EP0591485B1 - Banknote reader - Google Patents

Abstract

A banknote reader to trigger deliveries from an automatic vending machine (6) comprises integral equipment consisting of side plates (1) and a money container (11). In internal chamber (14) between the side plates (1) has means (15; 16; 18; 19; 21; 22; 24) to straighten, convery, check and discriminate between banknotes (8) which are arranged as interchangeable units in predetermined positions along the banknote (8) transport path. The integral equipment has interchangeable front parts (2; 3; 24) and, on opposite short sides (9; 12), a pivoting flap (13) for maintenance work with a built-in control device (25) or a connecting aperture (10) to the money container (11). A minimal embodiment of the banknote reader comprises at least one conveyor system (15), one inlet channel (16) to align the banknote (8), one drive unit (22) for the conveyor system (15) one checking device (18) to recognise genuine banknotes (8) and the control device (25).

Description

The invention relates to a banknote reader in Preamble of claim 1 mentioned type.

Such banknote readers are suitable, for example, for triggering a service at vending machines using predetermined Denominations of banknotes.

It is a banknote reader of this type from FR-A 2'453'811 known, in which an input barrier in front of a banknote tester too fast feeding of further banknotes prevents the tester from checking the authenticity of the banknote or has rejected or stacked the banknote.

U.S. Patents 4,807,736 and 4,885,744 describe compact ones Banknote readers for installation in vending machines that work together with a banknote container in the same frame to save space are accommodated.

It is also known (DE-OS 20 28 649 and DE-PS 26 19 620) the test device, a buffer for the test device recognized and accepted banknotes. An order can only be triggered with such a banknote reader if the one required for the service, e.g. B. from several Banknotes composed amount already in the cache located.

CH-PS 661 603 and the patents listed above show the arrangement of test equipment that the banknotes with a scan optical or magnetic methods, as well Facilities for the transportation of banknotes. The banknotes are in cash boxes known from CH-PS 658 736, for example stacked, secured against unauthorized theft of banknotes are. A stacking device shows the research disclosure, December 1984, RD 24820.

A banknote reader using magnetic and optical sensors is disclosed in US 3,265,205. This Reader includes a transport and a test facility, that along a transport system inside the reader are arranged. If a banknote will be accepted , it becomes a cash box in the back transported by the reader. If the banknote is not to be adopted, it will become the front of the Readers returned where it can be removed.

Those described in these patents Show facilities the disadvantage that each of the designs described for is tailored to the needs of a specific group of customers, takes up a lot of space and no simple changes the construction allows.

The invention is based, an inexpensive task To create banknote readers that do not have these disadvantages, but adapt easily to customer-specific needs leaves and is easy to maintain.

The invention consists in the features specified in claim 1. Advantageous configurations result from the dependent ones Claims ..

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to Drawings explained in more detail.

Figur 1

einen quaderförmigen Banknotenleser mit einem darunter angeordneten Geldbehälter,

Figur 2

einen Banknotenleser mit oberhalb des Gehäuses angeordnetem Geldbehälter,

Figur 3 a und b

eine Einbaueinheit für Wartungsarbeiten von vorne,

Figur 4 a und b

die Einbaueinheit für rückwärtige Wartungsarbeiten,

Figur 5

einen Verkaufsautomaten,

Figur 6 a und b

einen Verkaufsautomaten mit einem Sicherheitsraum für die Wartung,

Figur 7

die Einbaueinheit mit einer Befestigungsplatte und

Figur 8

einen Banknotenleser mit einem Ablenker.

It shows:

Figure 1

a cuboid banknote reader with a money container arranged underneath,

Figure 2

a banknote reader with a money container arranged above the housing,

Figure 3 a and b

an installation unit for maintenance work from the front,

Figure 4 a and b

the installation unit for rear maintenance work,

Figure 5

a vending machine,

Figure 6 a and b

a vending machine with a security room for maintenance,

Figure 7

the installation unit with a mounting plate and

Figure 8

a banknote reader with a deflector.

