Coin hopper

Abstract

A coin hopper, in particular for dispensing coins, comprises a container, an outlet channel and a dispensing unit. The dispensing unit includes a rotatable conveying plate located between the container and the outlet channel. The transport plate includes a plurality of coin pocket portions including a first coin pocket portion configured to receive dispensed coins of a first size and a second coin pocket portion configured to receive dispensed coins of a second size. The dispensing unit also includes a cover adjustably connected to the conveyor plate for selectively covering a portion of the conveyor plate. The lid is movable between a first configuration in which the first coin pocket portion is exposed to the container and the second coin pocket portion is blocked from the container by the lid and a second configuration in which the first coin pocket portion is blocked from the container by the lid and the second coin pocket portion is exposed to the container. Thus, the coin hopper may be selectively configured to dispense a target number of coins of a first size in a first configuration or a target number of coins of a second size in a second configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a coin hopper for dispensing coins and a transaction machine including the coin hopper. Background Art

[0002] Known coin hoppers for dispensing coins include a rotating disk. The rotating disk includes slots or pockets (or pouch-like portions) corresponding to the size and shape of the coins to be paid out from the hopper. The size of the pockets in the disk corresponds to the size of the coins to be dispensed, such that during each rotation of the disk, each pocket dispenses only one coin. Thus, a particular hopper with pockets of a fixed size is capable of dispensing coins of a particular denomination. Manufacturers typically provide a range of disks with different pocket sizes. During manufacture, a particular hopper is fitted with a particular disk.

[0003] Therefore, a coin hopper with a particular disk is configured to dispense coins of a particular size based on the size of the pockets. In some coin hoppers, a disk including pockets configured for larger coins can be used to dispense smaller coins. However, the smallest coin size that can be dispensed is typically limited to about 60% of the pocket diameter to ensure that two coins are not accidentally dispensed in one operation. In addition to this, the coin hopper cannot be used with other coin sizes without substantial modification. Such modification typically can include changing the disk set in the coin hopper and may also involve changing the payout area portion. Reconfiguring the coin hopper in this way is a time-consuming and complex process requiring skilled personnel.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a more adaptable coin hopper.

[0005] The present invention has been designed in view of the above considerations. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Generally speaking, the present invention relates to a coin hopper having a dispensing unit that can be reconfigured by means of a movable cover to convey coins of different sizes without replacing the entire dispensing unit.

[0007] Thus, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a coin hopper for dispensing coins, the coin hopper comprising:

[0008] a container for holding a plurality of coins;

[0009] an outlet channel for outputting a target number of coins from the plurality of coins; and

[0010] a dispensing unit including a rotatable conveyor plate positioned between the container and the outlet passage, wherein the conveyor plate includes a plurality of coin pockets, each coin pocket for receiving a dispensed coin from the container, such that rotation of the conveyor plate causes the dispensed coin to be conveyed from the container to the outlet passage;

[0011] The plurality of coin pockets include a first coin pocket configured to receive a first size of dispensed coins and a second coin pocket configured to receive a second size of dispensed coins, and

[0012] The dispensing unit further includes a cover adjustably connected to the conveying plate for selectively covering a portion of the conveying plate,

[0013] wherein the cover is movable between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration, the first coin pocket portion is exposed to the container and the second coin pocket portion is blocked from the container by the cover; and in the second configuration, the first coin pocket portion is blocked from the container by the cover and the second coin pocket portion is exposed to the container, thereby allowing selective configuration of the coin hopper to dispense a target number of coins of a first size in the first configuration or a target number of coins of a second size in the second configuration.

[0014] Advantageously, by providing a coin pocket portion configured to receive coins of different sizes, the coin hopper can be configured to dispense coins of different sizes (or denominations) without having to replace the coin hopper or any portion thereof. In particular, the adjustable cover enables a user to select and change the configuration of the coin hopper to conveniently and more quickly dispense coins of a particular size held in a container than conventional coin hoppers. The first configuration can be considered a first position of the cover, and the second configuration can be considered a second position of the cover.

[0015] A coin hopper (which may be referred to as a coin dispensing unit or a coin vending module) may be a subunit of a transaction machine for holding and outputting a target (predetermined) number of coins. The coin hopper may be configured to dispense coins of one denomination or physical size or shape. For example, if the container of the coin hopper holds (or is intended to hold) relatively large coins (compared to other coins), the dispensing unit may be configured to expose a similarly large coin pocket portion. However, if the container holds relatively small coins, a smaller coin pocket portion may be exposed. Therefore, the possibility that an exposed coin pocket portion receives and dispenses more than one dispensed coin at a time may be reduced. Thus, the dispensing unit may deliver one dispensed coin at a time in each exposed coin pocket portion until the target number of coins is dispensed.

[0016] The container (which may be referred to as a storage container or a bowl-shaped member) can be a top-opening container for allowing coins to enter. For example, the container can receive coins from the coin sorting module of the coin receiving unit. The container can be configured to supply (or feed) the plurality of coins towards the conveying plate. For example, the container can have a slope or ramp configured to cause the coins to slide or fall towards the conveying plate.

[0017] The exit channel (which may be referred to as a coin chute, a payment chute, a dispensing channel, or a transfer channel) can be a duct or passage configured to transfer coins away from the conveying plate. The exit channel can include a descending slope such that the dispensed coins conveyed to the exit channel by the conveying plate can fall or slide down the channel under the action of gravity.

[0018] The exit channel can be located above the container. Thus, the conveying plate can be configured to convey coins from the container upwards towards the channel. Thereby, the dispensed coins that have fallen out of the coin pocket can fall back into the container.

[0019] The conveying plate (which may be referred to as a rotating disk, a conveyor, or a coin conveying member) can be configured to receive the dispensed coins from the plurality of coins in the container and transfer the dispensed coins to the exit channel by lifting the dispensed coins out of the container and rotating them towards the exit channel. The target number of coins can be a value received from the processing unit and corresponds to the desired number of coins to be dispensed from the coin hopper. The conveying plate can be configured to rotate until the target number of coins is dispensed.

