BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A coin recycler is a device that accepts, verifies, sorts, and dispenses coins for providing change. This device in general can be defined as an assembly of completed, independent, different parts or a fusion of the same functional parts in one unit.

Coin recyclers are used widely in a variety of situations, e.g. vending machines, gambling machines, public transport, toll barriers, etc. Coin recyclers typically include at least a recycler and a coin separator.

The recycler identifies and/or verifies coins, usually whilst they are free falling under gravity, by measuring various attributes of the coins to determine, for example, their value, as well as checking for counterfeit coins.

The standard coin recycler functions in a control mode, i.e. rolling, conveying mode; and free fall mode.

During maintenance, coin recyclers may be removed from the coin receiving device in which they are housed. Coin receiving devices serve to collect and direct coins one after the other into the coin recycler. Since coin recyclers must be removable, it is desirable that they be relatively easily mounted, detached, and remounted within a coin receiving device. To this end, each coin recycler typically comprises a plurality of mounting studs which project from the module’s sides and which cooperate with recesses or cradles defined within the coin receiving device to retain securely the coin recycler in a required position, fixed relative to the coin receiving device. Typically, these mounting studs are moulded as part of the module and their locations are therefore fixed with respect to it. Moreover, the location of mounting studs on coin recyclers has become relatively standardised within the industry, enabling broken or obsolete coin recyclers to be replaced by upgraded or new ones which still mount securely within coin receiving devices.

Modern coin recyclers can process many more coins per second than older devices, meaning that coins need to move faster and misalignment can rise to more maintenance and down time. It is also nowadays a requirement in many countries for any fake coins that are detected to be stored separately within the device. This may require a more advanced coin recycler with more coin sorting capabilities, i.e. an upgrade. As coin recyclers are required to receive and reliably count and/or check coins in the absence of supervision, it is important that they be as efficient and reliable as possible. It has been recognised that many of the problems seen in the operation of coin recyclers can be attributed to their misalignment with respect to the coin receiving device, often by only small discrepancies of a few millimetres or degrees. Coin recyclers rely on gravity to draw coins through them, and so have a defined orientation in which they function at their best.

After identification and verification, the coins are separated by the separator and directed to an appropriate output. For example, a coin that has been rejected may be directed to a return area, and a coin that has been accepted may be directed to a cash-box, a coin cassette for providing change, a hopper or to one or more containers.

To date, existing free fall coin separators have three outputs. Adjacent to each of the first and second outputs, within a coin path of the separator, is provided a deflector arrangement having a solenoid actuator and a deflector member that can deflect a free-falling coin in a coin path out of the respective output. At the end of the coin path, if the coin has not been deflected out of the first or second output by one of the deflectors, the coin leaves the separator via the third output. The deflectors are actuated based on data received from the coin recycler.

In order to separate the coins into a greater number of paths, existing systems have chained-together a number of such coin separators such that the third output of one coin separator connects to the input of a subsequent coin separator.

Whilst such systems have been sufficient for their intended purpose, they require a large vertical drop in cases where a large number of coins are accepted, such as where multiple currencies are to be accepted. For example, if Pound Sterling and Euro currencies are to be completely separated by denomination, the separator must include at least 18 outputs - the United Kingdom and Europe currently each uses 8 different coins, plus the separator requires a further output for accepted coins to a hopper and one more for rejected coins to be returned. Such a system would be impractical due to its size if implemented using existing free fall coin separators or intelligent hoppers assembly that are slower, costly and large in size. Furthermore, even in existing intelligent hoppers system, a longer vertical drop (50-80cm) required for coin separation limits the available space for a coin cartridge, and hence limits the storage capacity for coins to be used as change. The present invention seeks to solve the above problems arising in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a coin recycler comprising a plurality of studs for mounting it within a coin receiving device, the studs projecting from opposite sides of the coin recycler at different attachment sites, wherein the attachment sites are configured so that each stud can be positioned in one of a plurality of defined locations within the attachment site in order to modify a mounting position of the coin recycler in respect to a coin receiving device.

The plurality of defined locations within a given attachment site for each mounting stud allows the normal mounting position of the coin recycler to be modified by a few millimetres or degrees to take account of irregularities in the alignment of the coin recycler and/or the coin receiving device, and hence the paths of coins free falling under gravity. This is particularly advantageous where a new coin recycler is being retrofitted in an existing device such as during a repair or upgrade.

The present coin recycler comprises four main parts, which consist on a front cover, a back cover, an inner body and a flap. The inner body and the flap form the substrate of the coin recycler. The inner body hosts the elements that identifies and/or verifies the coins, while the flap is an element that avoids the escrow (the word escrow in this specific case describes when a coin or more are stuck or blocking the coin path inside the coin recycler). The attachment sites may be arranged on opposite edges of the inner body.

Preferably, each mounting stud is removable. The defined locations, for example, may be defined by recesses that have been configured for the engagement of a root portion of the studs in a removable manner. In a preferred embodiment, the root portion of each stud comprises a shaped projection that fits in the reciprocal shaped recesses, such that a suitable forcing allows them coupling or decoupling.

The plurality of defined locations in the attachment sites may be arranged in a line, although this is not mandatory.

The coin recycler may have at least two attachment sites per side, and preferably three attachment sites, spaced from one another, on each of the opposed sides. A first attachment site may be spaced 85-86 mm apart from a second attachment site; and preferably a third attachment site may be spaced 38-39 mm from a first attachment site and 47-48 mm from a second attachment site.

