EP2319026B1 - Device for processing valuable documents and method for operating the device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for processing valuable documents, particularly bank notes, and to a method for operating a device (1) of said kind. The device (1) comprises a plurality of processing zones (2, 3, 4, 5, 11, 12, 13), for example an input module (2), an operating module (3) and an output module (4). Furthermore, the device (1) is designed to detect events in the processing zones (2, 3, 4, 5, 11, 12, 13) that require operating personnel to intervene. Each of the processing zones (2, 3, 4, 5, 11, 12, 13) comprises a cover (6) that is automatically opened as a function of such a detected event without the operating personnel having to intervene.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for processing value documents and a method for operating the device, in particular for correcting a malfunction on the device.

Devices for processing value documents, such as banknote processing machines, usually consist of several modules or processing zones, which are arranged one after the other and execute different work steps. The number, type and arrangement of the modules may vary depending on the requirements for processing the value documents. A banknote processing machine typically comprises at least one input module, an adjustment module and one or more output modules. After the input, the banknotes are singulated in the input module and detected on a measuring path of sensors to detect unfit banknotes. These are separated from the bankable banknotes and issued separately or destroyed if necessary. The convertible banknotes are transported further and output bundled in the output module, for example. Optionally, such a device may have a separate, larger dispensing module for handling larger quantities of banknotes, a shredding module for shredding selected banknotes, and / or modules for stacking or bundling processed banknotes. The process of banknote processing can be controlled and monitored by the operator via an operator interface, which is usually located in the operating module. The modules may be partially interconnected by coupling modules and / or drive modules.

If an event occurs that requires an intervention by an operator in the work process, this is detected by means of suitable sensors and displayed on the display of the operating module. This may be the case, for example, when a banknote jam occurs or consumables need to be replaced. The operator reads the information about the malfunction from the display and opens a cover of the bank-note processing machine associated with the corresponding processing zone, for example a lifting door or flap, in order to be able to access the inside of the machine and eliminate the malfunction. After correcting the fault and closing the open module, the machine is restarted and the work process can continue. Especially with banknote processing machines with many different modules, accurate information about the location of the fault is necessary so that the operator can intervene in the right place and opens the right module.

The US 4,227,073 A shows a counting machine for paper sheets. After the end of a counting process, the soundproof cover opens automatically, so that the counted paper sheets can be removed.

The object of the present invention is to optimize the work processes on a device for processing value documents.

The object is achieved by a device and a method according to the independent claims. Advantageous developments and refinements are specified in the dependent claims.

According to the invention, it is now provided that when an event is detected which requires one, in particular manual, intervention of the operator, a cover of the relevant processing zone associated with the detected event is automatically opened without the intervention of the operator. The coverage associated with the event is in particular the cover of the processing zone in which the operator must make the intervention. In this case, one or more covers of one or more processing zones can be opened automatically.

Thus, the operator no longer needs to know the location, i. E., From information displayed on a display. determine the edit zone where the event occurred and find the associated coverage. The fact that the correct cover opens automatically, the operator is led directly to the processing zone, where an intervention of the operator is required. In the apparatus according to the invention, the operator is thus immediately directed to the correct module. In addition, the operator is relieved, as they must spend no force to open the often large and heavy cover, i. the ergonomics of the operation is also improved.

For the safety of the operator, the bank note processing in the bank note processing machine is stopped before or at the latest as soon as a cover of the bank note processing machine is automatically opened. Only when all covers are closed again, the operation of the machine can be continued. An exception is a service mode in which, for example, the machine continues to run despite open covers for maintenance purposes.

In order to increase the safety of persons, in particular the operator or other persons who are in the vicinity of the bank-note processing machine and who might be surprised by the unexpected opening of the cover, the bank-note processing machine may indicate the automatic opening of the cover by one or more additional signals. The display of additional signals may be just before automatic opening or at the same time as opening the cover automatically. For example, as additional signals acoustic and / or visually visible signals are used, which are displayed on the display of the control module and / or on the module of the openable cover and / or on the cover itself.

Furthermore, it may optionally be provided that the automatic opening of the cover associated with the detected event takes place only after an opening confirmation by the operator of the banknote processing machine. This eliminates any risks for the operator or other persons. For example, this message is displayed on the display of the control module, which informs the operator that at least one of the covers will be opened automatically and prompts the operator to the opening confirmation. The confirmation of the opening may e.g. at the touch of a button or via touchscreen input on the operating module. In addition, the message can also inform which of the covers will be automatically opened so that the operator is alerted early to the location of the intervention. As soon as the banknote processing machine receives the opening confirmation of the operator, the one or more covers associated with the detected event are automatically opened.