[0020] The coin pocket (or coin slot) can be a recess or groove having a predetermined depth and a predetermined diameter. The depth and / or diameter of each type of coin pocket can be configured to correspond to a coin of a certain denomination. For example, the cross-section of the coin pocket can be circular. In some examples, one or more of the coin pockets can be circular (ring-shaped). In more examples, one or more of the coin pockets can be, for example, oval or stadium-shaped. By configuring the size of each coin pocket to correspond to a specific size of the coin (or a range of sizes of the coins), the exposed coin pocket is particularly suitable for dispensing the coins of a specific size provided in the coin hopper. Thus, the exposed coin pocket can be selected to be large enough to accommodate the coins provided in the coin hopper while not being so large that two coins can be placed in each coin pocket.

[0021] Thus, when the container holds physically smaller coins, the size of the exposed coin pocket portion can be configured to prevent multiple physically small coins from being received side by side in each exposed coin pocket portion at the same time. By ensuring that only a single coin can be conveyed in each coin pocket portion, the coin hopper can more accurately dispense a targeted number of coins. Rejected coins that cannot fit into the coin pocket portion (e.g., coins stacked on top of another coin) can fall back into the container.

[0022] The first coin pocket portion can be a larger coin pocket portion configured to convey physically larger coins, and the second coin pocket portion can be a smaller coin pocket portion configured to convey physically smaller coins. As used herein, "exposed" is intended to refer to a coin pocket portion that leads to the container and is configured to receive coins from the container when the conveying plate rotates. Thus, by using an adjustable cover to block a portion of the conveying plate, coins can be prevented from being received in the coin pocket portion located beneath the cover.

[0023] The conveying plate can be a disk. In other examples, the conveying plate can have other shapes, such as a polygon. The conveying plate can be configured to rotate about a central axis or column. The coin pocket portions can be provided in the conveying plate around the central axis. The coin pocket portions can be evenly spaced around the conveying plate.

[0024] The conveying plate can include one or more first coin pocket portions and one or more second coin pocket portions, where each first coin pocket portion is configured to convey coins of a first size and each second coin pocket portion is configured to convey coins of a second size. The cover can move between a first configuration and a second configuration, where in the first configuration, the first coin pocket portions are exposed and the remaining coin pocket portions are covered (blocked); in the second configuration, the second coin pocket portions are exposed and the remaining coin pocket portions are covered (blocked). Thus, the dispensing unit can be configured to dispense coins of a size corresponding to the exposed coin pocket portion.

[0025] Accordingly, the delivery plate may include: a plurality of first coin pocket portions, each configured to receive dispensed coins of a first size; and a plurality of second coin pocket portions, each configured to receive dispensed coins of a second size. In a first configuration, the first coin pocket portions may be exposed to the container through the lid, and the remaining coin pocket portions may be blocked from the container by the lid, while in a second configuration, the second coin pocket portions may be exposed to the container through the lid, and the remaining coin pocket portions may be blocked from the container by the lid. Accordingly, the first and second coin pocket portions may also be referred to as first and second types / categories / shapes of coin pocket portions. The adjustable lid may be configured to selectively expose one type of coin pocket portion, such that the delivery plate can deliver coins corresponding to the exposed type of coin pocket portion. By providing multiple instances of coin pocket portions for each size, the coin hopper can dispense more coins during each rotation of the delivery plate, thereby increasing the overall dispensing speed of the coin hopper.

[0026] The lid (which may also be referred to as, for example, a coin shield, an adjustable lid, a setting selection member, etc.) may be configured to enable the dispensing of one or more sizes of coins by selectively shielding or exposing one or more sizes of coin pocket portions in the delivery plate. By moving the adjustable lid to a first or second (or additional) configuration, the dispensing unit may be configured to dispense coins of a size corresponding to the selected configuration (as determined by the coin pocket portions exposed in that configuration).

[0027] The coin hopper may also include a motor (or electric machine) system configured to rotate the delivery plate (and thus dispense coins). The motor system may be configured to be operated by a controller; the controller is configured to control the dispensing unit of the coin hopper to dispense a target number of coins.

[0028] The dispensing unit may also include a fixed backplate. Accordingly, the delivery plate may be a front rotating plate or disk located in front of the fixed backplate. Thus, in this example, the coin pocket portions may be orifices provided in the front plate that expose some portions of the backplate. Thus, in use, as the delivery plate rotates, the dispensed coins received from the container may rest on the fixed backplate and slide along the fixed backplate.

[0029] The underside of the delivery plate (i.e., the face of the delivery plate that is close to the backplate and away from the lid) may include a plurality of circumferentially (i.e., azimuthally) extending ribs located at a plurality of radial distances from the center point of the delivery plate.

[0030] The fixed backplate may include a diverter, which consists of a number of diverting ribs or posts protruding from the backplate near the exit channel, and the diverting ribs or posts are arranged to be complementary to the circumferentially (i.e., azimuthally) extending ribs of the conveying plate. The diverting ribs may extend from corresponding proximal rib ends located proximal to the exit channel to corresponding distal rib ends located distal to the exit channel in the conveying direction. The diverting ribs may be configured to interleave with the radially extending ribs of the conveying plate as the conveying plate rotates, thereby causing the diverting ribs to divert the dispensed coins towards the exit channel for dispensing. That is, as the dispensed coins slide along the backplate in the conveying direction, it may contact the distal ends of the diverting ribs protruding from the backplate. Thus, the diverting ribs may prevent the dispensed coins from continuing past the exit channel in the conveying direction, but rather divert the dispensed coins towards the exit channel. The distal ends of the diverting ribs may be aligned with the exit channel to facilitate the diversion of the dispensed coins towards the exit channel. The height of the diverting ribs may be configured such that only one coin is diverted at a time.