The defined locations of the attachment sites may allow for the mounting position of the coin recycler to be modified by more than 2 mm of displacement in a direction perpendicular or parallel to a coin path of the coin recycler.

The defined locations of the attachment sites may allow for the mounting position of the coin recycler to be modified by more than 3 degrees of angular displacement. An angular displacement of 15 degrees might be sufficient as a maximum for most applications.

In a preferred embodiment, the attachment sites may removably secure the housing covers over the inner body module. In a more concrete embodiment, the attachment sites are preferably circular-shaped and arranged on the inner body. The housing covers include corresponding recesses that can be coupled to the circular-shaped attachment sites in a way that coupling and decoupling is allowed by means of a suitable forcing. They can act as a pivoting means to open and close the housing covers of the coin recycler without disengaging them; this pivoting means can be utilized also for a banknotes detector.

The corresponding recesses can consist on a complementary hole that encloses the circular-shaped attachment site, so it is needed to bend its wall in order to decoupling the attachment site, or consist on a C-shaped hoop for allowing an easier uncoupling of the attachment site.

In this preferred embodiment, the housing covers comprise both bottom complementary holes for engaging with and pivoting on the bottom attachment sites of the inner body. The top attachment site of the inner body is used to block the front cover, which has a corresponding C-shaped top hoop, allowing an easy uncoupling of the top attachment site. On the other hand, the back cover comprises two corresponding intermediate recesses for engaging with two intermediate attachment sites of the inner body.

The pivoting means permits closing and opening the four main parts The flap and the inner body can open between each other’s in a“fan-like way” or disconnecting in full or pivoting via two pins (one each side) positioned at lower bottom of the flap that can connect or disconnect into an equivalent in size negative recession positioned on the inner body lower coin channel. Further, the coin validation flap and the inner body have a set of holes to adapt spring load contacts and receiving party, to avoid any rigid flex cables or simple cabling/wiring that will preclude the easy way of dismantling and mounting the parts. A pair of spring load contacts (less than 8mm length) and its receivers are located to be used for solenoid activation; it is known that solenoids can rise disturbances due to high Eddie currents and electromagnetic interferences intercalating with the very near electronics. The above embodiment resolves in great part this problem.

To unblock the coin channel, the flap has to swivel and flex at certain degrees for 5-6 mm opening channel, to do so we removed any metallic spring and the plastic material characteristic memory within the flap were used in our favor to achieve the same return of a metallic coil or spring, the bending moment points were created as mean of cardine, gudgeon axis which mounts within the recessed preclusion centre points on the front cover and related counter support, the counter support applies a force to keep the flap plastic hinge on place. Within the front cover there is an inner flexible pin co-moulded within the same frame, allowing the flap to be always pressed against the inner body; this flexible pin enters onto the back of an escrow press point of the inner body.

Viewed from another aspect, the invention provides a method of fitting a coin recycler within a coin receiving device comprising: offering up a coin recycler to mounting points of a coin receiving device; checking alignment of a coin path of the module with respect to a coin path from the coin receiving device; repositioning at least a pair of mounting studs to different locations within their respective attachment sites; and refitting the module within the coin receiving device in a modified mounting position.

The method may be part of a repair or upgrade of an existing coin receiving device and the method may further comprise the steps of removing an obsolete coin recycler and refitting a coin recycler as described above.

The method may further comprise mounting a coin recycler as described above.

A coin recycler may comprise a coin separator fitted to a bottom surface of a coin recycler as described above.

The flap or the inner body can comprise a co-moulded prism. The use of infrared gate is known to the skilled in the art (emitter and receiver light beam through an opposite prism also known as an on off switch system). It can detect if the coin is going straight or if the coin is going out sidewise by mean of depth measurement. By mean of depth measurement it is intended a light emitted cone that impinges on a closer falling coin surface, the higher is the returning intensity the closer is the coin; at the contrary, the farther is the coin the weaker will be the returning beam light cone peak. The system is not limited to prism but could be a single or double packages emitter / receiver set to work as per described above without the prism.

A second aspect of the present invention consists on a coin separator comprising: a housing defining an input, a first coin channel and a second coil channel, each of the first and second coin channels having a first output and a channel-end output; a first deflector arrangement adapted to direct a coin from the input into either the first coin channel or the second coin channel; and a second deflector arrangement adapted to direct a coin in the first coin channel either to its first output or channel-end output, as well as to direct a coin in the second coin channel either to its first output or channel-end output. The deflector arrangements comprise an actuator and a deflector member. Preferably, the actuator is a solenoid. As well, the deflector member has spoon like shape, which allows the coins to be accelerated in comparison of a deflector member with a fan like or flap shape.

The coin separator is preferably a free fall coin separator and the channel- end outputs are located at the bottom of the channels. The first and second coin channels are substantially vertical and adjacent one another. This would be the expected arrangement for a free fall device where it is intended to be employed in a vending machine, where the cavity for a coin recycler is vertically elongated. Therefore, a coin directed along the first or second channel will be directed towards the corresponding channel-end output of the channel unless the second deflector arrangement is actuated for blocking the coin channel and divert the coin to its first output. So, directing a coin along any coin channel till its channel-end may simply involve not blocking the coin channel such that the coin continues in free fall, although it may include deflecting the coin laterally.

This advantage minimises the number of deflector arrangements required in the device. The coin sorting is possible even if a constant stream of coins is supplied because only one coin can ever be at a particular deflector arrangements level at one time, as the first deflector arrangement deflects the coin either into the first or second channel.

