 supported by the upper end portion of the main body plate 132, axis receivers 286a and 286b provided to the disengaging and moving body 276, and a biasing body 288. The axis receivers 286a and 286b, which are mounted tightly sandwiching the axis receiver 164b, are rotatable relative to the axis 166, but not slidable in the axis direction. The axis receivers 286a and 286b are provided with lateral slits 292a and 292b, through which the axis 166 is received to axis receiving portions 294a and 294b. The disengaging and moving body 276 is provided integrally extending to the axis receivers 286a and 286b therebelow, and is provided with an axis receiver 298 having an axis hole 296 extending in an orthogonal direction to the moving path 106. The second fixed axis 186 is rotatably inserted to the axis hole 296. The disengaging and moving body 276 is urged to the main body plate 132 by the biasing body 288, or a spring 302 in the present third embodiment. In other words, the magnet body 188 is also urged to the moving path 106. Thus, the biasing body 288 may be changed to an apparatus having a similar function, such as a weight and the like.
The cancel interlocking apparatus 280 is explained below with reference to
The lever 284 is urged counterclockwise in
A magnetic body position adjustment apparatus 304 is explained below mainly with reference to
The strong magnetic body cancel apparatus 240 is explained below mainly with reference to
The axis 166 is inserted to an axis hole 322 in an upper end portion of the second sorting body 314, and thereby the axis 166 and the second sorting body 314 are integrally rotated. The second stop piece 316 projects to an opening 324 provided to the main body plate 134. When the cancel door 314 is positioned at a sorting position AP (status of
The holding body 318 is explained below mainly with reference to
Thereby, when the coin C is pressed by a pressing projection 316 projecting from an opening 322, the coin C is not caught between a drooping portion 338 and the pressing projection 316. The false coin FC attracted on the cancel door 134 side by the permanent magnet 234 is urged to be moved along with the cancel door 134 moving to the cancel position CP. The false coin FC, however, is prevented from being moved by the horizontal portion 326 and the drooping portion 328 of the holding body 318. Eventually, the magnet force exerted by the permanent magnet 234 is reduced, and then the false coin FC is dropped to the cancel path 222 by gravity and canceled.
Operations of the present third embodiment are explained below. Before the apparatus is operated, a position of the magnetic body 112 is determined relative to the moving path 106, such that the magnetic body 112 is moved in the same direction by the true coin TC rolling on the fixed guide rail 108, after the true coin TC is inserted from the inlet 102; and then, the moving guide rail 110 is stably moved to the guide position GP via the interlocking mechanism 114. Specifically, the adjustment screw 308 is screwed in or back from the screw hole 306, and thereby a distance of the permanent magnetic body 192 relative to the moving path 106 is fine tuned.
A case is first explained in which the true coin TC is inserted to the inlet 102. The true coin TC inserted to the inlet 102 is held between the support piece 154 and the diameter regulating body 146 in the cradle 104. Further, a clockwise moment in
The roll causes an eddy current in copper, which is the strong conductive portion of the true coin TC, due to an operation of the permanent magnetic body 192. The eddy current causes the true coin TC to generate an opposite polar magnet force to the permanent magnet body 192. Since the true coin TC and the permanent magnet body 192 generating the magnet forces repel each other, the permanent magnet body 192 is moved in the rolling direction by the roll of the true coin TC on the fixed guide rail 108, and the swing lever 188 is largely rotated counterclockwise in
In the rolling process, the pressing piece 194 presses the interlocking moved piece 196, and thus the interlocking body 204 is rotated counterclockwise in
In the process in which the true coin TC rolls on the moving guide rail 110, the reeding G is detected by the reeding detection apparatus 120. Specifically, the end 260 of the detection body 256 is engaged with the groove GC of the reeding G, and then the detection body 256 is pressed to the left in
The true coin sensor 118 detects the true coin TC before the true coin TC drops to the true coin slot 116, and outputs a detection signal. The detection signal indicates that a single true coin TC is stored in the safe. The swing lever 188 rotated by the true coin TC swings due to gravity, and stands still at the drooped standby position SP. When the coin C has no reeding G, the end 272 is not engaged with the groove GC, and thus the detection body 256 merely climbs up to the apex portion of the coin C along the peripheral surface thereof (refer to
When the coin C is stopped by the sorting body 121 and retained on the moving path 106, pressing the cancel button 124 moves the cancel door 134 to the cancel position CP, and thus drops the coin C to the cancel path 222 by self weight since one side surface cannot be supported. The canceled false coin FC rolls on the cancel path 222 and is returned to the return slot 126.
