Coin handling – Deliverer – Rotary
Patent
1998-03-19
2000-06-27
Olszewski, Robert P.
Coin handling
Deliverer
Rotary
221203, G07D 100
Patent
active
060800577
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to dispensing mechanisms and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a coin or token handling mechanism for use in vending machines, amusement or gaming machines, change giving machines or any other machine that requires a pay out of coins or tokens to be made, for instance in the form of a prize or as change.
For simplicity, the word coin used in the specification represents both coins and tokens.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
One known type of coin dispensing mechanism comprises a hopper containing a rotatable disc, the plane of the disc being inclined at an angle to the vertical. The disc carries pegs and as the disc rotates, coins in the hopper are captured between the pegs and are lifted in a position in which they rest against the face of the disc.
In the upper region of the disc there is a wiping arm which guides coins along the arm and into an exit duct for subsequent dispensing. FIGS. 1 and 2 show such a prior art device, with a hopper 10, disc 11, pegs 12, wiping arm 13 and exit duct 14.
With the prior art device, a problem occurs in that coins can get stuck between the back of the wiping arm 13 and the front face of the disc 11. The top face of the wiping arm is slightly sloped towards the disc to discourage coins falling off. However, in biasing a coin, an equal and opposite force is applied on to the wiping arm, causing it to move slightly away from the disc. During normal coin dispensing, this does not cause a problem, but if a coin is reluctant to move along the wiping face, for example because it is bent or otherwise damaged, the forces involved increase. The result can be that the coin can wedge into the gap between the disc and the back of the wiping arm. This jams the mechanism so badly that it usually has to be removed from the host machine, stripped down, re-built or re-set (usually with a new wiper arm) and re-fitted back into the host machine. The host machine is out of order for this lengthy duration.
Furthermore, the existing wiping arm arrangement is not self-adjusting and so relies heavily on the disc being stable during rotation. The arm cannot adjust for wear and so becomes more prone to jamming, as more and more coins are dispensed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
We have developed an improvement to the known mechanism which will significantly improve the reliability and hence the lifespan of the product.
Accordingly the invention provides a coin dispensing mechanism comprising a rotatable plate and a cooperating guide to guide coins off the plate, there being a groove and protrusion interconnection between the plate and the guide to perform a control function on coins which are transported to the guide by rotation of the plate.
According to one embodiment, a rotatable disc may be used with a wiping arm, as with the prior art arrangement. However, one or more concentric grooves will be provided in the front face of the disc, for example by machining. Coins can rest against the non-grooved portions of this space for transport in the usual manner. The back of the wiping arm can be provided with protrusions which extend into the newly formed space provided by the grooves.
In a sense, part of the back face of the wiping arm has been extended beyond the front face of the disc. Thus, even if the wiping arm is pushed away from the disc, there is still engagement between the grooves and the protrusions forming a barrier preventing coins from jamming between the disc and the arm.
The protrusions and grooves may have any desired cross-sectional profile.
Furthermore, the profile of one groove and cooperating protrusion may differ from the profile of another groove and protrusion when there is more than one groove and protrusion on the same apparatus.
While the invention has particular advantages when used with the type of prior art mechanism shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the invention also enables two further major developments.
Firstly, the protrusions may be arranged not just to prevent coins jamming, but to guide the coins to an exit duct, thus
REFERENCES:
patent: 2906276 (1959-09-01), Blanchette et al.
patent: 3422824 (1969-01-01), Persson
patent: 4978322 (1990-12-01), Paulsen
Bell Mike
Paling Mark
Coin Controls Limited
Jaketic Bryan
Olszewski Robert P.
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