The coin separator described above advantageously reduces the length of a coin recycler because it uses two coin channels in parallel, rather than only a single coin channel. In accordance with this arrangement, the vertical drop required for coin sorting is almost halved compared to single-channel systems, which significantly increases the available space for the coin cassette. Due to this additional available space, the tubes of the cassette have an increased reserve vertical space making the overall capacity greater and hence require less frequent intervention by vendor technicians.

Such an arrangement may be retrofitted into existing devices as the standard width for a coin recycler in applications such as vending machines is sufficient to allow two coin channels in parallel.

In one embodiment, the first deflector arrangement, in a first position, allows a coin to fall vertically into the first coin channel and, in a second position, deflects the coin laterally into the second coin channel.

In one embodiment, the second deflector arrangement, in a first position, allows a coin to fall vertically along the first coin channel to its channel-end and deflects a coin forwards from the second coin channel to its first output, and in a second position, deflects a coin forwards from the first coin channel to its first output and allows a coin to fall vertically along the second coin channel to its channel-end.

Thus, as mentioned above, by this configuration a single deflector can provide deflection of coins in either channel by a single movement. This offset configuration allows the open channel to reject the coins in train mode while the first is separated, i.e. when coins are too close to each other or touching.

Preferably, each of the first and second coin channels has a second output, and the coin separator further comprises a third deflector, optionally comprising the above described optional features of the second deflector arrangement of the coin separator, adapted to direct a coin in the first coin channel along the first channel or through the second output of the first channel, and by the same action to direct a coin in the second coin channel along the second channel or through the second output of the second coin channel.

Thus, multiple deflectors may be incorporated within the coin separator to further separate coins.

The second deflector arrangement can be hosted in a housing comprising a first coin channel and a second coil channel, this housing being independent from the first deflector arrangement housing and establishing a coin separator module. Additionally, the housing of a coin recycler may be adapted to engage a coin separator module, the channel-end outputs of the first and second coin channels of the coin recycler being arranged to respectively feed coins into the first and second coin channels of the coin separator module. The coin separator module may be adapted to engage a later coin separator module. Coin separator modules can be reversed 180 degrees in line, so the coins can be sent frontally or backwards.

Such a modular arrangement allows for increased customisation of the coin separator allowing a user to install only the required number of modules for their application, and allowing easy modification for example to accept additional types of coins.

The present invention may further be seen to provide a coin recycler comprising the coin separator module.

Viewed from another aspect, the present invention may also be seen to provide a coin recycler for engaging to a coin separator, the module comprising: a housing defining a first coin channel and a second coin channel adapted to receive a coin from the coin separator, each of the first and second coin channels of the coin separator module have a first output and a channel-end output; and a deflector adapted to direct a coin in the first coin channel along the first channel or through the first output of the first channel, and (by the same action) to direct a coin in the second coin channel along the second channel or through the first output of the second coin channel.

Viewed from a further aspect, the present invention also provides a coin recycler comprising: a coin recycler for identifying and/or verifying coins input into the machine; and a coin separator as described above for separating the coins based on the identification and/or verification performed by the coin recycler.

Preferably, the coin recycler is adapted to be installed in a vending machine, not limited to ATM machines or retail counter top machines.

Viewed from another aspect, the present invention may also be seen to provide a method of sorting coins comprising: selectively directing a coin using a first deflector arrangement into either a first coin channel or a second coin channel; and selectively directing the coin using a second deflector arrangement along the respective channel or through the first output of the respective channel.

The method may optionally be performed using the coin separator, as described above optionally including the coin separator module, or using coin recycler as described above. The method may further optionally incorporate the use of an apparatus having any or all of the above described preferred features. A coin that has been sorted by the coin separator may be directed to a corresponding container, as a drum or a cup.

The container is rotating via a cushion bearing that can be of different materials (steel or more economical plastic material like POM). The container is horizontally placed. Instead of using two bearings per container could be used one positioned within the centre of gravity of the container itself. A secondary preferred position can be at the main entrance. In a preferred embodiment the container is conical so the coins entering the rotating container are always going back towards the exit path.

For the European Commission market, the mechanism includes nine cups, the first cup positioned at the entry level of the coin recycler to pour coins at the speed of 3 to 4 coin/sec.

The eight remaining cups are asymmetrically positioned accordingly to the four sorter actuators; four cups on the left and four sorter actuators to the right; the reasons are to reach compactness and to use only four motors driving the actuators instead of eight.

Coin separator modules can be reversed 180 degrees in line, so the coins can be sent frontally or backwards. In a preferred embodiment, the coin separator modules send the coins two frontally and two backwards at the second stage, so the two cups in the front and two cups in the back will receive each one different coins.

Each of the four motors is positioned between the externally geared cups. They will run clockwise or anti-clockwise the two cups.

The eight conical cups are arranged to accept and dispense coins independently although there is one motor for two cups. Basically, when the first cup receives a coin, the annexed cup (side by side) can dispense coins.

This setup makes the system ergonomically fast.

The cups can be perforated to allow the debris removal during rotation.

The perforation can be odd shape, oval or simply rounded. The cups also provide within the largest diameter side a saw tooth edge configuration to enable coins be pulled up to the exit gate; the internal remaining part of the cup is smooth to allow tumbling of the same coins were the rotation is in acceptance mode.

