Abstract:
A disc dispensing apparatus operatively mounts to a disc passageway and includes a moveable guide hole member having a guide hole of an elongated shape and a guiding unit operatively mounted in the guide hole. A resilient unit biases the guiding unit against the movement of the discs and a moving unit is operatively attached to the moveable guide hole member for positioning the elongated guide hole at an angle to an axis of the disc passageway on one side of the disc passageway whereby a disc to be dispensed contacts the guiding unit and displaces the guiding unit along the elongated hole while receiving a counter force from the resilient unit to force the disc to be directed away from the guiding unit to one side of the disc passageway.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to an improvement in a disc dispensing apparatus, which is used to dispense discs aligned in one row with peripheral edges of the discs kept in contact with each other, the discs being selectively dispensed to either the left or right of a guiding passageway. In particular, the invention relates to a modification of an apparatus, which is used for selectively dispensing discs delivered from a coin hopper to left and right of a guiding passageway. 
   2. Description of Related Art 
   As shown in FIG. 13 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,810,655, a conventional apparatus comprises a passageway for guiding discs delivered from a rotary selector disc of a coin hopper aligned in a line. A pair of guide grooves are provided on an extension of the passageway on the left and right of an axial line of the passageway in parallel with the axial line. A guide roller is movable while being guided in the guide grooves, and a moving unit for selectively moving the guide roller in left and right guide grooves is provided. 
   Therefore, when the guide roller is positioned in the left guide groove, a disc is discharged to the right side, and when the guide roller is positioned in the right guide groove, the disc is discharged to the left side. 
   When the position of the guide roller is changed over in this conventional type apparatus, the guide roller must be separated from the disc. 
   When the guide roller is in contact with the disc, the guide roller requires a relatively high force to climb over an arcuate peripheral surface of the disc at a steep angle. To obtain sufficient force to automatically move the guide roller, a solenoid with large capacity may be used, for instance. However, this necessitates the designing of the apparatus in a larger size, and this also results in higher cost. Also, for the purpose of preventing the contact of the guide roller with the disc during the changeover process, it is not possible to freely set the length of the passageway. Also, the length of the passageway must be changed every time the diameter of the disc is changed. This means that a more troublesome working procedure is required. 
   Further, in case the disc dispensing apparatus is used in a game machine, a predetermined number of discs are continuously discharged. The number of the discs discharged often exceeds one million pieces. For this reason, due to the repeated hitting of the pivot axis against the end of the guide groove, the groove suffers a condition of fatigue. It can be protruded in a lateral direction and can hinder smooth movement of the guide roller, and the discs may be not adequately discharged. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   It is a first object of the present invention to provide a disc dispensing apparatus, by which it is possible to freely set a length of a passageway. 
   It is a second object of the present invention to provide a disc dispensing apparatus, by which it is possible to change over the position of the guiding unit by a relatively weak force. 
   It is a third object of the present invention to provide a disc dispensing apparatus of a compact size and at a low cost. 
   It is a fourth object of the present invention to reduce a resilient force applied on the guiding unit as much as possible. 
   To attain the above objects, the present invention provides a disc dispensing apparatus, which comprises a guiding passageway for guiding discs aligned in one line, a guide hole pivotally movable around an axis with an axial line almost perpendicularly crossing the guiding passageway near an outlet of the guiding passageway on an extension of the guiding passageway, guiding unit guided to the guide hole and resiliently pushed toward the guiding passageway, and a moving unit for selectively moving the guide hole in pivotal movement. 
   In the arrangement as described above, the guide hole is pivotally moved around an axis positioned near an outlet of the guiding passageway, and its position is selectively changed over to left or right of the guiding passageway. The guiding unit is guided through the guiding passageway thus changed over and can be moved in a direction separated and away from the guiding passageway. Therefore, the discs driven along the guiding passageway push and move the guiding unit against its resilient force. Immediately after the diameter portion of the disc passes between the demarcated portion of the guiding passageway and the guiding unit, discs are discharged by resilient force of the guiding unit. 
   When the guiding unit is moved while keeping contact with the disc, the guiding unit is moved together with the guiding passageway in a pivotal movement. In other words, the guiding unit is pivotally moved with its center near the outlet of the guiding passageway. 
   On the other hand, the discs positioned in the guiding passageway are placed in such positions that a portion from the center of each disc to a peripheral edge is protruded from the guiding passageway. That is, the radius of curvature of arcuate moving route of the guiding unit is approximately equal to the radius of curvature of arcuate outer edge of the disc. Therefore, when the guiding unit moves while keeping contact with the disc, the guiding unit can climb over the top of the disc only by a weak force. As a result, the guiding unit can move while keeping contact with the disc, and there is no limitation to the length of the guiding passageway. 
