Abstract:
A horizontal disk-type coin hopper is provided that reduces the propensity for coins to be standing on the rotating disk and improves coin pickup. The hopper prevents coin bridging and the coin interlocking phenomenon in a hopper tank. The coin hopper includes the tank with a pot shape for storing a plurality of coins and the disk ( 52 ) which is positioned substantially horizontally at the inner bottom of the tank. The disk rotates freely. A hole is opened in the disk and provides a passage for coins positioned in a horizontal state. The hopper has a mechanism for releasing coins with a stirring body ( 10 ) which is on the top surface of the disk and is arranged on the turn center position of the disk.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to hopper equipment for compulsorily releasing a plurality of coins one by one and more particularly, the invention concerns coin hopper equipment for releasing a plurality of coins stored in a loose condition with a tank, which constitutes an upper part of hopper equipment, for storing a plurality of coins in a loose condition. The terminology “coin” used in this specification relates to a disk like element including a coin which is currency as well as disks such as medals and tokens, etc. used for game machines. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Various coin hopper machines have been developed. For example, coin issuing equipment has been shown in Japanese Patent Application No. 6-281113 by this applicant of the present application. Japanese Patent Application No.6-281113 laid-opened as a patent publication as Japanese Patent Disclosure No.8-110960 discloses hopper equipment which is similar to the above-mentioned coin issuing equipment. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, this hopper equipment has a pot-shaped tank  31  for containing a plurality of coins in a loose condition. This tank  31  is a molded product formed of synthetic resin. Opening  32 , which is at an upper part of tank  31 , is formed as a large square ring shape. Opening  33 , which is at a lower part of tank  31 , is formed in a little small circular ring shape. Between these openings  32  and  33 , slope division  34  is formed integrally like a pot base. On a lower edge of inner wall of bottom opening  33 , groove  35  is formed along all circumferential surfaces (refer to FIG.  8 ). Then, along this groove  35 , a circular disk  41  is mounted freely rotatable. In other words, circular disk  41  closes bottom opening  33  of tank  31 rotation-freely. Disk  41  is a member which issues a plurality of coins C one by one from tank  31 , as described later. At a part of groove  35 , an exit  36  of coin C is formed and communicates to the outside. That is to say, by notching a part of opening  33  which forms groove  35 , exit  36  of coin C is formed. Rotating shaft  42  is intruded into disk  41  at the center (refer to FIG.  8 ). Disk  41  is rotated by this rotating shaft  42 . In addition, on whole disk  41 , coin catching holes  43  are formed in circumferential and at regular intervals. 
     On the underside of disk  41 , nails  44  for issuing coin C out of exit  36  are formed (refer to FIG.  8 ). A boxy member shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is a base mount equipment  45 . In this base mount equipment  45 , gear train and an electric motor, etc. for driving rotating shaft  42  are stored (not shown). 
     On the lower edge of bottom opening  33 , triangle flanges  37  are formed at the outside (refer to FIG.  7 ). On these flanges  37 , shaped holes or keyholes  38  are provided. Headed shafts (not shown) are inserted on base mount equipment  45 . Thus, with existing keyholes  38  and headed shafts, tanks  31  is installed on base mount equipment  45 . In the example shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, coins C fall and pile up in holes  43 . When disk  41  is rotated, most lower coins C are caught in catching hole  4  is slide and are moved on the upper surface of base mount equipment  45  by means of nail  44 . Then and finally, coin C is guided by regulation pin (not shown) and will be discharged from exit  36  to the equipment outside. However, in the above-mentioned prior art, there was a defect in which coins C did not fall in catching holes  43 , since there was the height  3 H (see FIG. 8) in bottom opening  33  of tank  31 . There was a problem in which a large number of coins C were standing in a stabilized position, since the height  3 H of tank inner wall  39  which surrounded disk  41  was large (see FIG.  8 ). 
     When a plurality of coins C are standing stabilized on the disk  41 , this is referred to herein as a “coin train” (see FIG.  8 ). When a plurality of coins C are stacked and stabilized on the disk  41 , this is referred to herein as a “coin column” (not shown). Also, a combination of a coin train and a coin column may also form on the disk  41 . 