The automatic opening of the covers may be provided as part of one or more operating modes of the banknote processing machine, while in other modes of operation no automatic opening of the covers takes place. For example, the banknote processing machine is configured so that the operator can freely choose whether the covers are to be automatically opened in one or more specific events and in which events this should take place. The automatic Opening the covers can be disabled by the operator if necessary for all events.

Preferably, the automatic opening of the covers takes place by means of at least one actuator per cover, e.g. an actuating cylinder, which acts on the respective cover. The adjusting cylinder may be, for example, a pneumatic cylinder which controls the opening movement pneumatically. The required compressed air can be provided, for example, via an additional module and pass through a corresponding line system to the pneumatic cylinder whose position is controlled by valves. Upon detection of an event in the device, one of the valves connected to the pneumatic cylinder of the associated cover is opened so that the cover is opened by the pressure build-up. Instead of the pneumatic control, a hydraulic control or an electric or electromotive drive of the cover can be provided.

To support the opening movement of the covers at least one gas spring per cover may be provided in addition to the actuating cylinder. The gas spring also serves to hold the respective cover in the fully open position so that, for example, no pneumatic pressure is needed to hold the cover open. The gas pressure springs ensure that the covers remain open in the event of a pressure failure.

The closing of the covers is preferably started by the operator by operating a switch, for example a button, which is located on the open module or centrally on the device, for example on the operating module. Preferably, a central switch is provided on the operating module, in particular on the display of the operating module, by the one-time operation, the operator can achieve the closing of all open covers. In addition to the central switch, switches for closing the respective covers are also present on the modules themselves. The closing can also be initiated by a brief pulling on the respective cover. Any necessary opening a cover that is not automatically triggered, can also be triggered in the inventive device by briefly pulling by the operator. The full opening is then as in the automatic opening by the force that generates the actuator.

In addition, it may be provided that the covers of the machine are automatically closed in the presence of a specific event. The particular event may e.g. be the end of an intervention of the operator or the continuation of the banknote processing, for example, when the transport system is turned on by the operator. The covers of the machine can also be closed automatically as soon as the machine has detected a particular event caused by the intervention of the operator, e.g. after sensors have detected that a fault has been successfully resolved by the operator or that sufficient supplies are available again.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises sensors adapted to detect the fully opened and fully closed position of the covers. The end positions of the movement of the covers, for example, may have previously been adjusted based on the mechanical range of motion. By means of the sensors, for example It also detects whether the covers are completely closed and that operation of the machine can be safely continued.

An advantageous embodiment of the invention comprises a pneumatic cylinder which is controlled by two valves, with which compressed air can be applied to one end of the pneumatic cylinder. By temporarily, at least partially closing one of the valves, the closing movement of the opened cover can be braked. Since the device has processing zones of different sizes, the medium opening position is detected by an additional adjustable encoder on the pneumatic cylinder for particularly large and heavy covers, for example. Due to the temporary, at least partially closing of the valve, the pressure in the actuating cylinder is briefly increased, so that the cover is collected and can close with the aid of the gas spring in a braked movement. The partial closure may e.g. by throttling in the compressed air line or by acting on the pneumatic cylinder with a back pressure, for example by opening the other valve. For smaller and lighter covers the pressure of the gas spring is sufficient to catch the weight.

An advantageous embodiment of the invention comprises a permanent control of the actuator even in the closed state of the cover, wherein, for example, the pressure in the actuating cylinder is permanently maintained when the cover is closed. The covers are pressed with a defined force close to the surrounding panel of the machine. This prevents vibrations or rattling noises and improves the noise insulation of the machine.

Figur 1:

eine Gesamtansicht einer Banknotenbearbeitungsmaschine in perspektivischer Ansicht,

Figur 2:

eine Gesamtansicht einer Banknotenbearbeitungsmaschine mit weiteren Modulen in Frontalansicht,

Figur 3:

einen Bewegungsmechanismus einer Abdeckung einer Banknotenbearbeitungsmaschine.

The invention will be described below by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings on a bank-note processing machine. Show:

FIG. 1:

an overall view of a banknote processing machine in perspective view,

FIG. 2:

an overall view of a banknote processing machine with further modules in frontal view,

FIG. 3:

a moving mechanism of a cover of a bank note processing machine.

In FIG. 1 a bank note processing machine 1 is shown, which is composed of many different processing zones, which are realized by the modules 2, 3, 4, 5. The bank-note processing machine 1 consists of an input module 2, an operating module 3, an output module 4 and a shredding module 5.

Banknotes that are to be processed by the bank-note processing machine 1 are inserted by an operator into the input module 2 arranged to the left of the operating module 3. For this purpose, the input module 2 comprises an input tray 7, which receives a stack of banknotes. The banknotes are separated after the entry by means of a singler and checked by a measuring system in the form of a measuring section with test sensors, for example, on authenticity and / or on their denomination and / or on their fitness for circulation.