[0031] The coin hopper may further include a spring-loaded singulator located proximal to (or positioned near) the exit channel for enabling the dispensed coins to be dispensed via the exit channel. The singulator may be configured to prevent multiple coins from being dispensed through the exit channel such that only one coin can be dispensed from each coin pocket portion during each rotation of the conveying plate. More specifically, the singulator may include a beveled radial surface that spans the entrance of the exit channel, i.e., is positioned between the conveying plate and the exit channel. Thus, the singulator may be configured to enable the dispensed coins to enter the exit channel below it, between the singulator and the backplate, and prevent excess coins from passing below and entering the exit channel.

[0032] The singulator may be spring-loaded and biased towards the backplate such that the singulator can move or deform to allow a thicker coin to pass below it and be dispensed while preventing a thinner coin located (stacked) on top of other coins from being dispensed. The beveled radial surface of the singulator may be configured to push the excess coins stacked on top of the dispensed coin away from the exit channel. Thus, the excess coins may remain in the coin pocket portion without entering the exit channel such that it can be conveyed around another circle of the conveying plate.

[0033] The conveying plate can be inclined. For example, the conveying plate can be mounted on an inclined backplate. The conveying plate can extend from the container towards the outlet channel at an angle between 0 degrees and 70 degrees, more preferably between 10 degrees and 60 degrees, more preferably between 30 degrees and 55 degrees, and more preferably 55 degrees relative to the horizontal plane. In this way, foreign (or unrelated) coins, that is, additional coins received in the coin pocket portion in addition to the dispensed coins, can more easily fall from the conveying plate into the container, so that only a single coin received in each coin pocket portion can be dispensed from the coin hopper. In addition, the inclination angle can help to raise the coins in the main body, which is useful for conveying the coins around the main body, and can reduce the motor load when the coin hopper is filled with a large number of coins.

[0034] However, in some examples, the conveying plate can be not inclined at all (i.e., the inclination angle can be 0 degrees relative to the horizontal plane) or can be inclined at a shallower angle (e.g., between 5 degrees and 20 degrees, such as 10 degrees relative to the horizontal plane). The inventors have found that inclining the conveying plate at a shallower angle can help to pick up the last few coins remaining in the container, because the coins can more easily fall into the coin pocket portion.

[0035] The conveying plate can include one or more additional coin pocket portions configured to convey one or more additional sizes of coins. In this example, the adjustable cover can be moved to one or more additional configurations, in which the one or more additional coin pocket portions are exposed and the remaining coin pocket portions are covered. Each additional size of coin pocket portion can be configured to receive additional (corresponding) size of dispensed coins. Thus, the cover can be moved between multiple configurations so that the coin hopper can dispense one of multiple coin sizes in each configuration.

[0036] More specifically, the multiple coin pocket portions can include a third coin pocket portion configured to receive dispensed coins of a third size. When the cover is in the first configuration and the second configuration, the third coin pocket portion can be blocked from the container by the cover. The cover can be moved to a third configuration, in which the third coin pocket portion is exposed to the container and the first coin pocket portion and the second coin pocket portion are blocked from the container by the cover.

[0037] The conveying plate may include six coin pocket portions. The six coin pocket portions may include three different sizes of coin pocket portions arranged in opposite pairs around the conveying plate. In other words, the six coin pocket portions may include a pair of first coin pocket portions configured to dispense coins of a first size, a pair of second coin pocket portions configured to dispense coins of a second size, and a pair of third coin pocket portions configured to dispense coins of a third size. Each pair of coin pocket portions may be located on opposite sides of the conveying plate. More specifically, each coin pocket portion in a pair of coin pocket portions may be arranged on opposite sides of the conveying plate. Thus, the coin pocket portions may be arranged around the conveying plate in an alternating order. The cover may be configured to selectively expose the first coin pocket portion or the second coin pocket portion or the third coin pocket portion and block the remaining coin pocket portions. Specifically, the cover may move between three different configurations, where each configuration exposes one of the pairs of coin pocket portions and covers the remaining four coin pocket portions.

[0038] More generally, the conveying plate may include one, two, three (or more) coin pocket portions of each size, where the coin pocket portions of the same type / size are evenly spaced around the conveying plate. The inventors have found that by separating the coin pocket portions of the same type in this way, during each rotation of the conveying plate, the conveying plate can more reliably receive coins in each exposed coin pocket portion.

[0039] The coin hopper (or the plurality of coin pocket portions) may be configured to dispense coins having a diameter between 10 millimeters and 40 millimeters, for example between 14 millimeters and 33 millimeters. These sizes advantageously cover most coin denominations worldwide.

[0040] By rotation of the adjustable cover relative to the conveying plate, the cover may move between the respective configurations. The cover may have solid sections or portions that are filled, and exposed sections or portions that are each hollow, i.e., sections where there is no material such that coins from the container can pass through. In some examples, the cover may be a circular plate that includes selection apertures or holes for exposing selected coin pocket portions in the conveying plate. The selection apertures may be larger than each of the plurality of coin pocket portions in the conveying plate. Thus, coins may pass unobstructed through the apertures in the cover. In other examples, the cover may include one or more wedges (i.e., fins, blades, sectors, or segments) configured to selectively cover some portions of the conveying plate, where the fins or blades are separated by sectors that do not include any material. Thus, rotation of the cover relative to the conveying plate may cause the exposed sections of the cover to move relative to the conveying plate, thereby exposing various coin pocket portions at different rotational displacements of the cover.

[0041] The lid can be manually (i.e., by hand) adjustable. For example, the user can physically move the lid relative to the conveyor plate without using tools. Thus, the coin hopper can be reconfigured more quickly and efficiently (effectively) than traditional coin hoppers.

[0042] In another example, the lid can be configured to be automatically adjusted, for example, by a drive unit configured to move the lid relative to the conveyor plate. For example, the lid can be automatically adjusted to a setting received from a controller of the coin hopper.