In FIG. 1, 1 means one of the two in a predetermined one Spacing arranged in parallel, essentially rectangular Side boards of a rectangular banknote reader, the Front part 2 easily replaceable on one narrow side of the Side boards 1 is attached. The side boards 1 are on the rear narrow side delimited by a border 3 or 3 '. In the working position of the banknote reader projects from the front part 2 through a cutout 4 in a wall 5, e.g. B. from a vending machine 6 out. The front part 2 has at least one acceptance opening 7 for banknotes 8. The border of the section 4 covers a base part 2 'of the front part 2, on which the front part 2 is attached to the side boards 1. The common contact surfaces of the edge of section 4 with the base 2 'are chosen so that they have access prevent inside the vending machine 6.

The banknote reader is for protection against dust and mechanical Damage in a z. B. folded from sheet metal, tubular Inserted sleeve 9 of rectangular cross-section on a first narrow side 9 'between the side boards 1 arranged connection opening 10 releasably to the sleeve 9 connected money container 11 to the banknotes 8 after the Collect acceptance decision in the money container 11. The sleeve 9 is dimensioned in length so that the banknote reader of the Base section 2 'up to the edge 3 or 3' within the sleeve 9 is. Under the second narrow side 12, that of the first Opposite the narrow side 9, the side boards 1 have one Cutout for a flap 13.

The flap 13 is anchored in the side boards 1 Axis pivotally mounted as a hinge 13 '. Once the Is pulled out of the sleeve 9, the flap 13th can be opened and allows free access for maintenance work on the Banknote reader in the interior 14 between the side boards 1. For example, in the drawing of Figure 1, the flap 13 Hinge 13 'in the immediate vicinity of the border 3 on, with the dashed lines the flap 13 at Indicate opening.

The interior 14 of the banknote reader offers space for one System 15 for the transport of banknotes 8, which is a transport route sets on which the banknotes 8 individually by along the Blocks of the banknote reader arranged for transport be transported. The easily replaceable building blocks determine the function of the banknote reader and are fixed Allocated places along the transport route. For example, make up The transport system is guided by belts that are not shown here 15, with the axes of the rollers perpendicular to the side boards 1 pierce.

Immediately behind the acceptance opening 7 closes Input channel 16, which extends up to an input 17 of a Checking device 18 for recognizing the authenticity of the banknotes 8 extends. A switch 19 can be located behind the test device 18 connect that into a return channel 20 through the End wall 2 and branches to a stacker 21. In the simplest version of the banknote reader are neither Switch 19 the stacker 21 installed in the interior 14, wherein the space for the non-installed blocks 19 and 21 for one any retrofitting remains free. Form the side boards 1 hence a scaffold for the banknote reader.

Both the acceptance opening 7 and the return channel 20 - if available - penetrate the front part 2 from the interior 14 to Users with a slight downward incline, so any Splash water cannot penetrate into the interior 14. The Acceptance opening 7 and the return channel 20 are in cross section narrow rectangles that are perpendicular to the side boards 1 are aligned and their width the dimensions of the largest Denomination corresponds to the banknotes 8 predetermined for acceptance. So that the banknote reader in many countries without major changes can be sold, the distance between the side boards 1 preferably according to the dimensions of the largest banknote, where the country-specific front part 2 according to the nominal values is selected.

A space that is between the input channel 16 and the Stacker 21 leading to the front part 2 transport route is connected to the transport system 15 Drive unit 22 occupied.

To limit the length of the banknote reader and the To make optimum use of interior space 14, the transport path is folded. After the tester 18, the transport path bends 180 ° after the first narrow side 9 towards the front part 2 and leads between the tester 18 and the space for the stacker 21 through to the entrance of the switch 19, which is immediately behind the Return channel 20 is located.