Certain preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in greater detail, by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a perspective view of a coin recycler;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a mounting stud;

Figure 3 is an example of an attachment site of the coin recycler with a recess;

Figure 4 is an alternative example of an attachment site of the coin recycler;

Figure 5 illustrates various different possible positions of the mounting studs on same attachment sites as the example of figure 3 and the resulting possible alignments of the coin recycler of figure 1 ;

Figure 6 is a preferred embodiment of the coin recycler in an open configuration;

Figure 7 is a preferred embodiment of the flap of the coin recycler;

Figure 8 is a preferred embodiment of the front cover of the coin recycler;

Figure 9 is a perspective front view of a coin recycler comprising a coin recycler and a coin separator in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 10 is a rear view of the coin recycler of the embodiment of figure 1 ;

Figure 11 is a front view of the coin recycler showing hidden details;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of a first actuator of the coin separator;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a second actuator of the coin separator;

Figure 14 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the coin recycler viewed from behind;

Figure 15 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the coin recycler through a right-hand coin channel viewed from the right-hand side;

Figure 16 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the coin recycler through the centre of the coin recycler viewed from the right-hand side;

Figure 17 is a front view of the coin recycler illustrating the attachment of a coin separator module;

Figures 18A and 18B are perspective views showing attachment clips for attaching the coin separator to the coin recycler;

Figure 19 is a perspective view of a prior art coin recycler including a coin separator.

Fig. 20 is a preferred embodiment of the second deflector arrangement of a coin separator module,

Fig 21 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the coin recycler with several coin separator modules viewed from the front, Fig. 22 represents four different embodiments of the single controlled 4 coins ways actuator,

Fig 23 is a preferred embodiment of the coin recycler with nine cups. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Figure 1 shows a coin recycler 1 which comprises a a front housing cover 4 and a back housing cover 6, the front and back housing covers being disposed on opposite sides of an inner substrate 2 respectively, substantially covering the substrate 2 and various components of the coin recycler 1 attached thereto. The housing sections 4, 6 and substrate 2 collaborate to form a coin slot 8 for receiving coins.

The substrate 2 has six attachment sites 1 1 defined therein at the sides of the coin recycler 1 , with three sites 11 on each of the opposite sides of the coin recycler 1. The attachment sites 11 may be distributed substantially along the length of the substrate 2. The attachment sites 1 1 preferably correspond to established positions of existing coin collecting devices and may not need to be spaced equidistant from one another.

Each attachment site 1 1 is configured to receive one of a plurality of mounting studs 20 in one of three possible locations defined therein. A preferred embodiment of the mounting stud 20 is shown in figure 2, and comprises a root portion 22 and a mounting portion 24. The mounting portion 24 may be substantially cylindrical and is configured to be received in a corresponding recess or cradle in a coin receiving device (not shown) in order to securely mount the coin recycler 1 within the coin receiving device. In this preferred embodiment, the root portion 22 of the mounting stud 20 has a substantially cross-shaped footprint projecting from one end of the mounting portion 24 of the mounting stud 20.

Attachment site 11 comprises a recess 12 configured to receive the root portion 22 of the mounting stud 20, and be sized so that the mounting stud 20 is securely retained when the root portion 22 is inserted therein. As is evident from figure 1 , recess 12, in one embodiment, comprises three, preferably identical, cross-shapes arranged in a row so that the nearest adjacent legs of each cross overlap. Thus, the root portion 22 of the mounting stud 20 may be inserted into one of three possible locations within the recess 12 at the attachment site 1 1. Front housing cover 4 is shaped at each side so that a tab portion 40 thereof wraps around the substrate 2 and one of the attachment sites 1 1 defined therein, cooperating with an indentation in the back housing cover 6 to substantially enclose the substrate 2. A slot is formed in the front housing cover 4 so that the attachment site 1 1 is not obstructed. In this embodiment, the tab portion 40 of the front housing cover 4 is associated with the middle attachment site 1 1. In a similar manner, back housing cover 6 has tab portions 60 that cooperate with indentations of front housing cover 4 to wrap about the upper and lower attachment sites 11. This arrangement allows the back housing cover 6 to be secured in place by corresponding mounting studs 20 inserted into recesses 12. Thus, housing covers 4, 6 are secured substantially about the substrate 2, and may easily be removed by the withdrawal of mounting studs 20 from recesses 12. Moreover, the tab portions 40, 60 of the housing covers 4, 6 may curve about the sides of the substrate 2 and be held loosely in place even when no mounting studs 20 are inserted through the slots. Further, a small amount of force, as might be applied by hand, may be needed to remove the housing covers 4, 6. The described arrangement allows easy access to the components of the coin recycler 1 when needed, while also ensuring that the housing cover cannot be removed when the coin recycler 1 is mounted within a coin receiving device. Also, removal of the mounting studs 20 may not cause the housing covers 4, 6 to fall away from coin recycler 1. The arrangement described also may require fewer components as compared to conventional modules, and moreover does not require screws or other dedicated components to secure the housing.

Importantly, the position of a coin recycler 1 as described can be controlled by virtue of the removable mounting studs 20 and recesses 12. By inserting the root portions 22 of the mounting studs 20 into different locations within the recesses 12, the position of the mounting studs 20 relative to the coin recycler 1 can be altered. It will therefore be appreciated that the position of the coin recycler 1 within the coin receiving device can be modified.