[0043] The lid can be configured to remain attached to the conveyor plate when the conveyor plate is adjusted. For example, the lid can be connected to the conveyor plate via a central axis. Thus, the coin hopper can be reconfigured without removing or replacing any components.

[0044] The coin hopper can also include a locking mechanism configured to lock the lid in each configuration. The locking mechanism can be located in the central portions of the conveyor plate and the lid. For example, the locking mechanism can include a central locking boss that includes a knob or a grasping member connected to one or more locking arms. The locking arms can be tabs or protrusions configured to extend from the grasping member through corresponding openings in the lid and engage the conveyor plate, thereby fixing the adjustable lid between the grasping member and the conveyor plate.

[0045] The locking boss can be moved between a locked configuration and an unlocked position, wherein, in the locked configuration, the grasping member is flush with the lid, the lid is flush with the conveyor plate, and the locking arms engage the conveyor plate, thereby fixing the lid to the conveyor plate; in the unlocked position, the grasping member is separated from the conveyor plate (i.e., displaced / pulled away from the conveyor plate), thereby disengaging the locking arms from the conveyor plate and enabling movement of the adjustable lid relative to the conveyor plate. Thus, when, for example, the grasping member is pulled away from the conveyor plate by a user, the adjustable lid can be moved / rotated between multiple configurations.

[0046] The locking arms can be configured to remain within the openings in the adjustable lid when the locking boss is in the unlocked configuration. The locking arms can be attached to the lid. Thus, movement of the lid relative to the conveyor plate can cause corresponding movement of the locking boss, and vice versa, wherein movement of the locking boss can cause corresponding movement of the lid. In other words, rotation of the grasping member, for example, by a user, can cause rotation of the adjustable lid relative to the conveyor plate.

[0047] Alternatively or additionally, the locking mechanism can also include locking screws (and corresponding screw holes in the conveyor plate and the back plate), the locking screws being configured to fix the conveyor plate to the back plate and prevent movement of the conveyor plate when the locking screws are installed. Thus, untrained personnel or accidental adjustment of the coin hopper can be prevented.

[0048] As described above, the dispensing unit may further include a central post that extends through the delivery plate and the cover. The delivery plate and the cover may be configured to rotate about the central post. The central post may engage (i.e., be attached to) the locking boss such that movement (e.g., rotation) of the cover relative to the delivery plate causes corresponding movement of the central post.

[0049] The coin hopper may further include a detection mechanism for detecting the configuration of the adjustable cover. In some examples, the detection mechanism may be configured to transmit the detected configuration to a controller. In these examples, the coin hopper may include or be connected to a controller. The controller may be configured to compare the detected configuration with a desired configuration. Thus, if an incorrect configuration is set, the controller may be configured to generate an error message or signal to indicate to the user that the coin hopper is in an incorrect configuration. For example, the desired configuration may correspond to the coin denominations held in the container and set by the host of the coin hopper. If the detected configuration does not correspond to the desired coin denominations, an error signal may be generated. In some examples, the controller may be configured to prohibit the coin hopper from dispensing coins until a correct configuration is detected.

[0050] In some examples, the detection mechanism may be configured to transmit the detected configuration (either directly or via the controller) to an indicator unit. For example, the indicator unit may include one or more LEDs, dials, or display screens. For example, the coin hopper may include or be connected to one or more LEDs configured to light up based on the detected configuration. In a further example, the coin hopper (i.e., the detection mechanism of the host) may be configured to transmit the detected configuration to the host.

[0051] The detection mechanism may include one or more flag arms configured to move relative to or in synchronization with the cover. For example, the one or more flag arms may be connected to a central post that extends through the delivery plate and engages the adjustable cover and / or the locking mechanism. The one or more flag arms may extend radially from the central post on the underside of the delivery plate away from the cover. The central post may be connected (e.g., via the locking mechanism) to the cover such that rotation of the cover relative to the delivery plate causes corresponding rotation of the central post and the one or more flag arms. Thus, the flag arms may move with the cover to indicate the position of the cover relative to the delivery plate. The detection mechanism may be configured to transmit the relative position of the flag arms to the controller and / or the indicator unit.

[0052] In some examples, the detection mechanism may include two flag arms that extend radially from the central post. Thus, the detection mechanism may detect the position of the cover by detecting one of the flag arms. Thus, the rotational position of the cover can be detected without the need to monitor the entire area around the central post to detect the locking arm.

[0053] The detection mechanism may include a light tube configured to determine the position of the marking arm relative to the conveying plate. The light tube may be an annular ring connected to the conveying plate. In other examples, other devices (e.g., including mechanical triggers, conductive switches that can be opened and closed by the marking arm, capacitance or resistance sensors, etc.) may be used to detect the relative position of the marking arm.

[0054] The edge of the container adjacent to the conveying plate may include an elastically biased (or offset) bridging member configured to extend towards the conveying plate. Thus, the container can be connected to or brought closer to the conveying plate of the dispensing unit by the elastically biased (e.g., spring-loaded) bridging member. Thus, in use, the conveying plate can move relative to the container and the bridging member. The bridging member may be a retractable member configured to compress towards the container in response to a deformation force applied between the conveying plate and the container. In a coin hopper containing a container with a fixed edge, as a stack of coins is wedged between the conveying plate and the container, an object such as a stack of coins located in the coin pocket portion may cause the device to jam or experience reverse rotation of the conveying plate. By providing an elastically biased bridging member, the edge of the container (i.e., the bridging member) can elastically deform in response to the jamming force, enabling the object or coin causing the jam to move past the container, thereby reducing the likelihood of the coin hopper becoming jammed or damaged.

[0055] In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an automated transaction machine for managing currency transactions, the machine including a coin hopper for dispensing coins according to the first aspect.

[0056] For example, the transaction machine may be a coin-operated machine, a self-checkout machine, a vending machine, a kiosk, a gaming machine, a back-office cash handler, etc.

[0057] In some examples, the transaction machine may include one or more additional coin hoppers according to the present invention. The transaction machine may be configured to dispense coins of multiple different denominations, where each coin hopper is configured to dispense coins of a corresponding denomination.