If the switch 19 is installed, the transport route branches into the switch 19. One branch leads to the return channel 20, the other branch bends towards the stacker 21 again after the first Narrow side 9 by 180 ° in the direction of the rear edge 3. He opens into a conveyor belt 23 of the truck 21. All mechanical Functions of the stacker 21 are, for example, of the common drive unit 22 can be driven. The conveyor belt 23 extends parallel to the first narrow side 9 of the Turnout 19 to the rear edge 3, so that the transport route Z-folded.

According to the research mentioned at the outset, the stacker 21 points Disclosure, December 1984, RD 24820, a motor driven plunger, which from the conveyor belt 23 to the Connection opening 10 aligned banknotes 8 in the money container 11 promoted.

If an intermediate checkout 24 is provided for banknotes 8, the side boards 1 have a greater length, the extended part with the border 3 'in the drawing of the Figure 1 is drawn in dashed lines. It is also conceivable that the Intermediate cash register 24 can also be placed so that the Banknote readers have the advantage of being retrofittable with the Box office 24 has.

The intermediate checkout 24 takes over from the customer individually through the Acceptance opening 7 entered banknotes 8 at the end of the conveyor belt 23 and places it on a by already entered one Banknotes shaped from bundle. The intermediate checkout 24 gives that Bundle on command from a control unit 25 back to the Conveyor belt 23, the bundle as a whole in the reverse direction from the conveyor belt 23 in the direction of Turnout 19 is transported. The bundle can from the stacker 21 in the Money container 11 pushed or from the conveyor belt 23 by means of a Guide plate 26 through the return channel 20 to the customer be returned.

A control unit 25 monitors the functions of the banknote reader, evaluates the measurement results of the test device 18 and adds the service fulfills predetermined sales criteria of the vending machine 6 free. The control unit 25 is in the flap 13 installed, which is pivotable with this, so that both the control unit 25 and the Input channel 16 and the tester 18 from the second Narrow side 12 are easily accessible. The built-in blocks 16, 18, 19, 21, 22 and 24 are connected to the electronic control unit 25 connected to the necessary Manage data exchange or power supply. The Control unit 25 recognizes which of the modules 16, 18, 19, 21, 22 and 24 are connected to it, and is designed to be Program for reading banknotes according to the connected ones Modules 16, 18, 19, 21, 22 and 24 to adapt. The banknote reader has the advantage that additional functions are required later according to the additionally installed component executed or locked again without being removed Control unit 25 itself can be replaced or reprogrammed got to.

Not shown here are those for monitoring the transport the banknotes 8 necessary sensors, such as. B. light barriers, and their connections to the control device 25.

The bank note 8 inserted through the acceptance opening 7 is in the Input channel 16 exactly aligned to the transport system 15, that detects the banknote 8 at the input 17 to the test device 18 and forwarded. The input channel 16 prevents it from being pushed further banknotes 8 until the checking device 18 for the next one Banknote 8 is free again.

The checking device 18 scans characteristic features of the banknote 8 with an optical and / or magnetic process. The one Control device 25 transmitted measured values or derived therefrom Characteristic values are compared with stored target values. At of a match, the control unit 25 assesses the Banknote 8 as acceptable, the z. B. in the buffer 24th can be stored until the customer decides whether to use the Service desires or not. In the former case, the Buffer 24 stores banknotes 8 in stacker 21, which they with the motor-driven pestle in the money container promoted. If the user cancels the note input, the user gives Buffer 24 transfers the banknotes 8 already entered to the Conveyor belt 23 from which the banknotes 8 through the space of the Stacker 21 conveyed through and the guide plate 26 in the switch 19 returns to the customer through the return channel 20.

In Figure 2, the banknote reader is 180 ° around its longitudinal axis rotated in the cutout 4 arranged so that the money container 11 is located above the side boards 1 and advantageous new installation options are accessible. In this embodiment, the stacker 21 is necessary to Banknotes 8 (FIG. 1) upward into the money container 11 Plug. Only adjustment of the banknote reader for one Installation in this position is the replacement of the front part 2 (Figure 1) against a front part 27, the acceptance opening 7 and Return channel 20 for more convenient insertion of banknotes 8 are designed differently, whereby from the customer's point of view Acceptance opening 7 is arranged below the return channel 20. Also at the front part 27 are the acceptance opening 7 and the return channel 20 towards the customer too inclined slightly downwards.

