EP0917691B1 - Roller storage arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a roller storage arrangement for sheet-shaped objects, in particular bank notes, with two roller cores (10, 12) which are each connected to a drive mechanism (18, 20), the drive direction thereof being changeable, and between which a common storage tape (22) can be rewound. The storage tape (22) is divided into logical sectors (52) which follow each other in the longitudinal direction of the tape and which are each intended to hold an object to be stored. An engaging/disengaging unit (28) is arranged between the roller cores (10, 12) and is optionally adjustable between a position of rest and an engaging/disengaging position.

Description

The invention relates to a roller storage arrangement for leaf-shaped objects, in particular banknotes, according to the preamble of claim 1. Such an arrangement is known from EP-A-0 290 731.

To store banknotes in ATMs are used Time two different technical concepts, namely Cassette storage and roll storage used. In cassette stores banknotes are stored in Bundle form, with each cassette storing one type of note. In the case of a roll memory, the storage is generally carried out between rolled up plastic or metal bands. Again, there is one type of note per roll memory saved when the roll memory as main memory serves. Banknotes of a mixed bundle of notes can also be used can be saved if the roll memory only as an intermediate store, namely as a so-called intermediate checkout for entered banknotes.

When using both storage technologies in ATMs, especially in so-called recycling machines for a closed money cycle, must be expected for each Note type a storage medium (cassette or roll) to be available. However, storage media are very demanding Space and are expensive, so that mostly a limitation to the most common types of notes are made.

If notes are accepted or should be issued for which no storage medium is available (1000 DM bills, Foreign currencies or the like), so these can At best, recycling machines are collected together, however can no longer be spent. In addition, both have storage media common that when used as a mass storage in recycling machines always an intermediate cash register is necessary because if a deposit transaction is canceled otherwise cannot be guaranteed by the customer can that the banknotes already stored in the original can be spent again. However, this measure is mandatory as protection against money laundering, for example.

The memory arrangement described in EP-A-0 290 731 includes, depending on the embodiment described or two reels that are used only as supply spool (s) serves for one storage tape, or serve two storage tapes. One and only one other role is used for inclusion a tape wrap that is rolled up from the winding layers of a Storage tape with items stored in between consists. The in / out unit arranged in front of this roll consists of a pair of roles and the Storage tape or the storage tapes, whereby, depending Embodiment, one or both roles of the pair of roles serves as a deflection roller for the storage tape or the storage tapes serve. With the on / off unit can only deliver items in the order saved and output in reverse order become.

In EP-A-0 735 513 there is a roll storage arrangement of the type mentioned above, with the paid Banknotes also of different currencies or types of notes can be saved so that they can be used later Time can also be output again in a targeted manner can. Two storage coils are provided between which a storage tape can be wound back and forth as desired. The storage tape is divided into sectors of fixed length, which are identified by coding and therefore at any time can be found again. This is an electronic one Memory provided in which the relationship between the Banknotes and the sector codes is stored.

For storing in the winding of a storage coil one banknote between the storage tape and a second one Tape introduced. Both tapes with the one in between Banknotes are then wound onto a storage spool. The second band is saved when a banknote is saved by a separate supply spool and when unloading wound up on it again. The well-known establishment is constructed symmetrically so that each storage coil assigned a supply reel and a second tape is. So three tapes and four spools are required. The space requirement and effort in drive technology for four with synchronous peripheral speed but in opposite directions coils to be driven is large. That too is Unfavorable utilization of the storage volume on the storage reel, since two layers of tape are wound onto each bank note deposit are. The degree of utilization is still thereby reduced the sector length to the length of the largest occurring banknote must be adapted.

The object of the present invention is therefore a Specify roll storage arrangement of the type mentioned at the outset, a high space utilization in the storage at a low design effort of the storage drive guaranteed.

This task is carried out in the characterizing part of the Features specified claim 1 solved.