[0058] The transaction machine may further include an indicator unit configured to indicate the configuration of one or more coin hoppers.

[0059] In a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of configuring a coin hopper for dispensing coins, the coin hopper including:

[0060] a container for holding a plurality of coins;

[0061] an outlet channel for outputting a target number of coins from the plurality of coins; and

[0062] Dispensing unit, the dispensing unit including a rotatable delivery plate located between a container and an outlet passage, wherein the delivery plate includes a plurality of coin pocket portions, each coin pocket portion for receiving dispensed coins from the container such that rotation of the delivery plate causes the dispensed coins to be delivered from the container to the outlet passage;

[0063] The plurality of coin pocket portions includes a first coin pocket portion configured to receive dispensed coins of a first size and a second coin pocket portion configured to receive dispensed coins of a second size, and

[0064] The dispensing unit further includes a cover adjustably connected to the delivery plate for selectively covering a portion of the delivery plate,

[0065] wherein the method includes:

[0066] Moving the cover between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration, the first coin pocket portion is exposed to the container and the second coin pocket portion is blocked from the container by the cover, and in the second configuration, the first coin pocket portion is blocked from the container by the cover and the second coin pocket portion is exposed to the container, thereby configuring the coin hopper to dispense a target number of coins of the first size in the first configuration or a target number of coins of the second size in the second configuration.

[0067] The coin hopper of the third aspect may include any of the optional features described above for the first and second aspects.

[0068] For example, the method may further include: unlocking and locking the adjustable cover using a locking mechanism, wherein unlocking the adjustable cover includes pulling a gripping member away from the delivery plate. Moving the cover relative to the delivery plate may include rotating the gripping member when a locking lug is in an unlocked position, thereby rotating the cover relative to the delivery plate.

[0069] The present invention includes combinations of the described aspects and preferred features, unless such combinations are clearly infeasible or expressly avoided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0070] Embodiments and experiments illustrating the principles of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0071] Figure 1 A block diagram of a currency transaction system for receiving and dispensing coins according to the present invention is shown;

[0072] Figure 2 An exemplary coin hopper according to the present invention is shown;

[0073] Figure 3 A portion of a coin hopper according to the present invention is shown; Figure 4 An exploded view of a coin hopper according to the present invention is shown;

[0074] Figure 5 Shows an exploded view of the components of a coin hopper according to the present invention;

[0075] Figures 6 to 9 Shows an additional view of a coin hopper according to the present invention;

[0076] Figure 10 Shows a diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration showing the dimensions of a coin pocket portion;

[0077] Figure 11 Shows a perspective view of an exemplary separator component;

[0078] Figure 12 Shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a coin hopper according to the present invention;

[0079] Figures 13a to 13c Shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of a coin hopper according to the present invention; and

[0080] Figures 14 to 17 Shows a perspective view of an exemplary light tube assembly. Detailed Description

[0081] Some aspects and embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings. Additional aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All documents mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference.

[0082] Figure 1 Shows a block diagram of an exemplary currency transaction system 1 for receiving and dispensing coins. For example, system 1 may form part of a coin-operated machine, a vending machine, or a self-checkout machine.

[0083] A coin input slot 2 is provided for receiving coins from, for example, a user wishing to initiate a currency transaction. The coins are fed from the input slot 2 to a coin receiving unit 4, which includes a verification module for determining the denomination of the coins and a coin sorting unit for sorting the coins according to the determined denomination. If the coin receiving unit 4 cannot identify the received coin, the coin is rejected and fed out (returned) from the system 1 via the coin input slot 2 or via a coin output slot 8. However, if the receiving unit 4 does identify the coin, the sorting unit feeds the coin into one of a plurality of coin hoppers 10.

[0084] Each coin hopper 10 includes (or contains) a container for holding a plurality of coins of a specific denomination. In this example, three coin hoppers 10 are shown. Thus, if the inserted coin is recognized by the receiving unit 4, it is sorted into the appropriate one of the coin hoppers 10 according to the denomination of the coin. In some examples, a plurality of coins can be provided to the coin hoppers 10 in another way, for example, by opening the system 1 to put a large number of coins into each coin hopper 10 for later payment as change.

[0085] A controller 6 is provided to control the coin receiving unit 4 and the coin hoppers 10. When a plurality of coins are inserted into the system 1, the controller adds up the value of the coins and determines how many coins should be paid out as change from each coin hopper 10.

[0086] Each of the coin hoppers 10 is configured to dispense a target number of the coins it holds into the coin output slot 8. Thus, if the controller determines that change is needed from a currency transaction, a target number of coins is provided to each coin hopper 10. Then, each coin hopper 10 dispenses that number of coins into the output slot 8.

[0087] Figure 2 An exemplary coin hopper 100 for dispensing coins according to the present invention is shown. The coin hopper 100 can be provided in an automated transaction system such as Figure 1 of the system.

[0088] The coin hopper 100 includes a top-opening container 110 for storing coins, an exit channel 120 for outputting coins, and a dispensing unit for conveying coins from the container 110 to the exit channel 120. The dispensing unit includes a conveying plate 130 mounted on an inclined backplate 160 and an adjustable cover 140 configured to partially block the conveying plate 130. The coin hopper 100 is enclosed by a housing 166.

[0089] The container 110 is a top-opening bowl-shaped member configured to supply coins to the bottom portion facing the conveying plate 130. In use, the conveying plate 130, which is a disk, is configured to rotate on the inclined backplate 160 and convey coins from the container 110 to the exit channel 120 for dispensing. A motor drive system (not shown) is provided to drive the conveying plate 130, which is controlled by a drive circuit 162 on a PCB located in the rear region of the coin hopper 100.

[0090] The exit channel 120 mounted on the inclined backplate 160 is a pipe for transferring coins out of the coin hopper 100 away from the conveying plate 130. The container 110 is located at the bottom of the device, and the exit channel 120 is located above the container 110 in the upper region. Thus, the coins that fall off the conveying plate 130 can fall back into the container 110.