   Also, even when the guiding unit is in contact with the disc, the guiding unit can be moved by a weak force. As a result, it is possible to use a small-size actuator. This is advantageous in that the apparatus can be designed in a more compact size and can be produced at lower cost. 
   Further, when the guiding unit is moved by discs, the guiding unit is moved along the guide hole. The guide hole is moved in pivotal movement around a fulcrum near the outlet of the guiding passageway, and it is tilted with respect to the disc passageway. When the guiding unit is moved by the discs, the moving distance is reduced due to this tilting. Therefore, variation in the resilient force applied to the guiding unit is low, and this is advantageous in that the speed of discharge can be kept at constant level. 
   In the present invention, it is preferable that the axis of the pivotal movement is positioned approximately at the middle point between the largest width and the smallest width of the guiding passageway. In this arrangement, width of the guiding passageway is adjusted to suit the diameter of the disc. 
   The fulcrum of pivotal movement is positioned at the middle point of the largest coin and the smallest coin that will be dispensed. As a result, when there is a change in disc diameter, the change at the outlet of the guiding passageway and the moving distance of the guiding unit are at the smallest. This is helpful to ensure uniform discharge of the discs. 
   In the present invention, it is preferable that the guiding unit is a roller, which is rotatable around the pivot axis. In this arrangement, the discs come into contact with the roller when the discs are guided by the guiding unit and are discharged. The roller is brought into rolling contact with peripheral surface of the disc and also in rolling contact with the pivot axis. As a result, moving resistance is low. This ensures smooth discharge of the discs. 
   In the present invention, it is preferable that an end rather than the mounting portion of the guiding unit of the lever acts as an operating piece of a position sensor. 
   In this arrangement, when the position sensor is arranged in a dead space surrounded by the other components, the position sensor can be installed without requiring a design of the apparatus in a larger size. 
   In the present invention, it is preferable that the guiding passageway comprises a base plate, a pair of guide plates arranged in parallel by keeping a gap from the base plate, and a holding plate positioned on the side of the guide plate opposite to the base plate. In this arrangement, it is possible to provide an outlet for discs between an upper end of the guide plate and the guiding unit. This facilitates a simple arrangement for the outlet. As a result, the apparatus can be provided at a low cost. Also, by adequately changing the thickness of the guide plates and/or the distance between them, it is possible to cope with discs of different sizes. 
   In the present invention, it is preferable that the guiding unit comprises a roller rotatable around the pivot axis, and a resilient device exerting action on both ends of the shaft. 
   In this arrangement, frictional resistance to the movement of discs is low, and this ensures smooth discharge of the discs. Also, an approximately uniform bias force is applied on the pivot axis because the resilient device exerts a force on both ends of the pivot axis. As a result, the pivot axis is moved almost in parallel, and the guiding unit is moved smoothly. This also ensures a smooth discharge of the discs. 
   In the present invention, it is preferable that the apparatus comprises a base plate, a pair of guide plates arranged in parallel with a gap from the base plate, a guiding passageway containing a holding plate positioned on the side of the guide plate opposite to the base plate, said apparatus further comprising a lever pivotally supported on a fulcrum near the outlet of the guiding passageway and on one side of the central line of the guiding passageway, a guide hole formed on the lever, a roller rotatable around a pivot axis slidable in the guide hole, and a spring engaged on both ends of the pivot axis. 
   In this arrangement, discs are guided to the guiding passageway and reach the position of the roller, which acts as the guiding unit. The discs further continue to advance while moving the roller away from the guiding passageway. When the portion with the largest diameter of the disc passes between the roller and the guide plate, the disc is vigorously driven out by the roller pushed by the spring, and the disc is discharged through the outlet. When the roller is moved by a pivotal movement of the lever around a fulcrum near the outlet of the guiding passageway, the roller is moved by drawing an arc around the fulcrum. On the other hand, outer periphery of the disc positioned at the outlet is in an arcuate shape, and the arcuate portions have arcs each having almost the same radius of curvature. 
   In this respect, when the roller is moved while keeping contact with an outer peripheral surface of the disc, the roller is rolled with respect to the disc. Further, because the radius of curvature of the outer peripheral surface of the disc is approximately the same as the radius of curvature of the moving arc of the roller, the moving resistance is not high, and it can be moved with a relatively weak force. Then, the disc is brought into contact with the roller and is vigorously discharged through the outlet between the roller pushed by the spring and the other guide plate. 