For example, if coin slot 8 is misaligned with the coin receiving device, this can prove detrimental to the ability of the coin recycler 1 to accurately and efficiently validate coins. By removing the coin recycler 1 from the coin receiving device, the user (e.g. an engineer installing or repairing the coin recycler 1 in the coin receiving device) may remove the mounting studs 20 from the attachment sites 1 1 by simply pulling the root portions 22 from the recesses 12. Preferably this can be done by hand, but may also be accomplished by carefully using a tool, e.g. pliers. The root portions 22 may then be inserted into different locations within the recesses 12, and the mounting studs 20 may thereby be repositioned relative to the coin recycler 1. The entire unit may then be remounted in the coin receiving device by engaging the mounting portion 24 of the mounting studs 20 with the recesses or cradles of the coin receiving device, and the misalignment of the coin slot 8 with the coin receiving device may thereby be corrected.

The cross-shapes of the root portions 22 may also be rotated compared to that shown in figure 1 , so that they represent separate cross-shaped recesses, but which define the same possible locations for the mounting studs 20. There may only be two defined locations in each attachment site 11 , 1 T, or four or more defined locations. The recess 12, 12’ could define a different pattern, for example, a set of circular holes for cylindrical shaped root portions, triangular holes for triangular prism shaped root portions, or any other shape sufficient to match the root portion of the mounting studs 20. Preferably, the recesses 12, 12’ are shaped to prevent rotation of the mounting stud 20.

The coin recycler 1 may also be angled with respect to the coin receiving device. Many coin receiving devices are installed in vending machines, gambling machines, public transport etc. and cannot be guaranteed to be aligned perfectly vertically. The coin recycler 1 may be supplied retrospectively for replacing existing modules. Since misalignments of the coin recycler 1 have been found to be detrimental to the accuracy and efficiency of the coin recycler 1 , the ability to rectify this misalignment has led to significant improvements in the operation and reliability of such coin recyclers 1.

Thus, by positioning, e.g. the bottom two mounting studs 20 at the forwardmost location within their respective recesses 12 and the top two mounting studs 20 in the rearmost location of their recesses 12, the coin recycler 1 can be angled with respect to the coin receiving device in order to negate misalignment thereof. A greater angle may be achieved by positioning the middle two mounting studs 20 in the forwardmost position and the top two mounting studs 20 in the rearmost position. The angle of the coin recycler 1 may therefore be adjusted.

It will be appreciated that the exact shape and size of the recesses 12, 12’ in the attachment sites 11 , 1 T will determined how much freedom the user will have in positioning the coin recycler 1 with respect to the coin receiving device. Figure 3 shows a magnification of the attachment site 1 1 according to the embodiment of the coin recycler shown in figure 1. The three crosses of the recess 12 are evident, and the three possible locations of a mounting stud 20 are easily recognised.

Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of attachment site 1 T, which comprises a recess 12’ defining five possible locations for mounting stud 20. The recess 12’ is formed of four small cross-shapes with their centres arranged at the apices of a square, each small cross having an elongated leg meeting that of the other small crosses in the centre of the square. Recess 12’ of figure 4 allows repositioning of the mounting studs, and hence the coin recycler 1 , in an extra dimension as compared to recess 12 of figure 3. Various other configurations of the attachment sites 11 and recesses 12 are envisaged and will still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Figure 5 illustrates how the mounting studs 20 may occupy different locations within the recesses 12 of attachment sites 1 1. The coin recycler 1 may be mounted using only four of the available six mounting studs 20, and may be angled as shown in the drawings. The size of the recesses 12 may allow the coin recycler to be angled by approximately 10 degrees. They may also allow the coin recycler 1 to be angled by approximately 5 degrees. Of course, the coin recycler 1 may be angled in either direction by choosing mounting stud locations appropriately.

The coin recycler 1 may have a length, from top to bottom of between approximately 100 mm to 104 mm and may have a length of 102 mm. The coin recycler 1 may have a transverse width of between approximately 88 mm and 90 mm without the mounting studs 20 attached, or between 98 mm and 100 mm with the mounting studs 20 attached. When attached, the top mounting stud 20 may be a distance of between approximately 8 mm and 10 mm from the top of the coin recycler 1 , and may be 9 mm from the top of the coin recycler 1. The next lowest mounting stud 20 may be between approximately 38 mm and 39 mm from the top mounting stud, and between approximately 47 mm and 48 mm from the lowest mounting stud 20. The lowest mounting stud 20 may be between 7 mm and 8 mm from the bottom of the coin recycler 1. The coin recycler 1 may have a depth of between 35 mm and 36 mm. In their rearmost locations, the mounting studs 20 may be between 21 mm and 22 mm from the front of the coin recycler 1. In their middle positions, the mounting studs 20 may be between 17 mm and 18 mm from the front of the coin recycler 1. In their forward-most positions, the mounting studs 20 may be between 14 mm and 15 mm from the front of the module. The recesses 12 may be sized so that the possible locations of the mounting studs 20 are 2 mm to 3 mm apart. The possible attachment locations may be 2.5 mm apart.

The sizes given in the above paragraph are intended for the purpose of illustration, and other dimensions are possible and are intended to fall within the scope of the invention.

In addition to the recesses 12 depicted in figures 3 and 4, the mounting stud locations may be defined by separate recesses 12 within each attachment site 1 1. Each recess 12 may have any other suitable shape. All recesses 12 may have the same shape or each may have a shape different to that of the other recesses 12. Alternatively, some recesses 12 may have the same shape as other recesses 12, while differing from the shape of yet other recesses 12. For example, the two recesses 12 in the lowest attachment site 11 may have the same shape as each other, but have different shapes to the recesses 12 of the middle and upper attachment sites 11. In this manner, control may be provided over which mounting studs 20 are associated with which recesses 12 and therefore which attachments sites 1 1.