When the coin sorting apparatus 100 is tilted within a flat surface including the moving path 106, the swing lever 188 and the second swing lever 208 maintain the drooping status due to gravity. Accordingly, the positional relationship between the swing lever 188 and the moved edge 180 of the moving guide rail 110 changes. Since the positional relationship between the moved edge 180 and the interlocking moved piece 196 does not change (refer to
A case is explained below in which the false coin FC is inserted, the false coin FC having the same diameter and weight as the true coin TC and being formed of a non-magnetic material. The non-magnetic false coin FC rolls on the fixed guide rail 108 subsequent to the cradle 104, no magnetic field is generated since an eddy current is not generated in the false coin FC by the permanent magnetic body 192. As a result, the swing lever 188 is swung by the false coin FC, and thus the false coin FC is dropped from the downstream end portion of the fixed guide rail 110 to the cancel path 222, without rolling on the moving guide rail 108, and then returned to the return slot 126.
A case is explained below in which the false coin FC is inserted, the false coin FC having the same diameter and weight as the true coin TC and having a weak/medium conductivity. In this case, when the false coin FC rolls on the fixed guide rail 108, an eddy current is generated in the false coin FC by the magnetic force of the permanent magnetic body 192, and a magnetic field is generated in the false coin FC. However, the generated magnetic force is small, and a rotation amount of the swing lever 188 is small. Thus, the moving guide rail 110 is not moved to the guide position GP via the interlocking mechanism 114. As a result, the false coin FC is dropped to the cancel path 222 and returned to the return slot 126, similar to the false coin FC above.
A case is explained below in which the false coin FC is inserted, the false coin FC having the same diameter and weight as the true coin TC and having non-strong conductivity and non-magnetism. When the non-magnetic false coin FC rolls on the fixed guide rail 108, no eddy current is generated in the false coin FC by the magnetic force of the permanent magnetic body 192. Further, there is no magnetic field, and thus the permanent magnetic body 192 is not attracted. In other words, the magnetic body 112 is not moved by the false coin FC, and thus the moving guide rail 110 is not moved to the guide position GP. As a result, the false coin FC is dropped from the fixed guide rail 108 and returned to the return slot 126 by way of the cancel path 222.
A case is explained below in which the false coin FC having a strong magnetism is inserted. When the false coin FC having a strong magnetism is inserted, the false coin FC is attracted by the permanent magnet 234 disposed proximate to the inlet 102 and unable to proceed to the cradle 104. The false coin FC is thus stopped at the moving path 106 proximate to the inlet 102. Specifically, the false coin FC is retained on the moving path 106 between the horizontal portion 326 or the drooping portion 328 of the holding body 318 and the main body plate 132. When the cancel button 124 is pressed, the false coin FC attracted by the permanent magnet 234 moves the cancel door 134 to the cancel position CP. Thereby, the false coin FC is detached from the permanent magnet 234. Since the magnetic force exerted on the false coin FC is suddenly reduced, the false coin FC is dropped to the cancel path 222 and canceled.