[0091] Figure 3 A view showing the conveying plate 130, the inclined back plate 160, the adjustable cover 140, and the outlet channel 120 (without the container 110).

[0092] The conveying plate 130 includes a plurality of coin pocket portions 132. The coin pocket portions 132 are circular orifices in the conveying plate configured to receive coins from the container 110. Coins received in the coin pocket portions 132 can rest on the inclined back plate 160 and, as the conveying plate 130 rotates, the coins are pushed along the back plate 160 towards the outlet channel 120.

[0093] The underside of the conveying plate 130 includes a plurality of circumferentially extending ribs 134 located at a plurality of radial distances from the center point of the conveying plate 130. The inclined back plate 160 includes a diverter 164, which consists of a number of diverting (diverter) ribs 164 protruding from the back plate 160 near the outlet channel 120. The diverting ribs 164 are arranged in positions complementary to the circumferentially extending ribs 134 of the conveying plate 130. As coins are conveyed by the conveying plate 130 towards the outlet channel 120, the diverting ribs 164 are configured to interleave with the circumferentially extending ribs 134 so as to divert the coins resting on the back plate 160 towards the outlet channel 120. The height of the diverting ribs 164 is configured such that only one coin is dispensed at a time.

[0094] The coin hopper 100 further includes a spring-loaded separator 168 located proximal to the outlet channel 120. The separator 168 is configured to deform away from the back plate 160 to allow thicker coins to be dispensed and to push thinner coins located on top of other coins back into the container 110. Thus, the coin hopper 100 is prevented from dispensing multiple coins simultaneously. The separator 168 is shown in more detail in Figure 11 and Figure 12 .

[0095] As described above, the coin hopper 100 includes an adjustable cover 140 mounted to the conveying plate 130. The cover 140 includes an orifice 142 such that the cover 140 can be selectively configured to obscure a portion of the conveying plate 130, thereby obscuring some of the coin pocket portions 132 so that they cannot be used for coin conveyance.

[0096] Figure 4 An exploded view of the coin hopper 100 is shown. In Figure 4 the inclined back plate 160 and the drive gear, which are normally located between the light tube assembly 170 and the conveying plate 130, are not shown.

[0097] Figures 2 to 8The conveying plate 130 includes six coin pocket portions 132 having three different sizes. Specifically, the conveying plate 130 includes a pair of first small coin pocket portions 132a configured to convey small-sized coins, a pair of second medium coin pocket portions 132b configured to convey medium-sized coins, and a pair of third large coin pocket portions 132c configured to convey large-sized coins.

[0098] The adjustable cover 140 is configured to cover two such pairs of coin pocket portions 132 while exposing the remaining pairs of coin pocket portions 132, thereby configuring the coin hopper 100 to dispense coins of a size corresponding to the exposed coin pocket portions 132. The adjustable cover 140 is configured to rotate relative to the conveying plate 130 between a first configuration, a second configuration, and a third configuration such that in each configuration, one of the pairs of coin pocket portions 132 is exposed.

[0099] A locking mechanism is provided to fix the adjustable cover 140 in one of the three configurations. The locking mechanism includes a central locking boss 150 that includes a gripping (or grasping) member 152 connected to one or more locking arms 154 or tabs. The locking arms 154 are configured to pass through corresponding openings 144 in the adjustable cover 140 and engage the conveying plate 130, thereby fixing the adjustable cover 140 between the gripping member 152 and the conveying plate 130.

[0100] The gripping member can be pulled away from the conveying plate 130 into an unlocked position and pushed back towards the conveying plate 130 into a locked position.

[0101] Figure 5 The gripping member 152 in the locked position is shown. The gripping member 152 is flush with the cover 140, the cover 140 is flush with the conveying plate 130, and the locking arms 154 engage the conveying plate 130, thereby fixing the cover 140 between the gripping member 152 and the conveying plate 130.

[0102] Figure 6 The gripping member 152 in the unlocked position is shown. The gripping member 152 is pulled away from the conveying plate 130, thereby disengaging the locking arms 154 from the conveying plate 130 and enabling the adjustable cover 140 to move relative to the conveying plate 130. When the gripping member 152 is in the unlocked position, the locking arms 154 remain within their corresponding openings 144 in the cover 140 such that movement of the cover 140 relative to the conveying plate 130 causes corresponding movement of the locking boss 150, and vice versa.

[0103] The gripping member 152 is also attached to a central column 182 that extends through central holes 136, 146 in the transport plate 130 and the cover 140. Thus, when the gripping member 152 is in the unlocked position, rotation of the gripping member 152 relative to the transport plate 130 causes corresponding rotation of the cover 140 and the central column 182 relative to the transport plate 130.

[0104] The central column 182 includes two flag arms 184 that extend radially outwardly to form part of a sensing mechanism 180 for determining the configuration of the adjustable cover 140. A light tube device 170 is provided to determine the position of the flag arms 184 relative to the transport plate 130 and thus the selected configuration of the adjustable cover 140. The light tube device is described in more detail below in connection with Figure 14 and Figure 15 more detail.

[0105] In this way, the coin hopper 100 can sense (via the flag arms 184 of the gripping member 152 connected to the locking boss 150) which coin pocket size is currently exposed to the container and can communicate this to the host to prevent the hopper 100 from operating with the wrong coin size. For example, an indicator such as a display screen or LED can be used to communicate the error to the user. In other examples, the coin hopper 100 can be disabled so that it cannot be used until the cover 140 is detected in the correct configuration.

[0106] Figure 7 and Figure 8 shows Figure 2 an additional view of the coin hopper 100, where an orthogonal stack 190 of coins is located in the coin pocket portion 132 of the transport plate 130. This can occur before the transport plate 130 begins to rotate.