The root portion 22 of a mounting stud 20 associated with a recess 12 may have substantially the same cross-section, or footprint, as the recess 12, such that the root portion 22 may be inserted and retained securely within the recess 12. Alternatively, the root portion 22 may be shaped so that it occupies only a portion of the recess 12 when inserted therein, while still being retained securely therein.

Figs. 6 to 8 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present coin recycler. The attachment sites 1 1” are circular-shaped. They are disclosed as a pivoting means to open and close; this opening pivoting mechanism for a coin recycler can be utilized also for a banknotes detector.

The pivoting system has the function to keep closed or open four main parts: front cover 4, back cover 6 and main substrate that represents flap 2a and inner body 2b. The core of the coin recycler flap 2a and inner body 2s open between each other’s in a“fan-like way” or disconnecting in full or pivoting via two pins (one each side) positioned at lower bottom of the flap 2a that can connect or disconnect into an equivalent in size negative recession positioned on the inner body 2b lower coin channel. Further the coin validation flap 2a and inner body 2b have a set of holes 35a, 35b, 29, to adapt spring load contacts and receiving party, to avoid any rigid flex cables or simple cabling/wiring that will preclude the easy way of dismantling and mounting the parts. A pair of spring load contacts (less than 8mm length) and its receivers are located in a recess 29 to be used for solenoid activation; it is known that solenoid can rise disturbances due to high Eddie currents and electromagnetic interferences intercalating with the very near electronics, the above resolves in great part this problem.

These pivoting openings are at least four (two per sides), in this example six in total, three each side: one top side, one centre side, one bottom side.

Starting from the mounting attachment top side it is used to block the substrate 2 to the front cover 4, the same top front cover 4 in a preferred version or embodiment have a modified recessed hook-shaped or C shaped 25, allowing an easy 45 to 60 degrees opening.

Within the front cover 4 there is an inner flexible pin 31 co-moulded within the same frame, this allow the flap 2a to be always pressed against its inner body 2b; this flexible pin enters from the back of the“escrow” press point 26, the word escrow in this specific case describes when a coin or more are stuck or blocking the coin path 41 internally the coin detector. To unblock the coin path 41 the flap 2a has to swivel and flex at certain degrees for 5-6 mm opening channel, to do so we removed any metallic spring and the plastic material characteristic memory within the flap 2a were used in our favor to achieve the same return of a metallic coil or spring, the bending moment points 28a, 28b were created as mean of cardine, gudgeon axis which mounts within the recessed preclusion center points 29a, 129b on the front cover 4 and related counter support 30, the counter support 30 applies a force to keep the flap plastic hinge 28 on place.

The front cover 4 has also a lower circular recession 33 that pivots on the lower studs 1 1”.

The back cover 6 can easily mount on the two circular centre attachment sites 1 1” located in both sides of the inner body 2b. Prisms 37, 38 are co-moulded and the solenoid sorter’s opening 36 is located at the flap 2a.

The invention has been described by way of a preferred embodiment, but the skilled reader will recognise that various modifications are possible that will still fall within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

An example of an existing free fall coin recycler 1 is shown in Figure 9, comprising a housing including a coin validation module 7 and initial coin separator housing 5, the first deflector arrangement 10 comprising a solenoid actuator 32 and a deflector member 13. The coin recycler 1 has chained a coin separator module 1’, providing six outputs 26I, 26r, 28I, 28r, 30I, 30r. Adjacent to each of the first 26I, 26r and second outputs 28I, 28r, within a coin path of the coin recycler 1 , are provided second 14 and third deflector arrangements 14’ having a solenoid actuator 32 and a deflector member 15 that can deflect a free-falling coin in a coin path out of the respective output. At the end of the coin path, if the coin has not been deflected out of the first 26I, 26r or second output 28I, 28r by one of the second and third deflector arrangements 14, 14’, the coin leaves the separator 1’ via the third output 30I, 30r. The deflector arrangements 10, 14, 14’ are actuated based on data received from the coin validation module 7.

Figures 9 to 1 1 show front and a rear views of a preferred embodiment of the present coin recycler 1 comprising a coin validation module 7, an initial deflector arrangement 5, were both can be integral part of a 3.5” coin detector system or modularly individually separated, and an output coin separator module T.

The initial coin separator housing5 comprises an input channel 16 and two outputs. The coin 3 initially enters the input channel 16 and passes along the channel 16 until it reaches an initial deflector arrangement 10. The initial deflector arrangement 10 is adapted to deflect the coin 3 out of one of the two outputs and into a respective one of two parallel coin channels 18, 19 of the output coin separator module T. In this embodiment the channels 18, 19 are also physically parallel, but this is not essential.

The initial deflector arrangement 10 is shown in greater detail in Figure 12. The deflector arrangement 10 comprises a deflection member 13 and an actuator 32. The actuator 32 is adapted to move the deflection member 13 to deflect the coin 3 during free fall along either a first path (indicated at A) to the left-hand coin channel 18 or along a second path (indicated at B) to the right-hand coin channel 19.

The actuator 32 is a two-position solenoid actuator such that it can position the deflector member 13 in either a first position or a second position. The deflector member 13 comprises a first-position deflection portion 13a and a second-position deflection portion 13b, which are respectively exposed to the coin channel 16 in each of the first and second positions.