The front part 2 and the front part 27 can be made entirely glass fiber reinforced plastic. This technique allowed good ergonomic forms of the acceptance opening 7 and of the return channel 20 inexpensive to manufacture. In the field of Acceptance opening 7 can be plugged into the control unit 25 connected signal display 7 'arranged, for example the Prompts the user to insert further banknotes 8.

2 is that of the transport system 15 formed transport route shown as an example in a U-shape. After the test device 18 bends the transport path 180 ° directly to the Stacker 21 and passes the banknote 8 directly to the Conveyor belt 23. The shorter transport path has the advantage that the banknote 8 reaches the stacker 21 faster.

If an intermediate checkout 24 (FIG. 1) is present, this includes Transport system 15 according to the tester 18 at the stacker entrance arranged switch 19, one branch of the transport route to Trunk route of the switch leads to in this trunk route at a turn of 180 °. The main route of switch 19 forms the conveyor belt 23. The switch 19 has pivotably arranged baffle 26, which by means of a Spring 26 'is held in the rest position, the Trunk route of the switch 19 forth the banknotes 8 into a branch 23 ' of the conveyor belt 23 z. B. steerable to the checkout 24 (Figure 1) because the branch to the transport route is covered. One from Banknote 8 fed into the transport path pivots the guide plate 26 against the force of the spring 26 'in front of the branch 23' and is from Baffle plate 26 deflected to the conveyor belt 23 and into the stacker 21 promoted. Passive control of the switch 19 has the advantage the simplicity and a relief of the power supply and the Control unit 25 (Figure 1), since only by reversing the Drive unit 22 (Figure 1), i. H. by changing the transport direction, the transport route in the switch 19 is determined.

The banknote reader has the advantage that after the simple Replacing the front part 2 against the front part 27 of the Application area of the banknote reader is expanded and that both simple and comfortable versions with the same building blocks can be manufactured and the simple ones Executions at any time, even under difficult conditions in the field can be retrofitted.

The blocks with the same functions can be different Executions, wherein they meet the requirement regarding Space requirements and the transport route of the banknotes 8 meet have to. The test device 18 is an example at this point mentioned that, depending on the design, optically and / or magnetically Features of banknote 8 scans.

The money container 11 has a lever 28 which is on a Slider to open and close its inlet opening works. An advantageously arranged on the money container 11 mechanical sensor 29 is for sensing the relative position of the Cash container 11 to the sleeve 9 or to the connection opening 10 set up. The sensor 29 prevents the cash container from opening 11 as long as the sensor 29 is not predetermined in the Sleeve 9 is engaged. Conversely, the money container 11 cannot be removed from the sleeve 9 when the connection opening 10 is still open and the sensor 29 is engaged. This increases the Security against unauthorized manipulation by unauthorized persons.

The simplest version of the banknote reader described above without switch 19, stacker 21 and cash register 24 has one Transport path according to Figure 2 and is only in the installed position usable according to FIG. 1. The control unit 25 Accepted banknotes 8 are from the transport system 15 to the connection opening 10 out and fall loosely into the money container 11, which is an open container, for example a simple sack that can be. Unapproved banknotes will be 8 returned by the transport system 15.

If the front part 2 or front part 27 has no return channel 20 on, the banknote 8 is reversed by the transport system 15 the direction of transport again through the acceptance opening 7 User returned as soon as the controller 25 for the Return has decided. The control unit 25 is advantageous for Detection of a coding in connection with the plug contact of the Signal display 7 'set up, for. B. by means of a short circuit bridge in the connector part. The control unit 25 reads the connector coding and is informed about the existence of the Return channel 20 so that the program of the control unit 25th adapts to the design of the banknote reader.