     An invention which solved this defect is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No.9-36832 in the name of the present applicant. Japanese Patent Application No.9-36832 laid-open in patent publication as Japanese Patent Disclosure No.10-208099. The invention of Japanese Patent Application No.9-36832 relates to a fact that if height  3 H of tank inner wall  39  which surrounded disk  41  was made small a coin C would not stand up. However, there occurred the problem that coin pickup was poor, when the height of tank bottom wall which surrounded coin extrusion disk was made small. When the height of tank bottom wall which surrounded the disk was made small, there occurred a problem that coins danced and did not fall into catching hole of this disk. Especially, when the number of coins in the tank decreases, there was a problem that the coins greatly danced, since the tank bottom wall did not have sufficient height. 
     SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the invention to provide a hopper which avoids problems of the prior art and reduces coin dancing as and improves coin pickup. 
     It is an object of the present invention to prevents the standing condition of a large number of coins and prevents the dancing of a small number of coins. In the first embodiment, comparatively small coins were used, coins with diameter of about 25 millimeters were used. In the second embodiment 2, comparatively large coins are used, coins with diameter of about 30 millimeters were used in the second embodiment. Similarly, in a third embodiment, comparatively large coins are used, coins with diameter of about 30 millimeters were used in the third embodiment 3. 
     According to the invention, coin hopper equipment is provided comprising at least a tank with an almost pot shape for storing a plurality of coins and a freely rotatable disk provided on the inner bottom of the tank. The height of bottom wall of the tank in which the disk is arranged freely rotatably has level differences. The coin hopper equipment height of bottom wall in the tank may have two large and small level differences. The large height part of the bottom wall in the tank may be about {fraction (1/12)} or more of the whole bottom wall. 
     According to another aspect of the invention a coin hopper equipment comprises a tank with a pot shape for storing a plurality of coins and a disk which is located in horizontal at the inner bottom of the tank and provided freely rotatably. A hole is opened in the disk and forms a passage for passing the coins in a horizontal state. A stirring body is provided on the top surface of the disk and arranged on the turn center position of the disk. 
     The surface of the stirring body may have a frictional surface. The stirring body may be fixed on the disk. The stirring body may be freely rotatably mounted on the disk. The stirring body may be braked by a brake device. 
    
    
     The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its uses, reference is made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     In the drawings: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view which summarily shows an embodiment 1 according to the invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a right side view of the device shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is a plan view of the device shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross sectional view taken along line  4 — 4  of FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 5 is a cutaway perspective view which shows a main section of the part shown in FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 6 is a plan view which summarily shows another embodiment according to this invention; 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view which summarily shows a prior art device; 
     FIG. 8 is a summary sectional view of the device shown in FIG. 7; 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective cutaway view which shows a second embodiment according to the invention; 
     FIG. 10 is a sectional view in which an expanded main section of the device of FIG. 9 is shown; 
     FIG. 11 is a sectional view which shows the a third embodiment according to the invention; 
     FIG. 12 is an enlarged sectional view which shows a main section of the device shown in FIG. 11; 
     FIG. 13 is an explanatory view which observes FIG. 12 from the top; 
     FIG. 14 is a perspective view which shows a second practical example of agitation body; 
     FIG. 15 is a perspective view which shows a third practical example of an agitation body; and 
     FIG. 16 is a sectional view which shows the third practical example of the agitation body. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to the drawings in particular, the embodiment which is shown in FIG. 1 is characterized by a tank  11  which becomes has an almost pot shape for containing a large number of coins in a bulk condition. This tank  11  is a molded product of synthetic resin. An opening  12  which is an upper part of tank  11  is a large angle barrel shape. An opening  13  which is a lower part of tank  11  is a small circular ring shape. Between these top and bottom openings  12  and  13 , slope divisions  14  and  15  are provided as a part of the pot base, formed integrally therewith. 
     Opening  13  of the internal base is provided with a circular disk  21 . Disk  21  is mounted freely rotatable (see FIG.  3 ). In other words, bottom opening  13  is closed by the freely rotatable disk  21 . Disk  21  is for issuing, by pushing out, each one of coins to the outside of tank  11 , as described later. At the bottom opening  13  a coin exit  16  is communicatively formed. Coin exit  16  is formed by notching a part of bottom opening  13  (see FIG.  2 ). Rotating shaft  22  is intruded into the center of disk  21  (refer to FIG.  3 ). Disk  21  is rotated by this rotating shaft  22 . In addition, in whole disk  21 , coin catching holes  23  are formed in circumferential regular-intervals. On the underside of disk  21 , nails or protuberances  24 , for urging a coin to exit  16 , are formed (refer to FIG.  4 ). 