According to the objects to be stored - The term "banknotes" is used below - between the winding layers of one of those formed on the roll cores Tape wrap saved. It will only be one Storage tape used, so the banknotes are between the winding layers of one and the same storage tape inserted. This is different from the state of the art only two oppositely driven tapes are necessary. The storage space available on the reels becomes special well used, since only one storage tape layer per banknote layer is to be wound up. The storage tape itself can consist of two or more spaced apart Subbands exist.

The in / out unit has at least one pair of endless belts, which together form a belt gap for transportation of banknotes to be stored, the on / off unit is arranged so that the belt gap forming dreams of the endless belt in the rest position the on / off unit in one level with the storage tape lie next to it and in the on / off position in each case by a through a longitudinal end of the Belt gap running and in the plane of the storage tape lying pivot axis opposite the plane of the Storage tape are pivoted. Exists the storage tape only from a single volume, so it is appropriate, on both sides the same to provide a pair of endless belts. If the storage tape consists of two partial belts, so can also be a third between the two sub-belts Pair of endless belts may be provided. This will make the Transport security when inserting and removing banknotes elevated.

To accelerate the entry and exit of banknotes and thus the access time to certain banknotes can reduce each band wrap one in / out unit be assigned. It is possible that banknotes regardless of the direction of the storage tape can be engaged and disengaged. In a preferred one Embodiment, however, is an in / out unit between the two tapes arranged that they are optional relative to each of the tapes in an on / off position is adjustable.

According to an advantageous development of the invention the sectors by measuring the tape lengths traveled determined with knowledge of the sector length. there the sector length (measured in the longitudinal direction of the strip) for the largest banknote width in cross processing of the banknotes or according to the largest banknote length in their longitudinal processing.

With a fixed sector length, this must be the Correspond to the size of the largest occurring banknote. At Currency systems with small banknotes deteriorated therefore the degree of utilization of the storage capacity. According to a development of the invention, therefore desired sector length during an initialization phase of the roll memory stored in the control device. The storage capacity of a roll memory can thus each the banknote size of a certain Currency can be adjusted. It is also possible in Adaptation to the requirements of the storage space in the Field in multiple memory areas with different sectors Split size. For example, the inner layers the tape wrap with larger sectors for higher quality, Banknotes to be issued or stored less frequently which are larger than most currencies are inferior. The remaining storage space can then be provided with smaller sectors.

The subdivision of the storage tape into logically identifiable ones Sectors allow everyone to be addressed directly individual saved banknote by specifying the from it occupied length segment. If the banknote at all can be recognized by the machine, the location of the stored banknote, namely the one identifying its sector Longitudinal section, recorded. The optional Switching the on / off track unit on or off gives the Possibility to target a specific sector on the Find storage tape and the banknote stored there track out. The exact control of the on / off unit can still be relieved if according to a development of the invention between the tape roll and the on / off unit with the control device connected sensor for recognizing the front and / or Trailing edge of the banknotes is arranged.

Will the roll storage according to the invention in an ATM used, can be deposited on a temporary storage Banknotes are waived. The banknotes can immediately stored in the roll storage and at any time if required individually identified, collected and returned to the Customers are spent.

Figur 1

eine schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Speicheranordnung mit der Ein-/Ausspureinheit in ihrer Ruhestellung,

Figur 2

eine der Figur 1 entsprechende Darstellung mit der Ein-/Ausspureinheit in der Ein-/Ausspurstellung,

Figur 3

eine schematische Draufsicht auf einen Abschnitt des Speicherbandes und den unteren Teil der Ein-/Ausspureinheit und

Figur 4

eine der Figur 1 entsprechende schematische Darstellung einer abgewandelten Ausführungsform der Erfindung.

The following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings explains the invention using exemplary embodiments. Show it:

Figure 1

1 shows a schematic representation of a storage arrangement according to the invention with the on / off unit in its rest position,

Figure 2

2 shows a representation corresponding to FIG. 1 with the on / off unit in the on / off position,

Figure 3

a schematic plan view of a portion of the storage tape and the lower part of the on / off unit and

Figure 4

a schematic representation corresponding to Figure 1 of a modified embodiment of the invention.