If the banknotes 8 to be accepted have no or only minor ones Differences in width, a symmetrical is enough Execution of the money container 11 and the banknote reader with one Forehead or front part 2 or 27 to all in the figures. 3 and 4 shown versions so that Advantages in parts management for manufacturing and Service result.

To also secure the banknotes 8 with different widths To be able to recognize the banknotes 8 in the checking device 18 Align reading and recognizing. For this purpose, banknote 8 enter left-aligned into the acceptance opening 7 because this orientation is easiest for the customer. This requires however, an asymmetrical arrangement of the modules in the scaffolding the banknote reader and the inlet opening of the money container 11, to securely stack even narrow banknotes 8. The asymmetrical The arrangement requires a perpendicular to the side boards 1 Slidable arrangement of the building blocks to in all installation positions the banknote reader to the left-aligned input of banknotes 8 guarantee. Control over the predetermined location of the Banknote 8 can be in the acceptance opening 7 of the forehead or Front parts 2 and 27 take place. The locking of the sensor 29 is on one of the two permissible versions A and B of the Vote container 11.

Figures 3 and 4 show four possible combinations of Arrangement of the banknote reader and the money container 11 as they can be used for installation in the vending machine 6 (Figure 1). The money container 11A is for the arrangement according to FIGS. 3a and 4b provided, while in Figures 3b and 4a the for Version A serves as a mirror image of the money container 11B is.

These four arrangements have the advantage of being one Banknote reader with a front or front part 2 or 27 and two money containers 11 of execution A and B are sufficient to all to meet known installation conditions.

In FIG. 3a, the money container 11A is below the sleeve 9 arranged. The banknote reader is with the front part 2 equipped. The cash box 11A is replaceable cuboid cassette formed, the inlet opening on the Connection opening 10 (Figure 1) aligned and when actuated the lever 28 can be closed by means of closing plates. Parallel to the longitudinal edges, the money container 11 has on both Side surfaces each have a groove 30, for example in the vicinity of Connection opening 10. The sleeve 9 is towards the money container 11 extended on both sides with profiles, so that when Insert the money container 11, the two grooves 30 in the Intervene profiles. The banknote reader and the money container 11 together form an installation unit 32. The money container 11 in The Swiss mentioned at the beginning shows a massive version Patent No. 658 736.

The cash container 11 has a handle 31 on its front side and the lever 28. On the handle 31 is the money container 11, the with the grooves 30 slides in the profiles of the sleeve 9, convenient so far insertable until the sensor 29 (Figure 2) in the predetermined position of the money container 11 engages and the Lever 28 for opening the inlet opening of the cash container 11 releases so that the installation unit 32 is ready for operation.

Should the money container 11 filled with the banknotes 8 (FIG. 1) can be transported to a machine control center with the Lever 28 first closes the inlet opening of the cash container 11 close, the cash container 11 being pulled out is released. Then the locked money container 11 pullable on the handle 31 from the sleeve 9. The lever 28 is only mentioned as an example, since the closing of the inlet opening and the lock between the money container 11 and the Banknote reader in the predetermined position also with one Twist lock, such as B. Turn lock with key can.

The banknote reader is an advantage for easy maintenance within the sleeve 9 on at least one telescopic rail 33 arranged. The telescopic rails 33 are in this way on the side boards 1 (Figure 1) attached that the flap 13 (Figure 1) is concealed laterally, but outside the envelope 9 is freely pivotable. The banknote reader is therefore slightly out of the sleeve 9 with the front part 2 in the direction an arrow 34 can be pulled out for maintenance when the wall 5 (Figure 1) of the vending machine 6 is removed. In its predetermined working position is by means of a second rotary lock lockable with key of the banknote reader. Below the telescopic rail 33 is still on the side board 1 a room 35 for further electronic circuits, mechanical Transmission means or a power supply for the banknote reader available. Since the modules of the banknote reader between the Side boards 1 are arranged and the flap 13 (Figure 1) is easy to swivel, the maintenance work is like Cleaning, removing blockages after attempted fraud, Maintenance of the transport system 15 (Figure 1) etc., quickly and practically without disassembly.