The input module 2 is adjoined by the operating module 3, which has a user interface with a screen 8 and function keys 9 for operating the bank-note processing machine 1 by an operator. In addition, a reject pocket 24 is accommodated in the operating module 3, into which banknotes which were rejected on the basis of the measurements in the input module 2, for example as counterfeit banknotes or banknotes which could not be clearly identified by the test sensors in the input module 2, are accommodated , The banknotes from the reject bin 24 are then subjected to a manual check and optionally reentered into the input module 2. The remaining bank notes are transported along a transport path in the bank note processing machine 1 to the output module 4 on.

The issue of the checked and considered bankable notes in the output module 4 takes place in bundled or stacked form. For this purpose, the dispensing module 4 has a plurality of stackers, banding machines and banknote output compartments 10. Depending on the volume to be processed, a bank-note processing machine 1 can have a plurality of different dispensing modules 4 in order to be able to process larger quantities of banknotes and to dispense them together.

In the subsequent shredder module 5 can be destroyed as unfit banknotes, so for example, damaged or heavily soiled banknotes destroyed and then spent in a secure compartment for disposal. The bank note processing machine 1 may further include a revision stacker for stacking unfit bank notes that are not to be destroyed. Optionally, a bundler can also be connected to the bank-note processing machine 1, in FIG the banknotes are bundled into specific quantities and wrapped in plastic film.

In FIG. 2 the construction of a bank note processing machine is shown, which in addition to the input module 2, the operating module 3, the output module 4 and the shredder module 5, additional modules.

Two additional output modules 11, 12 increase the output volume of the bank-note processing machine. The large dispensing module 11 has for dispensing two dispensing stackers 14 without banding, in which larger quantities of banknotes can be output loosely stacked. The output module 12 is basically constructed like the output module 4, but has only two banknote output compartments 10 in which banknotes can be output in bundles. In addition, this more complex banknote processing machine also includes a coupling module 13, which connects the output modules 12 and 4 with each other. This can also be designed as a drive module to improve the transport of the banknotes to be processed along the long transport line. The modules of the banknote processing machine 1, in particular the input module 3, the shredding module 5, the coupling module 13 and the output modules 4, 11, 12, are closed by covers 6, which can be designed as lifting doors.

To supply the banknote processing machine 1, an internal or external air supply module may be provided, which provides compressed air and optionally negative pressure, if required. This air supply module supplies, for example, pneumatic cylinders with compressed air, which according to the invention are provided for the automatic opening of the covers 6.

The covers 6 which cover the respective modules of the bank-note processing machine 1 are designed to automatically open in the event of a fault whose elimination requires intervention by the operator, for example in the case of a banknote jam or in the event of disruption of the banding machine or the coordinator. It may also be other events that require operator intervention. The covers 6 can also be opened automatically when consumable material is to be replenished or replaced, or when photocells or the test sensors for evaluating the banknotes are to be checked and / or cleaned along the measuring path. Such events can thus be multi-layered, which is why the concrete representation of sensors with which the respective events are detected is dispensed with here. The sensors are monitored by a control device, which causes the opening of the respective sensor associated cover 6, as soon as the sensor detects a fault. In addition, in all these events, the bank note processing machine 1 is stopped by the control device so that the safety of the operating personnel is not jeopardized.

The covers 6 are manually movable when the banknote processing machine 1 is switched off. This is useful, for example, in manual interventions, which can not be performed when the banknote processing machine 1 is switched on. Also in terms of safety aspects, it is important that all covers 6 can be manually operated by the operator.

FIG. 3 shows the structure of the moving mechanism for opening and closing the covers 6. In FIG. 3 the mechanism for a small cover 6 is shown and therefore comprises only one actuating cylinder 15th

Larger covers 6, however, require two or more actuating cylinders due to their higher weight. The second actuating cylinder is then arranged, for example, in mirror symmetry next to the first actuating cylinder and engages via corresponding mechanical components on a second suspension of the cover. The larger covers 6 with two adjusting cylinders are usually used in the input module and in the forklift module. Due to their smaller size, the remaining modules usually require only one actuating cylinder 15. The actuating cylinder 15 is designed here as a pneumatic cylinder.

Very small covers, such as may be present on the operating module, may not have their own drive in the form of an actuating cylinder 15, but are moved with an adjacent cover 6.