[0107] The edge of the container 110 adjacent to the transport plate 130 includes a spring-loaded (or on-spring) bridging member 112 that extends toward the transport plate 130. The bridging member 112 is configured to extend toward the transport plate 130 without any external force and to compress toward the container 110 in response to a jamming force acting between the container 110 and the transport plate 130. Thus, if an object such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 the coin stack 190 shown in Figure 8 is located in the coin pocket portion 132, as the transport plate 130 rotates past the container 110, the object can cause the bridging member 112 to deflect toward the container 110 (as shown in

[0108] Figure 9A perspective cross-sectional view of the coin hopper 100 is shown, in which the bridging member 112 can be seen extending from the container 110 towards the conveying plate 130. In this example, the bridging member 112 is configured to leave a gap between the bridging member 112 and the conveying plate 130, thereby preventing any restriction on the movement of the conveying plate 130 or the motor load.

[0109] Figure 10 A diagram showing exemplary configurations of three coin pocket sizes: small, medium, and large, which are arranged in ascending order of the coin diameters that each sized coin pocket can accept. As Figure 10 shown, the coin sizes acceptable for each coin pocket are configured to overlap. For example, some coins can fit into the distribution by the small or medium coin pockets, and some coin sizes can fit into the distribution by the medium or large coin pockets.

[0110] Figure 11 The spring-loaded separator 168 for preventing multiple coins from being dispensed through the exit channel, as mentioned above, is shown. Figure 12 The separator 168 is also shown, which shows a cross-sectional view of the conveying plate 130, the back plate 160, and the exit channel 120. In this example, the conveying plate 130 has been segmented (separated) by circumferentially extending ribs 134 located on the lower side of the conveying plate 130. Transfer ribs 164 for transferring coins towards the exit channel 120 are also shown.

[0111] As Figure 11 and Figure 12 shown, the spring-loaded separator 168 is a radial member located proximal (i.e., across its entrance) to the exit channel 120 and includes a beveled radial surface configured to allow coins to slide under the separator 168 (i.e., between the separator 168 and the back plate 160). The separator 168 includes two sliding pins 169 configured to allow the separator to move up and down in two holes provided in the back plate 160. The separator 168 is spring-loaded towards the back plate 168 and is made of wear-resistant material. The coin-facing surface of the separator 168 (i.e., the beveled radial surface) is angled such that coins can be pushed under the separator (isolator), causing the separator 168 to move away from the back plate 160. However, the excess coins stacked on top of the dispensed coins are pushed away from the exit channel 120 by the separator 168, causing them to fall back into the container 110.

[0112] Figures 13a to 13c Each shows a perspective view of a part of the coin hopper. In particular, Figure 13a shows the back plate 160, the exit channel, the separator 168, and the transfer ribs 164 protruding from the back plate 160.

[0113] InFigure 13b In [description], the separator 168 is removed, and a cross-sectional view of the conveying plate 130 is shown, which reveals circumferentially extending ribs 134 on the lower side of the conveying plate 130. The circumferentially extending ribs 134 are configured to interleave with the transfer ribs 164 and slide between the transfer ribs 164.

[0114] Figure 13c Another perspective view of the back plate 160, the outlet lever 120, the separator 168, and the conveying plate 130 is shown. In this view, more structures of the conveying plate 130 are shown, revealing the webbing (or side strips) that form three different-sized coin pocket portions 132a, 132b, 132c provided in the conveying plate 130.

[0115] Figures 14 to 15 A perspective view of the light tube assembly 170 for detecting the configuration of the adjustable cover 140 is shown. As discussed above, the central post 182 extending through the conveying plate 130 includes two marking arms 184 that extend radially outward from the central post 182. The marking arms 184 are configured to rotate together with the adjustable cover 140.

[0116] The light tube device 170 includes an annular ring 172, a prism reflector 174, and a detection light tube 176. The annular ring 172, the prism reflector 174, and the detection light tube 174 are respectively formed of, for example, solid transparent plastic and are configured to transmit light. The annular ring 172 is configured to remain stationary with respect to the marking arm 184, such that the movement of the adjustable cover 140 causes the marking arm 184 to move relative to the annular ring 172, and thus causes the marking arm to block different prism reflectors 174 positioned around the annular ring.

[0117] Figure 16 A perspective view of the light tube assembly is shown, which is connected to the control PCB 178 via the detection light tube 176. Figure 17 A detailed view of the detection light tube 176 is shown.

[0118] The control PCB includes an LED light source, which is configured to irradiate light along the detection light tube 176 towards the prism reflector 74 of the annular ring 172. As Figure 17 shown by the arrow in [description], the light is transmitted downward along the light tube 176 to the prism reflector 174 and then transmitted upward along the light tube 176 back to the control PCB 178, where it is detected using a photodiode receiver (not shown). In particular, the LED can be configured to produce red light or infrared light. Thus, when one of the marking arms 184 passes in front of the detection light tube 176, the arm blocks the passage of light between the prism reflector 174 and the detection light tube 176, which can be detected by the photodiode.

[0119] Thus, when the coin hopper 100 is operated to dispense coins, the conveying plate 130, the cover 140, the annulus 172, and the marker arm 184 rotate together under the control of a motor drive system (not shown). As the annulus 172 rotates, light from the prism reflector 174 is detected by the control PCB 178 via the detection light pipe 174 in a predictable pattern determined by the positions of the prism reflector 174 and the marker arm 184.

[0120] Thus, as the cover 140 is rotated to change the configuration of the coin hopper 100, the position of the marker arm 184 relative to the annulus 172 is adjusted to block light from different prism reflectors 174 and to adjust the pattern of light received at the photodiode. The resulting signal can be compared to the motor encoder of the motor drive system (as a baseline) to generate a code indicative of the position of the marker arm 184 and thus the configuration of the adjustable cover 140. This configuration can then be communicated to the user to ensure that the coin hopper 100 is correctly configured to dispense the denominations of coins that have been placed therein.