For reasons of space, the installation unit 32 can be installed 3b may be required. The installation unit 32 is 180 ° about an axis perpendicular to the face 2 opposite the Arrangement rotated in Figure 3a and the front part 2 (Figure 3a) replaced with the ergonomically more favorable front part 27; this requires the use of the 11B cash container.

5 shows the vending machine 6 with the in the Operating position arranged installation unit 32, the for example in a building wall 36 in a niche 37 is installed. As soon as the wall 5 facing the audience is removed is out of the sleeve 9 for maintenance of the banknote reader the niche 37 can be pulled out or the money container 11 interchangeable.

4a and 4b in the installation unit 32 are the Money container 11B or 11A and the banknote reader opposed oriented to each other, that is, the lever 28 (Figure 3a) and the Front or front part 2 or 27 are on the two each other opposite sides of the installation unit 32 are arranged. Of the The 11B and 11A version of the money container is from the wall 5 (Figure 1) facing away from the installation unit 32 forth, and the banknote reader is opposite to the direction of arrow 34 extendable from the sleeve 9. In the drawings of Figures 4a and b the handle 31 (FIG. 3a) and the lever 28 (FIG. 3a) are not visible, as this on the front or front part 2 or 27 facing away from the installation unit 32 are arranged.

6a and 6b show the installation of the banknote reader in a security room 38 is shown, the one being the return / acceptance part trained end or front part 2 or 27 (Figure 4b) and the wall 5 together with the building wall 36 the security room 38 demarcate from the audience. In the protection of the security room 38 Both the money container 11 is interchangeable and the necessary maintenance can be carried out. The installation unit 32 is with Advantage arranged on roller bearings 39, 39 ', so that the installation unit 32 for maintenance without additional help from one Installer can be moved into the security room 38.

In FIG. 6b, the installation unit 32 can extend as far into the Security room 38 that the cash container 11 is pulled through the section 4 is no longer accessible through; this prevents an unauthorized person from cutting out 4 through to create money container 11. After completion the maintenance work is the installation unit 32 with little effort can be pushed back onto the wall 5 (FIG. 6a).

The U-shaped transport path (Figure 2) has another advantage easier accessibility. The example is Installation unit in the arrangement according to FIG. 3a in FIG. 7 shown, the two side boards 1 of the scaffolding along a substantially diagonal dividing line 40 into one Upper part 41 and a lower part 42 are divided. The two parts of the scaffolding are together by means of a common Axis 43 at the level of the return channel 20 on the front or. Front part 2 or 27 (Figure 2) opposite side articulated connected. The front or front part 2 or 27 is on the Lower part 42 arranged with a U-shaped Intermediate piece 44 for the connection to the money container 11 is equipped. The U-shaped intermediate piece 44 engages in the Grooves 30 of the cash box. The two side boards 1 of the Lower part 42 can advantageously each have three pins 45 in an identical manner Have arrangement with which the banknote reader in each Installation position is arranged on a mounting plate 46, wherein the space 35 between the side board 1 and the Mounting plate 46 remains free. Are in operation Upper part 41 and the lower part 42 locked together. The Mounting plate 46 can be directly or through the Telescopic rail 33 (Figure 6b) connected to the vending machine be.

For example, the hood 1 (FIG. 1) can also be omitted. The flap 13 with the control device 25 (Figure 1) is advantageous with the hinge 13 'on the upper edge of one side board 1 of the upper part 41 articulated so that connector 47 for the signal and Supply lines can be led away to the rear and without interrupting this, the flap 13 around the hinge 13 ' remains easily pivotable. Unfolding the upper part 41 and / or pivoting of the flap 1 is therefore also in the Installation position possible. When opening the scaffolding, the Transport route in the area of the input channel 16 (Figure 1) and the Tester 18 (Figure 1) to be completely exposed, especially To maintain or adjust sensors of the test device 18.