   This arrangement ensures a smooth discharge of the discs. Because there is only one guiding passageway, and the apparatus has lower thickness and can be designed in a compact size, further, the discs are vigorously discharged by the roller, and the discs are not jammed together. Also, duplicated counting of a single disc can be prevented. Further, this is a simple arrangement, and the cost is reduced. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The objects and features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further objects and advantages, may best be understood by reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
       FIG. 1  is a general perspective view of a coin hopper provided with a dispensing apparatus of an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a front view of a dispensing apparatus of the present embodiment; 
       FIG. 3  is a side view as seen from the right of the dispensing apparatus of the present embodiment; 
       FIG. 4  is a side view as seen from the left of the dispensing apparatus of the present embodiment; 
       FIG. 5  is a rear view of the dispensing apparatus of the present embodiment; 
       FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view along the line X-X in  FIG. 2  when guiding unit of the dispensing apparatus of the present embodiment is positioned at the center of a guiding passageway; 
       FIG. 7  is a drawing to explain front side action when discs are dispensed to left side in the dispensing apparatus of the present embodiment; 
       FIG. 8  is a drawing to explain rear side action when discs are dispensed to right side in the dispensing apparatus of the present embodiment; and 
       FIG. 9  is a schematical drawing to explain operation of the embodiment. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the invention which set forth the best modes contemplated to carry out the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention. 
   In the explanation as given below, the terms “above”, “below”, “left” and “right” are used only to facilitate the explanation. Therefore, for the purpose of understanding the scope of the patent right of the present invention, the expression of the terms “above”, “below”, “left” and “right” are not limited to the above terms. 
   The “disc” used in the present specification includes a coin used as currency, a substitute for coin such as medals, tokens, etc. for use in a game machine, and other objects similar to these. The disc may be designed in any shape such as pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal shape or in a shape similar to a disc. 
   In  FIG. 1 , a coin hopper  10  comprises a frame  12 , a holding bowl  14  designed in a tube-like shape for holding discs D, and a rotary disc (not shown) to deliver the discs D to be rotated at a bottom portion of the holding bowl  14 . The coin hopper  10  is, for example, of the type disclosed in Japanese laid open Application No. 6-150102. 
   An escalator  16  extending upward is fixed on the frame  12 . The escalator  16  comprises a base  18  in a longitudinal rectangular shape, a pair of guide plates (not shown) each in the shape of an elongated plate with a thickness slightly thicker than that of the disc D, and support plates  20  and  22  to be engaged with the guide plates. A distance between the pair of guide plates is slightly longer than a diameter of the disc D. 
   At the center of each of the support plates  20  and  22 , a protruding ridge is formed in a longitudinal direction and is located between said guide plates. A distance between the protruding ridges of the support plates  20  and  22  and the base  18  is slightly thicker than the thickness of the disc D. In other words, it is such a thickness that two discs cannot be overlaid in it. By putting screws  24  into the base  18  to penetrate the support plates  20  and  22  and the guide plates, these components are integrated with each other. 
   An escalator guiding passageway  26  is extending in vertical direction and has a cross-sectional rectangle configuration, which is enclosed by the base  18 , the guide plates and the support plates  20  and  22 . 
   A dispensing apparatus  30  is mounted on an upper end of the escalator  16 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the dispensing apparatus  30  comprises a guiding passageway  32 , guiding unit  34 , a resilient device  36 , a first outlet  38 , a second outlet  40 , and a disc detecting device  42 . 
   First, a description will be given on the guiding passageway  32 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 , a base plate  44  in a rectangular shape with its lower end designed in a crank-like form is arranged in an approximately vertical position. On a front side (right side in  FIG. 3 ) of the base plate  44 , a first guide plate  46  and a second guide plate  48  extend in vertical direction, and these items are arranged in parallel to each other with a predetermined spacing (see  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 7 ). The first guide plate  46  and the second guide plate  48  constitute the guide plates. 
   Each of the first guide plate  46  and the second guide plate  48  is designed in a longitudinal rectangular shape. On the upper end surface of each of the guide plates, a first inclined surface  52  and a second inclined surface  54  are each inclined downward toward an outside position are formed respectively. A distance between the first guide plate  46  and the second guide plate  48  is slightly longer than a diameter of the disc D. When the size of the disc D is changed, the second guide plate  48  can be moved in parallel in a rightward direction in  FIG. 7 . As a result, the distance between the first guide plate  46  and the second guide plate  48  is changed to a distance slightly longer than the diameter of the disc D. 
