Disk for coin hopper

#This invention generally relates to coin hopper device for releasing a plurality of coins one by one and relates to coin hopper device which is used for vending machines, moneychangers and game machines. The invention more particularly relates to a coin hopper disk for storing a plurality of coins in a bulk condition and for sending out the coins one by one, wherein the disk is suitable for petals-shaped coins, of which circumferential edges of the generally circular coins are formed to be rugged. The terminology “coin” as used in this specification relates to coins that are currency as well as small disks, medals and tokens used for gamming, etc.

#A coin hopper device is disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Application 51-964 by this applicant. This Japanese Utility Model Application 51-964 is published on Japanese Utility Model Publication 56-52516 and is registered. FIG. 7 is a summarized front view which shows a prior coin hopper which is disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Application 51-964. FIG. 8 is a summary and enlarged perspective exploded view of the subject of FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a summary sectional view which shows the feature of coin hopper on FIG. 8, and a bottom view of a disk thereof.

#This hopper disk 14 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction by an electric motor 3 and gear equipment 4, etc. When disk 14 is rotated, coins within ring 6 provided at the lower part of tank 2 fall into receiving holes 18. The coins which fall into receiving holes 18 are slid on base board 7 and directed toward exit 10. That is to say, the coin on base board 7 is pushed toward exit 10 by means of protrusions 29 and 30 and 31. The coin which is pushed by protrusions 29 and 30 and 31 is released from exit 10 by pins 26 and 27 and 28. The coin discharged from exit 10 pushes a roller 39 of switch arm 38 and falls into shoot 34. Base board 7 is tilted and fixed by leg frame 35. Also, the upper openings of receiving holes 18 are formed in taper planes 19. Pins 26 and 27 and 28 are disposed on a spring plate (not shown).

#In the drawings:

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment according to the invention;

#FIG. 2 is a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

#Referring to the drawings in particular, an overall hopper device of practical example according to this invention is similar in form to the hopper device of FIG. 7 except for different features as shown in FIGS. 1 to 6. Therefore FIG. 1 shows the arrangement according to the invention with a tank (see reference numeral 2 in FIG. 7) for storing a plurality of coins removed. Also, in FIG. 1, a leg frame (see 35 on FIG. 7) which supports a rectangle base board 11 and so on are removed.

#FIG. 1 shows a main section of the hopper device that is a practical example of this invention. Leg frames (not shown) which are used in the practical example of FIG. 1 are a pair of triangular metal plates. At the central part of base board 11, a little short driving shaft 12 extends inwardly (refer to FIG. 3). Deceleration gears 13 for rotating the driving shaft 12 are installed on the back surface of base board 11. Further, an electric motor 15 is arranged on the deceleration gears 13 and is provided as the rotation source for the driving shaft 12.

#A large generally C shape ring 16 is placed about almost the entire circumferential surface of base board 11. A disk 21 for emitting coins is provided within the ring 16, mounted freely rotatably (see FIG. 1). Therefore, the coins will be guided by the inner circumferential surface of ring 16. The circular disk 21 is formed out of a sintered metal. The disk 21 is fitted on the driving shaft 12. The center of the disk has a central part with a D form (FIG. 4). As a result, the disk 21 will be rotated by this driving shaft 12. The disk 21 has, in the example, three openings 22 for accepting the coins. These are spaced regularly with respect to a circumferential extent of the disk 21. On the back surface of disk 21, three sets of protrusions 23, 24 and 25 are provided for issuing the coins.