[0121] Features disclosed in the foregoing description or in the appended claims or in the drawings, in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function or a method or process for obtaining the disclosed result, as the case may be, may be used, separately or in any combination of these features, to implement the invention in its different forms.

[0122] Although the invention has been described in connection with the above exemplary embodiments, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when the present disclosure is given. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not restrictive. Various changes may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0123] For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are given to enhance the reader's understanding. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any such theoretical explanations.

[0124] Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

[0125] Throughout this specification, including the appended claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "comprise" and "include" and variations such as "comprising" and "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of the stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0126] It should be noted that, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" as used in the specification and the appended claims include plural referents. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value and / or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is recited, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations by use of the antecedent "about", it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term "about" with respect to a numerical value is optional and means, for example, + / - 10%.

Claims

1. A coin hopper (100) for dispensing coins, the coin hopper comprising: a container (110) for holding a plurality of coins; an outlet channel (120) for outputting a target number of coins from the plurality of coins; as well as a dispensing unit comprising a rotatable conveyor plate (130) located between the container (110) and the outlet channel (120), wherein the conveyor plate (130) comprises a plurality of coin pockets (132), each coin pocket (132) being configured to receive dispensed coins from the container (110), such that rotation of the conveyor plate (130) causes the dispensed coins to be conveyed from the container (110) to the outlet channel (120); The plurality of coin pockets (132) include a first coin pocket configured to receive dispensed coins of a first size and a second coin pocket configured to receive dispensed coins of a second size, and The dispensing unit further includes a cover (140) adjustably connected to the conveying plate (130) to selectively cover a portion of the conveying plate (130), wherein the cover (140) is movable between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration, the first coin pocket portion is exposed to the container (110) and the second coin pocket portion is blocked from the container (110) by the cover (140), and in the second configuration, the first coin pocket portion is blocked from the container (110) by the cover (140) and the second coin pocket portion is exposed to the container (110), thereby allowing selective configuration of the coin hopper (100) to dispense the target number of coins of the first size in the first configuration or to dispense the target number of coins of the second size in the second configuration.

2. The coin hopper (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of coin pockets (132) include: a plurality of first coin pockets (132), each first coin pocket (132) configured to receive dispensed coins of the first size; and a plurality of second coin pockets (132), each second coin pocket (132) configured to receive dispensed coins of the second size, such that: In the first configuration, the first coin pocket portion (132) is exposed to the container (110) through the cover (140), and the remaining coin pocket portion (132) is blocked from the container (110) by the cover (140), and In the second configuration, the second coin pocket portion (132) is exposed to the container (110) through the cover (140), and the remaining coin pocket portion (132) is blocked from the container (110) by the cover (140).

3. The coin hopper (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The plurality of coin pockets (132) include a third coin pocket configured to receive dispensed coins of a third size, When the cover (140) is in the first configuration or the second configuration, the third coin pocket portion is blocked from the container (110) by the cover (140), and The cover (140) is movable to a third configuration in which the third coin pocket portion is exposed to the container (110) and the first coin pocket portion (132) and the second coin pocket portion (132) are blocked from the container (110) by the cover (140).

4. A coin hopper (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein: The cover (140) is movable between various configurations by rotation of the cover (140) relative to the conveying plate (130).

5. A coin hopper (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein: The cover (140) is a plate including selected apertures for exposing selected coin pockets (132) in the conveyor plate (130), wherein each selected aperture is larger than each of the plurality of coin pockets (132) in the conveyor plate (130).

6. A coin hopper (100) according to any preceding claim, further comprising a locking mechanism configured to lock the cover (140) in each of the configurations.

7. The coin hopper (100) according to claim 6, wherein: The locking mechanism includes a central locking boss (150) including a gripping member connected to one or more locking arms (154). The locking arms (154) are configured to pass through corresponding openings in the cover (140) and engage with the conveying plate (130), thereby securing the cover (140) between the gripping member and the conveying plate (130).

8. The coin hopper (100) according to claim 7, wherein: The central locking boss (150) can be moved between the following positions: a locked position in which the gripping member (152) is flush with the cover (140), the cover (140) is flush with the conveying plate (130), and the locking arm 154 is engaged with the conveying plate (130) to secure the cover (140) to the conveying plate (130), and An unlocked position in which the gripping member (152) is displaced away from the conveying plate (130) thereby disengaging the locking arm (154) from the conveying plate (130) and enabling movement of the cover (140) relative to the conveying plate (130).

9. The coin hopper (100) according to claim 8, wherein: The locking arm (154) is configured to be retained within a corresponding opening (144) in the cover (140) when the locking boss (150) is in the unlocked configuration, such that when the gripping member (152) is in the unlocked position, movement of the locking boss (150) relative to the conveying plate (130) results in corresponding movement of the cover (140), and vice versa.

10. A coin hopper (100) according to any preceding claim, further comprising a detection mechanism configured to detect the configuration of the cover (140).

11. The coin hopper (100) according to claim 10, wherein: The detection mechanism includes one or more marking arms (184) configured to move relative to the cover (140).

12. The coin hopper (100) of claim 11, further comprising a central post (182) extending through the conveying plate (130) and the cover (140), in, The one or more marking arms extend radially from the central column on the underside of the conveying plate (130) away from the cover (140), Wherein, the central column (182) is connected to the cover (140) so that rotation of the cover (140) relative to the conveying plate (130) causes corresponding rotation of the central column (182) and the one or more marking arms (184).

13. The coin hopper (100) according to claim 12, wherein: The detection mechanism includes a light pipe (170) configured to determine a position of the one or more marking arms (184) relative to the transport plate (130), wherein the detection mechanism is configured to determine a configuration of the cover (140) based on the position of the marking arms (182).

14. A coin hopper (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein: An edge of the container (110) proximate the conveying plate (130) includes a resiliently biased bridging member (112) configured to extend toward the conveying plate (130).

15. An automated transaction machine for managing monetary transactions, the automated transaction machine comprising one or more coin hoppers (100) according to any preceding claim.

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