     At the inner circumferential surface wall of bottom opening  13 , a part wall near exit  16  is formed as a high wall H and the remainder part wall is formed as a low wall L (refer to FIG.  4 ). In this practical example, half of the inner circumferential surface wall of bottom opening  13  is formed with the high wall H and another half is formed with the low wall L. In other words, within 360 degrees of circumference wall of bottom opening  13 , high wall H occupies 180 degrees. Still, high wall H is formed integrally with narrow slope division  15 , and low wall L is formed integrally with wide slope division  14 . This provides level difference division S with two slope divisions  14  and  15  formed integrally. 
     A boxy member which is shown in FIG. 1 below is a base mount equipment  25 . In this base mount equipment  25 , an electric motor  26  and gear train, etc. (not shown) for driving rotating shaft  22 , are located. 
     In the above-mentioned practical example, coins fall and pile up in catching hole  23 , when disk  21  is rotated. The most bottom coin of overlapped coins slides and is moved on upper surface  27  of base mount equipment  25 , by protuberance  24 . Then, with guidance by regulation pins (not shown), the coin will be released from exit  16  to the equipment outside (refer to the arrow in FIG.  2 ). In accordance with this practical example, the coin will be smoothly paid out from exit  16 , even if coins in tank  11  inside are large in quantity. That is to say, in this practical example, a large number of coins that stand are not stabilized, since about half of inner circumference wall of bottom opening  13  is low wall L. For example, about ⅕ or less of the coin diameter is a desirable dimension for the height of low wall L from disk  21 . In this case, since a large number of coins do not stand up and topple down, coins fall into catching holes  23  and then are smoothly paid out into exit  16 . And, in accordance with this practical example, the coin will be smoothly paid out from exit  16 , even if coins in tank  11  are small in quantity. In this practical example, coins do not dance greatly, since about half of the inner circumference wall of bottom opening  13  is high wall H. For example, about ½ or more of the coin diameter is a desirable for the height of high wall H from this disk  21 . 
     A tank  51  is shown in FIG. 6 as a second practical example. This tank  51  has a high wall  5 H which may be about {fraction (1/12)} of an inner circumferential wall of the bottom opening  53 . The dancing of coins decreases, even if a high wall  5 H occupies 30 degrees within 360 degrees of a circumferential wall of bottom opening  53 . Though it is also based on coin size, high wall H can occupy a range of 30 degrees to 330 degrees within 360 degrees of the whole circumference wall. 
     In proportion to this, low wall L will be able to occupy a range of 30 degrees to 330 degrees within 360 degrees of whole circumference wall. In this practical example, though two kinds of high wall H and low wall L are chosen, it is of course advantageous that a third middle wall is formed. As described above, by addition of simple composition, it is possible that this invention smoothly discharges all of a large number of coins in tank and can discharge the last one of coins. There is a reduction of coin dance of coins, which improves the pickup efficiency of coins is obtained by this invention. 
     In the first embodiment 1 (refer to FIG.  4 ), comparatively small coins were used. In the first embodiment coins with a diameter of about 25 millimeters were used. In a second embodiment (refer to FIG.  9 ), comparatively large coins are used. Coins having a diameter of about 30 millimeters were used in the second embodiment. Similarly, in a third embodiment 3 (refer to FIG.  11 ), comparatively large coins are used. Coins with diameter of about 30 millimeters were used in the third embodiment 3. In FIGS. 9 and 10, there are respectively shown a structure of coin hopper which is a second practical example according to this invention. 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view which is shown by cutting a part of coin hopper  50  away. FIG. 10 is a sectional view in which an expanded main section of FIG. 9 is shown. A tank  51  of hopper  50  is of a generally pot shape (refer to FIG.  9 ). Upper part  51 U of this tank has a large rectangular tubular shape. Lower part  51 L of the tank has a smaller cylindrical shape. Tank upper part  51 U and tank lower part  51 L are integrally formed with an intermediate part  51 M of a pot shape. 