The roller storage arrangement shown in Figures 1 and 2 includes a distance from each other and parallel mutually arranged roll cores 10 and 12, each with the output shaft 14 or 16 one in its direction of rotation switchable motor 18 and 20 are coupled. A storage tape 22 is on the roll cores 10, 12 Formation of a tape roll 24 or 26 wound, so that a stretched between the tape windings 24 and 26 of the storage tape 22 remains freely accessible.

In the area between the two tape windings 24, 26 a track / track unit, generally designated 28 or loading rocker arranged one below the storage tape 22 arranged belt group 30 and one above of the storage tape 22 arranged belt group 32 includes. As FIG. 3 shows, there is the storage tape 22 two parallel to each other in the same plane Subbands 34. Each belt group 30 and 32 consists from three endless belts parallel to each other 36, which are guided via coaxial rollers 38 are that a belt drum in the plane of the sub-bands 34 and runs parallel to these, as shown in FIG. 3. The facing belt strands of the two belt groups 30, 32 act to form a belt gap 40 for transporting banknotes together. The Belt groups 30, 32 are at the same feed rate and in the same direction as the storage tape 22 driven.

The loading rocker 28 is by means of an actuator 42 between a rest position shown in Figure 1, in the bank notes lying on the storage tape 22 are unhindered can pass through the belt gap, and one in figure 2 shown in / out position adjustable, in the rocker 28 by one through one end of the belt gap 40 parallel to the axes of the rollers 38 Pivot axis 44 (Figure 2) is pivoted while doing so with the end opposite the pivot axis 44 of the belt gap 40 is in alignment with a web 46, supplied by the banknotes to be stored or the Bank notes removed from the memory can be discharged, as indicated by the double arrow 48.

The motors 18, 20 and the adjusting device 42 for adjusting the loading rocker 28 are via a control device 50 controlled the storage arrangement, which also the Management of the storage inventory takes over.

According to the invention, the storage tape 22 is in its longitudinal direction divided into individual sectors 52 (FIG. 3), their expansion in the longitudinal direction of the strip during longitudinal processing of banknotes of the same length to be stored and when processing the data to be saved Banknotes (banknote 53 in Figure 3) the width of the same corresponds. The location of sectors 52 on the storage tape 22 is determined by measuring the length of the strip. For this purpose, a measuring device 54 is provided, which with the control device 50 is connected. The measuring device 54 is attached to the loading rocker 28. For scanning the front and back edge of the banknotes is close to that Storage band 22 and the pivot axis 44 of the loading rocker 28 a sensor 56 is arranged, which is also connected to the control device 50 is connected. With the help of this sensor 56 becomes an exact, band-synchronous control of the actuator 42 of the loading rocker 28 is even easier. So that can each sector 52 by directly addressing the sector of a certain section of tape length identified and in a position relative to the loading rocker 28 are brought, in which this one banknote on the Store selected sector of the storage tape or off the sector concerned. The assignment of individual banknotes and the corresponding sectors, in which they are kept, in memory management housed in the control device 50.

When using a memory arrangement described above in cash dispensers, where deposited Banknotes are also issued to other customers should be (recycling machines), everyone can notes recognized by the note acceptor, i.e. also foreign currencies ingested and spent. In an electronic Memory of the control device is only a corresponding free sector for each note received 52 of the storage tape assigned. The inventory management of the Automata registers note type and band sector. When paying out a sector is approached with a grade of the desired amount is filled. This grade will spurted out and paid out via the rocker switch 28. He follows when a deposit is canceled, the Customers the banknotes that have already been paid in until they are canceled returned in the original. So far this was a buffer is required. Since in the invention Storage arrangement but the storage locations of the individual banknotes can be clearly found a buffer is not required.