A case is explained below in which the false coin FC having a strong magnetism is inserted and pressed into a side of the magnetic body 112 by a separate planar body. In this case, the false coin FC can rotate the swing lever 188 as being magnetized by the magnetic force of the permanent magnetic body 192, and move the moving guide rail 110 to the guide position GP via the interlocking mechanism 114. The false coin FC, however, is retained on the moving path 106, in a state being tightly attached to the main body plate 132 as being magnetized by the magnetic force of the permanent magnetic body 192. When the false coin FC is retained on the moving path 106, the cancel button 124 is pressed so as to move the cancel door 134 to the cancel position CP. Thereby, the false coin FC can be dropped to the cancel path 222. Meanwhile, the lever 284 is rotated clockwise from the position in
A case is explained below in which the false coin FC is inserted, the false coin FC having the same diameter as the true coin TC and having a light weight. In this case, the false coin FC is placed between the diameter regulating body 146 and the support piece 154. Due to insufficient weight, however, a predetermined moment is not generated. The false coin FC thus remains placed on the cradle 104, and is separated from the true coin TC. When the false coin FC is placed on the cradle 104, the cancel button 124 is pressed so as to move the cancel door 134 to the cancel position CP. Thereby, the cradle 104 moves along with the cancel door 134, and concurrently the placed surface of the diameter regulating body 146 and the support piece 154 are inclined downward. Then, the false coin FC is dropped to the cancel path 222 and returned to the return slot 126.
Fourth Embodiment
A fourth embodiment of a coin sorting apparatus 100 according to the present invention is explained below. In the fourth embodiment, the inclination correction mechanism 206 of the third embodiment is not equipped, and the reeding detection apparatus 120 is mounted. Specifically, the interlocking mechanism 114 is fixed to the main body plate 132. In the fourth embodiment, functional portions same as those in the third embodiment are provided with the same numeral references, and explanations thereof are omitted. In the fourth embodiment, a device mounted with the coin sorting apparatus 100 is fixed to a floor and the like with an anchor bolt and the like. It is thus effective in a case in which the device cannot be intentionally tilted. The coin sorting apparatus 100 of the fourth embodiment has an advantage that allows an inexpensive configuration with no inclination correction mechanism 206.
In the fourth embodiment, the support axis 212 of the interlocking mechanism 198 is provided standing on a bracket 334 position-adjustably attached to a main body plate 182. The bracket 334 is fixed to a predetermined position by a screw 338 screwed into the main body plate 182 through a laterally provided elongated hole 336. In other words, a position of the support axis 212 is fixed to an optimum position by adjusting the attachment position of the bracket 334. When the pressing piece 194 of the swing lever 188 presses the interlocking moved piece 196, the interlocking body 204 is rotated, and the interlocking pressing piece 198 presses the moved edge 180. Thus, the moving guide rail 110 is moved to the guide position GP. Operations and effects are the same as in the first embodiment. A plurality of projecting rails 336 are radially provided centering the second fixed axis 186 on the rear surface of the main body plate 132 opposite to the swing lever 188. Thereby, fraud is prevented in which when a strong magnetic body is inserted from the inlet 102, the swing lever 188 is swung, and the moving guide rail 110 is moved to the guide position GP. Specifically, the swing lever 188 is suctioned by the strong magnetic body and tightly attached to the rear surface of the main body plate 132. A projection provided to the rear surface of the main body plate 132 (not shown in the drawing) is engaged with the projection rails 336, and thereby the swing lever 188 is not moved fraudulently.
The present invention can be used as a detection apparatus of coin reeding. Further, the prevent invention can be used as a mechanical coin sorting apparatus for U.S. 25 cent coins having reeding, non-magnetism, and strong conductivity.
It is noted that the foregoing examples have been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the present invention. While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is understood that the words which have been used herein are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made, within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention in its aspects. Although the present invention has been described herein with reference to particular structures, materials and embodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the present invention extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims.
The present invention is not limited to the above described embodiments, and various variations and modifications may be possible without departing from the scope of the present invention.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010-025951 | Feb 2010 | JP | national |
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7946407 | Abe et al. | May 2011 | B2 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| H8-022564 | Jan 1996 | JP |
| H8-235407 | Sep 1996 | JP |
| H9-167270 | Jun 1997 | JP |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20110195649 A1 | Aug 2011 | US |