Thus, in the first position, the first-position deflection portion 13a of the deflector arrangement 10 is exposed to the input channel 16. The first-position deflection portion 13a is shaped so as to allow the coin to pass into the first path A and to block the coin entering the second path B. Similarly, in the second position, the second-position deflection portion 13b of the deflector 10 is exposed to the input channel 16. The second-position deflection portion 13b is shaped so as to allow the coin to pass into the second path B and to block the coin entering the first path A.

As can be seen from Figure 12, the first-position deflection portion 13a is a substantially straight and vertical member that is located with the initial coin separator housing 5 such that the coin 3 falls directly downwards into a left-hand coin channel 18 of the output coin separator module T. The second-position deflection portion 13b is curved and shaped to block the coin 3 from falling downwards and instead direct it at an angle, to the right, into a right-hand coin channel 19 of the output coin separator module 1’6.

The output coin separator module T comprises a housing defining two coin channels 18, 19, each of which has six output ports 26r, 26I, 28r, 28I, 30r, 30I. The output coin separator module T further comprises second and third deflector arrangements 14, 14’ disposed within the housing.

Each second and third deflector arrangements 14, 14’ are respectively adjacent to one of the output ports 26r, 26I, 28r, 28lin each channel 18, 19, which will be referred to as the second deflector output port 26r, 26I and the third deflector output ports 28r, 28I of the respective channel 18, 19, such that the second and third deflectors 14, 14’ can deflect a coin in either coin path 18, 19 out of the respective output.

Specifically, the second deflector arrangement 14 is adjacent the second deflector output port 26I of the left-hand coin channel 18 and the second deflector output port 26r of the right-hand coin channel 19, and the third deflector arrangement^’ is adjacent the third deflector output port 28I of the left-hand coin channel 18 and the third deflector output port 28r of the right-hand coin channel 19.

If the coin 3 is not deflected by either of the second or third deflector arrangements 14, 14’ then it will continue in free fall until it leaves the output coin separator module T via the lower output port 30r, 30I of the respective channel 18, 19.

As seen in figure 23, in this embodiment, one of the lower output ports 30r, 30I direct the coin to a hopper or cash box, and the other may direct the coin 3 to a return area. However, it is expected that multiple output coin separators 6 will be connected in series such that the lower output ports 30I, 30r may connect respectively to the input ports of a subsequent output coin separator (not shown).

The second and third deflector arrangements 14, 14’ are substantially the same and so, for brevity, only the second output deflector arrangement 14 will be described in detail.

Figure 13 shows a detailed view of the second deflector arrangement 14. The deflector arrangement 14 comprises a deflection member 15 and an actuator 32. The actuator 32 is adapted to move the deflection member 15 to deflect the coin 3 during free fall out of the respective deflector outlet port 26r, 26I whilst it is travelling along either the left-hand coin channel 18 (when it reaches the location indicated at C) or the right-hand coin channel 19 (when it reaches the location indicated at D).

The actuator 32 is a two-position actuator such that it can position the deflection member 15 in either a first position or a second position. The deflection member 15 comprises a first deflection portion 151 and a second deflection portion 15r, which are respectively positioned adjacent to the left-hand and right-hand coin channels 18, 19. When the coin separator module T is installed, the actuator 32 will extend and retract the deflector member 15 in a substantially horizontal direction.

Each of the deflection portions 15r, 151 is shaped so as to be exposed to the respective channel 18, 19 in one of the actuator positions and to be substantially clear of the respective channel 18, 19 in the other of the actuator positions. Thus, in one position the coin 3 is deflected by the deflection portion 34 out of the respective deflector outlet port 26, and in the other, the coin 3 can pass along the coin channel 18, 20 to the next deflector 14. The deflector member 15 has deflection portions 15r, 151 with a spoon like shape, which allows the coins to be accelerated in comparison of a deflector member with a fan like or flap shape.

In the arrangement shown in Figure 13, the left-hand deflector portion 151 is axially offset (in the direction of actuator movement) from the right-hand deflector portion 15r.

With this arrangement, in a first deflector position (when the actuator is retracted), the left-hand deflector portion 151 is exposed to the coin channel and the right-hand deflector portion 15r is clear of the channel. In the first position, a coin in the left-hand channel 18 will be directed out of the second deflector output port 26I, and a coin 3 in the right-hand channel 19 will pass in front of the right-hand deflector portion 15r without contacting it.

In a second deflector position (when the actuator is extended), the left-hand deflector portion 151 is clear of the left-hand coin channel 18 and the right-hand deflector portion 15r is exposed of the left-hand coin channel 19. Thus, in the second deflector position, a coin in the left-hand coin channel 18 will pass behind of the left-hand deflector portion 151 without contacting, and a coin 3 in the right-hand coin channel 19 will be directed out of the right-hand deflector output port 26r.

The deflector member 15 further comprises a channel separation member 15a, which is positioned between the deflection portions 15r, 151 to prevent a coin from inadvertently moving between coin channels 18, 19.

Figures 14 to 16 show vertical cross sections through the coin recycler 1 and coin separator module T described above.

Figure 14 illustrates a cross section showing the input channel 16 of the initial separator housing 5. The deflection member 13 of the first deflector arrangement 10 is not shown in this view, but the cut-out in the panel that defines the front wall of the input channel 16 can be seen. As will be apparent, a coin 3 travelling along the input channel 16 can be deflected into either the left-hand coin channel 18 or the right-hand coin channel 19.

Figure 15 illustrates a cross section showing the right-hand coin channel 19. The second deflection portion 15r of the second deflector member 15 extends into the right-hand coin channel 19 such that a coin in this channel 19 would be deflected out of the second deflector output port 26r.