Another advantage of the solution according to the invention is in the fact that the corresponding control Access times to the memory can be optimized, for example by rarely used types of notes in sectors be stored at the ends of the belt while the more common and frequently used types of notes in the middle of the band can be saved where faster access can be done. By identifying the sectors It becomes the hand of the strip length section occupied by them also possible with purely control-technical means that Sectors depending on the application and / or the ones to be saved Choose currencies of different sizes.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 2 the storage arrangement is stored, i.e. depositing the banknotes on the storage tape 22 while this from the tape roll 26 to the tape roll 24, i.e. runs from right to left in the figures. The withdrawal Banknotes can be made when the tape is in the reverse direction runs. If now the searched banknotes are stored in the winding 26, they would have to transported by the loading rocker 28 to the tape winding 24 and then spurted out in the opposite direction become. This means a loss of time. Therefore, it is expedient to store the loading rocker 28 and the adjusting device 24 so that the loading rocker 28th with respect to each tape roll 24 and 26 in an on / off position can be brought so that at each Running direction of the storage tape 22 banknotes on and can be tracked out. In addition to the appropriate storage the loading rocker 28 is then also a second track 46 required to feed and remove the banknotes, as indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 1.

Another, more complex option is shown in FIG. 4. In the memory arrangement shown schematically there are the same parts with the same reference numerals Mistake. Figure 4 shows a memory arrangement, wherein a load rocker is assigned to each tape roll. Further Figure 4 shows that several of the in Figures 1 and 2 storage arrangements shown arranged side by side can be used to increase the total storage capacity. It is possible to coaxial with each other Roll cores via a common motor or else to drive individually.

In the embodiments shown above became a single storage tape (although under certain circumstances consisting of the sub-bands 34), wherein the banknotes between the individual layers of the Storage tape 22 are pinched.

Instead of a separate motor 14, 16 for each roll core 10 or 12 it is also possible to have a single motor to provide the belt groups 30, 32 and between drives this continuous storage tape 22. The roll cores 10, 12 can then with a slip clutch be coupled to this engine.

It is understood that the roll storage arrangement described above not just for banknotes, but generally is suitable for leaf-shaped objects.

Claims (5)

1. Roll storage arrangement for sheet-like articles, in particular banknotes, having two roll cores (10, 12), each of which is connected to a drive (18, 20) whose driving direction can be reversed, and on which a common storage tape (22) can be wound up in such a way that the said tape can be rereeled between the roll cores (10, 12), having an input/output feed unit (28) for feeding articles to be stored to a tape coil (24, 26) formed on the roll cores (10, 12) and for removing a stored article from the tape coil (24, 26), and having a control device (50) for controlling the drives (18, 20) and the input/output feed unit (28), the articles to be stored being stored between the coil layers of the storage tape (22) of a tape coil (24, 26) formed on the roll cores (10, 12),
   characterized in that the input/output feed unit (28) has at least one pair of endless belts (36), which can be driven in the same direction and synchronously with the storage tape (22) and together form a belt gap (40) for the transport of articles to be stored, the input/output feed unit (28) being arranged in such a way that, in a rest position of the input/output feed unit (28), those strands of the endless belts (36) which form the belt gap (40) lie beside the storage belt (22) and in a plane with the latter and, in an input/output feed position, are in each case pivoted with respect to the plane of the storage tape (22) about a pivot axis (44) that runs through a longitudinal end of the belt gap (40) and lies in the plane of the storage tape (22).
2. Roll storage arrangement according to Claim 1,
   characterized in that each tape coil (24, 26) is assigned an input/output feed unit (28).
3. Roll storage arrangement according to Claim 1,
   characterized in that the input/output feed unit (28) is arranged between the two roll cores (10, 12) in such a way that it is optionally adjustable relative to each of the tape coils (24, 26) into input/output feed position.
4. Roll storage arrangement according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the storage tape (22) is subdivided into logical sectors (52), which follow one another in the tape longitudinal direction and each accommodate an article to be stored, in that the control device (50) has connected to it a measuring device (54) for registering tape lengths of the storage tape (22) passing through, in order to identify the sectors (52), and
   in that the input/output feed unit (28) is optionally adjustable between the rest position and the input/output position, depending on a tape length measured value.
5. Roll storage arrangement according to Claim 4,
   characterized in that between the tape coil (24) and the input/output feed unit (28) there is arranged a sensor (56), which is connected to the control device (50), to detect the leading and/or trailing edge of an article.

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