   A plurality of screws  58  penetrating a rectangular holding plate  56  and the first guide plate  46  are screwed into the base plate  44 , and these are integrated together. Screws  60  penetrate the holding plate  56  and the second guide plate  48  and are screwed into the base plate  44 . 
   Therefore, the base plate  44 , the first guide plate  46 , the second guide plate  48  and the holding plate  56  make up a guiding passageway  32 , which has a rectangular cross-section and is extending in a vertical direction. The width of the guiding passageway  32  is slightly longer than the diameter of the disc D, and its thickness is slightly thicker than the thickness of the disc D. A hole extending in a vertical direction at the center of the holding plate  56  is a peep hole  64  to observe the guiding passageway  32  for maintenance purposes. 
   When the dispensing apparatus  30  is fixed at a tip of the escalator  16 , the first guide plate  46  and the second guide plate  48  are positioned on an extension of the guide plate (not shown) of the escalator  16 . Therefore, the guiding passageway  32  is positioned on an extension of the escalator guiding passageway  26 . As a result, the disc D is pushed up from the escalator guiding passageway  26  toward the guiding passageway  32 . The dispensing apparatus  30  comprises guiding unit  34 , a guiding device  68  of the guiding unit  34 , and a moving unit  70  of the guiding device  68 . The dispensing apparatus  30  has the functions to selectively change over a direction to deliver the disc D to either right or left of the guiding passageway  32 , i.e. toward the first outlet  38  or to the second outlet  40 . It also has a function to limit the movement of the moving disc D and to drive out the disc with a relatively weak force. 
   The guiding unit  34  preferably comprises a roller  74 , which is rotatably mounted on a pivot axis  72 . The guiding unit  34  may be substituted with a fixed pin, but it is preferable to use the roller  74  for the purpose of reducing frictional resistance to the disc D. The roller  74  is made of integrally molded resin, which has high abrasion resistance. As a resin, it is desirable to use a polyacetal resin, which has high shock resistance and high abrasion resistance although other material can be used. 
   As shown in  FIG. 6 , the roller  74  comprises a bearing  76  in cylindrical shape, a bottom portion  73  in a disc-like shape and protruding in a peripheral direction from an end of the bearing  76 , and a contact portion  80  protruding in cylindrical shape so that the bearing  76  is enclosed from the middle of the bottom portion  78 . 
   The bearing  76  is engaged with the pivot axis  72 , and its position is determined by snap rings  82  and  84 , each of which locks a right end and a left end of the bearing on the pivot axis  72  respectively, and the bearing can be rotated with respect to the pivot axis  72  at a predetermined position. 
   It is preferable to arrange a low friction member (not shown) in a ring-like shape between the snap ring  82  and the bottom portion  78 . This is further to ensure smooth rotation of the roller  74 . 
   Next, a description will be given of the guiding device  68  by referring to  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 6 . The guiding device  68  has a function to guide the guiding unit  34  with the roller  74  assembled on the pivot axis  72  so that the guiding unit  34  can be moved with respect to the guiding passageway  32 . A lever  66  is pivotably mounted on a pivot axis  92 , which is arranged near an outlet  90  of the guiding passageway  32 . 
   The pivot axis  92  has its base caulked on the base plate  44  so that its axial line CL perpendicularly crosses the base plate  44 —in other words, the axial line CL crosses perpendicularly the guiding passageway  32 . The pivot axis  92  may be positioned on an extension of the guiding passageway  32  if it is near the outlet  90 . The lever  66  is extending along an axial line PL passing through the pivot axis  92  from the base  96 , which has a bearing  94  rotatably mounted on the pivot axis  92 . On the lever  66 , a guide hole  86  of an elongated linear shape is formed along the axial line PL. 
   The bearing  94  has a length more than twice as long as the diameter of the pivot axis  92  so that the lever  66  can be pivotally moved while maintaining a right angle to the pivot axis  92 . By the guiding unit  34 , the bearing  76  is passed through the guide hole  86 . By applying an end surface of the contact portion  80  on the lever  66  and by applying the snap ring  84  on a rear surface of the lever  66 , the guiding unit  34  can be moved in parallel while it is guided in the guide hole  86 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 7 , the pivot axis  92  is arranged in such manner that it is positioned exactly at the middle point between a central line CL 1  of the guiding passageway  32  to a disc D with the smallest diameter and a central line CL 2  of the guiding passageway  32  to a disc D with the largest diameter. With such an arrangement, it is possible to minimize a force required for movement of the guiding unit  34  despite the fact that the width of the guiding passageway has been changed to suit the diameter of the disc D. 