Figure 16 illustrates a cross section showing the left-hand coin channel 18. The first deflection portion 151 of the second deflector member 15 is clear of the left- hand coin channel 18 such that a coin in this channel 19 would continue past the second deflector arrangement 14. The third deflector arrangement 14’ is similarly clear of the left-hand coin channel 18 and so a coin passing through the left-hand coin channel 18 would leave via the left-hand lower output port 30I.

The default positions of the deflectors 10, 14, 14’ are such that, when they are unpowered, a coin falls directly through the coin recycler 1 amnd coin separator module T without being deflected. In the illustrated embodiment, all of the deflectors 10, 14, 14’ have a default extended position, such that a coin fall vertically along the left-hand coin channel 18 and out of the left-hand lower output port 30I when none of the actuators 32 are powered.

Furthermore, the deflectors 10, 14, 14’ are arranged such that, when they are unpowered, each of the deflectors blocks the right-hand coin channel 19 to the hopper. Thus, when the coin recycler 1 is unpowered, access to the hopper is blocked.

As seen in figure 17, in order to separate the coins into a greater number of paths, existing coin recycler 1 has chained-together a number of coin separator modules T, 1”, T” such that the third output 30I, 30r of one coin separator module T connects to the input of a subsequent coin separator module 1”, T”. As discussed above, the coin recycler 1 is provided with separate modular components such that multiple coin separator modules 1 , T, 1”, 6’” can be chained together to provide the desired number of outputs. This is illustrated in Figure 17 and 21.

Figures 18A and 18B illustrate the attachment means for mounting the output coin separator module T to the main housing of the coin recycler 1.

The means comprise at least one (and preferably at least four) resilient projection(s) 38 formed on the output coin separator module T and corresponding recess(es) 39 formed on the main housing of the coin recycler 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the projections 38 are in the form of“Mickey Mouse ears” comprising a round spring head shaped to engage with the corresponding recess 39. Thus, locking of the output coin separator module T to the coin recycler l ean be achieved without the use of screws.

The output coin separator module T may further comprise recesses 39 on the lower side such that a subsequent output coin separator module 1” including corresponding projections 38 can be connected to the end of the output coin separator module T to form a chain. Further, it will be appreciated that the projections 38 and recesses 39 may be provided on the opposite sides such that the coin recycler 1 includes the projections 38 and the output coin separator module T includes the recesses 39.

Fig. 20 represents a perspective view of a single controlled 4 coins ways deflector arrangement, were 107 and 108 represent the infrared gate to detect if the coin passed or not; the 12b represent an embodiment of the coin deflector that eliminate eventual coins taking the wrong direction and also as a base rail when the coins are not falling but instead are sliding. ln Fig. 21 the coin recycler 1 and coin separator modules 1’ are positioned in cascade mode, the devices 6a, 6b, 6c represent a cascade connection, were 6d and 6e represents two halves of the same 6a that in some case can be applied in this limited format, both mounted or one only per sides; in this specific case of single coin format each will have a solenoid to activate the half deflector.

Two single coin separator modules in line can be positioned under a 3.5” frame format coin detector below acceptance channel and rejection channel to extend and redirect the coins path in a preferred configuration. Were a good coin can be directed via the rejection channel in a different path through the same rejection channel, in this case on the front right.

Fig. 22 represents different embodiments of the deflector member. The left side of a first embodiment of the deflector member 14 is normally open to freefall coins; the right side deflects when coins fall at 90 to 170 degrees. A second embodiment of the deflector 14b describes the right deflector part with an additional deflector to that coin recycler 1 either diagonal or horizontal position functions as coin rail. The embodiment 14c and 14d are specular sets to adapt when and where the machine is switched off and the coins eventually inserted by mistake are falling out accordingly to the individual mechanical set left or right“escrow”.

Although the preferred embodiment of the con recycler is in a vertical set up, it can be positioned tilted of certain degrees (e.g., between 15-90 degrees) to function properly, more the inclining and faster the coin, were the coins are sliding for gravity effect, more tilting towards vertical position faster the coins goes.

In Fig. 23 the coin recycler has a coin separator module reversed 180 degrees reversed; were the coins can be feed by mean of a cup 90. It is known that a cup, a hopper and or a belt can accelerate coins up to 3 to 8 coins second; the device can function on flat position, vertical position and in between.

It is appreciated that the cascade device it is novel and extremely compact with only one solenoid actuator to separate 4 coins, provided the coin detector is attached; therefore, in a preferred chained Euro we have 8 Euro coins to sort, therefore preferred configuration is with the coin detector described in the Spanish patent 201830598, specifically designed for this high speed and 4 devices of single deflector each.

In accordance with the herein above described coin sensors with modular separators, the whole system can be seen as a sorting / dispenser device when below the separators some hoppers or dispensing tubes or containers are used, a coin can be identified and directed to an appropriate output using less vertical free fall distance than existing systems.

It will be appreciated that whilst the output coin separator modules 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d has been described herein as a modular component, it may instead be formed as a single coin separator unit integral with the initial coin validation module 7, or as a coin recycler unit that is further integral with the coin validation module 7, without departing from the present invention. Such units may optionally provide the functionality of multiple coin separator module 1’ as described above to separate a greater number of coin types.

Furthermore, in another embodiment, either the lower output separator module 1’ or the actuators within the separator module 1’ could be mounted at 180 degree rotation, to allow the coins to be output from the back of the coin recycler, instead of the front, which may be more convenient in a more complex system.