     Disk  52  is located for rotation in small cylindrical tank lower part  51 L. Upon rotating disk  52 , a plurality of holes  53  for passing the coin are opened at regularly-intervals. It is of course that these coin passing holes  53  have diameters which are a little larger than the pay-out coin diameter. Coin-pass holes  53  are formed with a taper which becomes narrow in approaching the bottom from the top (refer to FIG.  10 ). A thin rib L is formed between adjacent coin-pass holes  53 . A protrusion  54  for agitating is provided as a triangle-like structure projected on the upper surface of disk  52 . On the upper surface at central part of rotating disk  52 , mounting division  56  with a truncated cone state is formed. At a lower portion of FIG. 10 a collar  57  is shown. This collar  57  is fit on the output shaft  59  of speed reducer  58 , and is fixed by means of press screw  60 . Disk  52  is fit on the output shaft  59  of speed reducer  58 , by intervening open hole  61  of mounting division  56 . Rotating disk  52  is positioned on an upper surface of collar  57 . The head of output shaft  59  has a screw hole  62 . Within this screw hole  62 , screw division  64  at the lower of mounting body  63  is fit. The upper part of mounting body  63  is formed in cylindrical with bottom. With this structure, rotating disk  52  is fixed on output shaft  59 . Concretely, stage division  63 A of mounting body  63  presses upper surface  56 U of mounting division  56  and then fixes them. By this fixation, rotating disk  52  is located in a level state. 
     The outer diameter of the pipe with bottom  63 U of mounting body  63  is smaller than the upper surface  56 U of mounting division  56 . At the underside of rotating disk  52 , a convex section  52 P for issuing the coin is formed. This convex sections  52 P sends out a coin to a disposition mouth (not shown), by sliding the coin on base  65  which fell into the hole  53 . A frame  67  at the lower portion on FIG. 9 supports the base  65 . An electric motor  66  at the lower portion of FIG. 10 drives speed reducer  58 . An elastic rod body  70  is shown at the upper portion of FIG. 10. A spiral coil spring  68  is supported on the rod body  70 . A lower end of the rod body  70  is inserted into a hole with bottom  63 B of mounting body  63 , and is fixed by means of split pin  69 . On the upper end of the elastic rod body  70 , an upper end of the spiral coil  68  is fixed by tightening. A lower end of the spiral coil  68  is similarly fixed on lower the end of the rod body  70  by tightening. A large number of comparatively large coins may be placed in tank  51  in a loose condition. A plurality of the lowermost coins are positioned on rotating disk  52 . 
     The operation of this second practical example is explained below. 
     At the start of operation the rotation of motor  66  causes the disk  52  to rotate at a desired speed. With this rotation, the coins which are put on disk  52  are stirred by protrusion  54  and spiral coil  68 . By this agitation, coins fall into holes  53  respectively, when the coins on the holes  53  come to lie in a state parallel to disk  52 . Coins which fall in hole  53  reach base  65 . After this, the coin is sent out to the dispensing mouth, by being pushed by convex section  52 P at the underside of disk  52 . The spiral coil  68  is rotated with disk  52  (as they are connected together for rotation). A coin which invaded between winding of coil  68  is pushed up and is stirred. When a part of coin contacts the protrusion  54 , a coin is issued and stirred by the rotation of protrusion  54 . Like this, coins in tank  51  are compulsorily stirred. Using the hopper of second practical example, the dispensation of a comparatively large number of coins is efficiently out. Using the hopper of this practical example, in the case of large coins, the frequency of non-pay-out is remarkably decreased. The hopper of this practical example avoids a coin bridge and interlocking phenomenon which are reasons of non-pay-out, thereby providing an improvement in function. 
     As mentioned above and in this practical example, spiral coil  68  is rotated, integrating with disk  52 . When a plurality of coins C stand on the rib L between adjacent holes  53 , the coins may be rotated with disk  52  (refer to chain lines of FIG.  10 ). In such condition, it arises a phenomenon in which a coin train C lines up on disk  52  and closes holes  53 . Also, between disk  52  and tank tube portion  51 L (see FIG.  9 ), a plurality of coins C are sandwiched. Then, the plurality of coins C sandwiched act as a support rod, and the rotation of disk  52  may be stopped. Such interlocking phenomenon between disk  52  and tank tube portion  51 L also rarely arises. In other words, if coin train does not arise on thin rib L, coin bridge and interlocking phenomenons will not happen. Further, when coins C stand up on disk  51 , a coin C does not come into position between windings of spiral coil  68  (refer to FIG.  10 ). The standing coins C may be nudged by the circumference of spiral coil  68 . However, since spiral coil  68  is used, the frictional force is small and a force which can shift the coin train C is not generated. Therefore, the coin train grows such that bridge and interlocking phenomenons may generate, as above-mentioned. Also, by extending a lower end of spiral coil  68 , it is considered that the lower end is placed on the upper surface  56 U of mounting division  56 . In this case, the contact friction force with coin C is small also, a force which can shift coin C does not seem to arise. 