The banknotes 8 (FIG. 1) are shown schematically in FIG drawn, U-shaped transport path through the acceptance opening 7 entered in the front part 2, the banknote 8 in the direction of Arrows 48 is transported. In the simplest version of the Banknote reader is a instead of the stacker 21 (Figure 2) the switch 19 (Figure 1) controlled by the tester 18 (Figure 1) Deflector 49 arranged. The deflector 49 can be in the transport route be pivoted in so that the banknote 8 (Figure 1) deflected from the transport route into the money container 11 and falls into it. Is the acceptance of banknote 8 too refuse, the deflector 49 has pivoted out of the transport route, so that the banknote 8 is returned via the return channel 20 becomes. Along the dividing line 40 shown in dashed lines can Maintenance of the banknote reader can be opened. The Intermediate piece 44 (Figure 7) is omitted if instead of the heavy Money container 11 a light open container for the banknotes is used. In this case, the banknote reader is light enough so that it is in the cutout 4 directly on the wall 5 (Figure 1) can be attached, the two at the front part 2 arranged pin 45, in the drawing of Figure 8 with Crosses are indicated, connected by an angle to the wall 5 become.

Claims (8)

1. Banknote reader, comprising:

   an installation frame of two parallel side plates (1) joined to each other which defines an interior space (14) containing drive and checking devices (15, 16, 18, 22) arranged for transporting and checking banknotes (8) at predetermined locations along a transport system (15), and a control device (25) which can be electrically connected to the said means and which is designed to decide upon the acceptance or rejection of the banknotes (8) and upon the clearance of, for example, a vending machine (6) for operation and also to operate and control the said means;

   a banknote aperture plate (2, 27) fastened to the installation frame and having at least one receiving opening (7), which is inclined to the horizontal axis, for introduction of the banknotes (8) into an entry channel (16), and a return opening (20) for banknotes (8) supplied from a return channel (23);

   one narrow side (9') between the side plates (1) being designed to have the accepted banknotes (8) pushed through it into a money container (11);

      characterised in that

   the banknote reader can be used in a first and a second orientation which differ from each other by an angle of 180° about its longitudinal axis, both the receiving opening (7) and the return opening (20) being inclined in use to prevent the ingress of liquids, and

   a first aforementioned banknote aperture plate (2, 27) is so arranged that the receiving opening (7) is in communication with the banknote entry channel (16) and the return opening (20) is in alignment with the banknote return channel (23) when the system is in the first orientation, and the first banknote aperture plate is provided in the form of an exchangeable module in order to be removable and allow the installation of a second banknote aperture plate (2, 27) when the system is used in the second orientation.
2. Banknote reader according to claim 1, characterised in that a flap (13) which can be pivoted about a hinge (13') for maintenance work and which contains the control device (25) is arranged on a narrow side lying opposite a connecting opening (10).
3. Banknote reader according to claim 2, characterised in that pivoting of the flap (13) exposes the transport system (15), the entry channel (16), the checking device (18) and the control device (25) for maintenance work.
4. Banknote reader according to claim 1, characterised in that a stacker (21) for stacking the banknotes (8) is arranged at the end of the transport system (15) in the said interior space (14).
5. Banknote reader according to claim 4, characterised by a transport belt (23) for aligning banknotes (8) over a connecting opening (10), the stacker (21) having a ram for conveying the banknotes (8) into the money container (11).
6. Banknote reader according to claim 1, characterised by a temporary cash-box (24), connected to the control device (25), for collecting banknotes (8) taken individually from a transport belt (23, 23').
7. Banknote reader according to claim 6, characterised in that the temporary cash-box (24) is designed to deliver the temporarily stored banknotes in the form of a bundle to the stacker (21) or, through the return opening (20), to a user.
8. Banknote reader according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the return opening (20) is the same opening as the receiving opening (7).

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