   The base  96  and the lever  66  are made of an integrally molded resin with high abrasion resistance and high shock resistance, e.g. polyacetal resin. A fan-shaped projection  98  with its center on the pivot axis  92  is arranged at a position to match the base plate  44  of the base  96  and opposite to the guide hole  86 , and it is inserted into a circular hole  100  of the base plate  44 . The circular hole  100  is designed in circular shape with its center on the pivot axis  92 . 
   Each of a left end  102  and a right end  104  of the circular hole  10 . 0  is a stopper of the fan-shaped projection  98 , and prevents overrunning of the projection  98 , i.e. the guiding unit  34 . The lever  66  is moved within a fan-shaped hole  106 , which is formed on the base plate  44  to match an extension of the guiding passageway  32 . 
   Next, a description will be given on the resilient device  36 . The resilient device  36  has a function to resiliently move the guiding unit  34  so that it comes closer to the guiding passageway  32 . The resilient device  36  comprises a first resilient member  112  and a second resilient member  118 . The first resilient member  112  is engaged on a first lock  108  in pin-like shape fixed on the holding plate  56  and on a first locking groove  110  at one end of the pivot axis  72 . 
   The second resilient member  118  is engaged on a second lock  114  in pin-like shape and fixed on the base plate  44  at a position to match the first lock  108  and on a second locking groove  116  on the other end of the pivot axis  72 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the first resilient member  112  and the second resilient member  118  have an identical design and are positioned approximately in parallel to each other. This is to move the roller  74  in parallel as much as possible to ensure smooth discharge of the discs D. 
   In the present embodiment, a spring is used as the material of the first resilient member  112  and the second resilient member  118 , while an alternative rubber material or other equivalent material may be used. That is, resilient member is a general term of a material, which has an elongation and a resilient force approximately proportional to each other. Further, only one resilient member may be used if the guiding unit  34  can be moved in parallel. 
   Next, a description will be given on the disc detecting device  42 . The disc detecting device  42  has a function to sense and detect a disc D, which is discharged from the first outlet  38  and the second outlet  40 . A first elongated mounting hole  122  of a first sensor  120  is formed in parallel to an extension of the guiding passageway  32  on an upper portion of the first guide plate  46  of the base plate  44 . A second elongated mounting hole  126  of a second sensor  124  is formed in parallel to an extension of the guiding passageway  32  on an upper portion of the second guide plate  48 . 
   The first sensor  120  has a function to sense and detect that the disc D driven by the guiding unit  34  has passed through the first outlet  38 . It is preferable to arrange the first sensor  10  in such manner that it can sense and detect a disc D discharged by the guiding unit  34  without being influenced by the disc D positioned at the outlet  90 . Specifically, it is preferable to arrange a sensor along a route where the disc D, downstream of the first outlet  38 , passes through. 
   To avoid damage and friction due to collision of the disc D, it is preferable that a non-contact type sensor such as opto-electrical type or a magnetic type is used as the first sensor  120 . The first sensor  120  used in the present embodiment is an opto-electrical sensor, in which a light projector (not shown) is arranged in one of the disc passageways and a light receiving unit (photodetection unit) (not shown) is arranged on the other of the disc passageways on a body member  128  of downward-directed gate type as shown in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 3 , and  FIG. 6 . Output of the first sensor  120  is used to count the discharged discs D. 
   The second sensor  124  is arranged in the same manner as the first sensor  120 , and it senses and detects the discs D discharged from the second outlet  40 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the guiding unit  34  is positioned in an extended passageway  130  on an extension of the guiding passageway  32 , and it can be selectively positioned on one side of the central line CL 1  or CL 2  of the guiding passageway  32 , i.e. on left side, and on right side as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
   In other words, the position of the guiding unit  34  can be changed by pivotal movement of the lever  66  using the pivot axis  92  of the lever  66  as fulcrun. This relation is not changed even when the second guide plate  48  is moved and the width of the guiding passageway  32  is changed. 