     FIG. 11 is a sectional view which shows the whole of a third practical example according to this invention. FIG. 12 is an enlarged section view which shows a main section of FIG.  11 . FIG. 13 is an explanatory view which observes FIG. 12 from the top. FIG. 14 is a perspective view which shows a second practical example of agitation body. FIG. 15 is a perspective view which shows a third practical example of agitation body. FIG. 16 is a sectional view which shows the third practical example of agitation body. This third practical example according to this invention has been developed in order to solve further problems including some problems in the second embodiment. To begin with, on the interior wall of tank  51 , an elastic rod  7  which is made of rubber is installed to trail on the disk  52  (refer to FIG.  13 .  11 ). With this rod  7 , the coin which is riding on the outer peripheral portion of disk  52  and turning with this disk is removed. In the tube portion  51 L at bottom of tank  51 , large tapered holes are opened from outside, and small balls  5  are freely rotatably embedded into the holes and pressed by means of springs  3  (refer to FIG.  11 ). Installing these balls  5 , a plurality of coins are not sandwiched between disk  52  and tank tube portion  51 L. Further, at the upper part of rotation axis of disk  52 , agitation body  10  which is made of rubber is fixed (see FIG.  12 ). By the friction of rotating agitation body  10 , the coin train and/or column on rib L between near holes  53  of disk  52  are destroyed. As this practical example is an improvement of second practical example, same reference numbers are used at same parts. Reference number  10  which is a ring shape at the center on FIG. 12 is an agitation body. Agitation body  10  consists of a friction body  11  which is formed a discus shape and a cylindrical bush  12  which is adhered to cavity division in friction body  11 . Friction body  11  of FIG. 12 is made of polyurethane rubber. The top and bottom edges on friction body  11  are chamfered, and center circumference division  11 M thereof is formed in a cylinder. The peripheral plane S on center circumference division  11 M is parallel with rotation axis of disk  52 , and has a width in a height direction. Bush  12  of agitation body  10  is freely rotatably fitted on mounting body  63 . An upper end portion  68 U of spiral coil  68  is pressed to be fixed on elastic rod body  70 . A lower end portion  68 L of spiral coil  68  is formed a little largely than the outer diameter of elastic rod body  70 . Therefore, lower end portion  68 L of coil can be moved up and down along elastic rod body  70 . And, lower end portion  68 L presses the upper surface of agitation body  10  by spring force of spiral coil  68 . By this spring pressure, a frictional force is generated between lower end portion  68 L of coil and upper surface of agitation body  10 . Similarly and by this spring pressure, a frictional force is generated between upper surface of mounting portion  56  and underside of agitation body  10 . Therefore, agitation body  10  is rotated around the mounting body  63 , when an external force over a specified value (above a threshold) is applied thereto. 
     The lower end portion of spiral coil  68  and upper surface of agitation body  10  constitute a primary braking device  15 . Also, the upper surface of mounting portion  56  and the underside of agitation body  10  constitute a second braking device  16 . A peripheral plane S is located on perpendicular line T which extends from edge F of coin passing hole  53  near mounting portion  56  (refer to FIG.  12 ). It is of course advantageous that the position of peripheral plane S may be near the perpendicular line T. The length of horizontal direction of peripheral plane S is formed such that a coin center may contact thereto, when the coin C is standing on disk  52 . It is also advantageous that the length of horizontal direction of periphery plane S is formed to be long, in order to correspond to a plurality of kinds of coins with different diameters. 
     Referring to FIGS. 11 to  13 , operation of this practical example is explained below. 
     As with the second practical example, a plurality of coins C which contact disk  52  are issued, when the disk  52  is rotated. A part of the plurality of coins C are compulsorily pushed out and stirred by coin passing holes  53  and protrusions  51 T. A part of plurality of coins C, which came into position between windings of spiral coil  68 , are stirred by moving them to the upper part thereof. 