In order not to interfere with the access of the operator in the interior of the modules, the actuating cylinder 15 and further, required for the movement of the respective covers 6 mechanical components are each housed in the machine frame 23 of the banknote processing machine 1, see. the dashed outlined area in FIG. 3 , In FIG. 1 By way of example, the section of the machine frame 23 in which the actuating cylinder 15 and the further mechanical components for opening the cover 6 of the dispensing module 4 are arranged (the right upper part of the cover 6 of the dispensing module 4 has been drawn broken for this purpose.)

The actuating cylinder 15 is connected to a deflecting member 16, which also acts as a transfer or reduction. The deflector 16 is rotatably mounted in a fulcrum 20 in a fixed part of the machine frame 23 of the bank-note processing machine and thus transmits the movement of the Actuator 15 on a coupling member 17. This can be adapted in its length to determine the end points of the movement and to allow complete opening and closing of the respective cover 6. The coupling member 17 carries a push rod 18, which is connected to the suspension 19 of the cover 6 and moves it. The cover 6 (not shown) is attached to the suspension 19 and is opened or closed by the transmitted movement. The angle 21, which acts on the push rod 18, is designed so that a gas pressure spring 22 can attack, which supports the movements of the cover 6 and serves to keep the cover 6 open.

In the illustrated construction, existing components, such as hinges or suspensions, may remain virtually unchanged. It is merely an additional point of application for the push rod 18 is required to transfer the movement of the actuating cylinder 15 on the cover 6 can.

Claims (15)

1. An apparatus (1) for processing documents of value, in particular bank notes, comprising several processing zones (2, 3, 4, 5, 11, 12, 13) which each have at least one cover (6), wherein the apparatus (1) is set up to detect events which require an intervention of an operator of the apparatus (1), characterized in that the apparatus (1) is set up to automatically open, at least in case of one of the events, a cover (6) associated to the event, without intervention of the operator, whereby by the right cover (6) opening automatically, the operator is led directly to the processing zone (2, 3, 4, 5, 11, 12, 13) in which the intervention of the operator is required.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the event is a malfunction whose elimination requires an intervention of the operator, in particular a malfunction of a strapping device, of a bundling device, of a sensor, of a light barrier or a transport malfunction, for example a bank note jam, or that the event is the finding of a need for consumables of the apparatus (1).
3. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the cover (6) can be closed automatically, in particular by the operator activating a switch and/or as soon as the apparatus (1) has detected a certain event which was triggered through the intervention of the operator.
4. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized by sensors which are set up to detect the completely opened and completely closed position of the covers (6).
5. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the apparatus (1) is formed to indicate the automatic opening of the cover (6) by one or more additional signals.
6. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the apparatus (1) can be configured such that the automatic opening of the cover (6) is effected only after an opening confirmation by the operator of the apparatus (1).
7. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized by at least one actuator (15) per cover (6), which acts upon the respective cover (6) and serves to automatically open the cover (6), in particular at least one actuating cylinder (15) per cover (6).
8. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized by a valve connected with the actuating cylinder (15), which valve is set up to slow down an opening movement of the cover (6) or a closing movement of the cover (6) by temporarily at least partly closing the valve.
9. The apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that in addition to the at least one actuator (15) per cover (6), there is present at least one gas pressure spring (22) per cover (6), which supports the opening movement of the cover (6) and holds the cover (6) in fully opened position.
10. A method for operating an apparatus for processing documents of value, in particular bank notes, which has several processing zones (2, 3, 4, 5, 11, 12, 13) each having at least one cover (6), comprising the following steps:

    - detecting events in the processing zones (2, 3, 4, 5, 11, 12, 13), which require an intervention of an operator, and

    - opening at least one cover (6) of at least one of the processing zones (2, 3, 4, 5, 11, 12, 13),

    characterized in that if one of the events is detected, a cover (6) associated to the event is opened automatically without intervention of the operator, whereby by the right cover (6) opening automatically, the operator is led directly to the processing zone (2, 3, 4, 5, 11, 12, 13) in which the intervention of the operator is required.
11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that the opening of the cover (6) is effected by means of at least one actuator (15) per cover (6), which acts upon the respective cover (6), in particular by means of at least one actuating cylinder (15).
12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that by means of one gas pressure spring (22) per cover (6) there is supported the opening movement of the respective cover (6), and after the opening the cover (6) is held in fully opened position by means of the gas pressure spring (22).
13. The method according to any of claims 10 to 12, characterized by the step of automatically closing the cover (6) by activating a switch and/or as soon as the apparatus (1) has detected a certain event which was triggered through the intervention of the operator.
14. The method according to any of claims 10 to 13, characterized by the step of detecting the completely opened and/or the completely closed position of the covers (6).
15. The method according to any of claims 10 to 14, characterized by the step that by temporarily closing a valve connected with the actuating cylinder (15), a closing movement of the opened cover (6) or an opening movement of the cover (6) is slowed down.

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