   It is designed in such manner that a distance between a first tip of the first guide plate  46  is shorter than the diameter of the disc D when the guiding unit  34  is positioned on left side (the position shown in  FIG. 7 ), and a distance between a second tip of the second guide plate  48  and the guiding unit  34  is shorter than the diameter of the disc D when the guiding unit  34  is positioned at a right side (the position shown in  FIG. 2 ). In other words, the pivot axis  72  is locked on a lower end  134  of the guide hole  86  at the position as described above. By this setting, it is possible to prevent the unlimited discharge of discs D from the outlet  90 . 
   In case the guiding unit  34  is not a roller, it is preferably made of a material with high abrasion resistance such as stainless steel, ceramics, resin with glass beads, etc. Because the guiding unit  34  and the guiding device  68  are moved by an actuator, it is preferable that these are made of a lightweight material such as resin in order to have higher responsiveness. 
   Next, a description will be given of a moving unit  70  of the dispensing apparatus  30  by referring to  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 8 . On a bracket  136  bent at a right angle toward the rear surface from the base plate  44 , an actuator  138  is fixedly mounted. A solenoid  140  is used as the actuator  138  in the present embodiment, while a fluid actuator, an electric motor, etc, may be used. However, the use of the solenoid  140  contributes to cost reduction. 
   A pin  144  is mounted on a plunger  142  of the solenoid  140  and a compression spring  146  is arranged between the pin  144  and the solenoid  140 , and the plunger  142  is resiliently pushed in a protruding direction (downward direction in  FIG. 5 ). The pin  144 , fixed at the tip of the plunger  142 , is pivotally supported on one end of the lever  148 , which is pivotally supported on a shaft  146  fixed on the base plate  44 . 
   On the other end of the lever  148 , a cam plate  152  with a cam groove  150  is fixed. The cam groove  150  is designed in a crank-like shape, and its upper end serves as a right holding groove  154  and its lower end serves as a left holding groove  156 . A moving groove  158  is provided between these two holding grooves. A pin  160  fixed on rear surface of the base  96  is movably inserted into the cam groove  150 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 8 , when the solenoid  140  is demagnetized, the lever  148  is rotated counterclockwise, and the pin  160  is positioned in the left holding groove  156 . Specifically, it is a condition where the pin  144  is pushed down by the spring  146  and the lever  148  is pivotally moved so that it is approximately at a horizontal position as shown in  FIG. 5 . By this movement, the lever  66  is pivotally moved clockwise, and the guiding unit  34  moves to a left side position as shown in  FIG. 2  When the guiding unit  34  is at the position shown in  FIG. 2 , the disc D is discharged from the second outlet  40 . 
   When the solenoid  140  is magnetized, the plunger  142  is lifted up. As a result, the lever  148  is pivotally moved clockwise as shown in  FIG. 5 . When the lever  148  is tilted in a left downward direction, the pin  160  is positioned in the right holding groove  154 . As a result, the guiding unit  34  is positioned on the right side of the central lines CL 1  and CL 2  as shown in  FIG. 7 . Therefore, the position of the guiding unit  34  is selectively determined by the pin  160 , which is positioned in the right holding groove  154  or in the left holding groove  156 . 
   In this respect, a stopper comprising the circular hole  100  and the projection  98  may not be provided if necessary. Also, the base  96  may be fixed on the pivot axis  92 , and the pivot axis  92  may be rotated by a rotary solenoid or the like. 
   Next, a position sensor  162  will be described. The position sensor  162  has a function to detect whether the guiding device  68  is positioned on the left side or on the right side of the central lines CL 1  and CL 2 . The position sensor  162  comprises a transmission type opto-electrical sensor  164  fixed on an upper end of the base plate  44  and an operating piece  166  extended from an upper end of the lever  66 . 
   When the guiding unit  34  is positioned on the left side of the central lines CL 1  and CL 2 , the operating piece  166  intercepts optical axis of the opto-electrical sensor  164  as shown in  FIG. 5 , and a detection signal is issued. Based on the detection signal, the position of the guiding unit  34  is determined. When the guiding unit  34  is positioned on the right side of the central lines CL 1  and CL 2  as shown in  FIG. 8 , the opto-electrical sensor  164  does not detect the operating piece  166 , and the detection signal is not issued. As a result, the position of the guiding unit  34  is judged. 
   The moving unit  70  has a function to selectively set the position of the guiding unit  34  to the right side or the left side of the central lines CL 1  and CL 2 . Therefore, the moving unit is not limited by the embodiment. For instance, the guiding unit  34  can be positioned on the left side of the central lines CL 1  and CL 2  when the solenoid  140  is demagnetized. 