     When a plurality of coins C stand up and become a train on rib L of rotating disk  52 , the coin contacts periphery plane S of agitation body  10  (see FIG.  13 ). In the meantime, the train of plurality of coins C which are standing up are rotated in an arrow U direction (FIG.  13 ), being integrated with disk  52 . When the plurality of rotated coins contact the tube portion  5 IL of tank  51 , a force O which has the direction for stopping rotation is generated. Also, when the plurality of rotated coins contact other coin in stationary state, a force O which has the direction for stopping rotation is generated. Therefore, coin C 1  which has contacted periphery plane S of agitation body  10  is moved by the frictional force of agitation body  10  (refer to chain lines of FIG.  13 ). On the other hand, other remaining coins C are left there by the rotation-stopping force O. As this result, one coin C 1  disappears from the train of plurality of coins C. Therefore, freedom of movement of coins C in the train becomes higher, and the coin train is destroyed by force O which is applied to from the outside. Accordingly, there is no growth in the train of plurality of coins, and coin bridge and interlocking phenomenon are not generated. 
     When coin C 1  is not moved by agitation body  10 , a force which is over the specified value is applied to agitation body  10 , intervening periphery plane S. When this force exceeds the braking forces of braking means  15  and  16 , agitation body  10  is rotated around the mounting body  63  in the direction of arrow O. In other words, the slip will not be generated between agitation body  10  and coin C 1  which are pressed strongly together. That is to say, the abrasion of agitation body  10  is prevented from occurring. The life will be prolonged, since the agitation body  10  is rotated. When the rotation of disk  52  is repeated, stationary coin C 1  on disk  52  may be moved by timing. Next, a second practical example of agitation body shown on FIG. 14 are explained here. In agitation body  20 , a pipe rod which is made of stainless steel material is used for friction body  11 . In order to obtain a strong friction, knurling tool processing is carried out and small concaves and convexes R are formed on periphery plane S. 
     Even if metal material is used for this, the friction is strong by means of small concave and convexe portions R, when periphery plane S faces and contacts coin C 1 . Therefore, coin C 1  of the coin train edge is accompanied with, in the similar way at first practical example of agitation body. Then, the abrasion is hardly generated, since friction body  11  is made of stainless steel metal. In order to increase the frictional force of periphery plane S, a star shape may be chosen, when friction body  11  is observed from the top. 
     FIGS. 15 and 16 show a third practical example of agitation body. Friction body  11  is formed by a pipe rod which is made of metal such as stainless steel. On periphery plane S, ring-shape grooves  31 A,  31 B and  31 C are formed. Rings  32 A,  32 B and  32 C which are made of polyurethane rubber are fitted into these grooves  31 A to  31 C. In the condition that rings  32 A to  32 C are fitted into grooves  31 A to  31 C, outer peripheral surfaces thereof are slightly projected from periphery plane S. When coin C 1  is pressed, rings  32 A to  32 C are changed and come to the same level as the peripheral plane S, and then friction body  11  receives the pressure force. Accordingly, the friction becomes strong, since coin C 1  is in face contact to rings  32 A to  32 C and periphery plane S. Thus, coin C 1  is accompanied with, just like the primary practical example. Rings  32 A to  32 C are transformed, however, peripheral plane S of friction body  11  receives pressure force of coin C 1 . Therefore, it is advantageous that the wear amount decreases, even if slips occur. A cylindrical coil spring may be adopted by substituting spiral coil  68 . Still, it is of course that a fiber-wound-spindle shape is desirable, since a stirring effect of coins which come to lie in a horizontal condition increases. 
     In a coin hopper which comprises a tank  51  with a pot shape for storing a plurality of coins; a disk  52  which is located in a horizontal position at the inner bottom of the tank and provided for freely rotating; and a hole  53  being opened in the disk and for passing the coins in horizontal state, it has been found that a stirring body  10  which is on the top surface of the disk and arranged on the turn center position of the disk has a big advantage or effect. These advantages occur even if bearing balls  5  are removed from the apparatus shown in FIG.  11 . Similarly, it functions well even if elasticity stick or rod  7  is removed. Moreover, it the device operates well even if the spiral coil  68  and elasticity rod body  70  are removed. 
     Such an alternate embodiment is shown in FIG. 13 in which the stirring body  10  is made of relatively soft rubber, this stirring body can be fixed on the disk  52 . 
     While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the principles of the invention, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.