   When the pivot axis  72  is stopped at a lower end  134  of the guide hole  86 , the contact portion  80  is kept at such position that a distance from a first tip  132  of the first guide plate  46  and a distance from a second tip  133  of the second guide plate  48  are shorter than the diameter of the disc D. However, when it is pushed by the disc D, the distance from the first tip  132  of the first guide plate  46  or the distance from the second tip  133  of the second guide plate  48  is moved at least in an amount equal to the diameter of the disc D, and the disc D can pass through and between these points. 
   As the stopper of the pivot axis  72 , a special-purpose stopper may be used, which is mounted on the base  96  instead of the base  134  so that the position can be adjusted. When the guiding unit  34  is a roller  74 , frictional resistance to the disc D is low, and this provides an effect to promote smooth discharge of the disc D. 
   A reflection type opto-electrical sensor may be used as the disc detecting device  42 . Also, a sensor other than opto-electrical sensor may be used as the disc detecting device  42 . Further, it may be designed in such manner that the movement of the pivot axis  72  or the guiding unit  34  can be detected. In this case, only one sensor may be used for the disc detecting device  42 . 
   Next, a description will be given on the operation of the present embodiment. 
   First, by referring to  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 8 , a description will be given on the operation in the case the guiding unit  34  positioned on the left side of the central lines CL 1  and CL 2  as shown in  FIG. 2 . Specifically, the solenoid  140  is demagnetized and the plunger  142  is pushed down by the spring  146 . The lever  148  is rotated counterclockwise in  FIG. 8 . As a result, the pin  160  is positioned in the left holding groove  156 , As a result, the guiding device  68  is rotated counterclockwise as shown in  FIG. 2 , and the guiding unit  34  is positioned on the left side of the central lines CL 1  and CL 2 . 
   Under this condition, the rotary disc (not shown) is rotated, and the disc D in the holding bowl  14  is moved one by one to the escalator guiding passageway  26 . The discs D are aligned in a row with peripheral surfaces kept into contact with each other in the escalator guiding passageway  26 . The disc D is sequentially pushed upward by a disc D newly delivered from the rotary disc and reaches the guiding passageway  32 . 
   The foremost disc D protrudes from the outlet  90  of the guiding passageway  32  and comes into contact with the contact portion  80  of the roller  74 . Because the position of the roller  74  is deviated to the left side from the central lines CL 1  and CL 2 , the left peripheral surface of a diameter portion of the disc D comes into contact with the roller  74 . Then, the disc D is pushed up further. As a result, the disc D is moved to separate away from the guiding passageway  32  against the resilient force of the first resilient member  112  and the second resilient member  118 . 
   Specifically, as the pivot axis  72  (bearing  76 ) is guided to the guide hole  86  and it is separated away from the guiding passageway  32 , it is moved in a linear direction to separate from the central lines CL 1  and CL 2 . When the disc D is brought into contact with the contact portion  80 , it is pushed by a force F 4  from a contact point P 1  of the disc D as shown in  FIG. 9 . Because the direction of the force F 4  is approximately aligned with a straight line L 1 , which passes through the center CC of the disc D and the contact point P 1 , this is approximately aligned with elongating direction of the guide hole  86 . 
   Therefore, a component force of the bearing  76  to push against the side wall of the guide hole  86  does not or is very slight. 
   By resilient force of the first resilient member  112  and the second resilient member  118 , the bearing  76  receives the component force applied to the outer edge of the guide hole  86 . However, the component force is very weak because the forces of the first resilient member  112  and the second resilient member  118  form a very small angle with the central lines CL 1  and CL 2 . In other words, when the pivot axis  72  moves within the guide hole  86 , its resistance to movement is very low. The roller  74  comes into contact at a position on the right side (in  FIG. 2 ) from the center CC of the disc D. As a result, the disc D is sandwiched between the second tip  133  of the second guide plate  48  and the roller  74 , and it is guided in a rightward direction. 
   As shown by one-dot chain line in  FIG. 9 , a force F 5  is exerted on the guiding unit  34  via the contact point P 2  immediately before the disc D is driven by the guiding unit  34 . This force F 5  is positioned on a straight line L 2 , which passes through the second tip  133  of the second guide plate  48  and the center CC of the disc D, and it is tilted with respect to the axial line PL of the guide hole  86 . Therefore, a component force F 6  of this force F 5  and component forces of resilient forces of the first resilient member  112  and the second resilient member  118  are applied on the side wall  170 . That is, as the guiding unit  34  moves away from the guiding passageway  36 , the component force applied on the outer edge  170  is increased. 
   In the conventional type apparatus, a component force is applied on the side wall from an early stage when the disc D comes into contact with the guiding unit  34 . Thus, the guiding unit  34  does not move very smoothly. In the present embodiment, however, the component force is not applied or is very slight when the disc D is first brought into contact with the guiding unit  34 . Therefore, the guiding unit  34  moves smoothly. Also, the guiding unit  34  moves in a traverse direction and in an extending direction in  FIG. 2  with respect to the disc D. In particular, the displacement in a traverse direction is high because the guide hole  86  is tilted with respect to the central lines CL 1  and CL 2 . Therefore, the amount of extension of the first resilient member  112  and the second resilient member  118  is lower than in the conventional type apparatus. 
   In other words, the displacement of the roller  74  is low in the present embodiment, This makes it possible to reduce the resilient force of the first resilient member  112  and the second resilient member  118 . Therefore, the resultant impact force when the bearing  76  is stopped at the end  134  is low. This makes it possible to prevent the “fatigue” of the end  134 , which serves as a stopper. Also, the bearing  76  is made of resin in the present embodiment. Thus, it is lower in hardness compared with the base  44 , which is generally made of metal material, and it has a function of a resilient member. 
   Therefore, this resilient function alleviates the impact as described above, and this also prevents the “fatigue” of the stopper. Because the resilient force is low, the disc D is driven by the guiding unit  34  at a relatively low speed. This leads to the extension of the range of time when the disc D is sensed and is detected by the second sensor  124 , and this is helpful to eliminate any error in the detection of the disc D. 
   When the center CC of the disc D in  FIG. 9  goes beyond a line L 2 , which connects the first tip  132  with the contact point P 2 , the disc is driven out through the second outlet  40  on the right side by resilient force of the first resilient member  112  and the second resilient member  118 . The disc D thus driven is discharged to the apparatus as required via a predetermined route. During this process, the disc D intercepts the optical axis from the projector of the second sensor  124  to the photodetection unit. As a result, the second sensor  124  issues a coin detection signal. 
   Because the function of the guiding unit  34  is separated from the function of the second sensor  124 , the passing of the disc D can be sensed and detected by the second sensor  124  even in a case where the guiding unit  34  collides with the disc D when the movement of the guiding unit  34  is restored by the first resilient member  112  and the second resilient member  118 . Therefore, there is no need to adjust the length of the route of the disc D from the rotary disc to the guiding unit  34 . The second sensor  124  senses and detects the disc D immediately after it is discharged through the second outlet  40 , and a detection signal is issued. The detection signal is used to count the discs D and to discriminate any poor detection of the discharge. 
   Next, description will be given on a case where the guiding unit  34  is positioned at the right side of the center lines CL 1  and CL 2  as shown in  FIG. 7  by referring to  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 7 . Because a peripheral surface on the left side of the disc D first comes into contact with the roller  74  earlier than opposite diameter portion, a force similar to the force as described above is applied, and the disc D is moved toward the first outlet  38 . 
   As a result, the disc D is pushed and moves the roller  74  upward while it is kept in contact with the first tip  132 . When the diameter portion of the disc D passes between the first tip  132  and the roller  74 , the disc D is vigorously discharged through the first outlet  38  by the resilient force of the resilient device  36 . Immediately after being discharged, the disc D is detected by the first sensor  120 . 
   Next, a description will be given on a case where the roller  74  is moved from the position shown in  FIG. 2  to the position on the right side shown in  FIG. 7  under the condition that the roller  74  is kept in contact with peripheral surface of the disc D protruding from the outlet  90 . Specifically, when the solenoid  140  is magnetized, the lever  148  is pivotally moved clockwise from the position shown in  FIG. 8  to the position shown in  FIG. 5 . As a result, the pin  160  is moved from the second holding groove  156  to the first holding groove  160 , and the lever  66  is pivotally moved clockwise from the position shown in  FIG. 2  to the position shown in  FIG. 7 . 
   By this pivotal movement, the guiding unit  34  is moved clockwise via the pivot axis  72  while keeping contact with peripheral edge of the disc D. In this case, the roller  74  comes into rolling contact with the disc D, and the radius of curvature of a peripheral edge of the disc D is approximately equal to a radius of curvature of pivotal movement of the roller  74  around the pivot axis  92 . Therefore, when the roller  74  climbs over the disc D, the force to move the roller  74  may be low because the ascending gradient is low. As a result, the guiding unit  34  can be moved by an actuator  138  with small output. 
   Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the just-described preferred embodiment can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the amended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.